Diverticulitis and PMR

Posted , 7 users are following.

I've been lurking, not commenting for a while but I have a question for you.  In May 2014 I had a bad bout of diverticulis which was treated with Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole.  I had a CT scan which showed no abscess but did show the inflamed diverticula.  In October of that year I had another attack which was much less severe.  At the end of November, 2014, I developed PMR which I have been treating, under the care of a Rheumatologist, since then.  I have never gotten below 5 mg of prednisone.  I am also taking Leflunomide (Arava.)  Before that I tried four months of Methotrexate which did nothing but make me sick.  I have also had intermittent bouts of diverticulitis--sometimes treated and sometime self-resolving.  Has anyone else had similar problems?  I know the doc checked me for inflammatory bowl disease as part of my general work-up and that was essentially negative.  Curiosity reigns.  I am getting sick of being sick.

Minnesota/USA

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    PS.  My ESR and CRP continue to high throughout treatment.
  • Posted

    After about 14 months of being on prednisone for PMR, I developed diverticulitis which led to the emergency removal of 8" of colon and a -hopefully - temporary colostomy bag. The prednisone masked the pain which should have been associated with my condition. I was told that had I not presented myself for an (unrelated) hernia check, I would have died within 48 hours. At the time, I was on a high dose of 40 mg prednisone which - based on my experience and feedback from members of this group - was unnecessary. I'm at 15 mg now, trying to get it as low as possible for the reattachment surgery in a few months. I'm sick of being sick, too! Best wishes.

  • Posted

    Hi i am waiting for a ct scan on my bowels and spleen as since being on pred i to have diverticulitis so the doctor wants to see what is causing my pain.

     

  • Posted

    Hi I too have the same problem. I am now trying trying different foods. One thing I must mention. Both my parents had this problem so, I am sure it is hereditary. My diet has always been good  Now I am replacing red meat twice a week with legumes. I am also only having two meals a day
    • Posted

      Do fermented foods help, such as yoghurt, fermented veggies, some cheeses, kefir, kombucha, etc?

    • Posted

      No.  I know that I will have a flare-up of diverticulitis if I eat too much, get constipated or indulge in popcorn, too many raspberries or strawberries. The problem isn't really managing the diverticulits which I think I have had for a long time.  Really my question is whether the inflammation it causes could have triggered the PMR and then become part of a vicious cycle.

      Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.  BTW, I love and drink "fermented tea."

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.