Posted , 3 users are following.
Last week I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. I have only eaten some grits eggs and a little mashed potatoes. Now I have a gout flare-up up on top. I'm at my wit's end. Any help out there? Thanks
1 like, 12 replies
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gigi59 harry75043
Posted
Harry,
I am in my 50's and got my first attack of diverticulitis about 7 years ago. It was a shock to me, since it doesnt frequently happen in people under 65. I didnt have any subsequent attacks for 5 more years. These past two years I started having frequent attacks that landed me in the hospital on a few dsys of IV antibiotics then home, on 10 days of oral antibiotics. My last attack was before Thanksgiving and was told by my surgeon snd all other physicians, that I needed to have a laparoscopic colon resection to remove the bad area of my colon. I ended up having a foot of my sigmoid colon removed. Im 4 weeks post op and feeling pretty good. I dont know how old you are but You need to be sure to take your antibiotics until they are gone, stay on clear liquids for a few days to give your bowel time to rest. You may not get another attack for many yesrs, so dont fret over it. Just be diligent in taking care if you notice the symptoms go to your doctor immediately. Studies have shown no correlation between foods we eat and diverticulitis. Its caused by feces getting trapped in the pockets (diverticulum) and since feces has ecoli bacteria in it you get diverticulitis. Dont let yourself get constipated as this makes things worse. Dont get too discouraged, if you get repeated attacks, go to a goid general surgeon or colorectal surgeon who does a lot of this type of procedures. I had a general surgeon that came highly recommended by his peers. I use to fear getting an attack. It caused me to not want to travel or get too far away from my doctor. Thats when I knew it was time for surgery. Take care and try not to worry. Gout is very manageable, even though its painful!
harry75043 gigi59
Posted
Thank you for responding. I am 47 and been dealing with gout for over 10 years. I spent one night in hospital last weekend getting IV antibiotics and then sent home with 14 days of oral antibiotics and stool softener. Just don't understand how I can get a gout attack when I'm not eating anything other than very little grits and mashed potatoes. I did add a piece of toast. I actually have a Dr appt today with gastro. Hopefully get a few answers as the Emergency room Dr. Gave me none. Thanks for responding.
gigi59 harry75043
Posted
I know its disheartening but try not to let it make you feel defeated. Its easy to go to a bad place, when you are use to being active and living life, and then you grt hit with this. Im a nurse so we make really bad patients, lol. You will be fine, if you take the meds, and eat healthy. Surgery is a last resort but its available if you need it. Stay positive😊
52331 gigi59
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gigi59 52331
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52331 gigi59
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52331 gigi59
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52331 harry75043
Posted
Harry get on a regiment of psyllium every day. It will keep your colon clean and make you go more often and when your colon is clean your not going to have DD. I'm pain free six years now and I thank psyllium for not having anymore problems with that area. I take 2 teaspoons twice per day with 12 ounces of water
Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber to relieve symptoms of both constipation and mild diarrhea and occasionally as a food thickener. Research has also shown benefits in reducing cholesterol levels.
Psyllium products are marketed under several brand names, such as Metamucil, Fybogel, Konsyl, and Lunelax.
harry75043 52331
Posted
Thank you. I will start on it just as soon as I can get over this flare-up. It's doing much better. Problem I'm having (just my luck) is this dang gout attack. I can't take the meds I usually take since it's so hard on your stomach. I'm at wit's end with this excruciating pain. Day by day. Thanks for responding
52331 harry75043
Posted
Harry try taking it while your having the flare up. I think you will see an improvement down there and it's going to keep your colon cleaned out more regularly which will make you heal much faster.
Clean colon means no diverticulitis. Good luck.
gigi59 harry75043
Posted
You shouldnt stsrt on fiber until you are two weeks away from your attack. Every GI doctor told me to give colon a rest for 2 weeks. First clear liquuds, thus full, then soft diet and then regular. Sorry, I am going by what the doctors say.
jean19778 harry75043
Posted
Hi I know how you feel Harry and I empathise with you it is a very painful and debilitating condition this diverticulitis I am sat here as I type with my hot water bottle and various pils including antibiotics I went to Docs on Thursday and she gave me the antibiotics but they don't seem to be touching it this time as I am still in pain just drinking water today and trying not to eat in case it makes it worse! I have just had some fybogel which I get free on prescription I had bowel cancer in 2000 and it was after that I started with this condition.They removed 12ins of my Colon then so as I am 72yrs old it would be impossiblefor them to do more surgery so I have to be careful not to get constipated I had lung cancer 2 yrs ago and had my Voice Box removed because of Cancer when I was 51yrs so I thin I have had my fair share but this is the worst pain of any Cancer I have had I hope things improve for you Harry x