Diverticulitis: Before and After
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- This is a series of videos I've taken of myself before and after having surgery for my Diverticulitis, as well as having my Appendix taken out. I want to say thank you to everyone who have sent me your love, support, thoughts and prayers for what I was going through, and here's to a good healthy future on my channel! Hope you enjoy, and thanks for watching!
This was good information for those of us who are afflicted with Diverticulitis and require surgery. I had my procedure on November 19, 2018. The surgery was similar to the one depicted in the video. My appendix was removed , due to the erosion caused by the Diverticulitis. It was a good thing I had the procedure done, because the erosion was beginning to seep into my bladder as well.
The surgeon did a great job with a very difficult procedure. I am on the road to recovery and hope to put this episode behind me.
Just wanted to say Thanks for this video. I had my laparoscopic surgery 3 weeks ago, they removed 16 inches of enflamed colon. I am surprised how good I feel at this point. I no longer have that slight burning in my abdomen. I am still a little sore but almost nothing. I can tell that within a few months I will be feeling better than I have in years.
I am 96 hours after my colon resection surgery. I was released fro the hospital less then 48, I was recovering so well. Of course it is very early, but I am very optimistic. Pain is rapidly diminishing, everything is working, and i am on the mend. They took 12 inches of colon which the surgeon said was extremely thickened and practically useless scar tissue. I know it’s psychological, but I swear I feel better already with that dead tissue out of my gut.
Did you have diarrhea after do you still do take any medication
I'm having surgery on October 19th. Praying and hoping for the best.
yes1260 - Best of luck but you are going to be fine. BE A GOOD PATIENT! By that I mean walk as much as you can after the surgery, in the hospital whenever the nurses ask if you want to, even if you don’t feel like it. After they allow you to walk on your own do a hall walk whenever you safely can. Eat soup and jello for several days before introducing solid food. When you get home, keep up your regimen of walking and drinking a lot of water. My pain was not bad, but I didn’t have energy for at least a few weeks, this is completely normal just be patient. Your bathroom visits are going to be a bit crazy for a while, i.e. you might be getting up in the middle of the night, going to the bathroom several times a day, and the biggest adjustment was not having a lot of warning before needing to get to a toilet. You will surely lose some weight over the next few months. All of this is normal, your body is adjusting and once it does, life is 10 million times better. Good luck, be both a hard worker and patient in your recovery, and welcome to a much healthier life! One last thing. I wish they had told me, the first few visits to the bathroom after the surgery... well, no other way to say this but there is going to be a lot of blood. Makes sense since you just had some of your intestines removed. I didn’t know and almost had a heart attack my first visit, but it is normal and everything will be back to normal after about three or four visits. I am not going to lie, it’s not a lot of fun, but the long term benefits are wonderful! Congratulations!
I just found this video better late than never, on July 21st I’m having the same laparoscopic reconstruction surgery for my diverticulitis, can you elaborate more on your experience and Surgery?
Thank you!
@@relentlessrichie3864 It was not a terrible experience, as far as surgeries go. I was on the table about four hours, pain in recovery was manageable, I have had worse. A couple things I wish they had told me… First, they will want to “Monitor” whenever you have to go to the bathroom, make sure everything is working. I told the (female) nurse she was not going in to the bathroom with me but can stand out in the hall.. Ahem. Anyway things started “working” the next morning, but here is one thing they didn’t tell me. The first couple times you go, it will be VERY bloody. It makes sense of course but when I saw it I nearly fainted. It diminished quickly after a couple days. If everything is working they will send you home in about 48 hours. Here is the second thing I learned: You will not have energy for a while. I would say it was at least a month before I started feeling normal. Get up and walk around as soon as you can, whenever you can. Eat soup and light for a while of course, but the only downer was the time it took me to get back my energy level. I will also tell you it is 100% worth it. Once I recovered (give your body time) you will feel 100 times better. It is a serious life-changer. I wish you well!
You look so young to have had to go through that. So glad to see you're doing well. I am currently in my first episode of Diverticulitis and on two antibiotics to treat it. Thank you for the video. God Bless you Matthew.
