ARGH oatmeal put me in ER after my last vacation.
Yes, listen to your body and find the best Dr.'s you can. Of course, I have been living with IBS for years. Told in the past might have diverticulitis, Colitis and Crohn's too.

I have been living with IBS for years) I was the Pepto Queen!
I would get up 2 hours earlier then needed for work and wait until the dreaded BM and then if it kept going and the bleeding and pain was so bad I started taking Pepto and drinking Chamomile.
By the time I left for work I was already depleted for the day.

But, on my physical 2 years ago when I told my Dr. she scheduled me with a new GI Dr.
After all the med's to get inflammation down he did the colonoscopy.
He said that the diverticulitis was severe, and I should have that part removed. I was shocked.
I waited until 3 episodes that year to have my Dr. recommend best colon Dr. for me.

I was like you...I do not want to live like this the rest of my life. And the older you get the less likely you would get the surgery.
My dad had diverticulitis in his 80's. I felt so bad for him. It was too late for surgery.
He had to wear diapers.

Make sure you have those 3 dr's (your primary, GI and colon Dr) all on the same page.
And yes, mine was considered elective. But, documented so well it was cover by my insurance.

I was scared too. This site is what helped me decide.
Have you seen a colon surgeon?