Mark Ferguson: Diverticular Disease Surgery Experience
I’m 67 years old and I’ve had 27 diverticulitis attacks over a span of about eleven years. It’s been a painful journey.
After interviewing six different surgeons in Ottawa in 2018, they told me diverticula surgery is not routinely done anymore according to new guidelines unless it’s complicated, i.e., fistula or abscess present. So, frustrated, I pressed on and finally found one very skilled and experienced colorectal surgeon who would do the surgery. I was put in the queue and waited. Then, as I was getting close, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Canada and the surgery was considered elective and put on hold. After two years of suffering and waiting, I had my surgery in February of 2021. The surgical team explained all the risks and I was mindful of all of that up to and on the day of surgery. My surgery was 6.5 hours long and performed by two colorectal surgeons and a resident. Luckily, it was successful.
A laparoscopic hemicolectomy was performed and a rejoining of my transverse colon to my rectum worked perfectly. After four days in the hospital I went home to recover. First few weeks were a little scary seeing blood etc., but in time I healed.
Nine months later, I can eat foods I haven’t enjoyed in a decade including pizza, chicken wings, and desserts. These foods previously gave me colon distress of cramping and diarrhea through the night. My life is so improved. I’m active again and look forward to travelling in my retirement free of fear of infections.
I hope my story gives confidence to folks who have similar intestinal issues, so they move forward with their lives.