I know , I know, I'm a little late, on, seeing this video. BUT, I had to respond to the hell this Gentleman has gone through. I'm in the middle of a Flare up myself, and this is what I'm doing about it. I started 8 to 9 years ago, by having Bowl/Cancer screening done , over the intervals of 4 years apart, approximately 7 plops have been taken out by scope and by a Gastroenterologist, simple procedure done under twilight sleep. found to be 90 to 100 % benign (non cancerous) in most cases. But the Diverticulitis remains. I'm stubborn and would not go completely off of my stakes and hard foods. plus not drinking more water as I should have. Now in my 70's , I'm paying for it. with little trips to the bath room and discharging small to large quantities of clotted , raw , blood in the stool. Full blown, Small flares at first, but this last one when my oxygen carrying capacity of the blood drops rapidly each time I go to the bath room. and I almost pass out. I now go to the ER. Upon which I find out my Dr. has retired without notifying me . lol, WOW. what a scare. now I see a consult who manages to control the bleeding and after many units of blood transfusions and the fistula slowly closes from finally clotting off. I now go on soft diet, (low fiber) diet, "there are 2 types of fiber diet,,,,,low fiber and high fiber," The low fiber is all cooked fruit , no peelings, boiled chicken, noodles, white rice, white processed bread, " NO Grain BREAD" , NO fruits with acids, NO large amounts of sugar foods. and definitely NO STEAKS. which has just about caused me to go crazy. I've lost at least 25 to 30 lbs in about 4 weeks. and , I"m slowly getting my strength back. Barely able to stand erect without pain. Still haven't had the surgery yet. But here is what I've done , I'm under the care of a Doctor who specializes in Robotic/ laparoscopic surgery's . this new type of surgery will keep me from being split open like a water melon from pubic to sternum and have a several week recovery. When the time comes , and I know It's coming , I will have the best possible out come to look forward to. But in the mean time I have to learn to leave Steaks alone. I Truly Hope this will help someone who is sitting on the fence and needs a little shove. The Low Fiber diet is for the active Diverticulitis and the high fiber diet is for the Diverticulosis. (non active). High fiber is one with cooked vegetables, soft eggs, mostly every veg, except hard Roots , must cook the crap out of them, Fried Foods out the window, Steaks , chops, ribs, Brisket, hot dogs Gone. lol LOW fat milk, 2%, YOU WILL NEED TO LEARN HOW TO READ THE LABLES on the FOOD to see what is in them. IF you have to find a dietitian get them to teach you how to cook what you need. Don't fall into the TRAP of CHeating . or you will pay the price. AND for heaven sake get a Board Certified Gastroenterologist who specializes in Diverticulitis and the Robotics. The NEW AGE IS HERE. take advantage of it , you will thank me for it. GOOD LUCK.
Im going thru it now ..if i eat i hurt in the top part of my stumic and when it gets worst it moves down to my lower stumic. I bleed every time i use the restroom bad and im low on blood iv went from 255 - 205...in a 2 1/2 month period and my ankles and feet hurt and can verily walk ..and when i do eat im vomiting it up later that night..nights are worst ..im going in for a text soon hoping i don't need sugery but im getting worst ..anything i should no what to do ..
Thank you for posting this. It helps me that I've been going through this for almost 2 years
Well, I am having surgery on October 19th. The surgeon said I should be in the hospital for 2-3 days before going home. I had a flareup about a month ago and I made the decision that I wanted to live my life without that constantly on my mind. So, Monday October 19 is my day. Thanks for all your info.
Im sorry your dealing with this pain =( Im praying for you! (BIG HUGS)
Had my surgery on the 3rd of November. I was admitted to the hospital on the 30th of October by ambulance due to massive pain in the rectum, bladder and penis accompanied by fever and shivering. They knew that it was diverticulitis due to the rigid and pumped up stomach and vomiting of course. I did not have any solid signs before that, I was just constipated a day or two before I was admitted to the hospital. I knew nothing about diverticulitis before and I thought it had something to do with the prostate as the pain was mainly down there. Turned out that it burst and spread through out the stomach.
Stayed in ICU for 6 days and was moved to a normal room till I was let out on the 13th of November.
If all goes well, I should be doing another procedure mid February.
I genuinely hope that every one who's been through this has recovered and living his life normally.
Thank you
Thank you for this video, I was diagnosed last week and since it was severe, colon resection will be scheduled once this infection is cleared up. I'm comforted to know others have came through the process and are living your lives!
