This topic is about someone who recently had two surgeries for diverticulitis, resulting in a colostomy, and is now experiencing hip and pelvic pain. The pain started five weeks post-surgery, particularly on the side of the stoma, and is causing significant anxiety. The person is seeking advice from others who might have experienced similar issues after abdominal surgery. Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. **Seek Imaging and Specialist Assessment**
- It's important to get a CT scan to rule out any complications like a hernia, abscess, or mesenteric panniculitis. Keep a detailed record of the pain, including its location, severity, and timing, and bring these notes to medical appointments.

2. **Pain Management and Medications**
- Consider discussing with your doctor the possibility of using Gabapentin for pain management, as it is often preferred over opioids for post-surgery pain. Some people choose to avoid strong pain medications to better monitor their pain levels.

3. **Physical Therapy and Pelvic Floor Therapy**
- Ask for a referral to physical therapy or a pelvic floor therapist, as this can be beneficial after major abdominal surgery. Chronic pelvic pain clinics can also help evaluate ongoing musculoskeletal pain.

4. **Activity and Gentle Exercise**
- Engage in short outdoor walks or gentle exercises like chair yoga to help reduce anxiety and improve mobility. Recovery can be slow, with some people experiencing pain for several months before it resolves.

5. **Bracing and Support Garments**
- An abdominal binder might help stabilize the stoma area and reduce the risk of a hernia. If standard binders don't fit, try modifying one by cutting a hole for the stoma.

6. **Comparable Experiences**
- It's common to experience hip, pelvic, and lower-back pain after a colostomy, with pain often appearing 2 to 8 weeks post-surgery and gradually improving. Nerve-related numbness can also occur.

7. **Anxiety Management**
- If exercise is limited, consider counseling or temporary medication to manage anxiety. Taking things one day at a time and maintaining light physical activity can help calm the mind.

8. **Follow-up on Mesenteric Panniculitis**
- This condition can develop after abdominal surgery and often resolves on its own, but it may require treatment. A colorectal specialist is the appropriate next step, and it's important to monitor for any worsening symptoms. Seek urgent care if necessary.