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Surgery for recurrent diverticulitis
I'm having recurring diverticulitis.
First episode in May 2023. Treated with Metronidalzol and Cephalexin. Went away. No issues.
REturned in September 2024, hospitalized with absesses. IV antibiotics in hospital 24 hours and then oral antibiotics Augmentin) at home.
In December returned. No absesses. Treated with oral antibiotics (Augmentinn) at home.
In January returned. No absesses. Very mild pain. Treated with oral antibiotics at home. Presently still some odd feelings.-tightness.
I didn't have severe pain with any episode. I was tender to touch and had CT scan each time. I have been dieting and feel constipation has caused the diverticulitis episodes. Trying to figure out magic formula eating enough fiber so I don't become constipated.
I was referred to surgeon. He wants to surgically remove my entire Sigmoid Colon!
Has anyone had their Sigmoid Colon removed? Has anyone been treated with antibiotics for recurring episodes?
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Have you been tested for SIBO?
Wondering as I have SIBO and one of the reasons people get it is due to multiple episodes of diverticulitis.
I have not been tested for SIBO. I was going to, but test never arrived so I cancelled.
That's interesting; my doctor said that nobody has any idea what causes SIBO. I wish they could make up their minds.
I've had two episodes of diverticulitis hospitalised both times . First time with small perforation treated with iv antibiotics. Second just severe pain no complications but again iv antibiotics. Both were emergency admissions at the same hospital. Iv seen a gastro guy whose advised psyllium husk and plenty of water..I also take magnesium its been a game changer keeping constipation at bay and since then I've been flare up free for 12 months now thank the Lord!
I had 12 inches removed March 24 for recurring episodes and yes constantly on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds.
I had about 12 inches removed a month ago due to recurring diverticulitis. My surgeon was concerned it would eventually perforate which would result in an emergency surgery.
My surgery was done robotically with no complications thus far. It’s too soon to tell what the impact on my life will be, but I couldn’t go on like I was. Constant flare ups including on a trip, several ER trips, etc. was making my life miserable.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
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1 ReactionThanks. How long were you in hospital?
How many "constant" flare ups?
I'm never in that much pain.
Iappreciate your reply
How many episodes?
Much pain?Thanks
I had 4 diverticulitis episodes in the last year, but my left side pain was constant. The flare ups were accompanied by diarrhea. The antibiotics made me feel even worse but obviously necessary.
I was in the hospital for 3 nights. My surgeon told me 3-7 nights depending on how the surgery went. Fortunately for me it was all robotic. I didn’t need to be on strong painkillers for too long. Tylenol and gabapentin worked after about a week. My digestive system is still not normal and I’m on a low fiber low residue diet for a couple more weeks.
I’m not sure if my system will ever be “normal “ again but if I never have diverticulitis again it will have been worth it.
Others who have had the surgery might have better information on long term recovery.
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1 ReactionI had 4. Yes. much pain.
Every episode was more pain and more down time from life.