I pray you are doing well!!! If you don't mind what were your initial symptoms?
How did you recover from your surgery?
How did the surgery go ?
I actually just got diagnosed with this on Monday night. I was hospitalized for two days. Now I'm so confused on what I can and cannot eat to prevent another attack.
I share your pain I was diagnosed with diverticulitis in 2013. Get yourself slippery elm it will help you with flare ups. Either powder or pills
I will try anything to help. This is the worst pain. I hate it.
I don’t eat any red meat any more because it hurts me a couple hours after I ate it, but know that I stopped eating I control it
I was diagnosed with it a year ago and had 4 flare ups in one year. Even when i changed my diet. Just had surgery last week for it. Hopefully you wont need it. All the best!
stay away from nuts and seed and popcorn no buns with seeds
Drop the strawberrys, and cabbage, don't eat raw, Cook the crap out of the cabbage but don't let it ferment. Strawberrys have little seeds that penetrate the fistulas of the diverticulitis. the loose stools comes from not drinking enough water. The bowls circulate each 24 hours at least 8 liters of fluid. when you are having loose stools you're loosing fluid. you must drink to keep up with it otherwise the gut will become pasty and dry causing more Diverticuli' and pain , scaring is the thing that gets you on the operating table faster than normal. when the bowl looses it's ability to discharge, it will out pouch and cause more fistulas, I 'm telling you things that I've learned the hard way. I had to pick it out of the brains of doctors who do this for a living. understand
What do you eat to stay alive and get the nutrition you need?
No surgery needed?
Just make sure you don't eat like you did before the surgery. I had my resection two years ago. Thought I would be ok eating anything that I wanted. I was wrong. I had 15 inches removed. And now I Just finished a cycle of antibiotics for another diverticulitis attack. So heartbreaking to go through this again. Make sure you do not get constipated. Ever. eat a lot of fiber or take supplements. Hope things go differently for you. My next step will be another resection with an ostomy bag for the rest of my life. Keep hydrated...….
D Harris So Sorry you have to go through all this! Wishing you all the best in this next chapter in your life. Rooting for you D.Harris!!
Yes you all right my friend have operation for problems about her diverticulitis and the doctor told her now you can eat wherever you want I told her I don’t think so now i want to tell her your experience and thank you for let’s I know this is very important for her and for me too, I have diverticulitis too and I have the nex Tuesday colonoscopy I pray that everything is ok. God blessed you and thank you very good information.
@@Almarico3840 How did your surgery go and how are you doing now?
I'm curious why you would do that after surgery especially having diverticulitis thats crazy
@@trick_nogood68 The Dr. said I could eat anything I wanted. He thought he got it all. But he didn't.
Thanks for posting this Matthew I got a lot out of it and I'm facing this procedure as well. I'm having my second flare up since December and it's awful
What are you taking
Hi Matt, just found your video on your diverticulitis surgery, on July 21st I’m having laparoscopic reconstructive surgery for diverticulitis. I’m 63 years old. Can you explain more about the pain you experience right after surgery and when your pain was manageable, also when after surgery did you start pooping regularly again? My doctor said 2 to 3 days in the hospital? You were in 5 if that’s correct? Anyway hoping these days your doing better?
Can you pray for me for my upcoming surgery 🙏🏻
Thank you!
Dilaudid is no joke! Lol I got the procedure on the 23rd this month I had some fucked up flare ups this year that pain is no joke!
I hate that drug gave me a violent migraine on top of my flare. I puked my guts out
I'm about to talk to a Dr about having the surgery. I want to know what the side effects of having the surgery are like what can I eat and or can I go back to a life a normal life of will I still to adapt or an have limitations and things like that
Thanks for making this vlog. Been dealing with this for 6 years. My goodness, the pain... I'm wondering how many of us can hold down a normal job when there are flare ups?!?
Girl, let me tell ya I've had 5 flares since February an hospitalized once and currently in pain..there's no way in hell I could hold down a job an id love to go back to my job but the pain puts me down..im hoping to have this surgery soon. And I don't even care about the bag if I have to have it...prayers for us all with this debilitating disorder
@@trick_nogood68 I'm sorry you are suffering so much! I had 3 flares in one year and two landed me in the ER. They were all "uncomplicated" but the pain was so bad. I was in an 8 on the pain scale of 1 to 10 and my GI doc prescribed me with Dicyclomine which he said is a smooth muscle relaxer. I took my first pill and within 45 minutes the pain went to a 2. I took it for 30 days around the clock and it sure did help with the pain, but I weaned off because it dries me out so bad. The pain is back but only about a 3 and I can at least sleep. Ugh.. Yes, prayers indeed. I'm thinking my flares are related to toxic stress. I gotta work on that too.
