Blase about diverticulitis and now suffering

Hi Angela

I do understand your concerns.  Last year after a flare up, followed by antibiotics, my pain did not go.  So I went back to my GP and explained my fears, as I had lost a mother and brother to cancer.  I also remembered the well known celebrity who died of the disease.  The previous year I had taken part in the bowel cancer test by post, and it too had been clear.  Because of my age I was referred under the 2 week cancer protocol for a colonoscopy then a CT scan, although the GP told me that, having had a clear the bowel test, it was very unlikely to be anything other then diverticular disease.  All was clear, apart from severe diverticular disease, which greatly relieved my mind.  

So I would advise you to go back to your GP and explain your symptoms and worries.  You might need some antibiotics.  My understanding, and I am not a medical person, is that bowel cancer takes time to develop, and the blood in the stools is usually dark and difficult to see.  If you have had the bowel test by post, that might help ease your mind a bit.  Frank red blood is more likely to be a little tear from straining, haemmorhoids or a polyp.  But again I think you need to get it checked.

As you have had more flares since you were diagnosed, I suggest you might like to look at your diet.  There might be some things which are triggering your flares.  Most of us on this forum have something.  I can eat nuts and seeds etc, but I can't eat wheat, gluten or full fat.  If I do, I usually get niggles the following day.  Others have to avoid red meat, dairy - all sorts of things.  A food diary would help.  We are all different, so you have to find your own solution by trial and error.

If you find you suffer from constipation and are straining, you should consider asking for a prescription for Fybogel which you should get free if you are over 60.  It is the usual prescription for diverticular disease, and softens and bulks the stool to make them easier to pass without straining.  It is also made from a natural substance psyllium husk and I have taken it daily for 16 years, so is considered safe for long term use.  It does make you go more frequently, but keeps the bowels clear.  It takes a couple of weeks to start working - a gentle procedure not like the "bombs" that most laxatives are.

DD is a disease for life, but it can be managed with a bit of discipline.  Better that than flares and antibiotics.  We have all found that GP's usually do not have the in-depth understanding of the disease that sufferers have!  In fact my GP remarked about my knowledge of the condition and asked if I had medical training.  No, I said, just bitter experience!  I hope you feel better soon and get the reassurance you need.

You need to get in touch with your DR and speak to him you may need antibiotics you can't be to carful. I had a polyp taken out last year was told it was really small I don't have to go back for 5 years Tell your DR your concern if he is any good he will sort out what you need. Hope you feel better soon and get sorted out