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Diverticulitis colitis

Hi everyone,
earlier this year I had another regular colonoscopy and right after the exam (before any biopsy results came in) my gastroenteroligist reassured my partner and myself that he did not think I have Crohn's disease.
Having been diagnosed at age thirteen and being closely followed before moving to Belgium, I didn't believe him. My partner was obviously overjoyed at this prospect even though I urged calm.

Fast-forward three weeks and many phone calls later to get my biopsy results. My Crohn's (in remission now for a while) was reconfirmed but I was also diagnosed with diverticulitis colitis.
I have little knowledge of this and my gastroenterologist is not the most informative person. Does anyone else have this and how does it affect you?

I'm just unsure about what the symptoms are and if I should be worried / change anything.
 

Trysha

Moderator
Staff member
Diverticulitis can be very similar to Crohn’s colitis and it takes an astute Gastroenterologist
to differentiate and diagnose it.
It took several successive GI specialists to diagnose mine...the third one was on the mark..
I ended up with major surgeries for the diverticular disease and removal of the right colon which included a very large 4.4cm tumour with... early cancerous changes.. which had been missed by previousGIs....and later the left side surgery to remove the sigmoid colon and small part of the rectum.
Each time the hospital stay was lengthy...but I recovered.
The surgeon was exceptional and I ended up with no bags due to his skills both times.
It did not stop the crohn’s and I still have unpleasant bouts.
Diverticulitis is usually successfully treated with antibiotics and surgery is usually a last resort.
Hope this is helpful to you
 
Thank you Trysha, it is very helpful. I'm going to make sure to follow up with a new gastroenterologist because, frankly, I have little confidence after this last episode.

I hope you're well and in remission.
 

Trysha

Moderator
Staff member
Research the gastroenterologists before you sign on with one.find one that specializes in crohn’s disorders...should be possible through the web.
Crohn’s still can be a problem for me but currently is bearable.
Hope you are able to resolve your situation soon
 
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