@@Gma07 thanks for the kind response. I've never heard of that medication, im glad it helped you. They gave me tramadol this time an it sure did help.
@@trick_nogood68 Tramadol is pretty good as well. 👍 Good luck to you and take care!
@@trick_nogood68 I’m in the same boat now but the problem I have is a have a fistula with my bladder, I’m so afraid
I'm faced with this surgery.The risks!Im scared.
Like many, looks like I'll be facing surgery pretty soon. Thanks for making this video! I just got engaged and having major surgery is definitely not how I thought it would go. Nice to see we can go on pretty normal after an operation. I'll post back in a couple months. Do you have any advice of dos and don'ts?
First of all, let me say congratulations on your engagement to your fiancé! I hope you guys have a nice wedding and married life afterwards! As for do’s and don’ts, I’d say drink plenty of fluids, exercise more often, take acidophilus and fiber pills every day to keep your colon flowing, listen to what your doctor instructs, and overall, stay positive! Also, try to avoid any sorts of food you shouldn’t have before you have surgery. If your doctor hasn’t given you one already, just look up certain diets online for Diverticulitis, and you should be set!
I've had this happen 2 times 2015 and 2020. The first time I was in the hospital from May 11- 15, 2015. Second time I was hospitalized from August 4 - 8 ,2020 released and back in the hospital on August 11- 15,2020. Just had my follow up on 8/28/20 and they are suggesting surgery after my colonoscopy in 8 weeks. I also have a small perforation. I'm scared of the surgery but it's suggested by the surgery team and my primary care doctor.
@ I pray everything works out great for you. I'll be getting mine done in October or November.
How did your surgery go ?
@@as-xz1ue everything went fine. It was a little scary for my wife, because they told her it would take about 3 hours but it ended up being 9 hrs. They found some stuff in my abdomen that was solid like concrete, so they had to remove that as well. Thanks for asking.
@@jestgetit8786 thats excellent news. So glad to hear it all went well.
I had a sigmoidoscopy yesterday. Having a colon resection within the next two months. Having keyhole surgery. I've got a bowel stricture as well
@Matt P did you got the bag?
@@Fox9582 luckily they managed to do it without the bag. Mind u. I nearly died lol. Had internal bleeding after the operation which was leaking out of a hole in my side where they'd interested a drain. Was a huge puddle of blood on the bed. The surgeon said it looks like an artery. And I was in and out of consciousness. So was rushed back in for emergency surgery. And luckily I didn't have to have the bag after the 2nd one. And now I'm fine.
I have to have surgery soon for diverticulitis. I have been a little worried, I am old than you. I know this video is 3 years old, but I hope you are doing well and if you have any other words of encouragement that would be great.
I’m doing great. And I know recovery after surgery for the next couple of weeks will be rough, but you’ll be a lot better after a while. What I would recommend you do after the surgery are two things: #1: Try and maintain a healthy diet on what you eat and drink to avoid getting any more flare-ups in the future. And #2: Why don’t you make up a list of certain goals you want to achieve in your life, like having your own place to live, getting married, have children, etc.? Then try to pursue whatever goals that you set as much as you can. I did it, and still try to pursue what I want to accomplish to this day. That’s the best advice I can give you, and anyone else who is going through what I experienced, so I hope it helps!
yes1260 I had surgery on Nov. 1st, 2017, which was on a Wednesday, and I had to stay there for roughly 4 days until Sunday afternoon, where I could finally go home. As for when you could return to work after surgery, that may be something to talk to your work supervisor and doctor about.
I just saw your video, I’m suffering the same fate. The problem with me is that my diverticulitis actually created a fistula with my bladder and doctors say that I might need two surgeries and that I might live with a bag for a while till my colon goes back to normal. I feel nervous, anxious, afraid the whole nine yards. I don’t know what to do I cry I feel impotent. Right now I’m on antibiotics trying to reduce the abscess I have. Can you give me some advice and peace please! I need it 😢
I had my 3rd attack this year after smoking weed . I took some antibiotics but still feeling some pain . Im going to to schedule with a gastroenterologist to see whats up
Why do you smoke weed?
