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How long do other people's diverticulitis attacks last? Just read someone on soft diet x 2months?!

Posted , 153 users are following.

caz45653
caz45653

I'd love to know how long other people's flare-ups last on average. Have had D disease x 15 y. Had 3 attacks in past 6 wks. Urgh! I usually take antis & get up after 1 or 2 days, liquids only x 36hrs then soft foods x about a week, then gradually reintro fibre, seeds, pulses. Maybe I should stay on soft food more than a few days after 36h on liquids?? Opinions please! And btw its almost impossible to lose weight when this rotten condition dictates eating all the wrong stuff after an attack.. White flour pasta, mash..all those carbs! And stodge! Not helpful. Any ideas? Thanks. New to forum. Am 63 now & desperate to do anything to avoid surgery. Hi to all fellow-sufferers..this thing is a so 'n so & invades at the drop of a hat. Oh..and...

If anyone has ideas about how to address core strength safely please...do tell. Caz

7 likes, 498 replies

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  • ann59211
    ann59211 caz45653

    Posted

    SO when all of you have 2-3 attacks are you put on another dose of double antibiotics?  I went to Gi three weeks after first attack because I awoke with fever pain and running to the bathroom every half hour.  I did not expect him to say based on my tenderness I should probably go on stronger drugs.   My labs came back normal - no WBC elevation and fever gone last night.  I dont want to take more due to side effects and he said there are now studies that question effectiveness so I can wait and see but if it gets worse and I do not take it it can be harder to heal.  Anyone have to take second dose of antibiotics so soon????Is it worth it or wait it out if it can take months to heal?
    • madge07350
      madge07350 ann59211

      Posted

      Bowel rest is essential. Are you on a liquid diet for a few days?
    • ann59211
      ann59211 madge07350

      Posted

      I was but after two weeks I went to bread, rice potato, pasta.  How long is "bowl rest"?

    • madge07350
      madge07350 ann59211

      Posted

      Usually 2 weeks would be enough. What antibiotic were you given the first time? Sometimes antibiotics can so upset the balance of bacteria that bad bacteria cannot be kept in check leading to c.difficile infections. Are you taking a probiotic?
    • sammie45_20640
      sammie45_20640 madge07350

      Posted

      Thank You !   that seems to be my experience, pretty much.  I am feeling much better and now I think being careful and paying attention to my own system will be all important. 
    • sammie45_20640
      sammie45_20640 madge07350

      Posted

      Yes!  in fact,  i did liquids for almost 3 days and that seemed to turn the tide! 
    • ann59211
      ann59211 madge07350

      Posted

      Thanks for taking the time to share.  I am confused about probiotics when ON antibiotics - my doc says take Align (b. Infantis) and his nurse says wait until done.  I took cirpo 500 and metronidazole (Flagyl) 500 first time, then he said lets try 250 flagyl and 750 levofloxin or we can wait.  I took the flagyl as I know that is used to treat c. difficle anyway but still do not want to take levo as I know too that I have had systemic yeast which causes similiar bloating and pain.  So with no fever no increase wbc I think I will chance no levo. Any experience with probiotic on antibiotics?
    • sally03642
      sally03642 madge07350

      Posted

      Hi- I am new here.  Since June I have had 3 attacks.  All 3 times doc put me on Levaquin each time.  I am supposed to take it for 10 days and am on day 6.  I know this drug can have serious side effects, but what choice do i have?  The pain this last time was really severe.  I was not told to go on a liquid diet or any other diet except the usual no nuts, seeds, etc.  I moved from CT to FL in 1915.  I never had a problem before.  I am 68 and was diagnosed with diverticulosis at 55.  Can stress play a part?  I am terrified of the idea of surgery.  Also what do you mean by being floxed?  Thanks for any info. you can give.
  • Guest
    Guest caz45653

    Posted

    Hello,

    I'm Michael and I am 20 years young. Had my first flare up 4 days ago or so and I am in misery. I feel weak, my bowels constantly feel full, my bowel movements are often and under productive. I'm just getting my life together just to find out I have this disease that will have an affect on me for the rest of my life. Will I ever go back to feeling normal? Normal bowel movements? Feeling myself again. How to I work with this? Will it be hard to keep a job? I'm so nervous, scared, and depressed over this.

    0

    • bernadette1957
      bernadette1957 Guest

      Posted

      I'm with you Michael.... just diagnosed three days ago....via CT and it also showed a small abscess.  Doctor said I may need it drained.... I'm so scared...depressed.  On two antibiotics and still diarrhea and slight cramping.

      i leave for Greece in 5 weeks and am terrified I may not be able to go and terrified that a flare up will happen while there.

      has anyone had an abscess drained? What exactly happens?  So fearful of a colostomy bag...that will 100-% due me in

      HELP pls

      sad
  • Guest
    Guest caz45653

    Posted

    Hello,

    I'm Michael and I am 20 years young. Had my first flare up 4 days ago or so and I am in misery. I feel weak, my bowels constantly feel full, my bowel movements are often and under productive. I'm just getting my life together just to find out I have this disease that will have an affect on me for the rest of my life. Will I ever go back to feeling normal? Normal bowel movements? Feeling myself again. How to I work with this? Will it be hard to keep a job? I'm so nervous, scared, and depressed over this. Please help me.

    • alexandra62000
      alexandra62000 Guest

      Posted

      Michael, don't despair you will get the hang of this. Firstly 4 days is not long enough for a flare up to pass, but given time it will settle down. I assume you are taking antibiotics, and although these will kill the bad bugs they may also disturb the balance of the good ones which may need time to recover. You can get prebiotic tablets from H and B for this. Whilst you are in flare up try to give your gut a rest by eating low fibre, bland food and soups for 2 to 4 days. Then start to get back to your normal diet, but AVOID seeds, skins, pips, nuts and very spicey food. Try Fybogel once or twice a day to get good fibre in your diet. As things settle you will see what foods work best for you, but stick with the avoid list, these things are known to be troublesome. Many people will tell you that stress, tension and worry can also send your gut into spasms, so try to avoid these. I'm not talking the odd problem here and there, we all get those, I mean avoid real stressful situations. Finally you are not alone, use this forum to get help, it did me a world of good.

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