Diverticulitis and anxiett

Use this community to vent mate. This is a terribly stressful disease.

Unfortunately anxiety comes with this disease. Most of it is fear of what foods to eat. Eventually you will get into a routine. I learned early on to eat only foods I prepared simply because you don't know what others put into their foods. I never hesitate to ask questions about the food preparation in the restaurant .

I have found that the antibiotics can also contribute to anxiety - along with the disease in general. You will probably find you feel a little better if you can get out - for work or just to walk or go to a store. Somewhat takes your mind off of it.

I personally use anxiety medications like benzodiazapines (xanax, klonopin, valium) to calm me down while I am getting through stressful parts of this whole god awful disease, as letting stress just consume you will do nothing but make it worse.

I also I have to return to work soon with a still recovering colostomy reversal, a SHOCKINGLY painful sciatic nerve, or they have made perfectly clear I will be fired once my FMLA runs out at the end of this month if I don't return full time with stomach pain and nearly paralyzed.

Its hard to believe this is actually how employment / insurance works now that I have been thrown into the random medical crisis I cannot control category for 2-3 years now, I am fully expecting to lose my job / insurance / life to go into a tail spin / end of life shortly there after.

Isn't being sick in todays society a real treat 😄

For me stress was the main instigator of my first bout and as it became clear it was not an isolated incident a key factor in a life changer. It's hard not to ruminate over health issues, especially when you have side issues that aren't necessarily tied to Diverticulitis and you hear those dreadful words "diagnosis of exclusion".

I personally chose to steer clear of benzos after a year or so romance with them. I've found some relief with Buspirone and Trazodone for insomnia. I have been unable to convince a doctor to prescribe something for pain (not looking for opiods) but abdominal distress is pretty much a norm now round the clock. Unfortunately Ibuprofen works the best for me but I won't touch it now because of its gastric bleeding side effect. A good night's sleep helps, for a while. Mental distraction, Mindfulness (some helpful apps in Google Playstore), anything positive to take your mind off the beast inside. My supplements include fiber (when itis is just osis), L-Glutamine, Probiotic, vitamin D3, and period courses of Berberine and Oregano oil. These work for me but I would urge anyone to ask their doctor first before trying any supplement.

Best of luck, to all of you.

Yes, call you doctor he may have some solution/ help links. You are not alone wise to reach out, be honest get the help you need! Let us know! God bless wishing you the BEST!