Colonoscopy unsuccessful due to diverticulitis, next step.

Posted by dennisreturnit @dennisreturnit, Jan 3 12:47pm

Just had a recent attempt at a colonoscopy and unable to view more than 20cm due to diverticulitis. Surgeon wants me to see second surgeon for consult for possible second attempt. I’ve had previous procedures with a poly removal or two. Recommendations? Thoughts? I’ve got reservations obviously.

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speedbird | @speedbird | Jan 9 7:07am

In reply to @patricia1234 "Did you have robotic surgery for your resection?" + (show)

Laparoscopic but not robotic.

speedbird | @speedbird | Jan 9 7:15am

In reply to @celia16 "Why were you having the colonoscopy?" + (show)

Last colonoscopy ten years ago. No real symptoms but experienced mild cases of diverticulitis (3X) over a ten year period. Antibiotics and sent home from ER. Actually quite surprised by the outcome.

celia16 | @celia16 | Jan 9 8:13am

In reply to @speedbird "Last colonoscopy ten years ago. No real symptoms but experienced mild cases of diverticulitis (3X) over..." + (show)

When you had diverticulitis episodes, what were they like?

speedbird | @speedbird | Jan 10 7:29am

In reply to @celia16 "When you had diverticulitis episodes, what were they like?" + (show)

Discomfort in lower left abdomen, certainly not severe. No fever or nausea. Very mild cases. Antibiotics prescribed.

cyndimae | @cyndimae | Jan 11 8:18am

I had two attempted colonoscopies by two different providers. Neither could get beyond a small distance of the sigmoid. This was following a single/first time occurrence of diverticulitis this past May. I had an abscess, perforated colon and was hospitalized for 5 days. I am having robotic surgery on 1/22. I completely understand your reluctance/concern. It is very hard to undergo major surgery when you feel fine. In my case the diverticulitis caused a stricture/scar tissue.

daphne17 | @daphne17 | Jan 11 12:19pm

In reply to @celia16 "When you had diverticulitis episodes, what were they like?" + (show)

I have had diverticulitis a number of times. Sometimes it gave me intermittent pain and cramping in lowerer abdomen. I had bleeding with a couple episodes. When I have symptoms that I think is diverticulitis, I go to the ER or urgent care. I learned the hard way that I should be seen. My first real attack was the most serious. I felt ill, had a temperature, and pain in my lower left side. I waited all day thinking it was a "bug" but the pain became worse. I went to the ER and after lots of tests, was admitted and was in the hospital for 5 days. They gave lots of pain meds and I was also on antibiotics. So now, if I feel symptoms, I don't hesitate to be seen and I also watch my diet.

patricia1234 | @patricia1234 | Jan 11 2:55pm

In reply to @cyndimae "I had two attempted colonoscopies by two different providers. Neither could get beyond a small distance..." + (show)

I, too, need a pprtion of my sigmoid removed - resection. I have so much diverticulosis , it is thinning the opening in 2/3 of my sigmoid. No diverticulitis/infection. I was told it was only a matter of time where I would have total blockage - at 72 - don't want to risk that...