Diverticulitis

I had my surgery 5 months ago. My quality of life has definitely improved. Last year I had too many visits to the ER, constant pain on my lower left side and constantly felt sick from the strong antibiotics. The surgeon was worried my bowel might perforate and wanted to do the surgery before that happened, so it was an easy decision for me.
The hardest thing to deal with is probably getting my system to be more regular. At first I had to go (BM) at random times all day long. That got somewhat better, but my digestive system is still messed up. I was having issues before surgery as well so not sure how much is surgery related and how much is just me.
The pain was manageable so I didn’t need to take pain pills very long. I was in the hospital for 3 days.
I would say overall that my biggest struggle is knowing what I can eat and what to avoid. The surgeon said I can eat whatever I want but my gut doesn’t agree. For example, a couple of weeks ago I ordered a salad for the first time. It tasted so good. But the next day I had diarrhea all day. This has happened a few other times, especially the day after eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. I need the fiber but I haven’t quite figured out what I can tolerate.
I had robotic surgery so my recovery time was quicker than if they would have had to cut me open. They can never know for sure until they get in there and see the damage. There was a lot of diverticulitis in the portion they removed.
I couldn’t continue living like I was so I know I made the right decision. Now I just have to get my system regulated. I’m hoping my doctor can give me guidance at my next appointment.
I hope this helped. I know others on here have had different experiences so hopefully you’ll get information from them as well.
I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have. Good luck in whatever you decide. I’d love to know how things turn out for you.

Thank you, Linda. This is very helpful!

I've just recovered (mostly) from two back-to-back flares that required hospital admits because my white blood cell count was 25,000. Like you, I'm conflicted on what makes it flare, although, I have a fairly good idea that alcohol and dehydration coupled with a fiber intake of over 25 grams that day can definitely be a trigger. Other than that, I do not know what causes it to flare because I eat just about anything I want without any issues (when healthy).

Again,thank you for your insightful sharing. I am tired of getting these flares 1-2x a year. They are horribly debilitating...like kryptonite is to Superman! And, the antibiotic metronidazole makes me so nauseated and upsets my whole GI tract. I feel better about the possibility of surgery after reading about your surgery.

It has now been 16 mths since the surgery. I had it on my 60th birthday. LOL
Yes, quality of life is much better. No complaints.
I do make sure and get the right balance of diet and exercise. This is a must anyway.
I did just have my yearly physical and all my blood work was excellent.
I would suggest wearing a comfortable gown for the first couple week. (I did because they did have to open me up)
Buying pads and bed pads just in case.
Even though you went through the prep and you think everything is gone.
It is scary of what will still keep coming out. There was a lot of blood and "stuff" and it does go away. You may think it won't but, it is part of the healing process.
I felt very tired for a couple of mth's. Make yourself walk as much as possible. Especially after you eat. And your meals should be small.
You can eat what you want. But, I would go slow.
PROTEIN foods are a must.
It is so awesome not to have to worry about running to the bathroom and having control!
If you have any more questions, you can message me too.
I wished I had the surgery years ago.

Hi, I had my first diverticulitis in 2016 (ER) and as of today I have had 10 diverticulitis attacks through out these years. Some I had to go to the ER or either my doctor treated with (Flagyl and Cipro antibiotics) - or Amoxicillin or Dicyclomine to reduce spasms in the colon--- Awful meds to take as many time that I have taken them- (oral Or IV) I will say that the last two episodes one in 2024- per CT scan with contrast showed possible fusion of bladder to colon--had to do a test with OBGY to rule that out-It had not did a fusion--But CT showed it was close.
Now the last one (#10)- June4,2025 was painful - was put on the meds-- then 7/1/2025- CT scan with contrast(IV) and had to drink a contrast as well.. This one showed on the left side that my left ovary has a cyst that abscessed and diverticulist attach with thickening of the wall of the colon------ the attaching to other organs had never happened before and I am older in my 60 years now........ I am telling you a history--because of course the doctor want to cut out the bad part of the colon and remove the ovaries ----- What I need from you is the robotic surgery (cut out the bad part) were you in pain and how long?
How long before you had a bowel movement- and no bag--which that scares me to death?
What have you done/eaten to get your system regulated?
After 5 months--FOR Real-- you said,"I made the right decision.----- therefore is your quality of life better???---
I need help and you have already had the robotic surgery and I just need to hear from someone life yourself who actually has done the colon robotic surgery. I appreciate all your help with answers and I pray that God Heals your body and I Thank you for any input.

