Jill answers:

Hello there,

It is, necrotizing inflammation of one or more diverticula (small mucosal outpouching) of the colon

Possible reasons to get it,

Dietary fiber intake – finding
Obesity
Aging
Diverticular disease
Lack of exercise

Ways to find it,

Abdominal guarding
Increased body temperature
Abdominal mass
Abdominal pain – Acute
Bowel sounds hyperactive
Constipation
Decreased bowel sounds
Diarrhea
Dysuria
Increased frequency of urination
Nausea and vomiting – Acute
Rectal mass
Rectal pain
Stress
Tenderness
Urgent desire to urinate

Kind regards, I hope this helps!
If you want ways to diagnosis it I will post it in an edit.

Jill answers:

Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon.

Diverticula can occur throughout the colon but are most common near the end of the left colon called the sigmoid colon. The condition of having these diverticula in the colon is called diverticulosis

Causes:

The muscular wall of the colon grows thicker with age. Thickening of the colon wall may reflect the increasing pressures required by the colon to eliminate feces.

Constipation makes the muscles strain to move stool that is too hard. It is the main cause of increased pressure in the colon. This excess pressure might cause the weak spots in the colon to bulge out and become diverticula

The increased pressure in the colon can lead to breakdown of the wall of the diverticula leading to infection. The narrow openings of diverticula may trap fecal matter, which can lead to infection. Or, an obstruction in the narrow opening of a diverticulum may reduce blood supply to the area, which leads to inflammation.

In the past, doctors thought that nuts, seeds, popcorn and corn played a role in causing diverticulitis by getting trapped in the diverticula. However, recent research has found that these foods weren’t associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis

These factors may increase your chances of getting diverticulitis: Aging; Obesity; lack of exercise and too little fiber.

Too little Fiber-Occurs where low-fiber diets are common. The disease is rare in countries of Asia and Africa, where people eat high-fiber vegetable diets.

You’re more likely to get diverticulitis if you’re over 40.
Age-related changes, such as a decrease in strength and elasticity of your bowel wall, could contribute to diverticulitis

No, you wouldn’t get it via introduction of bacteria into the anal canal.

Jill answers:

Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pouches (diverticula) on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis results if one of these diverticula becomes inflamed. Inflammation in the body is from an infection.

The high, indiscriminate use of antibiotics by doctors destroys the intestinal flora that is 3/4 of the immune system in the body. These intestinal flora are responsible for much of the digestion that takes place. Additionally, these flora produce butyric acid that nourishes the cells of the large intestines. The American diet is absolutely horrible and that, in combination with the drugs and antibiotics given to people, destroys much of the body’s ability to be healthy and avoid infections like that.

This is definitely a preventable disease. The high carb, low fat diets being promoted in America are simply terrible for you. The drug ALLI that was recently approved by the FDA is just another example of this insanity. If you want to avoid this type of problem, there is a very simple way to do that. Don’t listen to the so called “food experts” that are promoting bad food choices. They are nothing more than “hired guns” of the food industry’s big dollar marketing scheme. They know that people listen to “experts.”

One of the biggest misconceptions is this advertised marketing scheme for antacids. It is the lack of stomach acid that is causing acid indigestion. The words “acid indigestion” were created to make people think too much stomach acid is causing this problem, when in fact it is the LACK of STOMACH ACID causing the problem. Lactic acid from rotting, purtrefying, fermenting food due to the lack of stomach acid is causing the acid feeling. Neutralizing it just stops the digestive process, allowing a cascade of events that can lead to high BAD bacteria getting into the intestines that stomach acid normally kills. This bad bacteria wreak havoc with the intestinal flora making the production of butyric acid very low, allowing inflammation to happen. High levels of omega 6 inflammatory acids produced by hydrogenated oils, vegetable oils, processed foods like chips, etc. Promote this inflammatory response from the body. This inflammation process is how the body heals itself by bringing more blood flow to the inflamed area, but if the nutrients are not in the body to fight the infection(s), they cause all kinds of problems like IBS.

Learn to eat right and your chances of getting a disease like that or any other disease will greatly diminish. A very, very good book for you to read is: “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon and also “Life Without Bread” by Christian Allan, pH.D.

