Diverticulitus flare up
Posted , 13 users are following.
My latest flare up has lasted 3 weeks. Dr says there is no infection just a flare gave me antibiotics but they give me bad stomach pain. The trouble is I’m allergic to penicillin so she said there is no other she can give me. Has anybody had good results with alternative therapies. I have reduced my intake of gluten and keeping a diary of what I eat any help will be much appreciated. As everyone days this is a horrible disease that a lot of people have not heard of ☹️
1 like, 24 replies
patricia58637 linda59603
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Guest linda59603
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jeremy04220 linda59603
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I used to be given 14 day courses of Metronidazole. I honestly say I don't know if it is a form of penicillon or not. Your Dr can check as could any pharmacist. Good luck
Guest linda59603
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My immediate thought was "why give antibiotics if there is no infection"? Surely all the antibiotics will then be doing is give you the very unpleasant side effects and building up an intolerance. Is the doctor just covering her butt in case she is wrong as she didn't do tests? It is very difficult to tell the difference between the pain for infection with that for inflammation. If it's just inflammation it takes time to heal and subside - weeks or even months. I'm allergic to penicillin but when I have a genuine flare, with the cramps, fever, chills, nausea, altered bowel, bleeding, mucus etc. I am given Metronidazole and Cefalexin. But if I just have pain with no other symptoms, my doctor won't prescribe, just says to take Paracetemol and use a heat pad.
linda59603 Guest
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caroline57780 linda59603
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I'm allergic to penicillin too however I try to avoid antibiotics as much as possible. I've started again with severe pain, nausea but no real high temperature so holding off visiting GP . Feeling absolutely crap again , if still feeling bad on Monday think I will have to speak to GP - if I can get an appointment !
patricia58637 caroline57780
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caroline57780 patricia58637
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linda59603 patricia58637
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Guest linda59603
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You can get canned consomme from supermarkets. Don't know where you are, but if in the UK Waitrose do chicken and beef consomme and Campbells do a beef version. Although some people are against it, I drink meal replacements, like Complan or even the slimming drinks, because they have the minerals and vitamins added (along with chemicals unfortunately). Even canned ordinary soup like mushroom or tomato - the smooth varieties, not chunky. And you can order online and get deliveries if you are not up to cooking. Then there's plain probiotic yogurt, tea/coffee.
From your description you are still inflamed inside so small quantities at a time, rest and heat pads. I used to take 4 - 6 weeks to recover, although last time the pain niggled on for a year, and I still get twinges 2 years on. I overindulged yesterday, so today I am taking my own advice and giving my tummy a rest and just liquids. I have a stock of soup in my freezer, made when I felt like cooking and kept in readiness.
linda59603 Guest
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ann55375 linda59603
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joy93290 Guest
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Hi Felina, thank you for saying that you drink the slimming drinks because I thought I was the only one who did this. I also drink Oxo cubes in boiling water, plain chicken noodle soup (not the one with the sweetcorn in it), tea, squash and water. I've had maybe 6 flareups in 18 months and was diagnosed with diverticulitis last week after a CT scan. So far, I've only had one course of antibiotics which made me even worse so each subsequent time, I just went on a liquid diet for a few days until I felt better. Another thing, no-one seems to talk about the awful flatulence that some (or most?) of us experience. I take a probiotic tablet once or twice a day but it doesn't seem to ease the wind. I have also cut out dairy and I actually feel better for it - ie in terms of higher energy levels. I was told to go to A&E if I had another flareup but am hoping that it won't come to that. I was also offered an appointment with a dietician but I know that one diet doesn't suit all so politely refused. I'm seeing my GP next week as a follow up to the hospital appointment and to get blood test results for Crohn's.
Guest joy93290
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Hi Joy
OXO cubes is a good idea - nobody's ever mentioned it before. Was the diagnosis Diverticulitis, Diverticulosis or Diverticular Disease, as they mean different things? You should have been given a report after the Colonoscopy. If not your GP should have it, so you can ask for a copy. The antibiotics do have nasty side effects - worse than the infection. If you settled down after a few days liquid, that suggests inflammation rather than infection. It's very difficult to tell the difference. My GP won't prescribe antibiotics if there is no sign of infection, hence the liquid approach. I have to confess I actually like the banana, vanilla and coffee flavoured drinks anyway!!!
I too suffered from bloating, wind and the runs when first diagnosed. The nurse at the GP suggested to me I cut out all gluten and wheat products. I did and it makes a massive difference to me. When I tried to re-introduce proper bread recently, all the symptoms immediately came back. So clearly gluten and wheat are trigger foods for me. Trial and error helped me find out what suits me best. Of course if you have more than one issue, that complicates matters. Best wishes.
joy93290 Guest
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Hi Felina and many thanks for your response. I remember the surgeon saying that I had them or it in the last 5 inches of my colon but can't remember the exact wording and yes, he said he would send my GP the report so I'll know more next week.
I wondered if wholemeal bread was giving me problems so I changed to white and have found some relief though not entirely; perhaps wheat is not for me either.
Re the slimming drink - the caramel one is my favourite! I have it with soya milk.
Will post again after the GP visit. Best wishes.
linda59603 joy93290
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Guest joy93290
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I suspect he said you had diverticula in the last 5 inches of your colon. Once you get the report and the exact terms things will make more sense. I tried the caramel flavour and found it very sweet. Now I have to watch my carb and sugar intake (pre-diabetes 3 weeks ago) so the tins are in the cupboard until my glucose levels drop and I can allow myself the odd treat. But I like the almond and almond/coconut milk with my GF porridge or muesli. Any questions with your report, please ask.