Hospital or urgent care?

Posted , 4 users are following.

I'm new to having diverticulitis. I first diagnosed when I had a bowel perforation as a complication. No surgery needed. Spent a few days on the hospital getting IV antibiotics and clear liquid diet. I am having similar, though way less intense, pain (particularly rebound pain). No urgent care centers by me do cat scans. Wondering what those more familiar with diverticulitis would do. Urgent care (with cat scan at external facility as needed) or hospital. It's there any chance it gets better on its own? This is day 3. It doesn't seem to be getting any better, but it doesn't seem to be getting any worse either.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi,

    I had the same thing about 3 weeks ago when it's been residual pain since then but they told me that the perforation went away with the antibiotics. It's just been a rough road I'm just believing for healing that's all I can do hope that you feel better try not to worry

    • Posted

      I was hospitalized twice in January three times in the emergency room and hospitalized twice. I'll just be glad when I feel normal again whatever that feels like LOL

    • Posted

      Thank you for the reply. You were hospitalized for the residual pain? I'm supposed to be leaving for vacation on Saturday. I really hope this doesn't interfere

  • Posted

    While you was in the hospital did they do the CT Scan? I mean how was you even diagnosed with Diverticulsis did you or do you have any blood and mucus?
    • Posted

      Yes, they did a cat scan with contrast at the hospital. I did have blood at times before that, but foolishly attributed it to hemorrhoids without getting it checked out. Do they always do a cat scan when you flare up? Is it ever treated outpatient?
    • Posted

      Hi Fred

      I'm guessing you are USA.  Here in the UK you are only ever hospitalised for an emergency like a perforation, otherwise you are just treated at home with antibiotics.  CT scans or colonoscopies are only ever done if something serious is suspected.  Basically USA is OTT and UK is minimal treatment.  When you are new to the disease it is very natural to think every twinge is a flare up, but this is actually a disease that takes a very long time for the insides to heal from the infection (months in some cases), and is actually with you for life.  You can expect to get pain, good and bad days, as you heal. 

      So what you are feeling could possibly be that.  The usual advice is to go on a liquid only diet for 48 hours, if you think it's a flare up, and see if it settles down.  If it doesn't then you need to seek treatment.  A lot of people see their doctor and request a set of antibiotics, just in vase, to take with them when they go away.  You might like to consider that.  Are you scheduled for a colonoscopy?  In the USA they usually wait until healing is complete, so as not to risk a perforation, or further perforation in your case. 

      Have you been given dietary advice to try and prevent a recurrence?  There is loads on here but you will have to work out what suits you best - we are all different.  A food diary is the usual tool.  Have you been prescribed a stool softener like Metamucil?  It keeps the bowels working smoothly without forcing.  Are you taking probiotics to replace the good bacteria in your gut?  Antibiotics don't differentiate between good and bad.

      I hope your pain is just healing but if you have any doubts, please seek medical advice - it is possible to manage without hospitalisation and multiple tests every time (and cheaper!!).  Best wishes. 

      PS I have managed this disease for 18 years and never been hospitalised, just had 2 colonoscopies, 1 CT scan and 1 barium enema.  I manage totally by diet and occasional antibiotics for the 6 flares I have had in that time.

    • Posted

      Hi Felinia,

      Yes, I am in the USA. I went to urgent care yesterday and they referred me out for a CT scan. I was concerned because urgent care doesn't do CT scans and I want sure if they could help me. I appreciate all of the information. The only advice I was given on diet was to eat more fiber. I know in the past people were told to avoid seeds and nuts, but apparently that is no longer considered to be something that needs to be avoided. My biggest concern right now is that I don't want to be on a boat in the middle of the ocean and have a serious issue. Otherwise, my pain is manageable. To answer your other questions, I was not prescribed Metamucil. I do take an over the counter probiotic (which I did even before being diagnosed).

    • Posted

      You can get Metamucil online or from a pharmacy, or if that doesn't suit, there are other stool softeners.  You need to take soluble fibre, not insoluble so much.  So Bran Flakes rather then All Bran, and home made blended veggie soups are good.  Google will tell you which is which.  But I would ask for a prescription to take with you, just in case.

  • Posted

    Have you tried a heating pad on the area? Also some Tylenol may help but if it’s gets any worse I’d head to ER.

    Ps make sure your bowels are moving without forcing.  Forcing to go could cause issues.  

  • Posted

    Wonder  what all the CT Scan shows as far as our whole stomach AREA  Inside anyone know? I had Ct Scan with contras to but not the IV contras I had to drink a huge GLASS OF ORANGE CONTRAS. I just don't know how much  colon or organs it shows anyone know? 

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