update

[winfong]

My diverticulitis turned into a bowel perforation. I managed to avoid surgery (for now at least), but did manage to develop brachycardia (extremely low heart beat) while there. Seeing the cardiologist first thing Monday morning. Honestly, what's it going to be next?

[SheffieldJane]

Sorry to hear this winfong. I hope everything turns out fine for you.🍀

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Sorry to hear …fingers crossed all okay with cardio.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

When they found my bradycardia I wasn't allowed out of hospital until I had had a pacemaker fitted! I was transferred to the hospital with the cath lab with a doctor carrying the full resus stuff! Only a normal ambo crew on the way back in the afternoon

But absolutely no problems since ...

[MrsNails]

Winfong - that sounds terribly alarming - what treatment are they prescribing for the perforation? Hope you get on OK tomorrow with the Cardiologist, do let us know what they say.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[winfong in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks. It seems the perforation was small enough that it was covered by the abscess and should heal on its own.

[MrsNails in reply to winfong]

Good Luck for Tomorrow - let us know what they say 🍀

[Coffeebeans]

Best of luck winfong, fingers crossed that's it for now.

[winfong]

So ... Went to the cardiologist (who I really trust) this morning & he seemed to think the bradycardia was the result of all the travails my body went through with the perforated colon & that I am already improving. I'll be wearing a halter for a few days.

Also talked with my rheumy. He took it quite seriously, will put it in as an adverse effect & wants me to hold off on anything until my bowel problems settle. You were right on the ball, Hidden

So, Actemra & Kevzara are out. He did mention Leflunomide as a possibility. Anyone have any opinions on that? Any other alternatives? Thanks

[winfong]

Forgot all about the bowel perforation. It seems to be doing okay. We'll see after I'm off the antibiotics.

[winfong]

Yup, I've been reading about increased risk of bowel perforation with pred as well. Thanks again for your heads-up on this

[winfong]

Off the antibiotics, and things seem to be going just fine. Started introducing a little fiber back in my diet, getting a little exercise. Fingers crossed.

[winfong]

We had already started talking about moving to Kevzara before my diverticulitis attack. That was nixed, though, as Kavzara - like Actemra - has been linked with bowel perforations. The latest idea is Leflunomide, which I should start soon, as rheumy was waiting for my bowel problems to clear up.