Colon Resection for Diverticulitis and Chronic Constipation

Hi Everyone! I’m new here and hoping I could get some insight on post robotic resection for diverticulitis. I’m interested in issues I may have down the road and if it is worth it. I was told it wasn’t emergent like next week but needed to be done eventually in next couple of months due to having frequent bouts with diverticulitis and pretty much constant left lower quadrant pain and having to take antibiotics frequently. What post surgery side effects have you had and are any of you glad you had it done. Just looking for support and guidance. Thank you!!

Hi Everyone! I’m new here and hoping I could get some insight on post robotic resection for diverticulitis. I’m interested in issues I may have down the road and if it is worth it. I was told it wasn’t emergent like next week but needed to be done eventually in next couple of months due to having frequent bouts with diverticulitis and pretty much constant left lower quadrant pain and having to take antibiotics frequently. What post surgery side effects have you had and are any of you glad you had it done. Just looking for support and guidance. Thank you!!

I am 3 months out from robotic surgery for the same reason as what you are experiencing. My surgeon was also concerned that it might perforate which would require emergency surgery by whatever surgeon was on duty at the ER and wouldn’t be done robotically. So I opted to have it done right away after the holidays. Unfortunately I had one more episode at Christmas while visiting family in another state so I was miserable the entire time from both the diverticulitis and the strong antibiotic. Had it not been December I would have had it right away.
I am a widow so I had to line up family members and a close friend to help me after the surgery with meals, walking with me, and just to be there for me. They were a tremendous help.
I was in the hospital for 3 days. They get you up and walking pretty much right away. I didn’t take the strong pain meds for that long after I got home. And yes, there is blood when you go try to have BM the first few time and it is scary. But I was assured it was all normal. That stopped before I left the hospital.
I was on a low fiber diet for several weeks and am just now adding more and more things to my diet. After living in great fear of just about all food it is scary to add things to your diet. That is one of the things that is so helpful about being in this group. Knowing other people’s experiences and what worked or didn’t work for them is getting me through.
I feel better now, but still have occasional pain on my left side neat my incision. It comes and goes. My BM’s aren’t quite back to normal but it’s getting better.
I lost quite a bit of weight and because my appetite isn’t what it used to be and because I get full fast, I haven’t gained it back. But I haven’t lost more either. Part of the weight loss was because of the frequent episodes of diverticulitis so I went into surgery weighing much less than normal.
I am very glad that I had it done. Those constant visits to the ER and the strong antibiotics were making me miserable. I also had almost constant pain in my left side. I had an episode the last two trips I took so I think my quality of life should only get better after the last year I experienced.
Good luck to you.

deedeee, I assume that prior to deciding on surgery, you dramatically changed your diet to focus on food that would not irritate your diverticuli?

I also had frequent bout's that "episodes" were getting closer and closer together. I stayed on so many med's for every episode. My Dr's told me the same. (proof from colonoscopy, CTscan and MRI)
I decided after my last bout during Thanksgiving being alone in pain that I was done living like this.
I decided to schedule my surgery after the cold/flu season. (hate hospitals) I also wanted to be in the best health.
I was scheduled for robotic. But, they had to end up cutting me from belly button down. DUE to so many years and episodes the scar tissue and damage was severe.
I had 12" removed.
The day after surgery they want you up and moving and eating. Getting up did not scare me but eating! The first thing I did that morning was had them remove the Ketamine. By the afternoon they took my alarm off, and I could walk the halls and get up without help.
I had lunch and some dinner and felt fine.
You will be running to the bathroom a lot and there will be blood. It will be scary to see.
I was able to leave the hospital after my 2nd night. (that morning the nurse stood around while I took a shower)
When I got home I had the schedule of med's to take for the first week.
My husband had a spreadsheet and med's lined up for times and check off.
I stayed on low fiber that week. I got up (it helped keeping my bed in zero G and not trying to sleep on side) every couple of hours and WALKED! I also drank ALOT!
This will be the most important for you to do. EAT Drink and walk.
The most post op side effects are mental for me. When you live in fear of the "episode" and eating for so long the anxiety and fear is still with me a year later. Weird I have not had any episodes but, still have the fear.
I am very glad I had the surgery and glad I did not wait any longer.
Of course, you still need to have proper diet and exercise. You will feel full fast. Keep to small portions.
It is so nice to have normal BM's in the AM and not worry the rest of the day. (but this will take a 4-6 of mths) At first you will go a lot and all day. Get good pads for just in case of accidents. (you may not realize it)
I also, used this site for help and guidance (before and after) and it is awesome.
Make sure you understand everyone is different health wise.
I had the surgery on my 60th B-day. (no other health issues)

Hello @deedeee and welcome to Mayo Connect. I see. that you are looking for information about surgery for diverticulitis. @linda82 has posted to you with some great information about her surgery as well as how she approached her recovery. I would encourage you to read her post.

How long has diverticulitis been a problem for you?

I am 3 months out from robotic surgery for the same reason as what you are experiencing. My surgeon was also concerned that it might perforate which would require emergency surgery by whatever surgeon was on duty at the ER and wouldn’t be done robotically. So I opted to have it done right away after the holidays. Unfortunately I had one more episode at Christmas while visiting family in another state so I was miserable the entire time from both the diverticulitis and the strong antibiotic. Had it not been December I would have had it right away.
I am a widow so I had to line up family members and a close friend to help me after the surgery with meals, walking with me, and just to be there for me. They were a tremendous help.
I was in the hospital for 3 days. They get you up and walking pretty much right away. I didn’t take the strong pain meds for that long after I got home. And yes, there is blood when you go try to have BM the first few time and it is scary. But I was assured it was all normal. That stopped before I left the hospital.
I was on a low fiber diet for several weeks and am just now adding more and more things to my diet. After living in great fear of just about all food it is scary to add things to your diet. That is one of the things that is so helpful about being in this group. Knowing other people’s experiences and what worked or didn’t work for them is getting me through.
I feel better now, but still have occasional pain on my left side neat my incision. It comes and goes. My BM’s aren’t quite back to normal but it’s getting better.
I lost quite a bit of weight and because my appetite isn’t what it used to be and because I get full fast, I haven’t gained it back. But I haven’t lost more either. Part of the weight loss was because of the frequent episodes of diverticulitis so I went into surgery weighing much less than normal.
I am very glad that I had it done. Those constant visits to the ER and the strong antibiotics were making me miserable. I also had almost constant pain in my left side. I had an episode the last two trips I took so I think my quality of life should only get better after the last year I experienced.
Good luck to you.

deedeee, I assume that prior to deciding on surgery, you dramatically changed your diet to focus on food that would not irritate your diverticuli?

Hello @linda82

You provided some helpful information regarding surgery for diverticulitis. I'm sure @deedeee as well as others will find your post and suggestions helpful. It is important to have a plan in place for meds, eating, drinking, as well as walking. They are all important when you have any surgery of the digestive tract. Eating small, frequent meal is essential.

I'm glad that your surgery and recovery went so well and that you can offer important tips for others considering surgery for diverticulitis. Did you lose much weight either before or after surgery?

Basically I was just told no seeds or nuts or steak or bbq.