Just diagnosed 2 weeks ago

Hello Julie. No one likes medical procedures but I have had a flexible sigmoidoscopy and it is more uncomfortable than painful. It took about 15minutes and showed the diverticular pockets very clearly. Good to finally have an answer but, unfortunately there seems to be very little medication that helps. Like many people, I have tried every thing possible including natural cures and complete change of diet. So grateful to have everyone on here to talk to. Good luck to you Julie x

Hi Julie. I went for the flexi but when I got there my bowel was so empty they did full colonoscopy. Like the other person said it was not painful just odd. It reminded me of when I was pregnant and fell the baby kick and move under my ribs. I'm four weeks diagnosed here and I have had more support and insight from this site than the doc who diagnosed me. He also said my symptoms were ibs too. He told me I wasn't going to die. Not sure if he was being sarcastic or not. Welcome to our little family xxx Lisa x

 Hello Julie,  I have posted this on here before so you may have read it before....but the following has helped me over the years......:-    I expect you have read some of my replies to folk on here.  I have had Diverticular Disease since 2006.  There are a few rules to follow - NEVER have seeds, nuts, pips or skins (not even dried fruit as the seeds and pips are still there; only smaller and dried) as these bits of nut; seed and pip can lodge in the DD pouches/pockets.....and the first you know is when they have festered away for several days and suddenly you get hit with the pain you have just had; yes - you think you are dying......and left untreated; you likely would.  I am not scaremongering; but his is a serious condition we have; and we need to make life changes to reduce the bouts of infection. Also avoid veg and fruit skins as these can get stuck; that means sweetcorn and peas and pulses generally are a no; no.  Find your own way with the "windy" veg like cabbage; broccoli; leeks and onions - I am fine with them; some are not.  Likewise garlic and spices - I cannot tolerate them; others eat them and are fine.  These windy veg and spices do not cause infections; but our guts react to them quickly with pain that is a response and reaction; which can be as painful as an infection.  The other thing to remember is NEVER to get constipated.  Take something like Fybogel to keep things in that department regular.  Straining a gut that has weak points; can created new pockets/pouches (and we do not want any more of them than we already have!!!) Even following all the "rules" on diet; I was ill more than I was well from Nov 14 til July 15 - but then from advice on here; I began taking high dose acidophilus from the UK Holland and Barrett health stores (20 billion) which are healthy bacteria for the gut.  I have been well since July 2015.  It is a JOY not to be in pain.  I wish you well with all the changes you make...I can have red meat, pasta; pizza with no problems. Some say red meat gives them pain.  While your gut is inflamed; keep your diet light, bland and LOW fibre - as you get better and the gut pain goes; increase your fibre intake.