Diverticulitis

Hi @lindainarizona. I'm so happy to welcome you to Connect!

Here is some information from Mayo Clinic about diverticulitis- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/basics/definition/con-20033495

I'd also like to introduce you to @dennislee3, @retrebotic, @disfraz1, @lynnkay1956, @allegro, @michellr and @aigimw who have posted about diverticulitis and can hopefully provide some support and insights.

Happy to have you here!

I have been looking for a diverticular disease group to join. Thanks for having people that are familiar with this disease other than doctors.

Welcome @barbara8. We have quite a few members who have diverticulitis and can share their experiences with you. @lindainarizona @wesbig @user_cha5e73f6 @retrebotic @akogut @disfraz1 @lynnkay1956, @allegro @aigimw @ michellr @peterhamilton might you join this discussion to welcome Barbara?

Barbara, we look forward to getting to know you better. When were you first diagnosed with diverticulitis? What has helped you the most to manage this condition?

I have had ibsd, radiation damage to pelvis, c.diff and fecal incontinence and I recently found an old doctor report from a file I obtained, which said:

"small area diverticular disease 20-30 cm from anal verge (2008) colonoscopy results"

but no one told me about it, not this gastro nor my family dr. they both said results good: could this have been causing diarrhea and stomach pain all these years

still upsets me that I wasnt told, and its now 2021! SORRY IF WRONG PLACE ON SITE but hard to find years/dates and latests posts for me.... thanks, J.

Hello @lacy2

I can certainly understand that you must be upset about not being told the full report. This underscores the need for all patients to request and read all of their lab and procedure reports and if there is something you don't understand you can call the doctor and request an explanation.

Unfortunately, many people just trust that the doctor has given them the correct information. With medical providers being as overwhelmed as they are with heavy patient loads it makes it important for each patient to be their own advocate.

Has surgery or other treatment ever been suggested for you? Have you had any follow-up colonoscopies since 2008?

...even the intake forms at recent emerge visit: when saw report, had errors but were not important, eg..said when paramedics arrived I was face down on the floor I wasn't... I actually lay down on the floor 2nd attack ( before I might fall).. but was up sitting on bed when spoke to 911 and the paramedics... its just they are so busy in triage and trying to type what they hear into a little box with little time; but interesting to note how what we say is "heard"; yes received a letter from surgeon to have colonoscopy in June (had none since 2008)..but I was hoping to have an mri virtual colonoscopy! I phoned another gastro office and they said hospital here cannot afford to do mri's - and colonoscopy with tube cheaper. We don't have 2 tier medical here in Canada or I would pay for MRI. AT 77 I am concerned about puncturing bowel, bleeding, meds to put me to sleep apart from the prep as already have ibs-d, fecal incontinence etc. so it will be a rough couple of days. I would have liked to discuss beforehand too but lets face it, lucky to have done during Covid .... so should not complain (but I do)...I hope I can say before test that while I am asleep I do not want to wake up to a colostomy bag etc. I see nephrologist tomorrow so she may have time to give me some advice.. thanks for your interest. J.

@lacy2, I'm glad that you have another colonoscopy planned. While it might not be exactly what you want but it is undoubtedly important to have it checked out again. This time I'm sure you will request to have a copy of the report for your files. It is very doubtful that you would have a colostomy bag following a colonoscopy. Usually, a colostomy bag is done as a result of colon surgery and not during a colonoscopy.

I am also happy that you have an appointment with a nephrologist. Are you having kidney problems as well?

If convenient, I would like to hear how your appointment goes tomorrow.

....thanks ..I was referred to nephrologist after clinic dr saw blood count; we only have one nephrologist so she is quite busy, third time seeing her today and she said all the blood and urine tests were ok... I should have asked for copies as have no family doctor in case someone want to see in future and cant believe I forgot: however, lucky to see her with our Covid restrictions, patients wear masks etc. She also works at the hospital.
I actually had a mini list of things I wanted to ask her, but there was no time and the issues were not about kidneys but thought I could squeeze some in as she is knowledgeable in other body parts!
So good news for once, am grateful; but still dealing with F.I. and ibs-d and such pain and had a really bad bout this afternoon/evening just from eating vegetable soup instead of plain food last couple of days... and now I am worried about confirming the colonoscopy as I received questionnaire in mail and take it with me the day of the test: but what if there is an answer on the questionnaire that needs sorting out before the anaesthetic and tube insertion, and I read its a bit risky for those over 75.
She said some people actually have it with no anaesthetic by choice! Anyway, I sent an email to the office which has one of five surgeons who sent me form, with my concerns today, not sure if anyone will respond. I have until June 1 to let them know if I want to proceed. Am sure they have plenty of people waiting and this was a quick response which I appreciated, and were I younger and healthier overall would have jumped at the chance to be checked; now I am scared that it will result in another problem to deal with and I am all out of energy to fight the good fight!
Might sound childish or silly but honestly, last 3 yrs have been quite enough for me... wish I was tougher! And again, kudos to those dealing with a lot more than I.
Thanks for your concern... was just saying to an email friend that I wish we had computers and sites like this many years ago when we were young adults and could gather information before taking meds given to us/procedures being done/decisions being made with no information imparted to us.... but it is what it is, or it is what it was: at least we have an opportunity to help ourselves - and possibly others - the best way we can now, thank you.

Hello @lacy2,

I had to smile when I read you wish you were "tougher". As I've been reading your posts I feel that you are incredibly tough already. Let's face it, some decisions are hard to make. As you said when you are in your 70's you do weigh these decisions differently than when you are younger.

I am 73 and I also wonder how many procedures I'm willing to go through in order to improve my health. So far, I'm taking them as they come because it is important for me to be as effective in living my life as possible.

If it helps, I personally feel that a colonoscopy is not that difficult of a procedure. The light sedation that is generally used is not the same as what is used during an invasive operation. While it may take a couple of days for the sedation to wear off, it is very gentle for the most part.

I am glad that you emailed the doctor's office. I hope you can get some information so that you can be confident in your decision.

I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you let me know about your doctor's response?