Relevance of gastro issues?

[GrannyKay]

Hi everyone. I have my appointment with the MS specialist Monday. I'm trying to put a list together of my symptoms and issues.

One of my major health issues is diverticulosis throughout my entire colon, hospitalized a couple of times for infection and once for a severe bleed. Doctor wants to remove my entire colon because it is so "diseased" but I have not had the surgery and hope to avoid it!

Should I even bring this up to the neurologist?

Thanks.

[GrannyKay]

Thank you for your feedback, Sarah.

What the doctor means by "diseased" is that I have a severe case of diverticular disease which is very common the older you get but I've had it for many years already and I'm 46.

It is common for people to have surgery to remove a portion of their colon (the portion that has the diverticula in it) but since mine has it throughout he feels the best choice is to remove the whole thing.

I'm in the process of changing medical groups because I found out a different one in the area has better neurologists - and I'm hoping to find a good gastro doctor there too. I've also changed my PCP to a internal medicine doctor at the same facility.

[SarahL2491]

I'd ask him for his opinion if he does dx you with MS.  If he does not, then mention it in passing so he knows its been an issue and can note it in your chart.  

Did your doctor elaborate on what they meant by "diseased".  This could be a serious issue and really need doing.  I realize you don't want to, but the entire colon is serious!  Am certainly NOT trying to scare you but it might make you feel a whole lot better once you get used to the "other arrangements" as a result of it being removed.  I've heard good reports from patients.

Keep us posted and we'll be there with you, virtually holding your hand and giving you encouragement!