Read those books and you will gain huge knowledge that will help you all your life.

Good luck

Jill answers:

Symptoms

Symptoms of diverticulitis may last from a few hours to several days. These symptoms may include:

Tenderness, cramps, or pain in the abdomen (usually in the lower left side but may occur on the right) that is sometimes worse when you move.
Fever and chills.
A bloated feeling, abdominal swelling, or gas.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Complications also can cause symptoms. If an abnormal opening (fistula) develops between the colon and the vagina or the colon and the urethra, you may pass air or stool from the vagina or the urethra.

Other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a urinary tract infection, may cause symptoms similar to diverticulitis. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss may be signs of colon cancer. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health professional.

Initial treatment

Treatment for diverticulitis depends on the severity of your symptoms. If the pain is mild, you are able to drink liquids, and you have no signs of complications, treatment may include:

Medications such as antibiotics and pain relievers.
Changes in diet, starting with a clear-liquid or bland diet that is low in fiber until the pain goes away, then increasing the amount of fiber.
Although some people avoid nuts, seeds, berries, and popcorn, believing that they might get trapped in the diverticula and cause pain, there is no evidence that these foods cause or worsen diverticulitis. 1

If the pain is severe, you are not able to drink liquids, or you have complications of diverticulitis, hospitalization is necessary. Treatment will include:

Receiving antibiotics in a vein (intravenous, or IV).
Receiving intravenous fluids and nutrition only (no food or drink by mouth) for up to a week to allow the bowel to rest.
Keeping the stomach empty by sucking out the contents through a tube passed up the nose and down the throat into the stomach (nasogastric or NG tube). This may be needed if you are vomiting or have abdominal swelling.
Performing surgery either for complications of diverticulitis or if you have had repeated attacks that are not helped by changing your diet. About 15% to 20% of initial attacks of diverticulitis require surgery. 3
Most cases of promptly treated diverticulitis will improve in 2 to 3 days.

Jill answers:

This is an inflammation of the diverticula. Diverticula are small pouches in the intestinal system. It is treated by a change in the diet. If an infection is present antibiotics will also be prescribed’
Dr.’s think the cause is not having enough fiber in the diet.

Jill answers:

Http://allfreecoloncleanse.com

Has a good video on Colon Cancer.

Jill answers:

If you’re 14, I wouldn’t be too concerned, but constipation is a symptom. You may just need to change your diet. Http://coloncancer.about.com/od/cancerprevention/a/Cancer_Symptoms.htm

Jill answers:

The most common early sign of prostate cancer is suddenly needing to urinate more frequently than normal (this can also be a symptom of urinary tract and other infections) particularly, stopping urination but feeling that you haven’t emptied your bladder.

The commonest early sign of bowel/colon cancer is an alternation between diarrhea and constipation, other common early symptoms include abdominal pain, blood in stools and sudden weight loss.

Neither disease can be completely prevented but it’s thought that an active sex/ejaculation life may reduce concentrations of carcinogens in the prostate gland.

Chances of developing bowel/colon cancer are shown to be reduced by including plenty of fibre (bran, wholegrain bread etc), fruit and vegetables in the diet, the recommended daily intake is 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day.

Jill answers:

If you are a female having a urinary tract infection is part of you life. You can help reduce the impact by drinking plenty of fluids, probiotic yogurts, and drinking cranberry juice. Below are some site to review regarding colon and pancreatic cancer. If you are concerned with colon or pancreatic cancer due to your urinary tract infection they are not really related. I hope this helps and the below sites give you the information you desire. Good luck

Jill answers:

It may or many not be cancer. It may be Hemorrhoids also which has a symptom – Painless bleeding during bowel movements — you might notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl. So before coming to any conclusion your friend should visit a doctor and have the situation evaluated. However the signs and symptoms of Colon cencer which he should be aware of are given below_

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

-A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
-Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
-Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
-Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
-A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely -
-Weakness or fatigue
-Unexplained weight loss
-Blood in your stool may be a sign of cancer, but it can also indicate
other conditions. Bright red blood you notice on bathroom tissue more commonly comes from hemorrhoids or minor tears (fissures) in your anus, for example. In addition, certain foods, such as beets or red licorice, can turn your stools red. Iron supplements and some anti-diarrheal medications may make stools black. Still, it’s best to have any sign of blood or change in your stools checked promptly by your doctor because it can be a sign of something more serious. -

Jill answers:

Yes. Proctitis causes inflamed tissue in the colon.

