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First Diverticulitis attack, need help please

Posted , 9 users are following.

xcalibr
xcalibr

My Mom suffered from Diverticulitis but she passed last year and her and I had never really discussed anything about it other than my sister or myself might eventually suffer from it because it could be hereditary. I have some questions that I would have asked my Mom but now I please need help since she’s gone. And I was too stressed and forgot to ask my GI these questions and he’s not reachable on the weekends. Thank you.

I’m a 47 year old Male. And I just started my Ciprofloxacin 500mg (2 daily) & Metronidazole 500mg (3 daily) yesterday. GI said to take the pills for a week to 10 days.

- How normally long before the more extreme burning sensations will begin to dissipate? 2-3 Days?

- How long should I stay on the liquid diet? The entire time while I’m taking the antibiotics? 

- I bought Carnation, Boost & Ensure food drink supplements - Good idea?

- I also bought jello, pudding, chicken stock, red, white & blue popsicles, ginger ale, apple juice & plain yogurt - All good? Any other recommendations?

- How much water should I also be drinking daily?

- The Metronidazole seems to be awful. I have a metallic taste in my mouth, evening & morning headaches, stomach cramps & a nauseated feeling all the time. Is this normal?

- Any other suggestions or advice?

I incredibly appreciate everyone’s help. I really miss my Mom so much right now. Thank you.

1 like, 48 replies

48 Replies

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  • appendectomy
    appendectomy xcalibr

    Posted

    You have the symptoms of diverticulitis for sure. As I mentioned earlier there are two types. One is causing chronic inflammation of the guts hence antibiotics don't work. Its the wrong medicine for it. It took me 5 months to get the inflammation under control and become pain free. I still have occasional pain , just twinges, but I think that's from adhesions. The full constant pain is gone.Diverticular pain gets worse sitting down as we press on the intestine when we sit. Its also restricting the peristalsis, the movement of the guts.I went on anti inflammatory diet, cut out all sugar. Keep blood sugar levels under control. Drink loads of water. I was misdiagnosed with appendicitis and after this they kept telling me it was a bladder infection. Again, gave me antibiotics until my surgeon discontinued them having read what I read too. It is scary having this constant pain. I suggest you search on latest research, Medline is a good starting point and read up yourself. A lot of medics are unfortunately not all up to date and use to older approach to treat diverticular disease which may actually make it worse. Good luck to you
    • xcalibr
      xcalibr appendectomy

      Posted

      Oh thank you so much for responding. I had just assumed It was going to get better treated with these antibiotics but all they've done is make me sicker and not heal the core issue. I assumed the GI knew how this should be treated. I almost feel as though he really didn't listen to me. Sad because this is the first time I've ever had to go to a Doctor's office. I'm overweight at 250 at 6'1" too which I'm assuming only adds to the discomfort when I sit. I will continue the water drinking. I had introduced apple juice which is high in sugar I'm sure which was obviously a mistake. I will read up on the newer research of my chronic symptoms. Thank you so much. 
    • appendectomy
      appendectomy xcalibr

      Posted

      I just read you not had any coloscopy. Have you had a ct scan or MRI? How did they diagnose diverticulitis? Unless they seen it on imaging or by scope its still open for different diagnosis. I have to say though, the symptoms you describe are sounding like the symptoms I had. Dull constant ache, swollen belly, sore to touch. Very sharp pain if press down with hand. I did not think I was constipated as I went toilet regular. But I was wrong. I seen the xray, backed up the whole way.You may want to try a stool softener for a week or two just to ease up a bit. I was bunged up to my eyeballs without even realizing and this made my symptoms worse . I was nauseated, went off my food, the pain also got worse. Note, it has to be softener. Any other laxatives might make you feel worse as they can cause spasms.You can get them in walmarts for a couple of bucks. However the swelling of the intestine has the same effect so it could be both. They don't do coloscopy until after symptoms are settled. Ct scan or MRI can be done anytime. Steer clear of nsaids drugs too as unfortunately diverticular disease carry a risk of gi bleeds. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen. Steer clear of any sugary food products. Try for at least 6 weeks. Your body be thankful. It will have a very positive impact on your general well being. I would ask the doctor why they prescribe whatever they prescribe. Regardless. They are keen on throwing antibiotics at everything. There are instances where they are needed but let's save them for then if we can. A good doctor would discuss medication happily with patients. Is their right to know after all. You may benefit from keeping a good diary with pain dairy for some time too. Then you can see if any food stuff is setting off symptoms. I just realised I'm now lactose intolerant at age of 40 after being milk drinker all my life. Ice cream makes me soooo sick.
    • xcalibr
      xcalibr appendectomy

      Posted

      He scheduled those procedures but gave me antibiotics for the weekend to start. My procedures aren't until next week. I just assumed that after he diagnosed me that he knew exactly what I had. I was expecting a sonogram, ultrasound, CT, colonoscopy, upper GI, etc… My Probiotics should arrive today, Acidophilus and 40 billion organisms. I wonder since they can’t do the colonoscopy till after the inflammation is down is why he prescribed the antibiotics now? I also told him that my Mom suffered from it but from what everyone says that it may or may not be hereditary. I have still been on the liquid diet and was going to introduce soft food today, I will keep it low on the sugar. And I will continue to avoid OTC drugs. Yes, I agree, they are very keen at throwing drugs at people and this is why we have drug resistance, which I understand is a serious problem. Oh gosh, I hope I’m not lactose intolerant too, I love my sherbet! LOL Thank you so much once again!
  • appendectomy
    appendectomy xcalibr

    Posted

    Yeah, they make a provisional diagnosis but will have it confirmed with scope or ct scan. As you had the pain for quite some time ct may not show it. It might not show on blood work either. It will certainly show up on a coloscopy. They can not scope though until after your symptoms subsides. There is a risk if perforation and bleeding. This is why they wait . Majority of doctors will give the antibiotics. On the off chance there is a bacterial growth.
    • xcalibr
      xcalibr appendectomy

      Posted

      Ah, ok, now this is all making much more sense. I was just too freaked out and nervous that I had cancer so I wasn't in my right frame of mind and wasn't asking the kinds of questions that I should. Thank you so much.
  • nett10
    nett10 xcalibr

    Posted

    Hi im glad i found this site I started a month ago with my 1st attack I had these before but now it has not stop it doesnt matter what I eat at 1st my dr thought it was my gall bladder. They finally put me on meds but its not helpful for me i did the liquids and soft foods and it doesnt matter. I have pain all day and when im siiting my pain aggravets more my comfort is laying down. It sucks im so over it and my family don't understand my pain or work place I feel alone. I see a specialist this thursday im hoping to get more answers. I feel your pain. I just hate feeling like i have a stomach flu with joint pain with a level 8 pain that comes and gos

  • nett10
    nett10 xcalibr

    Posted

    Sorry about your mom. Prayers it must be hard. My mom has parkinsons and im trying to do my best to spend everyday cherishing her and taking care of her.
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