Been a little scarce this last month. I developed major RLQ pain, severe nausea, and odd bowel screeches. I knew what was wrong and went to the ER. Loads of blood test, CT scan, xrays, and consultations confirmed what I knew. I was having another bout of cecal diverticulitis. This was my third such episode since 2003. This diverticulum is right above my appendix so of course they must rule out appendicitis each time. Having a cecal diverticulum is very rare. Of course, there were a couple doctors arguing this was a Crohn's causing a partial obstruction. Was sent home with 2 types of antibiotics and I thought all would be good.
Wrong...two days later I was so dehydrated from all the diarrhea and very, very weak. Also the pain had not subsided, in fact it was worse. Had my daughter take me to my primary doc's office. The doc took one look at me and I was immediately admitted. I had lost 8 pounds in 48 hours! That was my first hospitalization in 21 years! I won't bore you with the drama of my hospital stay.
Saw my GI yesterday. He asked for all the details leading up to my hospitalization. Then he stepped out to go view my CT scan films. When he walked back into the room, the first thing he said was "You're screwed." He went on to explain that if this was cecal diverticulitis, a third episode would get me a referral to a surgeon for a resection. However, the GI is not sure this was diverticulitis. If it was Crohn's, then opening me up would be a big mistake. Also, I have so many other medical issues that I am at real risk if I need surgery. I would appreciate anyone so inclined to keep their fingers crossed that I do not have another episode within the next 3 months. Because the GI said a repeat episode within 3 months was an exception to what he said. Then I would have to be explored.
What is the issue causing the risk besides the immunosuppression? When I was in the ER, they did bleeding times on me. Mine were elevated. These were still elevated three weeks later. So now I am being worked up to find the cause of my clotting disorder. Lupus related clotting issues and liver disease have been ruled out. Waiting for a call from my PCM. When I left his office he was on his way to talk to the hematologist.
I'm also very low in magnesium and the docs are uncertain what is causing that. I'm still anemic. The vascular surgeon is pushing to put a stent in my leg because the arterial flow is so compromised. That is on hold until the clotting disorder is solved.
Sorry about the whine. Some of you have problems that make mine look like non-issues. I just feel frustrated and whining does help sometimes. I do have some positive news. The Simponi works great! The SI joint inflammation and various areas of enthesitis get much better after the injection. It also seems to have a positive effect on my gut related issues.
~~Ides
BTW ~ My GI is fabulous. We have a great relationship and I don't want any of you to think that his telling me I was screwed is inappropriate. 