Thank you for taking time to answer my previous diverticulitis concerns. I still have questions and yes I am scared to death. I don’t know if (the bag concern – which the doctor expects it will not be needed, however………...
or just cutting out the bad part of my colon is troubling me)
Any help with the following questions and concerns may help me to overcome since you have already had the robotic sigma colon surgery and remove left and right ovaries…..
Questions
How many hours where you in surgery?
1.--When you came out of recovery – How did you feel and where you in pain and what medication was given for pain?
#2-- Day #1 in the hospital-- where you sore? Did you hurt? Where you up walking?
#3 –where you in the hospital 3days?
#4 When did you have your first Bowel Movement and was it Painful?: Was there blood in the bowel? Do they give you something to make you have a Bowel movement?
#5-- Day#2 in the hospital--- how were you feeling? Day #3 how where you?
#6 – When you got home from the hospital-- Where you in pain and how did you feel at home?
#7-- Did they give you a list of food to eat?
#8- Did you take supplements at home? What type of food did you eat at home? Do you have a lot of bowel movements each day and does it keep you from going out with the friends and family? Did you where Depends?
Okay--- any input to the above questions would be helpful to me. Once again, Thank You for any input
and God Bless!
Not sure how long I was in surgery but I think around 3 hours.
1. Right out of surgery I was a little foggy and according to my daughters, a little goofy, but very little pain. They had me on oxycodone and Gabapentin but I stopped taking those soon afterwards and took only Tylenol. Certain movements caused a little pain but never anything intolerable.
2. On day 2 they removed the catheter and I walked the hallways of the hospital a couple times a
day. I also took a shower on my
own. I believe I had my first BM
that day but it was pretty much all blood which I was assured was normal. I was a little sore but not terrible.
3. Yes, I was in the hospital for 3 nights. Surgery was Monday
morning and I was discharged late Thursday afternoon.
4. My BMs were not painful and I didn’t take anything to make me have one.
5. Days 2 and 3 in the hospital were similar as far as pain. My BM was not bloody by the third day. I walked the hallways at least twice a day. I made my visitors walk with me which they were happy to do because hospitals are boring. lol
6.I remember the drive home from the hospital (about 20 minutes) was a little rough and I didn’t feel like eating. Just a little too jostling around I guess. But by the next morning I was okay.
7. I was given a list of foods I could eat and foods to avoid for the first few weeks. Basically they had me on a low residue diet; white rice, white bread, easy to digest meats, cooked vegetables, etc. I never needed Depends or any pads.
8. I don’t really take supplements except occasionally need miralax, but I think my bowel movement issues aren’t necessarily surgery related. My surgeon suspects IBS because I’ve had issues for a long time. But obviously surgery affects your digestive system and your system has to relearn. Six months out I’m still trying to figure out what works best for me. I have an appointment with a GI but it’s not for 2 more months which is annoying but typical for where I live. Meanwhile I’ve started a food journal which I purchased from Amazon to see if I can figure out trigger foods. There are days when I may have several BMs and don’t feel real great so that’s what I’m trying to figure out. But I go out with friends and family and am careful about what I eat. Again, a lot of this probably is not strictly related to my surgery. The worse problem I have, and had before surgery, is being able to leave my house in the morning because it takes all morning for me to get it all out. So I make all my appointments in the afternoon. That makes my life quite difficult.
In the end what will tell you is that having that surgery was definitely for the best for me because I spent last year in and out of the ER, was on medication that made me sick, and lived with the fear I’d have an episode while traveling which did happen last Christmas and was a terrible experience. I also lived in fear of my colon perforating and having to have emergency surgery by whatever doctor was on duty at whatever hospital I was in.
I hope you are getting the information you need in this discussion group to alleviate some of your fears. I wish you the best.
I am currently being treated for my 3rd episode of diverticulitis, only 8 months from my last episode.
Someone told me that he was plagued with it too but was told to try odorless garlic soft gels every day. He said it has really worked for him. Has anyone else had success with this?
