Colonoscopy Results

Specifically to all you endo nurses...I'm a nursing student and had my 2nd colonoscopy last week...1st one 3 years ago as a 'baseline'...found two polyps which were removed. No polyps this time but my GI doc wrote on my discharge sheet 'severe diverticulum'......use Citrucil. I'm 51 yo and my 1st colonoscopy revealed the outpouching as well. Didn't get a chance to ask more info from my GI doc as I saw her briefly in recovery and was still very groggy. So what I'd like to find out is will this/does this lead to diverticulitus some day--basically, what to expect in the future, how to keep it under control, etc.

Also my doc said something about veins--not bleeding so she didn't have to do anything with them--just wondering what this is about as well. Thought I would try here for answers before seeking out trying to reach my doctor.

Otherwise, have to return in 3 years for repeat colonscopy....procedure went well and tolerated well except I woke up (used demorol/versid) towards the end of the procedure---OUCH. But don't remember too much about the pain anymore!

Thanks for any info! Sue :)

Hi.... your diverticulosis is certainly common for Americans as we age (80% will develop it because we don't get enough fiber). It does predispose you to diverticulitis down the road, but doesn't mean you'll get it. For quite some time doctors have suggested that eliminating seeds and nuts from your diet and getting plenty of fiber can reduce the chance of developing diverticulitis, but recent research hasn't been able to connect them. Just watch for abdominal pain (especially left lower quadrant) and fever. See your doctor quickly if this happens as it can be treated outpatient easily or can kill you; the range is very great although it is unlikely to become so severe.

Citracil or benefiber is a good choice, and you can take it any time of day. Drink plenty of water daily and call your doctor if you have any problems.

As far as the 'veins' question.... that could be many things. Need more info. Call the GI docs office and ask to speak to the doc or nurse to clear things up for you. They owe you that much since they didn't bother to explain it to you except under the influence of an amnesia-inducing drug.

Good luck...

Keep your colon healthy with fiber supplementation and a high fiber diet (whole grains, high fiber cereal and some fruits/veggies such as raisins, strawberries, broccoli. Most are actually very low in fiber, tho). They used to advise against a high residue diet with "tics" (diverticuli) saying that peanuts, seeds, etc. get "trapped" and can cause diverticulitis. This has since been found to be a wives' tale. Tho you may still hear it from time to time from old school MD's and nurses.

As for the "veins"....maybe hemorrhoids? Or AVM's (arteriovenous malformations) which are vessels close to the colon surface and prone to bleeding. Can't say for sure what he was talking about there. Interesting.

Amy :)