Diverticulitis and now going to have a Sigmoid colon resection

I have no information about this, but wish you all the best with your surgery and recovery.

Good morning Linda. I had this surgery in 2004, when I was 44years old. Unfortunately, mine was done on an emergency basis, as I was septic. I had never had any episode of diverticulitis, so this came as a total surprise. The good news for you, is that you can adequately prepare for the surgery, and it will be done laproscopically. Mine was a traditional abdominal surgery. The docs removed about a foot of my colon. I was hospitalized for about 10 days following the procedure - but again, I was septic. You definitely want to handle this so you can go on living your life without this hanging over your head. I would expect that you will be released after just a few days. Total recovery should be quick because of the laparoscopic procedure. Since my surgery, my bowel function has been fine, and it’s been now been 20 years. Wishing you well and good luck.

Thank you for your positive response. I keep reading so many issues people are having it is making me second guess and just living like this.
But, with each episode it has been getting worse. There is only so much you can do on eliminating foods. I exercise take my vitamins and eat well.
My Dr. said I was in good health. I have worried about the nutrition I have not been getting and I want to be in top health for this and recover. This last episode I did not go anywhere and did not exercise for a month. The anxiety is crazy.
Regards,
Linda

Hello & Good Morning Linda. July 2022 I had laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy. Surgeon removed 19cm (7-8 inches) of sigmoid colon. My doctor ordered a peripheral nerve block once I was out to help with pain control following surgery, recommend you discuss this procedure with your Dr./Anesthesiologist well before surgery. My pain level barely exceeded a 2/3 and was controlled by acetaminophen, never required narcotic drugs. Anxiety is the worst part of surgery. Good luck, I’m sure you will do fine!

Thank you and will note to ask.
I am terrified of narcotics!

Yes don’t put your head in the sand! Your anxiety will be resolved once you are healed. Then you can resume your life on your own terms. If you are being treated at the Mayo - you are in good hands.

No, not being treated at Mayo. I only got on here to get more information because I have a friend that was diagnosed stage 4 pancreatic cancer and told she had 6 mths to live 5 years ago. Mayo saved her life. She is a miracle because of them.

Good morning!
I too had diverticulitis for several years with flare ups and one hospitalization. I am also a liver transplant patient 2020. Gastro dr attempted colonoscopy in September and was unable to complete it so we decided on surgery.
I had colon resection in Oct 2023. I stayed a couple of days in hospital. It was a laparoscopic surgery. I took Tylenol once home although they did prescribe Tramadol. Maybe took a couple. Glad I had the surgery because there had been some abscesses and bleeding that I wasn't aware of!
Walking is good as you can tolerate
I healed very well although there had been concern that I was on anti rejection meds which lowers my immune system.
I wish you luck....

WOW! That is awesome to hear. Will do on the walking.
Thank you!

Everyone’s comments have been very helpful, thank you! I am having surgery this Monday 1/22/24. A robotic sigmoid colectomy following a single episode of complicated diverticulitis last May. I will post an update if anyone’s interested.