My family thanks you and ALL responses from all the wonderful people in this group dealing with Diverticulitis.
This has eased my mind to make a sound decision on this surgery--- still scared, --- have to step out on faith of a mustard seed and Trust God.
- If you or anyone has more input to this matter, I am grateful for all input and replies. I wish you the best and good health.
My family thanks you and ALL responses from all the wonderful people in this group dealing with Diverticulitis.
This has eased my mind to make a sound decision on this surgery--- still scared, --- have to step out on faith of a mustard seed and Trust God.
- If you or anyone has more input to this matter, I am grateful for all input and replies. I wish you the best and good health.
Yes, my biggest fear after ER visit was emergency surgery.
I was lucky it was abscess instead of rupture. It gave me the time to heal and being on the med's helped me stay in shape for surgery.
There really is no cure or diet you can stay on without getting proper nutrition.
Good luck.
PS - if you feel you are getting another episode. DO NOT eat for 2-3 days and drink a lot and take Advil and Tylenol at separate times Fasting is the best to heal quicker.
Answers
How many hours where you in surgery?
Not sure total. I think 4. But, they had to stop and have a urologist come in to make sure my ureters were not damaged and had good flow for urine. I know that my surgeon had to spend so much time on clearing scar tissue that another surgeon in the practice that was in room had to help.
1.--When you came out of recovery – How did you feel and where you in pain and what medication was given for pain?
No pain just a little out of it and I was on Ketamine.
#2-- Day #1 in the hospital-- where you sore? Did you hurt? Where you up walking? No on pain. They did have me get up and sit in a chair and walk then go back to bed. They also brought food to eat. I did eat some but, I was scared to.
#3 –where you in the hospital 3days?
My surgery was Mon. morning, and I left Wed by noon. They had me down for 4-5 days. But, I was doing well enough, and I was ready to go. I even took a shower by myself (with nurse present)
#4 When did you have your first Bowel Movement and was it Painful?: Was there blood in the bowel? Do they give you something to make you have a Bowel movement?
No pain, but a lot of blood and bowl. The blood scared me, and I was told that was normal. I did not make any thing for BM
#5-- Day#2 in the hospital--- how were you feeling? Day #3 how where you?
The morning after surgery I did have them remove the ketamine and I stay on Advil, Tylenol and a muscle relaxer. They did remove the catheter soon after. Which meant I could get up more and walk the halls and go to bathroom. They removed the alarms in the afternoon once they felt like I was not a "fall risk" At that point I was having to call a lot to go to the bathroom.
#6 – When you got home from the hospital-- Where you in pain and how did you feel at home?
No pain I stayed on around the clock dosages of Tylenol, Advil and a muscle relaxer for a week. (I had set a remainder on the phn and had a spreadsheet to check off to make sure I did not forget.) The only pain was discomfort on my sides and belly. When in bed I had to stay on my back. If I try to go on my side, it was like a sore stretch. But, I got up a lot and would walk in the yard and sit some in the sun then go back to bed or couch.
#7-- Did they give you a list of food to eat?
No, I was told to eat what I wanted.
#8- Did you take supplements at home?
Yes, I took the supplements that I took before surgery.
What type of food did you eat at home?
I mainly stayed with a lot of liquids. Eggs, toast, bacon. yogurt, banana, etc. small amounts
Do you have a lot of bowel movements each day and does it keep you from going out with the friends and family?
Yes, for the first couple of weeks you will be going a lot. It will take everything to rearrange in there, I guess. I remember when I had my first "normal" BM I was like this is what they were talking about! It takes a while for healing and once you are comfortable it is the mind that interferes with going out with friends and family. I started out with short outings. I also had a lot of fatigue.
Yes, for the first couple of weeks you will be going a lot. It will take a while for everything to rearrange in there, I guess.
Did you where Depends?
I mainly bout those extra-long women's pads for the first month. then went to regular. Ended up giving all that away. I also, bought the bed pad just in case.