Jill answers:

No it can’t

Jill answers:

Younger populations do not have a high risk for colorectal cancer (although it does occur, rarely). Certain things which may cause colonic symptoms in younger people are ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, anal fissure, and lactose intolerance.

Keeping a log of your symptoms and seeing a GP will help sort out what the cause is.

Jill answers:

No. You shouldn’t be worried. If you diagnose yourself over the internet they can tell you you’re dying. Constipation goes along with Your Period. I have had this problem since I was 13 years old. I am now 43 yrs old, and STILL Get constipated before my period. Increase Fiber, Fluids, and Fruit in your diet 2 weeks before your period. You may also be helped by Prune Wafers, which can be found in your local health store.

Jill answers:

1. You’re pooping more or less often.
The presence of a tumor in your bowel throws things off. As your body tries to adjust to its presence, demands, and byproducts, you may experience changes in your bathroom habits. For example, let’s say a tumor is slowly growing in your colon, inhibiting the flow of solid waste. You may or may not notice that you’re defecating less often.

But if the tumor gets large enough, it may become very difficult for your poop to get by it and you’ll end up constipated. Sound like a crap shoot? (No pun intended.) The tumor may obstruct your bowel. You may notice a difference. You may get constipated.

That’s why, in general, it’s best to get regular screenings rather than rely on symptoms to alert you to the presence of the cancer.

2. Your stool is thinner than usual.
Imagine a three-lane tunnel full of cars, all driving through with a nice, steady flow. Now imagine that two big rigs decide to block the left lanes in tandem… Then they slow to a stop. Both of them. Blocking both left lanes. What do the cars do? They start filing to the right so they can get around the obstruction.

The same sort of thing happens in the bowel. Everything is flowing fine and dandy until a tumor starts to grow, causing an obstruction. As the obstruction gets bigger, the space around it gets smaller. So, as you might expect, tumors toward the “tunnel exit” tend to cause this effect of narrowed stool.

3. You have stomach cramping or bloating.

Bloating may be the result of a bowel obstruction. Cramping may be caused by constipation or diarrhea. In more advanced stages of colorectal cancer, severe abdominal cramping may be caused by the tumor perforating (poking through) the bowel wall.

4. There’s bright red blood in or on your poop.
Tumors tend to bleed. Not a whole lot and not constantly, but they do bleed. As a result, some of that blood may be found in your stool. If the tumor is in the right colon, the blood will most likely be dried and virtually invisible by the time the poop leaves the body. However, if the tumor is in the rectum or toward the end of the left colon, it may still be fresh and therefore, bright red.

5. You’ve experienced unexplained weight loss.
Many of us wouldn’t want to question unexplained weight loss. We’d just be happy to be losing weight! But, even though the prospect of losing weight without even trying may seem a blessing, it really is something to question. It’s the old “if it sounds too good to be true…” idea.

See more at http://coloncancer.about.com/cs/thebasics/a/Top10CCSymptoms.htm

Jill answers:

Hi kay, I have an ileostomy due to crohns for 21 yrs.
Have you looked into calling the national Crohns & Colitis Foundation for answers to your questions. Their HQ is out of NYC and they have a toll free number you can call M-F ( 9 am – 5 pm EST) 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888-694-8872). It is run by professionals who are familiar with IBD (Crohns/UC). Their site is listed below. While there you can find information on surgery, diet, exercise, women’s issues, and even locate a local CCFA chapter where you can meet others like yourself in the same situation.

Also, the united ostomy association of america has a site and number you can contact as well. They are run by ostomates who have an ostomy due to CD, UC, and colon cancer.

Resection surgery outcomes will vary in each pt. Depending on their dx, age, medications if any they are on, as well as their health habits (drinking, smoking, drugs). I’ve met a few who had the reversal and wound up getting the ostomy back due to severe pouchitis or diarrhea from the j-pouch. That varies in each person too so I’d get a 2nd opinion if necessary to see if you are able to have a reversal.

