| Aug 19, 2006 @ 1:08 AM |
This colon has got to go.
|
|
Dovestreasure
Posts: 3,415
|
I have suffered with diverticulistis for nearly three years , it is a very painful disease and is a result of an infection in your colon. Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots, like an inner tube that pokes through weak places in a tire. Each pouch is called a diverticulum.When the pouches become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. I had a colonoscopy today and was told I have the most severe case my doctor ever saw. So it appears that I have to have surgery.The surgeon removes the affected part of the colon and joins the remaining sections. This type of surgery, called colon resection, aims to keep attacks from coming back and to prevent complications. I am scared out of my wits so I was wondering has anyone else been through this ?I sure could use some reassurance. 
|
|
  |
|
| Aug 19, 2006 @ 7:54 AM |
This colon has got to go. |
|
uab_5
Posts: 2,371
|
I've not had this surgury, but you'll be fine.
In a few days, you'll feel better than new. 
|
| |
|
| Aug 19, 2006 @ 11:30 PM |
This colon has got to go.
|
|
LatinButterfly
Posts: 687
|
Have you tried ANY alternative healing method? Conventional medicine only approaches "healing" through drugs and surgery but people are rarely told why they got the condition that afflicts them and how they could get better without having to go to extremes (although in your case in order to prevent perforation that could be the reason surgery has been suggested).
This condition is usually brought on by years of eating a low-fiber diet, which perfectly describes the Standard American Diet (SAD...). Faulty elimination causes irritation in the sigmoid section which causes it to herniate and form those little pouches. Constipation could also be due to low thyroid function, lack of exercise and lack of certain minerals, such as magnesium and potassium.
Our intestines are said to be our "2nd brain" because of all the nerve endings in them. We all have felt our fears or anger affecting that area at one time or another... So emotions play a central role in colon disease, especially lack of balance in emotions generated by our close relationships. Not having a balance in our "drive" (active/passive, uninhibited/inhibited-phobic, direct/indirect, shameless/shameful) can also be a cause. Seeking balance, setting new boundaries, practicing relaxing activities, not pursuing what doesn't work anymore and doing positive affirmations can be a great help in healing. 
|
|
| |
|
| Aug 20, 2006 @ 12:45 AM |
This colon has got to go. |
|
stormy73
Posts: 1,164
|
Hey UAB...
I WAS going to point out that you misspelled "surgery", but, I must apolgise... I now see that you're a CAT, and I'm sure it's difficult to spell correctly with paws!  
|
| |
|
| Aug 20, 2006 @ 1:03 AM |
This colon has got to go.
|
|
DestinyAngel49
Posts: 516
|
Dove... I haven't been thru this and I don't know of anyone who has been.
I'm sure you will be fine...
I can understand you're scared right now, but just think of the 'positive' side,
In a few days... You'll feel like a new lady! 
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep us posted!!! 
|
|
| |
|
| Aug 20, 2006 @ 9:42 AM |
This colon has got to go. |
|
Loreli
Posts: 20,313
|
Dove-
I also have not had the surgery, but the diverticultis runs rampant in our family. I had to quit eating seeded foods, chocolate and caffeine. Did they try the diet first? My ex husband just had colon cancer surgery and he came through it great.
You will be great also, I have faith. 
|
| |
|
| Aug 20, 2006 @ 3:47 PM |
This colon has got to go.
|
|
uab_5
Posts: 2,371
|
I WAS going to point out that you misspelled "surgery", but, I must apolgise... I now see that you're a CAT, and I'm sure it's difficult to spell correctly with paws!
Stormy, thanks for the correction. I'll be really career jeopardizing if in a few years I apply for a nursing position in surgury instead of surgery!
|
|
| |
|
| Aug 23, 2006 @ 1:24 AM |
This colon has got to go. |
|
crackerchickie
Posts: 448
|
I have taken care of patients who have had this surgery. You haven't described the extent of the resection, or the location. These are factors in your healing. Also anticipate the possibility of a colostomy anterior to the resection if the surgery was extensive. The colostomy would usually be temporary and allow for healing of large bowel.
These surgeries are fairly common and normal up time after surgery is ASAP, same day or next day at the latest. Expect a PCA pump, where you control when you get the pain meds. Expect broad spectrum antibiotics, antiemetics, and anti inflammatories. Expect before and after blood tests, constant vital sign monitoring, and constant assessment for shock, wound hemorrhage, thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, gastro paralysis, altered self esteem, and a host of other things. Hopefully you have no other comorbid issues.
Expect lifetime ESR blood tests and colonscopy. Expect scarring.
That said, you will get better and feel better for having the operation.
|
| |
|
| Aug 28, 2006 @ 9:40 PM |
This colon has got to go.
|
|
FeliciVagano
Posts: 2,152
|
been thinking about this thread on and off ever since I read it..any updates? best wishes and hoping everything is going as good as it can be for you..FV
|
|
| |
|
| Sep 24, 2006 @ 4:09 AM |
This colon has got to go. |
|
Dovestreasure
Posts: 3,415
|
I had my surgery on September first. They removed about a foot of sigmoid colon, thankfully I did not need a colostomy which was one of my biggest fears. The pain pump was my friend for sure. My incision required nineteen staples to close, right now the scar looks like a zipper. I had some complications, my hemoglobin was low so I nearly had a blood transfusion. They gave me shots instead. My potassium was very low too , but they got that under control. I was in the hospital for ten days and I am recuperating nicely at home. I think the worse part of the ordeal for me was the difficuly drawing blood. I was stuck repeatedly, after my third day they put in a pic line which made it so much easier. My arms were so terribly bruised when I left the hospital. I am so relieved the worse is over.
|
| |
|
| Sep 24, 2006 @ 5:27 PM |
This colon has got to go.
|
|
redhairNfreckles
Posts: 2,822
|
Dove, I am so glad that your surgery was successful and that you are on the mend. Colon cancer took my sister (age 54, and only sibling) this past January after basically being symptomless and she passed away only 4 weeks after a diagnosis. It had already mets into her entire liver by the time of her resection. I thank God that I quit my job in NC and came down here to FL to care for her, those last few weeks with her are so precious to me. I'm so happy that your prognosis has a different outcome.
|
|
| |
|
| Jan 27, 2007 @ 3:44 AM |
This colon has got to go. |
|
MusicMan0070
Posts: 10
|
Hi Dovestreasure, sorry to hear about your surgery, I wish there was a better way... like keeping your Colin clean, there is a great book on this subject "tissue cleansing through bowel management" by Bernard Jensen. also "back to Eden" by Jethro Kloss talks about high enemas and how important it is to keep the eliminating passage clear. pre-digested foods like yogurt help to keep the system clean to. MM
|
| |
|
| Apr 3, 2007 @ 9:56 PM |
This colon has got to go.
|
|
lazareth
Posts: 1,082
|
I was diagnosed with diverticulitis back in november and I swear I really havent felt good since. I spike fevers almost daily, even my doctor doesnt understand why I still run a fever. I did not know coffee was a no-no, the doctor didnt mention that, just the normal... seeds, nuts, corn, naturally all of the stuff I love to eat. 
|
|
| |
|
| Apr 14, 2007 @ 12:44 AM |
This colon has got to go. |
|
daisy315
Posts: 4,333
|
are ya sticking to your diet sis?.. no more pickled okra?
|
| |
|
|
|
|