Wow, you have been through a lot and it sounds like you need that surgery. In answer to your questions:
I was pleasantly surprised that the pain was not nearly as intense as I feared. Years ago I had an ovary removed(before robotic surgery was a thing) and it was quite painful so I was expecting that kind of pain. It was not anywhere close to that. Robotic surgery is really amazing.
I was in the hospital for 3 days and had bowel movements within a couple days. They don’t let you leave until you do. The first couple of BM’s were mostly blood. Do not be alarmed because that is normal.
I did not have a bag but was warned by my surgeon that it was a possibility though the chances were good that I wouldn’t. I was willing to take the chance because I couldn’t keep going on like I was (ER visits, nasty medication that made me sick, etc.) Also the surgeon warned me that my bowel might perforate which would require emergency surgery and probably a bag so having robotic surgery when you aren’t having a flare up is much better.
I am 6 months out now and have not had a flare up. I am still trying to figure out a diet that works for me as I can have 5 or 6 BM’s a day which is annoying. I talked to my surgeon about this and she suspects I might have IBS so I will be going to a GI to get help with that. The surgeon said we often overlook IBS symptoms when we are dealing with diverticulitis flare ups all the time.
I was 72 when I had my surgery so you are a little younger so don’t let your age worry you.
Yes, my quality of life is definitely better and I do not regret the surgery.Please let me know how you are doing and don’t hesitate to ask any questions. Others in this discussion group have helped me a lot.

Interesting you said that about the left ovary. I went through the same thing and all the scans showed that. But, after all of that they determined it was my diverticulitis flare up and scarring instead. My ovary was fine.
The only bad thing about the surgery to remove a foot of my sigmoid colon was how bad the damage was due to all the episodes.
You should get the surgery, and you will be so happy not to be on and dependent of all the meds' you take now.

Last year I had three bouts of diverticulitis in roughly three months with the third one causing a perforated colon with a large infected abscess pocket. Spent a week in the hospital on IVs only and heavy multiple antibiotics. Ended up with cdiff battling that for 10 months post hospital stay in severe pain, multiple digestive and colorectal physical therapists and ongoing cdiff meds with limited diet or diarrhea would be worse. It took a fecal transplant at Froedtert in Milwaukee to help improve it which was two months ago. Unfortunately I’m back on antibiotics due to an infection and have to take the cdiff meds at the same time praying it doesn’t come back. The surgeon during my hospital stay was going to do surgery and for some reason opted not to. Given the ongoing challenges and chronic pain in that area of the colon a year post abscess I wish he would’ve done it. I did start to see a wellness way doctor and am taking natural supplements which seem to help a bit. I eat non dairy forager yogurt and take probiotics and prebiotics every day. Thankfully I haven’t had a diverticulitis flare up in several months but I still eat a very limited diet. Exercise and walks is a must and yoga or something to manage stress as that can be a trigger too. Maybe a food diary if foods can be contributing. Good luck!

I had the robotic partial colectomy (no bag) 23 month's ago. They removed two feet of my large intestine, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The pain following surgery was minimal for me. The most difficult thing is learning what works for your digestive system after surgery. Our intestines need time to readjust after some are removed--they get lazy. It takes time to try and determine what works best for your body. I tried Benefiber, Miralax, Metamucil, Organic Psyllium, Stool Softeners and Sunfiber to keep my new system running. All but Sunfiber caused bloating and gas. For me, that works well. Drink plenty of water. Eat clean, healthy, organic food. I can't eat spicy food anymore. Life gets better each day--no more pain from chronic Diverticulitis. For me, I have my life back!

