Wellness

[wagirl]

I have it. Had a bout with it in Aug of 2022-- that was when I was was made aware  of it--went to the ER and had a CT scan. Little did I realize I had 2 pockets when I had my last colonoscopy 5 years ago. I don't remember my Dr bringing that to my attention then. But was told surgery is not a thing anymore--and really, the old thing about eating seeds  isn't either. I got some anti-B's to take care of the inflammation and went on a low residue diet for a few weeks. Dr also told me to watch the red meat, eat lots of fiber and drink lots of fluids. I think for me, eating too much processed junk is the culprit--too much fat also wrecks my stomach anyway. Had another bout of it before Xmas but got anti b's before it got terrible. 

[Luvitorleaveit1]

Yep, I just had two surgeries in 2023 for severe diverticulitis.  Very painful, my mother had it but it stayed dormant thank goodness I would have never wanted her to experience that kind of pain.  

Mine flared up when my eldercare issues started over ten years ago.  I managed to keep it under control after my first ER visit but every once in a while it flared up and I had to go to the ER.  It wasn't until I went for my colonoscopy that it became worse when my exam was incomplete and my doctor had me go for a CT scan....as soon as he got the results he put me in the hospital immediately, like from his office I went to to the hospital to be admitted.

I couldn't keep anything down, lost about 100 pounds!

[Janey2]

Not good to go to a website for information. @wagirl  Stated that surgery is not "a thing" anymore. Not true. I know someone who had surgery 2 months ago. Diet did not help anymore. When she got a flare up she had to take medicine, which did not help after a few years of using it. As far as diet some doctors do not even think keeping away from some foods helps. I know 4 people who had surgery for this condition. One was an  emergency. 

[wagirl]

@Janey2 --just going by what my dr told me---and this was from the man's mouth and in person,not from some hokey website!! My brother had surgery too-- 

[Janey2]

@wagirl  Agree with you. You have to go to a doctor you have faith in and not a shopping channel website. Sometimes not all the facts are stated or people do not fully understand the post.

[PhilaLady1]

I have diverticulosis and also IBS for at least 20 years. My mother had it. It is diverticulosis and when the pouches become inflamed or infected,  it's diverticulitis.  Just a few points....

Rely on a trusted doctor,  not Dr Google.

Rely on yourself.   You will get to know what is good for your body and what is not. 

 I was told lots of fiber to keep things moving.  Sometimes fiber causes a lot of pain for me. Get to know how much is okay for you. There are different categories/types of fiber.  They say start with a small amount and build up but with me, there is no getting used to it.  Cooked vegetables work for me, raw salads I can handle only occasional small portions. 

Also,  nuts and seeds....some get terrible pain. The thinking is that small pieces can get caught, but I've read that newer thinking is that this may not be the case.  

My worst flare-ups are when I  get a cold or flu. 

And drink enough water, whatever your Dr says is the appropriate amount for you.

Good luck!

[Jo1313]

I have had it for years..I thought I was having an attack from something I ate..in 2017..it was so bad I went to the ER..I had a ruptured colon..never would have thought..My family was told if I waited 2 more days they would have been making funeral arrangements..I also had septic shock.

[KathyM23]

I had 18 inches of colon removed after my many attacks of diverticuiitis.  My surgeon said seeds are OK to eat, but my mind goes to the old thinking and I avoid them.

My last severe attack he tried antibiodics, that did not work, then tried lazer sugery and that didn't work so ended up with a full blown colectomy (colon surgery.)

I also now have Ulcerative Colitis.  Family history - all of us have colon and other digestive issues.  Both sides - mother and father, brother  history

[Luvitorleaveit1]

I agree do without Google or Youtube on this, a reputable doctor (specialist) is your best bet.  I was referred by my primary doctor who happened to know a specialist.  I remember years ago they said don't eat this or that but I don't think that's a factor anymore and I love my peanuts, popcorn and corn but in moderation.  The specialist after reviewing my CT scans told me surgery was the only way to fix it.   Both surgeries were not as bad as I expected, my knee repacement still tops the list as the most painful recovery.

[tansy]

I have flares once or twice year.  It's painful but so far I have managed with rest, a heating pad and ibuprofen.  The gastro doc told me that I didn't need to avoid seeds or red meat.  I hope I never have a more serious bout.