I had an endoscopy in Jan 2014 after years of having a pain in my lower left side of my abdomen. The endoscopy was unsuccessful due to 'fixity' (a term used by the consultant) of the seigmoid colon which meant that he could get no further without the risk of damaging my colon. It was painful when he reached the point at 'fixity'. I was told that I had diverticular disease and given advice on diet etc.
For about the last few weeks, I have been experiencing pain in the same area, but this pain is now extending what feels like through my pelvis and into my lower back just above the buttock. I am wondering if this is because of the 'fixity' (think this means that the colon has attached itself to the abdomen wall) or could it be an ovary issue. This only seems to happen when I am lying on my right side when I go to bed. As soon as I lie on my back the pain disappears. Perhaps the colon is pulling when I lay on my right side. Could this be the diverticula disease?
Any helpful suggestions would be most welcome.
I think you should go back to your doctors. Especially as they could not get a clear view of all of your colon. You may need another attempt of endoscopy or a ct or mri scan. Diverticulitis normally hurts in any position. Admittedly its easing up when I lie down in fetal position and increases when I stand up, sit down or bend over. But its consistent majority of the time. Same goes with the flares. its like a throbbing, cramping pain. I feel very sore to touch. Stomache swells up and I cant wear tight fitting clothes. Any pressure on stomache makes it worse. It might still be diverticulitis but for own peace of mind get yourself checked out by your gp.
Hello and many thanks for your reply.
I can't wear tight fitting clothes either, really uncomfortable if I do. I have had to buy clothes with elastic waist or a size too big.
I forgot to mention that after the endoscopy was a failure, I was sent straight afterwards for a CT scan. My whole bowel was filled with air (I thought I was going to burst!) and then the pictures were taken. I was mighty relieved when the air was let out.
Apart from the pain in the left side, I have a lump in the abdomen about an inch down from the belly button. This was what prompted the doctor to send me for endoscopy. I was told that the lump was just the bowel pressing on the abdomen wall and nothing untoward was found on the CT scan.
I might go back to the doctors to rule out anything else as you suggest.
Best wishes
Marie
Hi
It could be but better go to your Dr to di
Sorry using my phone cut off my reply. You need to go back to Dr. To get disgnosed and tested properly. It could be a no. Of things.
Sounds like a hernia. That's guts spilling out through tears in abdominal wall, well its still underneath the skin. They can be painful too. And what's more is they can be fixed surgically. But do go see doctors again. They can advice you better. Good luck! Let us know how you get on
My doctor checked for hernia and didn't think that was the problem. I have a new doctor now and I have booked an appointment. It is not until next month but I shall let you know how I get on.
Best wishes
Marie
Hi
Good luck. I go on Monday. I will keep you posted.
Vivian
Hi
More confused than ever. I saw my Dr. Was put on antibiotics was so sick this weekend i ended up at emergency. The Dr. In ER said c he did not know what it was. He said it could be an abscess . He sent me back to my Dr and to refer me for a scan. I go tomorrow. Still in pain.
Hi Vivian
I hope you get this sorted out asap. I am surprised that A&E did not do any investigations while you were there.
Marie
Paycuts. Unless there is a very strong clinical indication to scan they refer back to gp to cut the cost to the emergency department. It's all about the money, money, money!. I'm praying for you Vivian that you get sorted. I am not sure if it's too reassuring but at least if can't be systemic what's going on wuth you or they would have paid fir the scan. An abcess can be drained and hopefully you get your scan soon and answers
Hi
Thank you. I figured exactly that. It is about the money. I feel awful again today. Thd antibiotics give losd bowels and nausea. Is if possible to havs an abscess without fever?
Vivian
Yes it's possible. It can be walled off. I read some research done on patients with chronic abdominal pain secondarily to divertcular disease. Of these 75 patients, 100% had inflammation in the colon when they operated on them. One even had a hidden abcess. All these patients had no raised inflammatory markers on their blood works. Nor did they have fever. The abcess can be tucked away and will only make a fuss once it's getting too big for its environment. Or
I am going tonight to my doctor. I will let you know.