I know that it was given to me for the surgery and they kept me on it with an IV drip.
I just asked what I was on the morning after the surgery, and they told me. I just said can you please stop it, and they looked a little shocked and asked why. I just said I felt a little dizzy when they had me stand up to walk. They called the Dr. and he said ok.
Within an hour I felt less dizzy /foggy and started walking the halls doing a loop every hour.
All my nurses were smiling and said you just go as much as you want.
I was in no pain and wanted to do as much as possible not to stay in there! I can tell you I wish I had some padding on because I had to get back to the room fast because of the draining. ARGH
I would bring at least 2 robes to wear. I messed up mine. It is amazing the amount of stuff and blood that will come out. TMI, I know. But, better to know and not be afraid.
The only supplements I took and still take are my normal vitamins.
I can say another positive from the surgery is the headaches I have always had have almost disappeared! So, that eliminated the aspirin and Advil that I used to take. Very rare and that is a blessing!
I am currently being treated for my 3rd episode of diverticulitis, only 8 months from my last episode.
Someone told me that he was plagued with it too but was told to try odorless garlic soft gels every day. He said it has really worked for him. Has anyone else had success with this?
Thank you for answering my questions. There is Never any TMI with me-- I want to know everything. I can't explain it -- but this robotic colon surgery - well I know they are going to cut out the bad part of the colon and then take my left and right ovary at this point--- In my mind-- this surgery is more likely to effect what I can eat and will have to go BM(daily) before I can go anywhere and I am just concern about afterwards of having the surgery what I (my body ) will go through? Any help with that concern would be helpful---
you know --- after 30 days of your surgery - what were you experiencing and what helped you?
Also as of today- What are you feeling and experiencing?
Thank you again for any TMI you can give--- much appreciated and thankful to know- instead of being in the dark...God Bless
Thank you for answering my questions. There is Never any TMI with me-- I want to know everything. I can't explain it -- but this robotic colon surgery - well I know they are going to cut out the bad part of the colon and then take my left and right ovary at this point--- In my mind-- this surgery is more likely to effect what I can eat and will have to go BM(daily) before I can go anywhere and I am just concern about afterwards of having the surgery what I (my body ) will go through? Any help with that concern would be helpful---
you know --- after 30 days of your surgery - what were you experiencing and what helped you?
Also as of today- What are you feeling and experiencing?
Thank you again for any TMI you can give--- much appreciated and thankful to know- instead of being in the dark...God Bless
With you having your ovaries removed at the same time I cannot give any information on that, and you may want to find what other say on this in this site.
After a mth. you will have accidents that you may not feel. I was tired a lot. My husband drove everywhere, and I always had a pillow on my belly. Just made me feel more comfortable.
All I can say is eat very small meals and you may have to make yourself eat. I would forget to eat and had no hungry pains. If your Dr. tells you to start exercising, make sure your do a lot of slow stretching and walk a lot! Every time you eat YOU MUST WALK and do not forget your fluids.
Thank you for answering my questions. There is Never any TMI with me-- I want to know everything. I can't explain it -- but this robotic colon surgery - well I know they are going to cut out the bad part of the colon and then take my left and right ovary at this point--- In my mind-- this surgery is more likely to effect what I can eat and will have to go BM(daily) before I can go anywhere and I am just concern about afterwards of having the surgery what I (my body ) will go through? Any help with that concern would be helpful---
you know --- after 30 days of your surgery - what were you experiencing and what helped you?
Also as of today- What are you feeling and experiencing?
Thank you again for any TMI you can give--- much appreciated and thankful to know- instead of being in the dark...God Bless
If you are pre menopausal check with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy before you have both ovaries removed. When they take them at the same time it can cause “surgical menopause” within a day or so which can be brutal due to the lack of estrogen. That happened to my sister. I kept mine when I had a hysterectomy and didn’t go through that
I am currently being treated for my 3rd episode of diverticulitis, only 8 months from my last episode.
