Diverticulitis and colectomy

Posted by monicajones @monicajones, May 15, 2018

Has anyone had part of their intestine removed? I have diverticulitis and sometimes I still experience discomfort and constipation.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Profile picture for musicflowers4u @musicflowers4u

Is there a Carcinoid Cancer segment I could be connected to?

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Hello @musicflowers4u
Yes, here is the link to the NETs/Carcinoid discussion groups.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuroendocrine-tumors-nets/

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

Hello @geronimo1

Welcome to Mayo Connect. If you have started reading some of the posts in this discussion, you will see that many of us have had flare-ups of diverticulitis for many years. This can be a very painful disorder and really disrupts normal life activities. can't it?

During a flare-up, it is important to eat a very soft diet (maybe even a liquid diet at the beginning) and then soft foods like scrambled eggs, applesauce, mashed potatoes and of course lots of liquids. I have personally found that staying off my feet and using a heating pad on my abdomen helps with the symptoms.

Please share with us how long you have had these flare-ups and what you do when you experience the pain. Also, have you consulted with a doctor? If so, what were your doctor's recommendations?

Hello @beckaj

How are you feeling with your diverticulitis? Have you found a diet plan that helps you with your symptoms?

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I’ve been getting flare ups for about 6 years. It started in the bottom left hand corner but is now along the left side. I’ve had 3 colonoscopies and been in hospital a couple of times. The drs usually put me on antibiotics and pain relief and get me to have nil by mouth at first. Gradually introducing fluids and then soft foods.
Yes it is painful and usually lasts for 5 days

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Is there a Carcinoid Cancer segment I could be connected to?

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Profile picture for geronimo1 @geronimo1

Anyone on here suffer with Diverticulitis flare ups?

Jump to this post

Hello @geronimo1

Welcome to Mayo Connect. If you have started reading some of the posts in this discussion, you will see that many of us have had flare-ups of diverticulitis for many years. This can be a very painful disorder and really disrupts normal life activities. can't it?

During a flare-up, it is important to eat a very soft diet (maybe even a liquid diet at the beginning) and then soft foods like scrambled eggs, applesauce, mashed potatoes and of course lots of liquids. I have personally found that staying off my feet and using a heating pad on my abdomen helps with the symptoms.

Please share with us how long you have had these flare-ups and what you do when you experience the pain. Also, have you consulted with a doctor? If so, what were your doctor's recommendations?

Hello @beckaj

How are you feeling with your diverticulitis? Have you found a diet plan that helps you with your symptoms?

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Hi @geronimo1 you may have noticed I moved your post to this existing discussion on diverticulitis so that you can connect with others with this condition. Simply click VIEW AND REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

I also wanted to introduce you to fellow Connect members @rubbob1 @happyat76 and @hopeful33250 as they have experience with diverticulitis and may be able to offer you support.

Back to you @geronimo1 how long have you been having these flareups?

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Anyone on here suffer with Diverticulitis flare ups?

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Recently diagnosed with Diverticulitis but starting to feel better. Did 3 day clear diet , soft/bland foods, and now low fiber . Frustrated with what to eat. So much contradictory info out there, eat seeds/don't eat seeds, eat nuts/don't eat nuts, eat lots of veggies/don't eat raw veggies.... I also have IBS symptoms and don't do well with dairy. Any advice ?

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<p>E.R ... Herniated bowel surgery, 2nd. twice.. E.R. Diverticulitis issues, Laxatives used twice in E.R... Lost 30 lbs. over 4-5 months!!... 3 morphine injections over 5 months..plus fentanyl for pain, , X-rays of hip and shoulder show, no problem!! X-Rays Dr. choice!! I suggested M.R.I. Not my choice!! I find my muscles are sore, 3-5 and somewhat weakened, to the point I can't lay on my side or back without awakening many times thru the night. Can't lift over 10 lbs. Sleep depravation has become a problem plus "pain and stress" issue. Been going on for near 8-9 months! Doctors no help!!. (Treat 1 thing at a time)!!.. Cortisone injection in hip short term relief..4-6 weeks. Muscle atrophy, may be an issue after little muscle use for months. Plus muscle diseases??.. Suggested!!! Not my call??? age..87.. Lidocaine patches a "PAIN" to use at night... Changed Dr. Nothing same treatment. I'm patient?!?!.. Right now I've tied a knot on the end of the rope and am hanging on!! Went to E.R.!?!?..Not an E.R. issue!!! Not a gunshot wound!! Told "Too many Issues and I'm 87"!?!?…. 5 Prednisone? tabs + morphine inj... Released! Go see Dr...???</p>

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Profile picture for happyat76 @happyat76

to Teresa
Thanks so:much for your reply. Teresa, please read my reply to Ethan. I believe that all of your questions to me are answered there. Any input you have for me is greatly appreciated.

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Hello @happyat76

Your plan to see a GI doctor is a good one. As you may know, on Connect we cannot give medical advice or diagnosis. We are simply a patient-to-patient support network. Since you mentioned having your gall bladder removed in the past, there is a disorder called, Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD), which comes about after gall bladder surgery. Here is the link to that discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-have-sphincter-of-oddi-dysfuncfion-it-causes-severe-upper-abdominal-pain/. As you read these posts, you will see that SOD is a disorder that many doctors do not pick up on. There are of course many other digestive issues that can cause pain of various types.

I hope that you are able to see a GI specialist. Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

Hello @happyat76

I am glad that Ethan invited me to your discussion. Yes, I'm very familiar with diverticulitis and have had lots of experience with bouts of it. Diet and avoiding constipation are the most important factors. Also, exercise and drinking lots of liquids which helps minimize the constipation problem which leads to the diverticulitis. There are good products such as stool softeners that can be used as well. I would also like to invite @thull as she has also had diverticulitis.

I noticed that you have a NET in your pancreas. I have had three surgeries for NETs and I'd like to invite you to the Connect discussion on NETs. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuroendocrine-tumors-nets/. If you are open to sharing more, how was your NET diagnosed? Do you have diabetes as a result of the NET in your pancreas?

I hope that you are able to share more. I look forward to hearing from you again. Those of us with NETs are a rare breed and we thrive on information from others who have it.

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to Teresa
Thanks so:much for your reply. Teresa, please read my reply to Ethan. I believe that all of your questions to me are answered there. Any input you have for me is greatly appreciated.

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