Vivian
hope you can help me. I s freaked out. Saw my GP. He said it could be my IBS but was not too convinced. He said maybe a partial bowel obstruction. Sent me for a ultrasound. I have to make an appt. I was doing some research and I found that the main cause for large bowel obstructions are malignant tumors first and diverticulitis second. I am getting scared. My blood work was normal. Does that mean anything?
Vivian
It is true that tumours are a major cause of bowel obstructions. It is also true ongoing continous infection in the gut cause something called strictures. We diverticular diseases sufferers are more prone to get these strictures. Vivian, there is no way to tell what is causing your problems without having you properly invesitgated. Ultrasounds dont see too much. A CT scan with contrast or even MRI is preferred but might come further down the line for you. I beleive it would take longer to book one of them too and ultrasound would give a a preliminary picture of what is going on. Say it was a tumour causing your symptoms, you have a lot better chance of full recovery the quicker it is found. The success rate in early detection is very good. Cancer is causing a whole lot of other symptoms too. Anaemia, bleeding, weightloss, I know these can be a part of diverticular symptoms too. The fact you had blood tests and they are normal is quite reassuring. However they still need to dig deeper to rule out anything else.
If it is a partial obstruction they will most likely need another endo/coloscopy and perhaps surgery down the line depending on the findings. I suggest until you know what the cause is to have a sloppy diet. Lots of soups. Try and prevent constipation at all cost. You might be having diaorrhea with constipation beleive it or not. If the colon is obstructed it will only let water past hence watery diaorrhea. Or nothing. Depends on severity/ cause of obstruction. Partial obstruction can move onto full obstruction so be observant if your pain gets worse or if you cant pass gas. If this happens you need to go to a and e straight away.
I understand you feel worried. Just try and hang in there and lets hope for the best. Im keeping my fingers crossed for you. Get yourself booked in for your scan and take it from there.
Thanks so much for your reply. Much appreciated. I haven't been able to work this week so my mind is going everywhere. You made a good point about the bloodwork. Although I have lost weight there was no anemia when I had my blood work done at Emergency. I am so upset they didn't do an ultrasound there. Even my GP was surprised. There are only two locations nearby. I have to call myself this morning to book the ultrasound. My GP said he would rather do an ultrasound before a CT because of the radiation involved. He also took away Cymbalta that I had been previously on for anxiety. He said I am likely to feel nauseated for a couple of days. Sorry too caugt up in my own misery, but I never asked, how are you doing?
Vivian
Hi Vivian. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Life's been a bit busy. I'm feeling quite OK at the moment thanks. I was wondering how you are getting on? Did you manage to get the scan done? And Marie, how did your appointment go? Hope you ladies are well
Hi
My GP referred me to a Surgeon. He said the Surgeon will do the Scan. The wait time is long. I haved changed my diet again and I hope yo go back to work next week. This relapse was a bad one. I still have discomfort on the left lower side. Feels like a healing wound. I don't know if I mentioned I also have IBS. I have a question.
My GP thought this recent epidode was more due to IBS but wouldn't the diverticular pockets flare up also?
Vivian
I think diverticular disease goes and in hand with IBS. My personal thesis on diverticular disease is that it is indeed chronic inflammation of the affected area. Now anytime its aggravated it turns into acute inflammation or infection ie diverticulitis. The catalyst for this could be many things. Common attributes of catalysts are that they cause irritation to the guts provoking the inflamed tissue. Inflammation takes a long time to heal, especially if its irritated over and over again. If it sits in the guts it is constantly provoked by the peristalsis and intraluminal pressures ( feaces). So if my theory would be right the only way to combat this is by reducing inflammation. Or in your case reduce the IBS symptoms to eliminate the knock on effect its has on your diverticular disease. Remember this is just me speculating. Perhaps try your IBS medications with liquid diet the week before you due back. Plus probiotics as you been on antibiotics. I use liquid youghurts regular, 3-4 hourly to ensure consistent supply of goodness. I don't know if it works but its cured me from diarrhoea one or two times in the past. It can't hurt unless you are lactose intolerant. I heard that in Sweden they stick you on iv drip for 6 weeks for complete bowel rest if there's recurrent episodes. Before considering operation. I hope your surgeons have a cancellation and that they can move your appointment forward so you don't have to wait too long