Good information. I’m going thru problems now. Part of your talk it was uncomfortable trying to hear you with the loud background music. It was the morning of your resection where it was annoying. Anyway, good luck.
So from what I've heard no one has surgery and fully recovers
not what i have read online
What?
@@joanngreenwood7649 i read a variety of people online. Some say they have fully recovered and fell 100 percent better than before others say that they dont.
Thanks
I am on my 4th antibiotic this year. I am so scared to have surgery.
Iv had 2 sets of antibiotics in the last month in a half ..im going thru this now scared to death
What kind of antibiotics
How long was the surgery? My doctor told me it could take 3 to 4 hours? By the way, you mentioned the Good Doctor, I love that show but I never seen an episode, at least from what I remember involving diverticulitis
Roughly 1, 2, or maybe 3 at best. I’m glad you enjoy watching The Good Doctor like I do, but I also don’t recall there being an episode of the show where Diverticulitis is featured, so I wouldn’t know what to tell you.
Im sech. For a surgery. They first tried antibiotics was on them via IV in hospital for 3 days, they released me and gave me oral antibiotics to take 20 dayz that followed. Still having issuses been well over 20 days, so they say the next alternative is surgery.
I'm sorry you're going through it too, but I wish you the best just the same!
I was hospitalized for a day and after many test I have diverticulitis and colitis! I knew about diverticulitis and had a bout a couple years ago but this bout made me very weak and I have been out of work for a few days now but don't feel I can return anytime soon. How long before you started feeling better?
Within 2 or 3 days since I was first admitted to the hospital when I was diagnosed with it.
I'm getting this surgery soon. How often do you have to go to the bathroom now? I am thinking I would always have to be close to a bathroom if they take a foot of your colon out?
I still use the bathroom in a regular manner weeks after my surgery.
Get a tissue for Christ sake!
I’m sorry, what are you talking about?
Lol
I was recently had a flare up on Thanksgiving with the worst pain since then. Its been almost 3 months and still in pain I have had 4 MRIs and 5 rounds of antibiotics. Thet keep telling me its normal. What should I do?
Try talking to your doctor to schedule a colonoscopy so that they can take a look at the inside of your colon. It’s likely you’ll need surgery to get it taken care of. That’s the best advice I can seem to give you at this point.
I was able to get in for my colonoscopy. No polyps thank god. I have to schedule a surgery with in 4 to 6 months. I had another question for you. Did lifting ever bother you? I have a pretty physical job that requires pushing and pulling 500 pound drums.
@@rafaelayala9790 You mean, when I was recovering from having surgery? I’m not sure, but I would recommend you wait until you’re fully recovered after surgery to do any major lifting while on the job. Try talking to your boss or supervisor from wherever you’re working to see how much time you’ll need to rest at home before figuring out when you can go back to work. Again, it’s the best advice I can give you at this point.
Finally had my surgery on April 4. I'm about 4 weeks in. Question for you. How long did your pain last? I'm still feeling pain. My doctor said it would take the whole 6 weeks to recover. I did have a small complication were the gas got trapped under my skin. Did you have any problems and what did you do. Should I be concerned about the pain still.
@@rafaelayala9790 My pain after surgery lasted a couple of weeks at best. Also after my surgery, and while I was recovering, I guess the issue I had was being able to pass stool, or have a bowel movement, which, within a couple of days, I finally managed to do. For the gas issue, again, I would try talking to your doctor or one of your family members to see what would help you with that.
How have you been doing since your surgery?
Fine. I’ve had a second flare-up last year, and a scare earlier this year when it turned out I only had intestinal cramping. Other than that, I’ve been doing good.
💯❤️
How are you now man ?
Anonymous I’m doing fine now, thanks!
@@matthewhajjar-betters3703 good to here that man, I'm currently suffering from the same condition, the first attack, doctors say its complicated one ( stage one ), I've been sick for more than a month, tho I feel improvement with antibiotics but still i feel pain and bloating few hours after having a meal.
Doctor put it all me to decide whether to continue conservative management or to have an elective laporoscopic sigmoid resection.
