Diverticulitus

[kwicky]

My wife was diagnosed with this 6 months ago after having a rear end scan (endoscopy)and which had become inflamed. Since then she has been unable to defecate satsifactorily even after taking laxatives. She refuses to tell the doctor the whole story because of fear of the unknown and a possible operation to clear the blockage. Has anyone got any comments on how this could be resolved?

[GeordiePengy]

Hi kwicky,

I work in an area that deals with this, so I'll try and help you a bit, although there's a lot of qurstions...!

You say that she was had difficulty having her bowels opened since her colonoscopy, despite laxatives. What laxatives has she been trying? Not all laxatives are suitable. Different laxatives work in different ways. She may have been using one that wasn't suited to this problem. Also, when she is having her bowels opened, is there any blood or evidence of bleeding. if so, is it dark or light in colour? And how much is being passed?

How often is she having her bowels opened, compared to normally? Is she passing any wind? Has she lost any weight recently?

You say that she was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. Was she admitted to hospital and given any antibiotics? Has she had any antibiotics lately?

By not telling the doctor/GP it can make any potential problems worse. An operation is usually the last resort, but sometimes it can be a life saver.

It is possible that it is not diverticulitis this time, but it could be something else, which could be easily treated.

If people were more honest about their bowel habits then a lot of problems could be picked up and treated a lot sooner and quicker. Whilst everyone thinks of worst case scenario, chances are, it's unlikely to be that.

[kwicky]

Thanks for your reply. During the episode 6 months ago she had a terrific pain and lost a large anount of blood. When the doctor was called she was NOT put on antibiotics but put on a waiting list which took 8 weeks before diagnosis. Because of the pain from the internal colonoscopy they were only able to examine a short distance but were able to see the enlarged diverticuli. She did lose a fair amount of weight subsequently but is now regaining it. As she was not opening her bowels she took Ortisan and more recently got a prescription for Fibregel but nothing seems to work. The doctor physically examined her recently but could find no obstruction below so it would be higher up the colon. She worries about cancer so prefers not to bring up the subject with the doctor saying the Fibregel is working. I suggested a whole body scan as they can get a virtual image of the colon can't they? There is no bleeding after that initial problem.

[GeordiePengy]

I am surprised that she wasn't started on antibiotics when diverticulitis was diagnosed. There may be a reason as to why she wasn't, but to me it's rare than someone suffering with diverticulitis isn't on them.

It does sound as though further investigation is needed though. There are several investigations that can be performed, such as a full colonoscopy, CT abdomen, CT Pneumocolon, barium enema, and more. However, the right invesitgation required is determined by the symptoms she choses to share with the medical profession. If she chooses not to tell her GP about what she is experiencing, them the cause of her symptoms can't be determined. I'm not intending to lecture as I can understand why she doesn't want to tell all to someone else, but she really does need to be open and honest about it.

I have seen many people who have chosen not to have their symptoms investigated earlier because they were too embarrased. Sadly a lot of these have gone on to develop further complications.

I can understand the worry about the 'C' word, but if and should it turn out to be, then it can potentially be cured very easily. However, if left too long, then the potential to spread and develop further increases significantly.

If she does have any episodes of bleeding then I would strongly recommend that she goes in to hospital and be admitted for investigation. Yeah, it's not nice, but it may need to be done. If the symptoms are continuing regardless, then she needs to go to her GP and be honest with them. They should make the necessary referrals to be investigated.

Sorry for the essay, and I'm not intending to lecture. I hope that it is something relatively simple and can be sorted very quickly.