Sharing even the embarrassing stuff to recover: Meet @linda82

@linda82 Thank you for writing about this ailment and helping to remove any stigma about it, no need for embarrassment, it's a disease like any other! I, too, suffer from diverticulitis and never know when it's going to emerge. Actually, in my case I'm thankful it did last summer as the CT that confirmed it also revealed a much deeper issue I'm currently treating for - metastatic melanoma as it identified an incidental finding in my lung. So sometimes these things can be blessings in disguise!

I don’t have diverticulitis nor do I want it but my mother in law did. She ended up with a large mass in her intestines. She was rolled into the OR, put asleep and the surgeons made the first incision but saw a little flash of reflection. Both surgeons saw it and decided to investigate. Five minutes later she was rolled out of the OR and the surgeons gave her the 3/4” little brass thread of the brush used to clean her charcoal grill. The mass the doc’s saw was an infection and it was surrounding that piece brass which had pierced her intestine. We laughed. Today we laugh. Glad the surgeons were taking their time.

WOW, it is awesome they found that and confirmed. I will go to your bio now to read.

That is crazy. I remember stories about the brass brushes and how pieces were breaking off onto the grill! Praise to the surgeon.

Good morning Linda. I loved reading your story, and I can totally relate to you. I'm retired, live in New York, and my organic garden has become the center of my days. I'm 75, and struggle with poly neuropathy, and dimming vision. I've healed liver steatosis in 2024 with an anti inflammatory food plan I created. Basically I'm all alone and managing a large house and 800 sq foot garden, I do the best that I can. Food is the answer. We are what we eat, and I'm still tweaking menus. The garden's hard work, the 4 months of sowing seeds indoors throughout my main living spaces under many hanging grow lights has paid-off. The garden is now giving back with fresh, just picked, nourishing organic food. I began to have digestive problems this winter & chronic constipation so I saw a gastroenterologist who did my first colonoscopy in 2001 when I was 51. My Mom died of CRC at age 74. I was also 74. I told the gastro doc I needed my next colonoscopy and that I discovered I had hemorrhoids that looked severe (either stage 3 or 4) He looked old and burned out. Never examined me on April 1. Said he'd look at them on July 7 when he'd do the procedure. My hemorrhoids are severe. I should have seen a protologist. How can my gastro doc do a colonoscopy and address possible hemorrhoid surgery at the same time?? I'm worried. I feel large bumps around the area of the hemorrhoids. I mistrust many specialist doctors. They compartmentalize your body and only adrress their specialty. I do believe they limit their time and services based on what insurance you have, and need to label your symptoms with a diagnosis that pays them the most. My digestive system is back on track after eating only pure, whole simple foods. What a relief. I refuse to take any drugs or pain meds. But I'm so worried about this gastro doctor. Now he's going on vacation and called to cancel July 7. I told my Primary Care geriatric doctor, and she said nothing. It makes me think there is "agism" in the medical field. We are the disposable patients. Sounds dreadful and pesimisstic, but there is some truth to this. We have to heal ourselves. I'd love to hear about your garden. My name is Linda, too. (picture of one of my many gardens. June 13 2025. Swiss chard, peas, kale, carrots, broccoli, broccolini, onions, cabbage, string beans, asparagus) Roman chamomile to help deter aphids. Lindybowers@aol.com

Good afternoon, Linda!
I am so glad you get to enjoy your garden and all the benefits it provides! Beautiful picture!

From your remarks"
"How can my gastro doc do a colonoscopy and address possible hemorrhoid surgery at the same time??"
I know that I had this too and my GI Dr. did not recommend surgery. Have you seen a colon Dr?

I think I have been fortunate with my Dr.'s.
My family Dr. recommended both my GI and Colon Rectal Surgeon.
I also, did all my "investigating"
My family Dr. also has no problem in sharing alternative vitamins, minerals, diet. LIKE YOU, I too do not want to be on any med's. I would rather have my Dr. tell me... Well, you need to change your diet, you need to exercise more, etc. Not only tell me but give suggestions and listen to my needs.
Example - I sent her a message through our MYChart. Do I have to go every 6 mth's for a mammogram? I have not had breast cancer, and it is not in my family. I have very dense breast, and they are always looking at an area on the side. I am always in pain after these. I asked her why I have to keep getting them (which are ordered through my GYNO) She said to start taking Vit E and evening of primrose oil every day and it should help with the pain. It has help and I do not have to take Advil. JUST FYI I started taking both of them together when I was 35. At 47 I was told I went through Meno pause and only had maybe a couple of night sweets and hot flashes. I quit taken the Evening of Primrose when I turned 52. I thought I did not need anymore.

I would love to find out more about your Roman chamomile. I would not have survived all these years without my Chamomile Tea!
I have tried to grow and process without a good outcome:)