Had Surgery...Don't be Scared

[dub]

Hi everyone. My apologies for just now posting, but my intentions to do so earlier were there. I am a 33 yr old male who began to suffer from Divertic December of 2006. I was misdiagnosed by my doctor, which of course put me in the hospital for two days. To say I was scared was a gross understatement of my feelings at that time.

Luckily, as most people have found, heavy antibiotics worked for me. One and a half years later, I suffered my second attack. I believed it to be stress related at the time as I lost my dad to cancer. Antibiotics did the trick again, for a bit anyway. Then in April of 09', my third attack happened. At this point, I was extremely scared of my future and my life. Surgery was the only option, although I tried to deny it. I went to see a surgeon in May I believe. He said that my chances to have the disease again were about 75%, although he could not tell me how long.

I asked about my age, and the causes. Although we get a lot of great information from this web-site, I believe one important factor is left out; that is genetics. The surgeon said this disease is very much driven by genes. Although my family has never had diverticulitis, Genetics in general play a big part in this. Now, I say that for people such as myself, who eat right, are not overweight and exercise. Yes, I tip the wine bottle back too far sometimes, and my youthful days were spent doing illicit substances that no doubt sped this process up. But, I am confident now that I was blessed with a not so great set of genes.

Now, I continued on after talking to this surgeon, telling him that I would probably schedule something late in the year. I again started to experience discomfort in July and out of caution, requested antibiotics. At this point, I never really felt right again. My Gastroenterologist suggested I see his recommended surgeon. Now, I was not overly impressed with my gastro, so I felt as though this was a referral for business type deal.

I knew it was important to get a second opinion, and I am glad I did. On Septmber 23rd, I had a partial colectomy done of my sigmoid colon. The procedure was done by my Gastro's recommendation. I can tell you this was the best decision I ever made. The surgery was a complete success, and I must say that I am doing extremely well today.

I was in the hospital for a day and a half, that's it. I went home late Thursday and of course went straight to bed. 5 incisions around my abdomen, including the main one that is maybe 3 inches wide. My surgeon does minimally invasive surgery, and he is amazing. I was walking around my hospital room the first night. Albeit, I was walking slow, but was still amazed. My pain level was very minimal.

The worst part is the liquid diet. It eats you away and you are left weak and tired. I was on a liquid/soft diet for several days, but moved onto eggs, applesauce, toast, etc. By day 5, I really was able to move around on my own very easily. I was still weak and tired, but was so amazed at my progress.

I was out of work two weeks and a few days. My surgeon was amazed at my progress. I can honestly say that the pain was nowhere near as bad as my double hernia surgery was. That was also laproscopic.

I know I am rambling on, but it is nice to share the good stories with people that need hope. I know I was fortunate to be in really good shape, and I am young. This all makes a difference when recovering. But, I also believe that the right surgeon is key. I am eating normally, drinking some wine, and doing really well. My life is almost back to normal.

I still feel tightness and pain, but its minimal. An occasional pain pill may be needed for comfort. I live in Atlanta and would be happy to recommend my surgeon to anyone. He will take great care of you. Please let me know if I can provide any other information. I know this disease is painful and devastating. It really is one of the worst things imaginable. You do feel helpless and hopeless that you will ever feel better and return to normalcy.