Colon Resection

[mscasmom]

I am scheduled to have a colon resection in a couple of weeks. Never had a bout with diverticulitis, that I was aware of, etc, but during surgery for unrelated matter, the doctor noticed that I had pretty severe diverticulitis and referred me to a colon surgan who, after a colostomy recommeded I have the resection. (Only 20% - so I didn't think that was that drastic). He said I had one of the most impressive cases of diverticulitis he had seen and that he though I was a walking time bomb. I DO NOT want the alternative if it should rupture, etc. After reading comments posted on this site, I'm not sure what to do. This surgery is strictly preventative and there are no signs of cancer at this point. I'm a little concerned about afterward, especially if it's hard to leave the house without knowing if an "emergency" will arise.

Any comments? :-)
mscasmom

[mscasmom]

Sorry - not colostomy , colonoscopy. Was in a hurry when I wrote this. mscasmom

[Anatta]

My resection was almost five weeks ago. I didn't know that I had diverticulitis until last Sept, when I went to the ER for what I thought was appendicitis. A cat scan revealed a perforated colon that had closed itself off. I was told I was at great risk for another attack. After reading the message boards from another sight [moderator note: website address has been removed], I decided it was nothing to play around with. I can't say that the surgery was fun. They ended up taking 18 inches of my right colon and my appendix. I developed a hematoma, and also didn't tolerate the opiate painkillers too well. The painkillers can constipate you, and the whole goal having colon resection is to pass gas and have the bowels "wake up" and work again. Mine didn't wake up, so I spent seven days in the hospital instead of three. The first few weeks out were slow going, but I began to improve dramatically between my third and fourth week. I haven't had any accidents, but when I do have to go it happens rather quickly. The big question now is what to eat without it being too gassy. I won't lie to you and say that this surgery isn't a big deal -- because it is, but I am still grateful that I had it instead of being in constant worry about it perforating. I can also tell you this (after reading hundreds of posts about this topic) -- that everyone's body is very different and everybody really has a wide variety of experiences. Some have sailed through it, while others have had countless complications. I do believe that most people who post have more troubles (that's why they're on the boards looking for answers) while others who do really well have no reason to get back on the boards. I know that I am glad that I did end up doing this. Hope this helped you...

[mscasmom]

Thanks so much for your reply. I do feel everybody is different and some do great and some have complications. I think I will get a second opion, although may end up opting for the surgery. Like you said - don't want to be worrying about something happening all the time. This blew my mind as I had never had any "symptoms". Hope you are doing better day by day! Thanks again. :-)

[okieann]

I was misdiagnosed for over eight years, kept saying I had IBS even after five colon scopes. Believe me when I say the last three years of my life were living hell. Talk about never being able to leave my house and the pain was unbelieveable. I was admitted to the hospital twice and last summer was at the ER five times in 6 weeks with unbearable pain, vomiting and dramatic weight loss. Finally, I had emergency colon resection, my colon was completely blocked and the section he took out was full of pus. By this time I was breaking out with acne, (I'm 66 yrs. old) and boils and had lost 33 lbs.

I was ready for surgery or death, luckily I had surgery. It has been four months now, I have gained weight, I am not exhausted all the time, if a do have diaherra it is not with screaming pain. Yes, I have had a few emergency problems but they are getting further and further apart and my doctor says everything will be normal in a couple of more months. Guess I'm one who's life was saved by the surgery and I feel better than I have in years. If the doctor told you you'll have another attack you will and they just get worse and closer and closer together.

[aftercoloncancer]

You've probably gotten a lot of answers already, but I just joined this discussion. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2006. I completed all my chemo and radiation and surgery. I had a illeostomy, then a resection. Anyway, for me at first, I had to watch the diarrhea bouts. No matter what I ate, I could have an incident. I wore poise pants and they were, and still are very helpful. My resection was in August 2007 and I still have a few issues with my diet. In your situation, without having had cancer and all the related treatments, radiation and such, I would believe that you'll heal quite well. You'll probably experience some early issues, but watch the fatty foods, deep fried and heavy gravies. I notice that if I stay aware from these things, and hot/seedy spices, I can have a good day. Take care, good luck.