Misdiagnosis Of Diverticulitis Causes My Colon To Perforate
Misdiagnosis Of Diverticulitis Causes My Colon To Perforate
HEALTH/ HEALTH REFERENCE
As the “All About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis” is added to HypoGal’s website I can not stop thinking about the Laguna Hills Gastroenterologist that most likely caused my colon to perforate, Dr. Mike Trenbeath.
So, this HypoGal Blog, Misdiagnosis Of Diverticulitis Causes My Colon To Perforate is this blog’s focus.
Even through a decade as lapsed, the eight-inch jagged scar down the middle of my abdomen reminds me to listen to my inner voice.
When the All About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis website page was being research I instinctively typed into the Google search engine; Dr. Trenbeath, Saddleback Hospital, South Orange County Gastroenterologist, Saddleback Memorial Hospital.
The Google search engine results did not surprise me.
I read that SMG Announces the Retirement of Our Patriarch, Dr. Mike Trenbeath.
Dr. Trenbeath was an older man when I first walked into his offices.
I mistakenly thought because Dr. Trenbeath was an older doctor he would be wiser.
Most likely Dr. Trenbeath has helped hundreds of patients through his years of medical practice, but he almost killed me.
Dr. Trenbeath told me I was just depressed. He went on to tell me that a lot of new moms are depressed, it will go away.
He then said there was no reason for my stomach pain, my nausea, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.
Time passes and it has been over a decade since Doctor Trenbeath did not hear my voice.
There have been so many moments when I want to tell and show Dr. Trenbeath the emotional and physical damages his neglect causes me to endure.
So, here it is Dr. Trenbeath:
Dr. Trenbeath you failed to hear my pleads, listen to my symptoms and you were dismissive when I told you I would barely walk because of the pain on my left side.
I believe your lack of medical care was the cause of my perforated colon.
Even through my G.I. system screamed in pain, you repeatedly told me that I had no G.I. aliments.
Dr. Trenbeath you were incorrect.
Here is my G.I. story:
One day in March 2004 and I felt an extreme sharp chest pain.
The severe chest pain drops me to the floor, and I am unable to ignore the stabbing pain.
I arrive at the Emergency Room, and doctors order a gambit of tests.
A CT scan shows that I have air in my abdominal cavity, so I end up on the operating table for emergency exploratory surgery.
I awake in a hospital room with my abdomen split open and a colostomy bag on my right side. My colon has perforated due to serve Diverticulitis.
The operating surgeon was upset, and he tells my husband and me that my colon should not have perforated.
The surgeon could not believe I had a colonoscopy a year prior.
My husband’s male doctor theory resonates through my mind.
Here is my husband’s theory:
- Most doctors are men
- Most men think their wives are crazy
- Doctors initially believe their female patients are crazy
- Hence, Doctor Mark Trenbeath diagnosis that I am just depressed
I believe my husband’s male doctor theory in the case of Dr. Trenbeath is correct.
I recall my mother had answered the phone when I was waiting for Doctor Trenbeath’s return call.
As a worried parent, my mom told Dr. Trenbeath her concern about the hyper mobility of my food, my lack of energy and stomach pains.
His reply,”oh you are a good mom for watching what your daughter eats.”
As the year’s pass, the wound heals, but my eight inch abdomen scar reminds me why I need to speak out.
I hope Misdiagnoses Of Diverticulitis Causes My Perforated Colon has been insightful.
Health References/ Health Resources:
http://www.saddlebackmedicalgroup.com/
I have included my HypoGal Website Post All About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis below:
All About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
What is the Difference Between Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis? (Health Reference)
Diverticula are pockets that develop in the colon wall.
These small pockets/pouches bulge outward through weak spots in the colon wall.
This condition is called diverticulosis.
If the Diverticulosis pouches become inflamed and infected then Diverticulitis occurs.
What Are The Symptoms Of Diverticulitis? (Health Reference)
Diverticulitis Symptoms May Include:
- Pain in the Abdomen
- Tenderness of the Abdomen- usually the lower left side but the pain may occur on either side
- Fever
- Chills
- Feeling Bloated
- Abdominal Swelling
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
The symptoms of diverticulitis may last from a couple hours to a few days.
What Are The Tests For Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis can be diagnosed with:
- Barium X-rays
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT Scan
Complications if Diverticulitis is Left Untreated:
- Surgery may be required to remove abscesses around infected diverticula
- Peritonitis, a fatal infection if left untreated
- Scarring or blockage of the intestine
- Infection may spread to kidneys
- Blood transfusion may be required
- Perforated Colon
Treatment of Diverticulitis and Diverticular Disease:
Mild diverticulitis can often be treated at home
Your doctor most likely will prescribe antibiotics for the infection and paracetamol for the pain.
A fluid only diet for a few day may be recommended by your doctor.
A low fiber diet is usually suggested until you are recovered from diverticulitis flare.
Severe diverticulitis may need hospital treatment
You may need to go to the hospital:
- If your pain is not controlled using paracetamol
- You are unable to keep yourself hydrated
- Your immune system is weak
- You are unable to take antibiotics by mouth
After a diverticulitis recovery your doctor may recommend:
- May include high fiber diet
- Anti-spasmodic drugs.
Your doctor may suggest that you eat certain types of foods that may help prevent diverticulitis flares.
These foods include fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
The medical field recommends that people with diverticulitis avoid eating seeds, nuts, and corn.
I hope this Health Reference, All About Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis has been insightful.
You can find health shortcuts to living with a chronic illness on the HypoGal Blog.
Health Reference/ Health Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tc/diverticulitis-symptoms
http://www.medicinenet.com/diverticulosis/article.htm
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-diverticulitis-basics
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx
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