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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.
Replies to "I had my surgery 5 months ago. My quality of life has definitely improved. Last year..."
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.
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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.