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Divictulitis help for mother

Posted , 5 users are following.

barbara1930
barbara1930

My elderly mother of 87years has divictulitis disease and her diet is a white bland one on a continuous basis. Reading up on this topic should she not be having high fibre foods when not having flare ups as I am a bit confused and hoping to help her? 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • alexandra62000
    alexandra62000 barbara1930

    Posted

    A couple of points of view came to me. Firstly if your mother has had this for some time has she developed a diet that works for her, in which case leave well alone. Secondly if you decide between you to introduce more fibre then use soluble fibre and take it very slowly and cautiously to avoid giving her digestive system a shock. You could try a Fybogel drink as a gentle introduction to fibre perhaps.
  • angela91414
    angela91414 barbara1930

    Posted

    Hi Barbara, 

    I agree with the reply above that if your Mum has found something that works for her and she's not having continual flare ups I would carry on like that. However when I was diagnosed with DD I was advised to not change my diet much but include enough things with fibre to avoid me getting constipated. I have only had 2 flare ups in the past 4 yrs. The other advice was that at the first sign of a flare up to stop eating anything with fibre and to then follow a very bland diet until the symptoms have gone. I saw one of the top consultants in the U.K. Who specialises in this and he did say there had been no evidence that things with pips,corn,tomatoes etc cause flare ups. If your Mum is getting fed up with such a bland diet why not try small amounts of more interesting food and see how it goes. Everyone is different so what upsets one doesn't upset all. Hope this helps. Best wishes   Angela

    • barbara1930
      barbara1930 angela91414

      Posted

      Thank you Angela.  It is a difficult one as my mum expects to get a flare up if she is anxious so mentally I think she thinks this is the cause.  She has got an appointment now with a nutritionist which my brother is attending with her so hopefully they will have suggestions for her.  Her stomach is extremely lumpy and swollen and very sore so possibly she has gone beyond controlling it. Thanks for your help again.
  • susan95516
    susan95516 barbara1930

    Posted

    I have fybergel on a morning I eat bran flakes. If I have tomatoes I take the skins off and the seeds out I never eat anything with skins on I eat small amounts   I drink lots of water. If iam having pain I cut fyber out until I feel better if in doubt see your GP   I hope this helps 
  • mary74336
    mary74336 barbara1930

    Posted

    Hi Barbara

    As I am new to this DD I am just trying to find out what works for me it appears everyone is very different but would agree with the responses below also I am finding the fybogel works and aloe Vera digestive but if your Mum is doing ok on her diet well it's best to leave it alone but if flare up starts just have liquids best of luck hope she is ok

    Mary

    • barbara1930
      barbara1930 mary74336

      Posted

      Thankyou Mary.  It really is difficult to know what to do as she is her own boss and lives on her own.  A lot of her flare ups are when she becomes anxious.  They occur regularly so I guess that's why she tries to keep to a white diet all the time. 

  • alexandra62000
    alexandra62000 barbara1930

    Posted

    Anxiety and stress are known triggers to DD pain. It may not be an infection but it is a signal to be careful with the diet and to try to relax,
  • mary74336
    mary74336 barbara1930

    Posted

    Ahh Barbara at 87 its hard to change habits of a life time just wondering if the flare ups happen when she is anxious would she listen to some kind of relaxation CD or music. A head pad that you can put in a microwave can help ease the pain also . Can understand how hard it is for you .

    Mary

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