Hi,

Thank you for taking time to answer my previous diverticulitis concerns. I still have questions and yes I am scared to death. I don’t know if (the bag concern – which the doctor expects it will not be needed, however………...
or just cutting out the bad part of my colon is troubling me)
Any help with the following questions and concerns may help me to overcome since you have already had the robotic sigma colon surgery and remove left and right ovaries…..

Questions

How many hours where you in surgery?

1.--When you came out of recovery – How did you feel and where you in pain and what medication was given for pain?

#2-- Day #1 in the hospital-- where you sore? Did you hurt? Where you up walking?

#3 –where you in the hospital 3days?

#4 When did you have your first Bowel Movement and was it Painful?: Was there blood in the bowel? Do they give you something to make you have a Bowel movement?

#5-- Day#2 in the hospital--- how were you feeling? Day #3 how where you?

#6 – When you got home from the hospital-- Where you in pain and how did you feel at home?

#7-- Did they give you a list of food to eat?

#8- Did you take supplements at home? What type of food did you eat at home? Do you have a lot of bowel movements each day and does it keep you from going out with the friends and family? Did you where Depends?

Okay--- any input to the above questions would be helpful to me. Once again, Thank You for any input
and God Bless!

Answers
How many hours where you in surgery?
Not sure total. I think 4. But, they had to stop and have a urologist come in to make sure my ureters were not damaged and had good flow for urine. I know that my surgeon had to spend so much time on clearing scar tissue that another surgeon in the practice that was in room had to help.

1.--When you came out of recovery – How did you feel and where you in pain and what medication was given for pain?
No pain just a little out of it and I was on Ketamine.

#2-- Day #1 in the hospital-- where you sore? Did you hurt? Where you up walking? No on pain. They did have me get up and sit in a chair and walk then go back to bed. They also brought food to eat. I did eat some but, I was scared to.

#3 –where you in the hospital 3days?
My surgery was Mon. morning, and I left Wed by noon. They had me down for 4-5 days. But, I was doing well enough, and I was ready to go. I even took a shower by myself (with nurse present)

#4 When did you have your first Bowel Movement and was it Painful?: Was there blood in the bowel? Do they give you something to make you have a Bowel movement?
No pain, but a lot of blood and bowl. The blood scared me, and I was told that was normal. I did not make any thing for BM

#5-- Day#2 in the hospital--- how were you feeling? Day #3 how where you?
The morning after surgery I did have them remove the ketamine and I stay on Advil, Tylenol and a muscle relaxer. They did remove the catheter soon after. Which meant I could get up more and walk the halls and go to bathroom. They removed the alarms in the afternoon once they felt like I was not a "fall risk" At that point I was having to call a lot to go to the bathroom.

#6 – When you got home from the hospital-- Where you in pain and how did you feel at home?
No pain I stayed on around the clock dosages of Tylenol, Advil and a muscle relaxer for a week. (I had set a remainder on the phn and had a spreadsheet to check off to make sure I did not forget.) The only pain was discomfort on my sides and belly. When in bed I had to stay on my back. If I try to go on my side, it was like a sore stretch. But, I got up a lot and would walk in the yard and sit some in the sun then go back to bed or couch.

#7-- Did they give you a list of food to eat?
No, I was told to eat what I wanted.

#8- Did you take supplements at home?
Yes, I took the supplements that I took before surgery.
What type of food did you eat at home?
I mainly stayed with a lot of liquids. Eggs, toast, bacon. yogurt, banana, etc. small amounts

Do you have a lot of bowel movements each day and does it keep you from going out with the friends and family?
Yes, for the first couple of weeks you will be going a lot. It will take everything to rearrange in there, I guess. I remember when I had my first "normal" BM I was like this is what they were talking about! It takes a while for healing and once you are comfortable it is the mind that interferes with going out with friends and family. I started out with short outings. I also had a lot of fatigue.
Yes, for the first couple of weeks you will be going a lot. It will take a while for everything to rearrange in there, I guess.
Did you where Depends?
I mainly bout those extra-long women's pads for the first month. then went to regular. Ended up giving all that away. I also, bought the bed pad just in case.