Severe pain 1 yr after colon resection

Posted by kets @kets, Dec 12, 2021

My husband has Severe pain 1 year after 4 inches of colon removed because of diverticulitis. He Feels fine sleeping but when upright and going throughout the day, pain returns. When he eats, pain. When he goes to the restroom, pain. Nothing helps. He has had multiple CT scans with and without contrast. Nothing reported. Blood work shows elevation in neutrophils but everything else is normal. What could this be? He is becoming more and more discouraged.

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@mins4462

Same had 3 episodes. However, I have a family member who 20 years ago had 2 episodes made dietary and some added fiber everyday and no problems--so far. The other issues I had and I have heard from others are the bowel adhesions to the pelvic wall, bladder,, etc

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That is great! My problem is mine was so bad from years of episodes that that area was too damaged.
It did not matter how I changed my diet anymore.

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@mins4462

Hi, I am 11 months after sigmoid Colectomy 9 inches plus removed after 3 bouts of uncomplicated diverticulitis. ALL they said was go out enjoy your kids and eat what you want. WRONG Should explain the6-10 bms per day, avoid constipation or explain could be a problem, and what stool will look like.
Have burning, sometimes diffuse pain almost constant pain from under left rib to LLQ. Have to get up from sitting, stretch leg out, change positions constantly. Utilizing most suggestions here for constipation which I don’t realize and may b this was reason for diverticulitis. Met with new GI who diagnosed as ACNES- Abdominal Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome as a result of multiple and surgeries and scar tissue. Referral to pain magement. Recent CT of pelvis and and w/w/o contrast negative except for stool in colon, and I had used a laxative and went 2 times before test. Any feedback is welcomed

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Go to PT for pelvic adhesions. Miralax daily amt dependent on results. Eat fiber every day but do not swallow. Anything that you can’t chew through. Hydrate incessantly. Have electrolytes. Don’t get dehydrated.
I have had three abdominal surgeries and have been trying my best for 20 years. The Gastroenterologist often have different suggestions so it’s good to see many of them. Usually the main problem is adhesions.
You can try heat and Massage and pressure point and acupressure tools to loosen things up. Use Zofran and Gas-X accordingly. Wish you the best!

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Thanks for this. I have no doubt it's adhesions after 7 surgeries. Yoga and stretching has helped significantly along with Tumeric/Bromelain. I am already doing your other suggestions and did prior to the surgery. I am taking psyllium husk capsules, colace and occasional Miralax with some improvement. Next step would be accupuncture as the under the rib cage continues.

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@hlucas

I’m just tired of these doctors. I have decided to treat myself by drink lots and lots of water as you mentioned. I’m eliminating a lot of foods as well. Spicy, Carbs (no breads). One thing I found is that medication before bedtime is a no no. I now take medication one hour before I lay down. And honestly I’ve been feeling better. Now if I can get the constipation under control I can live with this. But I also realized now. All the inflammation I had in my colon prompting a resection was completely unnecessary. I firmly believe it was night time medicine sitting in my body with no place to go because I would go right to sleep.

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I have this too. Did wonder about nighttime meds. Resection was for slick divertic but recovered and problem came back. Not constant. 3 weeks off. One on. Many many scans and scopes.

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@smstevens1973

I have this too. Did wonder about nighttime meds. Resection was for slick divertic but recovered and problem came back. Not constant. 3 weeks off. One on. Many many scans and scopes.

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Slight diverticulitis I meant

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@smstevens1973

I have this too. Did wonder about nighttime meds. Resection was for slick divertic but recovered and problem came back. Not constant. 3 weeks off. One on. Many many scans and scopes.

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Hi, @smstevens1973 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So, if I understand correctly, you were diagnosed with diverticulitis, had surgery and recovered, and later the problem came back? What symptoms are you experiencing when you have an "on" week?

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@lisalucier

Hi, @smstevens1973 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So, if I understand correctly, you were diagnosed with diverticulitis, had surgery and recovered, and later the problem came back? What symptoms are you experiencing when you have an "on" week?

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Significant lower left flank pain, total loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, extreme fatigue and constipation. Stuff like that. Lots of tests scans have come back all neg.

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