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Sigmoidectomy

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/25/2011 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
I'm almost 65. Diagnosed 3 years ago with UC. Had almost a year's remission but then started with the bleeding again. Turns out, I also had a diverticulosis issue. The UC and diverticulosis were both in my sigmoid. Tried all the meds and I mean all. Cipro and Flagyl twice in 45 days. My gastroenterogist knowing I was massively frustrated suggested I talk with a surgeon. The surgeon removed 12 inches of my sigmoid almost a month ago. So far no complications and I am eating anything I want to eat. My hope is that I won't have anymore UC thought realizing it could move into the remainder of the colon. Hopefully no more diverticulitus which was aggravated by enemas and the other UC drugs. Had an anastomosis which has held up so far.

Bottomline, I tried everything in the book except swallowing the worms. I don't regret the surgery even if ultimately it does not provide more or less permanent relief. Next time, if there is one, the surgeon can take out the entire colon and install a bag. Right now, I feel like I am getting my life back. I realize I am much older than many with UC (my 28 year old son has it) and surgery might not seem like a big deal to someone my age. If I were as sick as some describe here, I'd opt for surgery sooner rather than later. All these drugs they give us have their own downsides on livers and kidneys.

I happen to have a great gastro doctor. The surgeon told me that my particular doctor is a thinking physician. That cannot be said for all of them. There has to be a bond of trust with the doctors. If there isn't, find someone else. I am just stunned at the amount of suffering revealed on this forum.

I know surgery is not for everyone, but for me it became the best option and the results so far are worth it. Will let you know if I have to eat those words.
Posted 8/25/2011 7:05 PM (GMT 0)

MakingIt said...
If I were as sick as some describe here, I'd opt for surgery sooner rather than later. All these drugs they give us have their own downsides on livers and kidneys.

I agree.
Posted 8/25/2011 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
I had the full surgery 10 years ago; life has been great. Yes, it makes me sad to see really sick people who have a low quality of life due to UC. Life is much better post surgery. Thanks for sharing your story.

Sue
Posted 8/25/2011 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sue,

Thankfully, I had my surgery during a healthy state with minimum disease symptoms. Too often, it seems people have to have the surgery under ER conditions or when they are terribly ill and side effects can be worse. I don't understand why surgery is not a sooner rather than later option for those so very ill with this nightmare.

Cheers.
Posted 8/25/2011 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
There was a thread here a week or two ago about "diverticular colitis" which mimics UC, but seems to be a different disease. Googleing "diverticular colitis" can be very informative.
Posted 8/25/2011 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
My gastro doc diagnosed me 3 years ago via colonoscopy and biopsy and pronounced UC. The left side was involved. Meds put me into remission but after 352 days I started bleeding. He has a Ph.d as well as MD and decades of experience. He said he had never seen anything like it which might explain the comments about the rarity of "diverticuli colitus". I have not found it referenced anyplace but on this site but will do more looking. In any case, surgery was the only real option as I was tired of all the endless meds. If it takes removing the rest of my colon, I'll do it. I'd rather use a bag than be glued to the toilet and confined to the house. I cannot imagine what working people have to go through. I was already retired when my ailment showed up.
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