Diverticulosis

I had to have my sigmoid colon removed in Jan 2018 due to diverticulitis. I ended up with a temporary colostomy for 6 months. My colon was so infected it had twisted and strangulated itself and was adhered to my tailbone. At first the surgeon thought it was cancer. Fast forward 6 months, had reversal surgery that seemed to go ok, but then I developed an obstruction in my small intestine they think due to adhesions. They opened me back up but could not get to the blockage without hurting me further so they closed me back up. I was in the hospital for 17 days and went home with the blockage and a PICC line so I could be fed TPN thru it. After about 2 weeks everything seemed to clear and I started advancing my diet, got off the TPN and PICC line removed. See new gastro at Mayo tomorrow as I am having some trouble with solid food and some lower abdominal pain. Going to the bathroom but even though it is soft, there is discomfort. I have been drinking a lot of Ensure to make up for calories

@jaheathgehring- Wow, sounds like you have been really through it! This is something to not mess around with. What the surgeon told me is that each time we have an attack there is a thinning in the wall of our colon and that is why they often suggest the surgery because of how dangerous that can be. I have a dear friend who is a female that was having these issues and got two opinions. One to go on Amoxicillin & Flagyl and then to avoid certain foods and the other was recommending the surgery. She went with the medications and 2 days later on New Years Eve had another attack and her colon burst. She nearly died because of this and of course had to have the surgery and then some. She is doing wonderful now!
It's my understanding that in most cases the surgery can be done arthroscopically which would be far better in my opinion. The area of the colon that has these sacks is usually in the last 12" and evidently we have plenty of colon so they remove the last 12" and stitch it back. I know I am over simplifying this some, but I just want to emphasize how serious this could be for you and would definitely recommend that you talk this through with a surgeon. This is something to not ignore! Be well! Jim @thankful

Good luck at Mayo, please let us know how things turn out. Truly wishing you great results.

Appointment went well, Dr was very nice. Had labs done, seeing nutritionist on Friday. Dr wants me on low residue diet for now. The plan is to do some imaging and a colonoscopy to check on how things look on the inside.

Hello @thull

I am so glad to hear that your appointment went well and that you liked the doctor. I'm pleased that you will be seeing a nutritionist tomorrow as well. You will undoubtedly get some good guidelines for healthy eating.

Will you keep in touch and send an update as you continue with treatment?

I can’t comment on herbs. Re diverticulosis I avoid popcorn kernels, corn, seeds, grape skins, etc., kiwi seeds, anything that gets caught in the intestinal pockets.

Appointment went well, Dr was very nice. Had labs done, seeing nutritionist on Friday. Dr wants me on low residue diet for now. The plan is to do some imaging and a colonoscopy to check on how things look on the inside.