A flare or not
Posted , 5 users are following.
Is it possible to have pains without it being an infection, I have the odd shooting pain on the left hand side, I don't feel unwell and I don't have a temperature its more like a knot pain from time to time mainly after ive eaten. I had a colonoscopy in May which showed diverticulitis but I was in extreme pain then although I wasn't given antibiotics. There are times when I don't get any pain at all so when I do im wondering whether its an infection.
0 likes, 9 replies
susan95516 christine63572
Posted
I get pain nearly everyday it's just part of having DD I used run to the GP for antibiotics until I realised it wasn't an infection. I have pain at the moment and diarrhoea but it's something I have eaten. If you get a temperature or feel unwell I would still see DR
christine63572 susan95516
Posted
Thank you Susan I know if I go to my gp I will no doubt be given antibiotics but I don't want them if its not an infection. I have been taking my temperature and its spot on normal. I wasn't sure whether to just have a liquid diet a low fibre diet or eat as I normally do, im not constipated and I don't have diarrhoea, I am burping a lot. Should I just have my normal fybrogel or lay off it. I hate this disease
susan95516 christine63572
Posted
If my bowels are ok I take my fybergel but if I feel off I go on a liquid diet for a couple of days to give my colon and bowel a rest A food diary is a good thing it shows you what you can and cannot eat When I was first diagnosed I went into depression it totally took over my life I didn't go out for fear of needing the toilet. It took me about 8 months to get to where I am today I still get down a little bit but nothing like how I was. This forum helped me so much I couldn't have done it without falinia who is a member on here Good luck I hope you feel better soon x
alexandra62000 christine63572
Posted
Simple answer is 'Yes. I find most of my discomfort is down to my gut being sensitive to triggers rather than an infection. However it's not always easy to distinguish. I have had 2 colonoscopies and both times I have resorted to antibiotics as it seems to disturb my system badly. Other than that I try to cope with diet.
christine63572
Posted
angela91414 christine63572
Posted
I was diagnosed 4 yrs ago. I was on holiday in Florida from the UK. I had low pain all day and ended up having a bleed. After the bleed the pain went almost immediately. I went time ER but as the pain had subsided they told me to visit my GP when I returned home the next week. I was given no antibiotics as they didn’t know what the problem was. Back at home and after a colonoscopy diverticulitis was found and the consultant said it had healed itself. I’ve had 2 flare ups since and only given anti biotics once. I often get a low pain on and off and sometimes when this happens I take a paracetamol and it often passes off. I think I was lucky that first time that it healed without antibiotics I am thinking perhaps that when I passed the blood clot that the infection was also pushed out. I don’t think you always need antibiotics but I would check with your Dr first. My Dr always prescribed me antibiotics now to take abroad just in case.
christine63572 angela91414
Posted
Guest christine63572
Posted
Hi Christine
It sounds to me as though you are healing up after your diverticulitis as you have no temperature or other symptoms. It can take months for the pain to subside, and it seems to happen in various locations, depending where you had infected diverticula. I got pain lower left, lower right and also just where you described your pain. But I have extensive DD throughout the colon. 15 months after the last big flare, I am down to just the occasional twinge. Most days in fact I'm pain free.
But I do watch what I eat very carefully and try to avoid my trigger foods (gluten and full fat). I also take my Fybogel and aloe vera capsules religiously. I used paracetemol for the pain (ibuprofen and aspirin are a no-no as they can cause bleeding). I also make sure my colon is emptied regularly (fybogel and lots of soluble fibre). I get the odd bit of acid reflux due to a hiatus hernia. My GP originally prescribed lanzoprazole but then told me to control it with diet. I still occasionally use over the counter medication, but know that the reflux is usually triggered by eating the wrong food!!
It takes time to learn to manage this condition, as Susan described, what is a genuine infection or just a trigger food. I have had DD for 16 + years now and lived a normal active life, with precautions. Antibiotics have their place, and also their side effects. I would always advise seeing your GP if the symptoms worsen, but would first try a liquid only couple of days to see if things settle. Best wishes
christine63572 Guest
Posted
Thank you felinia I think you may be right when I had my diverticulitis diagnosis in May I was in so much pain that I was doubled up and painkillers wouldn't touch it this time although a bit painful I haven't taken any. I have been eating lots of fruit and veg as well as prunes with my porridge and fybogel sachet every evening. Before my diagnosis I had gerd and like you I was taking meds but I don't take them anymore. Colononoscopy didnt tell me the extent of my DD.