How to live/cope with diverticulosis
Posted , 14 users are following.
I have had what appears to be called "flare-ups" since my mid to late twenties. I am now 31. I finally buckled down and gathered the courage to tell a doctor about it a couple years ago, since I couldn't live with the symptoms I was experiencing. I had a colonoscopy done last year and that's when I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis and IBS, luckily no signs of IBD. She flushed the two infections I had and gave me antibiotics. After that, I was given some instruction on changing my diet, eating more fiber, etc. I felt so much better. I felt like I was finally cured, and it would never be a bother again except maybe symptoms from IBS.
This past month I had some symptoms off and on, which I figured to be IBS. Then last week, it had escalated to where I was calling out of work, so I went to my gastro again. I just knew my symptoms were just how they were last year, and suspected another infection. Sure enough, my doctor confirmed what I thought, and I'm back on the antibiotics(Metronidazole, Cipro and Flagyl). My symptoms have improved somewhat. My question is: how do you go about explaining to people what your 'illness' is? I tell most people and they think, oh you just have diarrhea, no big deal. Go to the bathroom and move on with your life. It's very frustrating that no one seems to understand what it's actually like to experience this. When I have a serious episode, I'm wiped out for the day. All I want to do is sleep because I don't have energy to move.
Obviously, I'm going to continue to have 'flare-ups'(yay), so I am trying to figure out the best way to cope with this. Another ongoing discussion is... SEEDS AND NUTS. I'm supposed to shovel fiber into my mouth, but I can't have seeds?... really? How many vegetables and fruits do you know DON'T have seeds?! I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I can't have seeds or nuts ever again for the rest of my life. Also, the recommended fiber supplement is absolutely disgusting.(Konsyl) I guess this is more of a rant/question than anything. Any advice or positive experiences you have would be helpful. Even if it is just an emotional story of your own. Thanks.
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scott_22589 ItsTheFitz
Posted
Hello there, you inspired me to share some struggles with living with diverticulosis as we share similar frustrations as well as age.
My first flare up was at the age of 26, I'm now 32. It was my worst episode to date. I had every symptom in the book, from fever, to bloody toilet bowls, to chills, cramps etc . On the fifth day I figured it was time to seek help. So I checked my self into the ER.
When I was first diagnosed with diverticulitis I was confused as I had stereotyped the desease being associated with older adults. I asked my self why did I get this disease? Was this Mother Natures way of punishing me for my absurd life style. Soon fear, anger, sadness, embarrassment, regret and confusion began to overwhelm me. I was in a glass case of emotion!
I saught out a few specialists and had a few colonoscopies performed which confirmed the disease. I made some life style changes and began educating myself how to prevent a flare up. Since then I get about 2 episodes a year with 9 months being the longest stretch between episodes. I battle each episode with antibiotics But was lucky to resolved a few with immediate liquid intake and diet adjustment. It does work, well sometimes? Flare ups I feel are inevitable and I have now excepted its reality. Even with the strictest of diets it seems to haunt me. I work in a kitchen and fear that one day I will never be able to eat the glorious dishes creates by my peers and creative passion. I know diverticulosis is not a death sentence but some times it feels so. I want to thank you for sharing your story as it makes me strive to be stronger emotionally.