Diverticulosis/itis Symptoms?

Hi

Both Susan and I were on the fast track for our colonoscopies and we both had to wait 2 weeks.  This is standard urgency protocol for the NHS.  When I had my 1st attack I went to A&E and was sent away and told to see my GP for referral.  So it did not save me any time.  The preparation for a colonoscopy takes time, depending on where you live.  For me it was 3 days on a low residue diet, followed by 2 days on a clear liquid diet, followed by taking the prep and sitting on the loo on and off over an 18 hour period.  For others the prep is shorter, 24 - 48 hours.  There is a post on this forum where someone in London had to wait more than 6 months for a colonoscopy appointment, as the specialist referring them was not overly concerned.  That's the NHS for you.

I live in west Dorset and when I needed an urgent colonoscopy 3 years ago I had to wait 6 weeks!

 

I was very lucky I had it done within 2 weeks

I had to starve for a day then take the prep over 4 hours never have I tasted anything like it I sat on the toilet most of the night. But it did its job. The prep for me was worse than the colonoscopy

You were Susan, my diverticulitis hadn't been diagnosed, I hadn't even heard of it.  But one night I suffered terrible pain and profuse bleeding, I went to the GP who was concerned, even told me to cancel my forthcoming holiday.  I spent 6 weeks worrying that I had cancer!

With me I found once the fear of cancer had gone things slowed down It took 6 months for me to see a gastroenterologist who only gave a wep page to look up wind. I was very grateful it wasn't cancer but if feels like I have just been dropped. Thank goodness I have a good GP

I was referred under the 2 week cancer protocol for suspected bowel cancer - fortunately negative.  However I did have to wait from August to October in pain first before the GP could refer me, as the protocol also said patients must have been treated and pain not cleared within 8 weeks.  If Valkyrie has been in pain since February, been treated, and is in the UK, hopefully the protocol will apply.

Hi Susan

You were luckier than me.  The prep was sent to me but put through the wrong letterbox, of people on holiday.  I had to phone the hospital on Monday and arrange to collect the prep and instructions.   Then told off because I should have started the restricted diet Sunday and had eaten one item not on the white bland list!  As if it was anyone's fault apart from the postman!  3 days (2 in my case) of plain yogurt, mash, steamed fish then 2 days of Waitrose chicken consomme, apple juice and herb tea. 

I had Moviprep, despite requesting Picalax, as Moviprep contains ascetic acid which triggers my GORD.  As you say, revolting, and for me very hard to keep down.  1.5 litres in an hour, then another 1.5 litres 12 hours later.  I think the longest gap I had off the loo over the next 18 hours was 20 minutes.  Still I got full marks for quality of preparation!!! 

Then they kept me waiting 3 hours at the hospital (where I was still sitting by the loo) and were unable to do the Colonoscopy due to the severity and location of the disease.  So for me the worst pain was the injection in my hand, and I had to go through the whole procedure again 10 days later for a CT scan, fortunately this time with a different, much easier prep GastroGravin(?).  That was a piece of cake!

 

I feel so lucky I only waited 15 minutes then I went straight through for the colonoscopy

Are you in the U.K. Because my dr just sent the letter off the same day I went in to speak to him I was done within 2 weeks. I feel so lucky

What treatments have you all had? What dietry changes have you made that have helped?

I haven't had treatment but I take a antispasmodic 3 times a day albran and a probiotic drink. I don't drink fizzy drinks or eat beef beans salad tomatoes not much fried food hope this helps

Thanks. It'll certainly have to be diet.