Diverticulitis /Sigmoid colon removal

[fredrogers13]

I am 49 and had my sigmoid colon removed 4 years ago .The reason was due to severe diverticulitis and a family history of bowel problems (on both parents sides) .I try to keep as regular as possible with movicol and know I may be do not drink as much fluid as I should on a working day . The last few months although I do not get extreme pain like I had before my operation but I am getting niggles of pain and feeling of pressure and find that I am having more periods of constipation again ...it feels as if i have a bulging higher in my rectum as if there is a pocket and the poo sometimes comes out a bit of a kink ..I am worried ... excuse my ignorance could it be a weakness at the site of the operation .When I have enquired at my gp noone has suggested taking a look just given the advice more laxative and fluids .Am I being paronoid ?

[Dr Jamal Hayat]

No you are not being paranoid if your symptoms have changed. It is difficult to say whether this is related to your previous surgery or just as a result of ongoing constipation. It is more common in women to have anatomical problems and pelvic floor weakness (eg such as a rectocele/following childbirth) however can still happen in males. It is important that you have an examination of your rectum and if this hasn't been done it is worth revisiting your GP or seeing a specialist in this regard.