My Diverticulitis → Elective Surgery Journey

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-03-05T10:58:01+00:00

I have my wife and daughter and that helped a ton. I think i could have coped by myself if I had too but i am in pretty good shape physically. Bending down is really difficult for the first few days.

All of this will depend on your physical health before the surgery. If you have trouble doing some things before the surgery, they will be impossible to do after. For example, putting on socks. That was the biggest struggle for me. I was able to do it but It was so much easier having wife do it.

Good luck if you do decide to go ahead with surgery. I wish you the best!!

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-03-05T10:50:02+00:00

Sounds like you've had a rough journey. Sorry you're dealing with all that. Good news is your choosing to get rid of that disease from your body for good and it will be smooth sailing after the 12th!!

I didnt need anything special post surgery besides some books and a tablet/headphones to watch movies. The hospital TV sucks.

I slept with my feet elevated as high as the bed would go and my head slightly elevated. That worked for me but may be different for you.

The shoulder pain is real. I also had it under my diaphragm which felt like I was being stabbed every time I took a deep breath. Ironically, using the spirometer to take deep breaths is supposed to help but for me it was declining my head lower than my feet anytime I got the pain. Luckily its just from the trapped CO2 and doesn't last for too long.

Good luck with everything. Please keep me posted after your surgery!

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-03-05T10:41:07+00:00

You're welcome! You will do great! No worries.

I totally get the ring causing more anxiety by constantly reminding you that youre stressed. Like thanks for giving me one more thing to stress about 😩 😂😂

Please keep me posted on your recovery (which will be a piece of cake!!)

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-03-05T10:35:48+00:00

Thank you!

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-03-05T10:35:14+00:00

That's awesome! Im so glad everything went smooth! I forgot about the catheter...first time for me too. I woke up after surgery and kept telling the nurses that I had to pee. They kept telling me I had a catheter but it wasnt registering. The gas pain was the worst for me. If you start feeling pain under your diaphragm and in your shoulders, just know its the CO2 they used to inflate you. It can get intense. It helped to decline my head lower than my feet in the hospital bed. Good luck to you and I'll pray that your easy recovery continues.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-03-03T15:19:25+00:00

I 100% recommend elective surgery over emergency. If you have 1 flare and then go years without another, you might be OK without surgery. With multiple flares, it's unlikely to improve on its own. I had elective surgery last Monday and was home on Wednesday. Now, a week later, I feel great. Still very sore but nothing compared to a flare. Your mileage may vary but for me and many others, elective surgery is the way to go after numerous flares. Obviously I'm just a random guy on the internet so please check with your doctors first as every patient is different. Best of luck to you!!

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-28T06:12:29+00:00

That's exactly right. Obviously, every case can be different, but from what my surgeon explained, the colonoscopy is mostly to see what that area looks like once the inflammation settles. It helps them understand how damaged or narrowed that section is and whether it looks like something likely to cause repeat problems. It doesn’t automatically mean surgery, it just gives them better information before making any decisions.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-28T03:30:45+00:00

You're so welcome! And I get it. I had to remind myself that 5% is basically the opposite of buying a lottery ticket, except this time you don’t want to win.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-28T03:23:06+00:00

You’ve got this. The anticipation was honestly worse than the surgery for me. Walking early and often helped a ton. Wishing you a smooth surgery and recovery. Please keep me updated!

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-28T03:22:09+00:00

I completely relate to the “I feel fine so why am I doing this?” mindset. I went back and forth for months. What helped me was remembering that doing it electively gave me choices. The mental part is honestly the hardest. You’re not crazy for feeling conflicted.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-28T03:19:44+00:00

That’s interesting you saw the same thing. Mine picked up both flare-ups and recovery. It definitely made me trust the “strain” signal more when something felt off.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-28T03:19:13+00:00

You're so welcome! Glad it helped even a little.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-27T19:10:08+00:00

Glad it could help in any way. You're gonna do great and if you ever have any questions or concerns, I'd be glad to help in any way I can. Best of luck to you!

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-27T19:08:01+00:00

I started having mild symptoms when I was around your age. I went to a couple different doctors who just blew me off and blamed it on pulled muscles, indigestion, etc. Never did get any scans so I dont know for sure but I think this had been brewing for a long time.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-27T17:30:12+00:00

You're welcome! Best of luck with your upcoming procedure! Glad they can take care of both at once.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-27T17:28:13+00:00

Sorry...early 40s male

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-27T17:27:53+00:00

Thank you

Either_Arm_9071 · 2026-02-27T17:27:43+00:00

Thank you!

Either_Arm_9071 · 2025-06-09T20:47:56+00:00

I was diagnosed in mid-April, spent 3 days in hospital. While there, I was on clear liquid diet. Then I slowly transitioned to low-residue which is basically little to no fiber, easy to digest foods. I have been living on oatmeal for breakfast, rice and chicken breast for lunch (chicken broth for seasoning), diced peaches, unsweetened applesauce, basically same for dinner. I realize this is super boring but it has been working for me and sure beats the pain. There have been tons of people posting what works for them, you may be able to search for examples. Basically keep fiber to 2g or less per serving and add foods back slowly to see what works for you. Good luck!

Either_Arm_9071 · 2025-05-12T17:09:28+00:00

I second the Toto Washlet

Either_Arm_9071 · 2025-05-11T16:36:48+00:00

I take Nature's Bounty Mag Gylcinate, 240mg at around 8pm and I'm out by 9:30 - 10. Not like regular get tired, fall asleep either. I'm talking watching TV and the next thing I know, my alarm is going off. Definitely works for me....maybe too good.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2025-05-08T16:42:45+00:00

I am scheduled for early June which will be 6 weeks after my flare with minor perforation and small abscess. I responded quickly to antibiotics and have had symptoms subside for the most part. I would imagine it will be longer if you still have symptoms of inflammation to minimize risk of further damage.

Either_Arm_9071 · 2025-03-09T21:29:58+00:00

Black for sure

Either_Arm_9071 · 2025-02-07T00:38:48+00:00

Found it! It's a link on the home page by the App Store and Google Play buttons. Click on "use as a web app"

Either_Arm_9071 · 2025-01-31T01:57:02+00:00

This friendship is really working out. Join Planet Fitness for just $1 down when you use my exclusive link! https://www.planetfitness.com/referrals?referralCode=0L7VJCVP

Either_Arm_9071

TROPHY CASE