Diverticulitis and now going to have a Sigmoid colon resection

July 2024 will be two years post-op. All is well and back to Golf/Bowling/Yardwork several X’s a week. (74 years old). Recovery following robotic surgery will be much quicker & easier! Good Luck & God Bless!

Iam also 74.
My sigmoid colon resection for colorectal cancer was 21 months ago, and my right lower lung lobe wedge resection (for metastasized cancer from the colon) was 19 months ago.
After two major surgeries to different organs for cancer, I am fine.
I passed on chemo and/or radiation. I chose quality of life over chemo illness.
I do have blood tests and CT Scans every 3 and 4 months.
So far, so good!
Six months ago, those blood tests did show that my Thyroid TSH and T4 were indicators of hyperthyroidism. I was on some meds only, and now, just recently, I am diagnosed to have hypothyroidism with specific side effects that are related moreso to Hypo than Hyper.
I have a great understanding of my colon and lungs; not quite the same for the thyroid.
It is all very confusing.
My doctor seems confused also.
I have been told to stop taking the two hyperthyroidism meds, and now for the next 6 weeks to take nothing.
I'm not feeling the confidence in this decision ....
Paul

Are you seeing an endocrinologist or primary? Since meds to treat hyperthyroidism would not be helpful, if you have hypothyroidism, I would imagine that’s why the doctor said to do it that way.

I have hypothyroidism and take the same amount of Levothyroxine that was prescribed for me years ago. Some people have to try various doses of meds and tests several times to get the right dose. I don’t understand it that much either. Hopefully, someone who does will chime in. Oh, you might ask you doctor or his nurse to elaborate as well.

Thank you! My surgery is scheduled on my 60th B-day! LOL

Not sure if this is the correct place but: had a ct scan this week trying to find if my lower left abdominal pain was from a badly sprained muscle or a hernia. Results showed neither and except for some fatty liver and known OA in spine, all abdominal organs ok. But radiologist noted ‘tics’ in the sigmoid colon and a possible small ‘focal mass’ also. Suggested I consult a gastroenterologist for review and maybe sigmoidoscopy. In September I had my required colonoscopy which was normal ( all past ones also normal). MD said I am 76, no longer need colonoscopies. So I notified him of CT scan and waiting to hear back. Still having left side pain, no blood, everything working normally. Has anyone else had anything like this? I believe ‘tics’ mean diverticulitis. I am mostly vegetarian and changing diet because my primary says I am prediabetic ( A1C was 5.8 at last check )

No sure. I know that when I am having an "attack" is always on the left side and the pain is relentless. (also, BMs are painful)
Besides a CT and MRI and fever the blood work will show the first signs of inflammation infection.
The pain is from inflammation or infection.
A good test is to go on a liquid diet for 2 days and see if the pain goes away.

Thank you so much for your reply!
My primary doctor is an Internist. He was of all the help possible, as anyone, in making his recommendations for my cancer surgeries, and we are very loyal to each other.
So for that reason, I have not side stepped him and gone on to an Endocrinologist.
I'm thinking about it.
I asked him in just this past couple week, to prescribe to me Levothyroxine. That is when he advised to stop Hyperthyroid meds and do or take nothing for awhile.
I'm feeling much better.
My hypothyroidism side effects have improved, i.e., scalp psoriasis, imbalance from knees, hazy vision, and no energy.
I was feeling very anxious to be given levothyroxine.
I am still wondering what difference it could make overall?
Feeling like being on a road never traveled and lost.
Paul

