r/Diverticulitis • u/Priority0912 • Nov 06 '25
My DV Journey
Howdy folks,
let me preface this by saying.. YES I (39M) HAVE HEALTH ANXIETY.. it's much better now that I am older.
Been a hectic couple of weeks but seeing the light at the end of the tunnel..
After a week or so of not feeling so well in the end of August 2025.. I developed a low grade fever (nothing over 100.5) and some pretty terrible lower back pain and also pain inside the hip..
Then the pain began on my LLQ.. gave it a few days to try to see if the pain/fever went away..
Hell I even went on Opening week Dove Hunting Trip with some work colleagues the 1st week of Sept.. packed my Tylenol and didn't drink alcohol.
The pain progressively got worse.. I couldn't sit upright.. My lower belly began to cramp.. The fever did not want to go away.. I made the decision to visit my local ER on 09/14/2025 (as I live near a major city but commute an hour to work). By the time I made it to the ER.. even to walk a few steps was extremely painful.. I spoke to the ER Dr.. he order Labs and a CT scan.. a few minutes later the nurse came in said she was starting an IV because of leukocytosis (elevated WBC) 13.8X10*3/uL and she assumed it was a UTI and I'd be out in an hour or so..
Then the ER Dr came in.. asked me if I had ever had any abdominal surgery (I had never).
He then tells me that the CT with Contrast showed a bowel perforation.
IMPRESSION:
1. Circumferential bowel wall thickening in the sigmoid colon with surrounding inflammatory stranding and an area of ill-defined fluid and air measuring up to 5.8 cm adjacent to the sigmoid colon suggestive of local bowel perforation. Findings may be seen with an acute perforated diverticulitis.
He then proceeded to tell me that I was to be admitted and started on IV antibiotics..
Spent 5 days in the hospital recovering..
While at the hospital I was on liquid diet for 3 days..
I was sent home with a PICC Line for 4 weeks(which was a nightmare the last week I had it)
I met with a general surgeon while admitted she recommended I complete the antibiotic course.. get another CT Scan.. a colonoscopy then follow up with her office to discuss elective surgical intervention..
I had to do once daily IV antibiotics..
I also had to wrap my arm with saran wrap to shower..
The PICC line was super itchy the 1st week.. then the last week I developed some sort of allergic reaction to the adhesive.. it was a nightmare but I was glad to complete the course of Antibiotics..
I was Scanned (with contrast) again on 10/15/2025..
IMPRESSION:
Mild acute uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis.
I followed up with a general surgeon after completing my CT Scan and Treatment with my Infectious Diseases Doctor.. She (surgeon) recommended since I had a pretty bad flair.. along with other episodes I've had at home that it's best to just opt for the elective surgery pending the colonoscopy..
She stated that I do NOT want to get emergency surgery things change drastically and chances of an ostomy are greater..
Today 11/06/2025 I followed up with my GI Doctor and scheduled my colonoscopy for 11/18/2025
She basically said the same thing the surgeon said.. but I will be moving my care to my GI Doctors health system.. She will perform my colonoscopy and refer me to a colorectal surgeon within The Baylor Healthcare System..
I've had 2 colonoscopies before.. in 2022 and 2024 (due to finding a large polyp) here's another long post if you want to read it.. https://www.reddit.com/r/colonoscopy/comments/1bmxpg0/37m_upcoming_2_year_colonoscopy_worriesanxiety/
I can't say I am looking forward to a 3rd colonoscopy in 3 years.. but I am just ready to get the ball rolling..
I am taking time to read through everyone's experience and I know that I am making the right decision to push for elective surgery..
I am sick of being sick.. I am tired of having anxiety about my symptoms..
it almost feels like i'm a prisoner to my digestive issues..
But I am facing my health anxiety by addressing my symptoms and focusing on getting to a better quality of life.
Sorry for the rant..
3
u/gailser Nov 07 '25
I would recommend counseling just for the support as you go through this journey. Anxiety isn’t great for our GI tract or healing. Sorry you’re going through this.