early W&W CLL, also diverticulitis

[Guest guest]

I apparently have diverticulitis now. I have had a glycogen

storage disorder for years and years, meaning I was on a

codeine time release .. apparently that " masks "

diverticulitis. I just switched meds away from codeine and

now I have symptoms related to diverticulitis. Coincidently

I had a CT for the leukemia baseline just recently and

voila, they can see the diverticula.

I don't see much on CLL coexisting with diverticulitis so

I'm guessing this is just something that I have in addition

to, not related or caused either way. However, I am curious

if anyone has any wisdom related to treatments for either

that may cause concern or conflict, or indeed anything of

interest to this. Does anyone else have these two

conditions?

in the vineyard

[Guest guest]

My mother had diverticulosis with episodes of

diverticulitis. Diverticulosis involves the existence of

pouches in the intestine and is a fairly common problem,

especially as we get older. When these pouches get inflamed

it is called diverticulitis. In my mother's case she was

advised to avoid certain foods, especially things with small

seeds which could become trapped in the " pouches " . I would

ask your doctor about what changes in your diet would help.

I don't know of any connection to CLL. I'll let the

researchers or doctors deal with that part of your question.

Pat

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Have had diverticulosis for years, without any flare-ups,

and no apparent interaction with CLL, diagnosed in Dec 2005.

However, first round of treatment with FCR in July 2009

resulted in a bowel obstruction and perforated viscus (that

is, ruptured sigmoid colon). Surgeon who resolved the

situation said later that diverticulosis increased my

vulnerability, once the obstruction began. A ruptured bowel

is potentially fatal if not dealt with quickly, by a

surgeon, in a hospital. Two points:

First: Rituxan has a Warning concerning occasional bowel

obstruction and perforation. It does not happen often, but

is critical if it does.

Second: Monitor your reaction to Rituxan -- if that is part

of your treatment in combination with chemotherapy. If you

become constipated and develop abdominal pain, notify your

doctor and start laxatives immediately. Don't wait to see

what happens, nor hope it will resolve on its own. The

rupture occurred on Thursday afternoon, 4 days after

starting Rituxan on Monday, and only 2 days after noticing

constipation. Pain started only hours before rupture.

All turned out OK. My nodes disappeared and counts went to

normal levels (or low for abs lymphs) before I even left the

hospital 8 days later. Completed 5 more FCR cycles on

schedule and uneventfully, and continue in remission almost

2 years later.

Treatment for the ruptured bowel included a temporary

colostomy, reversed in another surgery 8 months later after

completing FCR. Hospital was very careful both times about

potential for infection in my immunosuppressed state.

No further difficulties, and I remain a supporter of FCR,

based on the way it knocked back the CLL.

Regards,

Tim