acute diverticulitis and impending surgery

[Sofaqueen21]

hi was admitted via A & E with acute diverticulitis flare up on 14th Oct.Was discharged 19th and readmitted 25th very traumatic for me. Now having to follow low fibre white diet. Have a colonoscopy in the future 8 weeks. Fine had before can live with that.however as this is my 3rd hospital admission surgeon told me to seriously think about a colostomy bag, gave me 12 weeks to think. surely discuss after colonoscopy? It's a major operation and a life changing one at that.

I think I would prefer a resection if possible. But that also involves a temp bag. (How long? ) I am openly squeamish about poo and the smell !

any advice or experience to be shared would be appreciated. Thanks xxx

[Nifflerluck]

hI Sofaqueen, sorry to hear about your situation and the difficult decision you have to make. Apologies I don't have any advice, I have heard from a few people I know that having a bag has changed thier lives for the better. I would maybe suggest posting your question on healthunlocked.com/bowel-di... you will probably get more answers and people that have experienced a similar situation. Good luck.

[Sofaqueen21 in reply to Nifflerluck]

thanks for your comments. I will try

[edwangy]

Have you discussed a resection with him?

[Sofaqueen21 in reply to edwangy]

he was a sharp man. I asked .... yes we maybe able to do that.

but colonoscopy first obviously will determine

thanks fir advice

[missymo]

you probably would be better with stoma bag sofa queen, it makes a lot of people lives happier, unfortunately for me it’s not reversible & I’ve got TWO!!my situation wasn’t helped by lots of other major surgeries in the past but you& thousands like you it could be a life changer for the better🤞🤞

[Sofaqueen21]

sorry to hear you have 2! Oh my. My heart goes to you. Xx

Thank you for your advice. I'll see how I get on after colonoscopy. I've got in my mind now how I want to proceed. The situation will never go away I know that. And no one knows when it will flare up and cause more damage. I will take the offer if arises while I'm still relatively young and healthy (50). Takes longer as we get older .

thanks to all for advise xxx

[winfong]

I was in your exact same situation - 2 visits to the hospital, one right after the other. Had a perforated colon too. They managed to get it all with antibiotics, but did suggest surgery in the future.

Just had some recent troubles and saw my gastroenterologist. He made some changes to my supplements (LOTS of fiber!) and that seems to be working for now.

Since I had what's called a "complicated" diverticulitis attack, he again reiterated I'd have to surgery at some point. He recommended getting a resection before my next attack. If I do that, I only have to have a bag for a short while. If it's in the middle of an attack, I might have to the bag forever.

Not sure I'm ready to make that decision right now though. It would be a big one.

[Sofaqueen21]

omg !

Its a lot to take on board I know. Especially when some folk play it down saying don't exaggerate you won't need that. They don't feel the pain we go through .

like u it's a biggie for me but better to have while body can handle it as u say than be left with a bag for life if fitted during a flare up.

thanks for your kind words xx