Someone told me that he was plagued with it too but was told to try odorless garlic soft gels every day. He said it has really worked for him. Has anyone else had success with this?
Hello, everyone. I’m about 2-1/2 weeks after beginning a diverticulitis flare-up, 5th day after finishing antibiotics. This is my 3rd time with diverticulitis. Have been gradually getting better—started with liquid diet then gradually adding low-residue foods, lots of water. No fever for about a week. Was very encouraged that we caught this flare early and that I’ll soon be back to a more normal diet and active life.
Today I went out in the car driven by my husband, wanted to do a little low-key shopping. While at the store the lower abdomen started clenching really badly again, felt like diarrhea with possible vomiting. Dear husband got me home quickly to bathroom and rest. Just water and the rest for the last 5 hours. I have an intermittant low fever again, varying between 99.4 and 99.1, but down to normal just now.
Has anyone else relapsed about 5 days after finishing the course of antibiotics? I’m still on the probiotics. I’m thinking of seeing how I do tonight back on the liquid diet and calling the doctor in the morning if I’m not better. Or should I let her know right away?
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In answer to your questions:
Not sure how long I was in surgery but I think around 3 hours.
1. Right out of surgery I was a little foggy and according to my daughters, a little goofy, but very little pain. They had me on oxycodone and Gabapentin but I stopped taking those soon afterwards and took only Tylenol. Certain movements caused a little pain but never anything intolerable.
2. On day 2 they removed the catheter and I walked the hallways of the hospital a couple times a
day. I also took a shower on my
own. I believe I had my first BM
that day but it was pretty much all blood which I was assured was normal. I was a little sore but not terrible.
3. Yes, I was in the hospital for 3 nights. Surgery was Monday
morning and I was discharged late Thursday afternoon.
4. My BMs were not painful and I didn’t take anything to make me have one.
5. Days 2 and 3 in the hospital were similar as far as pain. My BM was not bloody by the third day. I walked the hallways at least twice a day. I made my visitors walk with me which they were happy to do because hospitals are boring. lol
6.I remember the drive home from the hospital (about 20 minutes) was a little rough and I didn’t feel like eating. Just a little too jostling around I guess. But by the next morning I was okay.
7. I was given a list of foods I could eat and foods to avoid for the first few weeks. Basically they had me on a low residue diet; white rice, white bread, easy to digest meats, cooked vegetables, etc. I never needed Depends or any pads.
8. I don’t really take supplements except occasionally need miralax, but I think my bowel movement issues aren’t necessarily surgery related. My surgeon suspects IBS because I’ve had issues for a long time. But obviously surgery affects your digestive system and your system has to relearn. Six months out I’m still trying to figure out what works best for me. I have an appointment with a GI but it’s not for 2 more months which is annoying but typical for where I live. Meanwhile I’ve started a food journal which I purchased from Amazon to see if I can figure out trigger foods. There are days when I may have several BMs and don’t feel real great so that’s what I’m trying to figure out. But I go out with friends and family and am careful about what I eat. Again, a lot of this probably is not strictly related to my surgery. The worse problem I have, and had before surgery, is being able to leave my house in the morning because it takes all morning for me to get it all out. So I make all my appointments in the afternoon. That makes my life quite difficult.
In the end what will tell you is that having that surgery was definitely for the best for me because I spent last year in and out of the ER, was on medication that made me sick, and lived with the fear I’d have an episode while traveling which did happen last Christmas and was a terrible experience. I also lived in fear of my colon perforating and having to have emergency surgery by whatever doctor was on duty at whatever hospital I was in.
I hope you are getting the information you need in this discussion group to alleviate some of your fears. I wish you the best.
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Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsThank You--Thank You--Thank Y-O-U !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My family thanks you and ALL responses from all the wonderful people in this group dealing with Diverticulitis.
This has eased my mind to make a sound decision on this surgery--- still scared, --- have to step out on faith of a mustard seed and Trust God.
