Coping With Colon Resection

I was 30 when my first onset of Diverticulitis (January of 2006)landed me in the ER. Although, at that time they did not name what I had (they thought maybe it was my appendix!) the second time I was hospitalized (July 2006) for the same pain, they explained to me what it was and that I indeed had it in January as well.

I started their recommended diet of no nuts, seeds, corn and while I was craving all the summer vegetables I didn’t want to land back in the ER. I had visited my general doctor 2 more times that year for antibiotics to cure the pain, inflamation. In 2007, I almost had an onset of diverticulits every month right before my period. I started seeing a colon specialist and a endometriosis doctor. I underwent my first colonoscopy, which might I add is not bad overall, but they really need to do something about that cleansing drink!! The results confirmed what my doctor already knew, I had diverticulitis and now he knew exactly where. I was trying to push for surgery after the holidays so I could plan and be ready, however, when I ended up in the hospital again…I didn’t have a choice.

I went in October 2007 where they removed about 8 inches of my sigmoid colon and found a blockage about 24 inches up from that. The blockage they believe is what was causing me problems during my period since it was located near the uterus and bloating would squeeze this area. I was in the hospital from Monday to Friday (longer than I wanted of course). I don’t remember much from Monday except waiting to go in for surgery and see my husband in the recovery room. The manual morphine pump was a godsend to cure the pain. I think Tuesday night or Wednesday is when I can remember again. Once they took out the automatic pump and the catheter they expected me to be up and walking. While most of my pain was just being uncomfortable, I was feeling okay. I began eating slowly and when I went home Friday the reality of leaving hit.

I couldn’t get on or off my bed, the couch, or toilet without help. Being a very independent person this drove me crazy! The worst pain I was in was at home when the gas from ‘things moving back in place’ hit. It was very painful you could almost feel where it was going and wishing you could go to the bathroom but it took me a week after surgery to actual pass something. I was home for the week and then went to work (I do office work) for a few hours/days the next week. Overall, my surgery and recovery was not bad. I now have a couple of small scars and some numbness around my belly button where the larger incision was made. Since they removed the ‘holding’ section of my colon, there is not much wait time if I have to go to the bathroom. But after all the hospital visits, I’d take that anyday.

I hope this helps. I should mention that many doctors said my bounce back time was quicker than others due to my age.