Definitely call the CCFA and UOAA and request to speak with a pt. Who’s had the reversal done. It’s best to talk w/someone who’s been through it and can tell you what it’s like. Best of health to you.

Jill answers:

That is rough.

Keep in mind that these are only suggestions, and I don’t know what you’ve tried so far. But perhaps soups would help, or very mild fruits such as apple sauce or cantaloupe?

Good luck!

Jill answers:

Asking the doctor/surgeon would be the best thing in regards to the patient( each patient is different in terms of their needs and treatment). You can also try the medical library and search in google.

Best of health to whoever needs it.

Jill answers:

Unless your surgeon screws it up, no, their will be no leaking from the ostomy site. The part of the intestine that is sticking out is removed from the ostomy hole and reconnected to the residual colon. This means that feces will move from the ileum to colon and then exit the body via the rectum. Feces will be seperated by intestinal walls from the old ostomy site.

Jill answers:

Honestly, when I had my surgery I reminisced back to the time I was cut up pretty bad in prison. It hurts like a mother. You know, the mother fucking kind of pain.

Jill answers:

6+/- months

Jill answers:

The 7 positive lymph nodes is not a good sign. You do not tell us the depth of penetration of the primary tumor. I’m surprised your doctors did not quote statistics for you. I’m sure you must have asked your surgeon and medical oncologist. Below is some data for you. Many sets of data are available via internet searches from large numbers of studies. The average of all the studies I’ve seen with 7 positive nodes would be roughly in the 50/50 range for long term survival without recurrence. But statistics will not predict exactly what will happen in your case.

From http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/guide/treatment-stage
“Stage III colorectal cancers have spread outside the colon to one or more lymph nodes (small structures that are found throughout the body that produce and store cells that fight infection). Tumors within the colon wall which also involve the lymph nodes are classified as Dukes Stage C1, while tumors that have grown through the colon wall and have spread to one to four lymph nodes, are called Dukes Stage C2 cancers. Those tumors which have spread to more than four lymph nodes are classified as Dukes stage C3 colon cancers.
Treatment involves:
* Surgery to remove the tumor and all involved lymph nodes if possible.
* After surgery, the patient will receive chemotherapy with 5-FU and leucovorin.
* Radiation may be needed if the tumor is large and invading the tissue surrounding the colon
The five-year survival rate for Dukes C colon cancer is about 64%. Patients with one to four positive lymph nodes have a higher survival rate than people with more than five positive lymph nodes.”

From
“Stage IIIC http://www.ehow.com/about_5157598_stage-colon-cancer-prognosis.html
Stage IIIC colon cancer has an M of 0. The “T” number does not matter with Stage IIIC, as IIIC is characterized by an N number of N2. This “N” number means that the cancer is present in four or more lymph nodes near the colon.
Prognosis
According to the National Cancer Institute, based on data from its SEER database, which looked at 120,000 cases of colon cancer from 1991 and 2002, the prognosis for colon cancer is dramatically different for Stage IIIA, Stage IIIB and Stage IIIC. While 83 percent of people survive for five years after diagnosis with Stage IIIA colon cancer, 64 percent survive with Stage IIIB and 44 percent with Stage IIIC.

Jill answers:

I am so very sorry for your situation. He is swelling up now and that usually starts when the end is near. Unfortunately no one can say how much time he has left. It doesn’t sound like his pain is being managed very well. Insist that he be given the top dose. I worked as a hospice nurse and we were very liberal with pain meds in its last stages. God bless and good luck.

Jill answers:

Bleeding from the rectum is never a good thing. It can be many things but if one has it then a doctor should be seen as soon as possible.

Does he have other symptoms? Before I was diagnosed I had other symptoms as well as the rectal bleeding, so it may not be anything serious. But I remember before going to get myself checked I was told rectal bleeding should be checked out asap.

Jill answers:

I’m not really sure how knowing how high a CEA can go, but I have seen them in the ten thousands. Tumor markers are used to monitor treatment.
The median survival for stage 4 colon cancer with treatment is 2-2.5 years.