[steelerfan]

I am an otherwise healthy 51 yr old male who just got home from a three day unplanned hospital "vacation" for a diverticulitis attack. First bad one that I have had - five or so other minor events (1-2 wk in duration) in the past 6 months. I managed to avoid the emergency surgery the other day - but, it is being recommended that I have a colon resection in the next month or two once my colon "settles down" - based on my recent past - the doctor thinking it is inevitable that I will continue to have issues down the road. The doctor that I saw in the hospital said that 96-97% of folks that have the procedure "do not experience any further issues". That sounds like good odds vs "cautiously waiting" with strict diet hoping to not have a bad reoccurance with possible emergency surgery(s) and all those issues. Anyone get those kind of numbers from their doctor. I'm a statistical guy! Thanks in advance for thoughts.

[jimc]

Can't help you but I'm in the same boat. My doctors advise getting surgery for the same reason, seem to assume things will be fine later, but always add the obligatory: anything can happen when surgery is involved. Then I read about people's tough recovery issues on blogs like this and wonder if I should be hyper-religious about diet before going under the knife. I'm going to try to pin my
surgeon down a little more on expectations and probabilities. I'll let you know what he says.

[steelerfan]

Thanks for the note. My appointment to discuss options isn't til 11/16, but, I am going to do the same thing and I'll fill you in too. Good luck

[brendasbiz]

I landed in the hospital in June with my first known diverticulitis attack. I had another bout in August and I was just on oral antibotics at home. I decided since I am only 37 years old that I wanted the surgery. I was scared of emergency surgery and the thought of getting the colostomy bag for 6 months. I had the surgery September 26 and the doctor said I was lucky. I had a pretty good absess going on and it could have burst and killed me. I was only in the hospital a few days and I was back to work after 2.5 weeks. It has been 4 weeks now and I feel pretty good. I'm still alittle tired but that is it. Listen to your body to make the best decision for you.
Brenda

[marcye]

Did you go ahead with the surgery, or did you decide to be disciplined with your diet?

[danman32]

I am a 47 year old male and am going in for surgery on Friday. I've had 12 diverticulitis attacks this year alone - although none have had me hospitalized. Needless to say, I think it's time. Like everyone in this post, I too am a bit worried about the results and being "good as new" again. I'll try to post a new message on this blog after the surgery, let you know my experiences.

[danman32]

Hello again. I am the 47 year old who has the post about surgery in November, 2008. Here is my update:

I had the surgery in mid November and was supposed to be out 3 days later. Twenty days later, I finally left the hospital. In short, the surgery was a disaster. The doctor accidently perforated my transverse colon during the surgery. This caused almost immediate problems - extreme pain, distended (enlarged) abdomen, and internal bleeding (2 pints). After a blood transfusion and many anxious moments, I was sent down for emergency surgery 3 days later, upon which my small intestine was accidently perforated. This caused more problems, needless to say. Anyway, to make a long story short, three CT scans, 2 surgical procedures, countless misc procedures/tests, and horrendous amounts of pain later I was finally well enough (sort of) to leave the hospital. It took me another week to get the stength to go to work (desk job), and here I sit 3 months later finally feeling well enough to perhaps feel that I've made it through okay. In the months I've been home though, I've had two urinary tract infections, a herniated disk in my neck (almost definitely caused by 3 weeks of being on my back in a hospital bed), bouts of constipation, and assorted other aches and pains.

The good news on this is that I believe (cross my fingers) that the original problem was fixed. I have had no bouts of diverticulitis since the surgery. I'm slowly feeling better and for the first time feel that I might get back to 100% - or as the post says "good as new". I was told that my bowel movements would be different going forward - and they are - but I can live with that.

In the end I'm still glad I did the surgery. It was a nightmare, but you tend to forget the pain and suffering. And I'm hopefully diverticulitis-free, which is great because it was starting to alter my life too much.
Dan

[larazie]

Dont mean to alarm you. Check out my story "4 Surgerys". Just make sure you choose a surgeon who specializes in colon surgery, not a general surgeon. During my first surgery they left the most diseased part of my colon in . Had that removed two years later after several lengthy hospital stays. If you find a good DR I am sure you will be fine .Good luck.