- If you or anyone has more input to this matter, I am grateful for all input and replies. I wish you the best and good health.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsHaving the surgery when your colon has rested is a much easier surgery than when you’re in an acute state.
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3 ReactionsTy so much.
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4 ReactionsHi, Thank you for answering my questions/concerns.
I would like for you to tell me what did Ketamine do for you while in hospital-- they gave you Ketamine for what reason and to do what for you?
Also what is the name of the specific supplement that you took? is it over the counter or a prescription?
You did a GREAT job answering my questions / concerns-- You are a wonderful & caring person. Thank you, again and Good Health!
I know that it was given to me for the surgery and they kept me on it with an IV drip.
I just asked what I was on the morning after the surgery, and they told me. I just said can you please stop it, and they looked a little shocked and asked why. I just said I felt a little dizzy when they had me stand up to walk. They called the Dr. and he said ok.
Within an hour I felt less dizzy /foggy and started walking the halls doing a loop every hour.
All my nurses were smiling and said you just go as much as you want.
I was in no pain and wanted to do as much as possible not to stay in there! I can tell you I wish I had some padding on because I had to get back to the room fast because of the draining. ARGH
I would bring at least 2 robes to wear. I messed up mine. It is amazing the amount of stuff and blood that will come out. TMI, I know. But, better to know and not be afraid.
The only supplements I took and still take are my normal vitamins.
I can say another positive from the surgery is the headaches I have always had have almost disappeared! So, that eliminated the aspirin and Advil that I used to take. Very rare and that is a blessing!
Thank you for answering my questions. There is Never any TMI with me-- I want to know everything. I can't explain it -- but this robotic colon surgery - well I know they are going to cut out the bad part of the colon and then take my left and right ovary at this point--- In my mind-- this surgery is more likely to effect what I can eat and will have to go BM(daily) before I can go anywhere and I am just concern about afterwards of having the surgery what I (my body ) will go through? Any help with that concern would be helpful---
you know --- after 30 days of your surgery - what were you experiencing and what helped you?
Also as of today- What are you feeling and experiencing?
Thank you again for any TMI you can give--- much appreciated and thankful to know- instead of being in the dark...God Bless
With you having your ovaries removed at the same time I cannot give any information on that, and you may want to find what other say on this in this site.
After a mth. you will have accidents that you may not feel. I was tired a lot. My husband drove everywhere, and I always had a pillow on my belly. Just made me feel more comfortable.
All I can say is eat very small meals and you may have to make yourself eat. I would forget to eat and had no hungry pains. If your Dr. tells you to start exercising, make sure your do a lot of slow stretching and walk a lot! Every time you eat YOU MUST WALK and do not forget your fluids.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIf you are pre menopausal check with your doctor about hormone replacement therapy before you have both ovaries removed. When they take them at the same time it can cause “surgical menopause” within a day or so which can be brutal due to the lack of estrogen. That happened to my sister. I kept mine when I had a hysterectomy and didn’t go through that
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello, everyone. I’m about 2-1/2 weeks after beginning a diverticulitis flare-up, 5th day after finishing antibiotics. This is my 3rd time with diverticulitis. Have been gradually getting better—started with liquid diet then gradually adding low-residue foods, lots of water. No fever for about a week. Was very encouraged that we caught this flare early and that I’ll soon be back to a more normal diet and active life.
Today I went out in the car driven by my husband, wanted to do a little low-key shopping. While at the store the lower abdomen started clenching really badly again, felt like diarrhea with possible vomiting. Dear husband got me home quickly to bathroom and rest. Just water and the rest for the last 5 hours. I have an intermittant low fever again, varying between 99.4 and 99.1, but down to normal just now.
Has anyone else relapsed about 5 days after finishing the course of antibiotics? I’m still on the probiotics. I’m thinking of seeing how I do tonight back on the liquid diet and calling the doctor in the morning if I’m not better. Or should I let her know right away?
Thanks for any information or encouragement!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions