Wedding Woes

Heard back from my mom (re: my dad)

It's not appendicitis, it's acute diverticulitis, with a possible perforation.  He'll be given antibiotics for a couple of days, then maybe surgery. 

That's all I know so far, she's going to call me later with details.  And told me not to come up tonight, my job is to watch American Idol and tell them what happens.

I don't even know what diverticulitis is.  Anyone?
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Re: Heard back from my mom (re: my dad)

  • ReturnOfKuusReturnOfKuus member
    Eighth Anniversary 5000 Comments 500 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    It's this weird pouchiness in the intestines.  My mom has it.
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  • edited December 2011
    My mom has it too. Pouches form in the intestines and stuff (seeds and whatnot) can collect in the pouches and cause pain/irritation. It can be controlled with diet.
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  • edited December 2011
    What Kuus said. Most people by the time they are 50 suffer from some form of this. I think dietary changes are the only thing that really need to be made (to make sure shyt doesn't get stuck in the pouched - like seeds). But, I hear conflicting information on that. I don't think the condition itself is anything to worry about - but the potential complications can be worrisome.
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  • **O-Face****O-Face** member
    10000 Comments Sixth Anniversary 25 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Yes, the pain and management is something that takes a bit of dilligence. 
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  • edited December 2011
    But it isn't anything like cancer or anything like that, so this is a GOOD thing.
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  • hmonkeyhmonkey member
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    edited December 2011
    i LOVE your parents.  love Love LOVE.
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  • loveshine1loveshine1 member
    Ninth Anniversary 5000 Comments 25 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    I know several people over the age of 50 that have had this. They actually thought DH's grandfather had colon cancer, but it was diverticulitis. The doctors gave him an antibiotic and he watches what he eats.
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  • edited December 2011
    Thanks for the info! I'm always worried to use Dr. Google, because who knows what it'll tell me, so I appreciate reading your responses first.

    He's being admitted tonight, not sure for how long though - I guess so they can see how the antibiotics work and what the next step should be.  Just talked to me aunt (his sister) and she said that their dad had this also, so I guess it's genetic.
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  • edited December 2011
    I was going to tell you I am so proud of your for not consulting Dr. Google. My mom has this too, and she never complains about it. (And if there is something to complain about, she WILL find it).
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  • 6fsn6fsn member
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    edited December 2011
    I'm glad it's something controllable and hopefully he just needs the antibiotics to kick in.
  • notamrsnotamrs member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    My old boss had it several years ago.  Once they get it under control it shouldn't be an ongoing problem.
  • kmmssgkmmssg mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments 500 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    I have it.  I can tell when it is coming on and head to the Dr for antibiotics.  Does the trick.  I have had 4 episodes in the last year and a half, but no perforation.

    If you don't jump on it asap it can be uncomfortable and painful.  Good luck to your Dad, I'm sure he'll be fine. 

    High fiber diets are recommended now.  Used to be you were told not to eat anything that had small seeds (berries, etc) but they don't advise that.  High fiber keeps things going well and that is what you want with diverticulitis.
  • edited December 2011
    My dad's finally in his room and my mom was on her way home, so I finally really got to talk to her about what's going on.

    Originally they were going to have him admitted for 4 or 5 days and on antibiotics, but before my mom left a doctor came to talk to them and said that the infection is bad enough that he might have to get surgery tomorrow.  If that happens, part of his colon will probably be removed and he'll get a colostomy bag for a couple months, and then have surgery again to have the colon rebuilt.

    I talked to my boss and took off work for the morning so I can go visit him in the hospital and bring him books and crossword puzzles and keep him company so my mom can try to get some work done. 
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