Colon Resection for Diverticulitis and Chronic Constipation

Posted by tracy430 @tracy430, Jan 27, 2019

Hi All,

My name is Tracy. I had sigmoid colon resection just about 7 weeks ago for diverticulitis. Before surgery, I could count on one hand the times in my life I needed to take a laxative. Now, I don't really have a choice, as I am suffering from chronic constipation. My surgeon gives me no recommendations, with the exception of more fiber, more water and to be more optimistic that it will improve. I get more depressed by the day, as this is coloring every aspect of my life. My surgeon told me having this surgery would "give me my life back". So far, it's taken all the joy from it. Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you.

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speedbird | @speedbird | Oct 4 7:57am

In reply to @diver126 "Have had several diverticulitis episodes and doctor is recommending surgical resection. Need advice please" + (show)

Morning diver126. Have you had a colonoscopy or ct colonography to determine the extent of the diverticulitis? Is it limited to the sigmoid colon or throughout the entire colon? The important consideration here is to find an experienced colorectal surgeon who specializes in resection surgery. Mayo or Cleveland Clinic, a few ideas! I mentioned in a previous post that I had elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy July 2022. Never looked back and all is well!

helen001 | @helen001 | Oct 4 9:42am

In reply to @catherine1290 "Is the recommended surgery going to be performed with laparoscope or open abdominal surgery? That would..." + (show)

So would you risk the surgery if it was laroscopic then? My fear is it goes wrong I end up with a bag or open surgery I've been offered laroscopic I'm still on the fence!

diver126 | @diver126 | Oct 4 10:18am

Hi Helen looks like we’re both very hesitant about surgery. My doctor said it would be laparoscopic. I’m not so concerned about the surgery but the possible side effects which can be severe. I’m going for a second opinion and go from there.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 4 10:44am

In reply to @diver126 "Hi Helen looks like we’re both very hesitant about surgery. My doctor said it would be..." + (show)

Hello @diver126

I'm glad to hear that you will seek a second opinion. That is always a good first step before agreeing to surgery. The second opinion might concur with the first opinion, but it will give you a bit more assurance as to whether to proceed or wait.

Do you have an appointment scheduled yet for the second opinion?

catherine1290 | @catherine1290 | Oct 4 11:20am

In reply to @helen001 "So would you risk the surgery if it was laroscopic then? My fear is it goes..." + (show)

Helene, I completely understand your anxiety. If it was me I would agree to laparoscopic surgery. The only pain will be because of the air injected into the abdominal cavity so they can see what they are doing. It goes away in 3 days. You will be so glad you did this afterward. My sister had the same thing done. Please let us know how everything progresses. Trust your doctor and speak to him about your fears!

helen001 | @helen001 | Oct 4 1:21pm

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @diver126 I'm glad to hear that you will seek a second opinion. That is always..." + (show)

I've had a second opinion from a different hospital and surgeon who says he wouldn't offer me the operation the risks of other complications and side affects arnt worth it "at this time" however the other surgeon is from a bigger university hospital so one would think more knowledgeable- he did outline all possible risks which are quite daunting.

diver126 | @diver126 | Oct 4 2:21pm

I’m going to go to a different doctor for a second opinion as well. It’s also a university hospital group so I’ll feel more comfortable with their opinion. I wouldn’t want to have the surgery in my home town anyway. We don’t have the best here.

diver126 | @diver126 | Oct 4 2:35pm

In reply to @catherine1290 "Helene, I completely understand your anxiety. If it was me I would agree to laparoscopic surgery...." + (show)

Thank you I appreciate your kind and encouraging words. 👍😊

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 4 3:16pm

In reply to @diver126 "I’m going to go to a different doctor for a second opinion as well. It’s also..." + (show)

@diver126
I look forward to hearing how the second opinion goes. I hope you get good information to help you make an informed decision.
Will you post an update?

lsdd13 | @lsdd13 | Oct 5 11:48am

I hear you..I feel the same way..it’s been 3 years since my surgery and now I have SIBO and IMO.
Fiber may be aggravating your symptoms. I take Miralax dissolved in yogurt or OJ daily and drink a cup of smooth move tea before bed. My stools are loose,but at least I’m not constipated.
The surgeons don’t like to prepare you or admit there’s a downside
Good luck and find a good GI doc and dietician.
Linda