Update
I had the surgery 11 March. It was supposed to be robotic and had to open form belly button done to pubic are due to the scarring and they were worried it attached to my urethra. A urologist was called and had to turn me upside down to do imaging which caused facial bruising. They were assured that it did not affect bladder and continued. Surgery was almost 4 hours and they said complicated. I spent the first night in hospital with the catheter in. I was not in much pain and on ketamine drip. I had severe heart burn, and they gave me tums. The next morning, they took it out and I was able to get out of bed to urinate. No issues and they monitored and did 2 ultrasounds and said all was good. After the second time going, I felt very high and asked to be taken off of the Ketamine. They took IV out mid-morning, and I got up on my own and used a walker to get around. After a few minutes I did not need that walker and went to sit in chair. I felt good and not in too much discomfort. They said I was doing amazing. I was on liquid diet. I got up from the chair and asked to go ahead and walk. I walked with my nurse around the ward and had to go back twice because I could not control my BM. It was strange because I had nothing to eat from Sat to Mon surgery. But, they said the body just keeps expelling. Which scared me because I had no control. I rested some and after liquid lunch I walked with my husband again. I was on an alarm, but they took off while he was there. The doctors were amazed with me getting up and moving and very happy. The nurses were awesome. I rested more and mainly stay in sitting up position with the wraps moving around my legs which were awesome to feel. I felt more alert without the pain meds. But was on around the clock Gabapentin, Methocarbamol, Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. (which I will take until next Wednesday) No issues with meds. I was able to call the nurses and get up on my own to go to the bathroom the rest of the night. The next morning the doctors came in and said they were excited that I was doing so well. I was able to get off the alarm and get up on my own to walk throughout the day. It felt good to walk. A little dizzy but, not bad. They moved me to solid diet that night. The fast urgency BM's started to slow done which made me feel better. I was able to take a shower on my own with a nurse present and did not need assistance. I slept well and woke up at 5 am for the meds and ended up staying up. They brought me hot water for my chamomile tea I brought, and it felt like I was more normal. When the doctors came in, they all said that I was doing so well that I could be discharged in the afternoon if I felt like it.
I felt comfortable to say yes. Which was great I only had to stay 2 nights in the hospital thinking it would be longer. I left the hospital that afternoon and my husband took me to CVS to get meds. I was afraid I would not make it but I did. I felt I had more control.
The first thing I did when I got home was to take a long shower and used the anti-bacterial soap too. It was nice and no issues on my own.
My husband had everything set by the bed and all items I wanted or needed in reach. My bed is an adjustable bed with Zero G future and heated with massagers. I went in Zero G and just used the bottom massager part for my legs.
I slept with my head elevated and was very comfortable. I found this to be my best position for comfort. The only thing I was not happy with is I tried to reach too far and felt that pull. That hurt!
I have now been home for 4 days and feel better than I thought. With the weather being warmer I have sat outside in the sun some and walked around the yard a lot. (not over doing it) I have noticed that the walking helps in moving the BM's. It's been nice to do some chores but, I am not pushing myself. I still sleep on back in elevated position. I tried on my sides, but it was difficult. I have only taken the Tramadol twice and I halved them. I am eating small meals and keeping a log on vitals and BM's. I did have to get some milk a magnesia today and took a child dose. I felt too bloated and full. BM/'s are turning softer without pain. I am drinking a lot of water, herb teas, mineral water with what grape juice, ginger ale taking my probiotics. I did up the probiotic because I got thrush from all the antibiotics before and after surgery. and gargling with salt water. I should have called the Dr. but did not notice until Friday. I will call Monday if needed.
The pain is there but, not bad. I am on a low fiber, soft diet and eat very small portions. It is nice that nothing is upsetting my stomach yet. But, not pushing eating too much! I will go back to the doctor on the 26th.

Hey linda82. Fantastic news, glad you are doing well! Sounds like you breezed through the surgery. The worst is over and you’re on the way to a full recovery! God Bless!

Update
3 weeks from surgery. Do not leave the house and have BM's non stop. Still blood and urgency and pressure. Feel full quick and some pressure. More discomfort then pain. Incisions are doing well only pain on right side.
How long does this last? I feel terrible and thankful my husband takes care of so much.
I had to go on 2 rounds of antibiotics due to fever, chills, night sweats and blood work showing infection.
Feeling a little better but spend a lot of time resting. Try to move as much as possible. But weak. Lost more weight and need to exercise but, no stamina.
I had to eat more with antibiotics which really messed me up. Getting some yogurt down with probiotic and eating little. Trying to keep nutrition as best as I can.
Last week I noticed that the blood I was seeing was also coming from spotting, I called the Dr. and now have to go to OBGYN for a ultrasound due to your vaginal bleeding and may need to do an endometrial (uterine) biopsy in the office. I am 60 years old and went through menopause early in mid 40's with no issues.
Of course, now this is causing anxiety and do not understand why all of a sudden this is happening.