I dont know what to do man, should I go for surgery or should I live with obsession of getting future episode ??
I'm really confused at this point.
Appreciate your advice.
Did you fully recover after surgery ???
Anonymous If surgery is required, then maybe that’s what you should go for, if you haven’t had it yet.
Anonymous For the most part.
How are you feeling now ? It looks like it was a laproscopic surgery which didnt require a bag ?
How long did it take you to recover? Sorry for the qs someone close to me has diverticulitis
Like I’ve already been saying in the comments, I’m doing a lot better than I was before. Yes, the surgery I got was laparoscopic, and no, I didn’t need to have a colostomy bag installed on me. It took me a week or more to recover from the pain after the surgery. And sorry to hear that your friend or relative has what I got.
@@matthewhajjar-betters3703 thank you for your reply! Am very happy to hear it went well 😊
Ive had 3 long attacks in 4 months. Last attack was 5 days in hospital. Just got home 2 days ago. Still feeling crappy. Have to go and have a colonoscopy in 6 weeks then we discuss surgery. If I have another attack in the meantime they said I may need a colostomy. How many attacks did you have before the surgery?
Lilly Long Before I found out about it, I’ve struggled with it for about a week, starting on Sep. 11, 2017, until the 17th later on, when I went to the hospital to go get treated for it. After that, and until the point where I did have surgery for it on Nov. 1st, I didn’t have any more flare-ups.
Hi all,
Can I ask how most people are being diagnosed. 3 years ago I started getting this nagging lower left pain. Fast forward to today, I’m 39 and have on and off again flare-ups.
No joke I’ve have 5 colonoscopies, MR Enterography and a Abdo CT.
Nil zip nothing to be seen, I’m like what the hell if it’s not diverticulitis. I am usually symptom free in the morning, but after I go to the bathroom it starts always the same exact lower left spot, can anyone relate ?
It’s appreciated
I had mine diagnosed with blood test and CT scan. Since I commented last time 2 months I've ended up having Hartmann's procedure because my diverticulitis got worse rapidly. I'm 5 weeks post op. They took my whole sigmoid colon and I now have a colostomy bag.
Lilly Long;
Hey Lilly, I hope your ok and on the mend. Will they reattach after a certain period of time ?
Sounds like you have been through the wars, I wish you a speedy recovery !
Do my symptoms ring a bell to you, may I ask what your were ?
Like I said I’ll wake up fine but after a BM it’ll flare up and last the day, even sometimes I feel it affects my urination.
Sorry for the questions but I keep thinking I’ve had so many tests, could they have missed it ? I’m getting the ‘It’s IBS’
@@skip3662 it was a huge surgery and much more than I anticipated tbh. I'm on the mend thanks x. I'm having a reversal in 5 to 12 months. Hmm my symptoms were pain down in my lower abdomen and back. My sigmoid had fused into a cavity where my uterus was as I'd had a hysterectomy. Left lower abdomen pain is a symptom though. I'd be on and off the toilet sometimes 15 times a day. I'd be given IV antibiotics, fluids and pain relief in hospital then they say it takes 2 weeks to recover. I never made it to two weeks because I'd flair again. You're symptoms sound a bit like when I was diagnosed with IBS years ago. But also sound like diverticulitis. My pain would end up being constant and non intermittent with the diverticulitis. CT should show if you have diverticulitis as it's very thorough.
Any medication?
Lovepreet Deo When I was diagnosed, I had to be put on antibiotics during my stay and after being discharged from the hospital. I’m also taking over-the-counter fiber and acidophilus pills to keep my bowels going, and I should drink more fluids often.
@@matthewhajjar-betters3703 you've been given anything for the diarrhea?
Lovepreet Deo I’m not sure, but I would say no.
@@matthewhajjar-betters3703 do u have diarrhea everyday
Lovepreet Deo Only when I get sick, which is extremely rare.
Do you get diarrhea often
Lovepreet Deo Not to be too gross about it, but yeah...
What helps
Lovepreet Deo I guess maintaining a healthy diet or whatever. Just look it up online, and you might find something helpful.
Can you please just turn off the background noise? I would take you much more seriously if you didn’t have the “Charlie Brown music” going in the background.
I’m sorry if the background music bothers you, but I don’t recall using any music from Charlie Brown.