60 yr old male-Diverticulitis with fistula passage to bladder

I had robotic surgery of my sigmoid colon for severe diverticulitis in October, 2022 and a resection. It took a little longer than one week recovery, but I am in excellent shape now and feel wonderful. Hope this gives you some sense of confidence. Good luck.

I am 70 and had a robotic resection of a perforated sigmoid colon due to diverticulitis with an abscess on December 14th. At the ten week mark, I can say I'm eating better than I have in decades. Before surgery I had irregular bowel movements, now very regular. During the first two weeks, the recovery was frustrating. I had to be near a bathroom or accidents might happen. Each day got better. My surgeon said that the body learns to adapt to the colon resection...Not to worry. He was absolutely right! I wish I had more faith during the recovery. It would have saved me from all the anxious thoughts of being "OLD" before I was ready to give up my active life. I'm back at the gym, getting ready for golf season. You will be better than ever!

Thanks for the feedback and I'm so happy for you!

I'm just concerned that my condition may be worse due to the fistula passage to the bladder. I'm mentally ready for the resection surgery, what is freaking me out is the possibility of the ileostomy or the colostomy bag.
They were not needed in your case? How did you find out that you had severe diverticulitis?

Thanks
Tom

Hi Lucy, like I told sparkyd06...thanks for the feedback and support. I really appreciate it!
Omg...perforated like mine? But mine punctured the bladder. What happened in your case? Did you not need the ileostomy or the colostomy bag?

My situation is awful.
When I urinate, I never know what to expect. An awful urine color, air comes out after urination, many times, small pieces of feces pass through (sorry for the details. Its also very painful and scary)
Picture this....every time I urinate I bite down on my finger knuckle to create pain in order to get my mind off of the discomfort down there.
Just terrible....

Thanks again for your story and support. It really helps.
Tom

Just before the robotic surgeon started, I understand a urologist did something to protect my bladder and urethra before my sigmoid colectomy. My symptoms were rather constant diverticular infections and antibiotics no longer helped.

Thank you!
During your consultation stage with your surgeon, did he advise you that if the diseased area of the colon was worse that expected , he may have to add a colostomy bad to aid in healing?

I am trying to make the decision to have the surgery. I have severe diverticulosis. It’s at the point now that pain is constant, even though I don’t have infection. Choices for food very limited I’m nervous I’ll wake up with the “bag.” Drs say have it now while it would be easier surgery or probable emergency surgery later. My diverticulosis was diagnosed when I had a routine colonoscopy. The other responses provided me with comfort knowing the success. Hope your surgery goes well.

Yes, he said that was a possibility, but only a small chance. The resection can usually be done without the colostomy first or forever.

Hi, can you please tell me where the pain was? my pain is the very lower of my stomach below the belly button. It even hurts when i go to sit down on the chair.

Hi Jules, yes I agree with you. I'm so happy that my inquiry got some support from folks who have experienced this terrible disease and had the procedure.