Filed under: Erika

Diverticulitis

The end of 2010 was not the greatest for our family.  I kicked off the end of year celebration by getting sick and going to the ER.  It all started the weekend before December 12th where my diet consisted of lots of seeds and berries.  By the evening of Sunday the 11th, I started with a tummy ache and some not so great bathroom breaks.  I chalked it up to having to much cheese that evening, since I am lactose intolerant.  I felt mostly bloating which I thought would go away by the next morning.  Unfortunately, that was not the case.

 On Monday morning, my pain increased to some mild cramping and continued to get worse as the day progressed.  By lunch time, I was doubled over in pain.  Patrick came to meet me for lunch at our usual time of 2pm, where we discussed me leaving early to see my doctor.  However, when I called my General Practitioner, she would not be in the office till the following day.  The office suggested that if I was in so much pain I should skip Urgent Care as well, they wouldn’t have the proper equipment to check me over, and to head straight for my local ER.  Saint Joseph’s hospital in Burbank is only a few minutes away.  I decided to drive myself, since Pat couldn’t get off work to take me, and I needed immediate medial attention.  Once in the ER, it didn’t take long for me to get a bed in back.   I called my mother as I was supposed to speak with her that afternoon about something to do with her apartment, letting her know I was not at work, and that I have gone to the hospital.  I reassured her that I would be okay and to not worry about me.  Unfortunately, she didn’t get her voicemail till later that afternoon. =)  My phone was uncharged, so I quickly sent a text to Pat letting him know I was at bed 20 before it officially died.

 I was in the hospital from 2pm to 9pm.  I had the normal tests done, blood, urine, and a CT scan of my abdomen. Both my blood and urine looked good according the ER doctor, however there was a slight trace of bacteria in my urine, which resulted because my colon was swollen.  The CT scan reveled that I had a small kidney stone in my right side (3mm) and that my colon was being plagued with mild Diverticulitis. 

 Patrick and my mother arrived at the hospital around 7:30 p.m. I was so relived to have some company.  My mother scolded me for leaving her that voicemail, she had been so worried even though I told her not to.  She joked that I was the healthy one in the family and it was a big deal if I go to the ER.  It was nice.  Crying, I had told them what I found out from my doctor.  Patrick immediately calmed me, and my mother and doctor explained a little more what my condition entailed, my mother being a nurse herself.

 My kidney stone was passable, though it was going to hurt, if or when I ever do pass it.  There would be no treatment for it.

 Diverticulitis is a condition where the colon forms “pockets,” which can trap seeds, nuts and other items that I am no longer allowed to eat.  After three “episodes” in the same area of the colon, it would be possible for my colon to rupture, leaking into my abdominal cavity, which would then require emergency surgery. 

 After 6 hours in the ER, I was given a shot of Dilaudid pain medication and was to be sent home with two sets of antibiotics and some Vicodin for my pain.  They also wanted me to follow up with my GP within a few days.  

 On Wednesday the 14th, I saw Dr. Mezaros.  She explained that although the ER doctor said my condition was mild, this was very serious.  Usually they don’t see this in patients under the age of 50 years.  She took some more blood and urine and ordered a CT scan for later that day.  This time I was to drink a mild radiation in order to see more clearly on what was going on in my colon/abdomen.

 I hope you never have to experience this liquid.  It looks and smelled like apple lotion, thankfully, it didn’t really have a taste, but it was thick enough not to enjoy.

 The following day, I met with a Gastroenterologist in the Cedar-Sinai medical group.  Like Dr. Mezaros, she agreed that this was serious for a 28 year old.  She ordered I start on probiotics called Align, and scheduled for me to have a colonoscopy on the 28th of January 2011. 

So that’s where my health is right now…

Btw, my Grandmother and my Great Aunt Dorothy were both treated for the same condition, though after the age of 60.