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I have had diverticulis twice and was told I could eat anything.

Posted , 5 users are following.

susansho
susansho

I had it 4 years ago and was diagnosed again in August of this year. Went on Flagyl and Cipro and it cleared up.  I was told both times that I can eat anything I want (except popcorn).  Fortunately I have had no problem since.  I do have hard stools at times so after reading what you all have written I will take more fiber if that can help prevent a flare-up.  Sorry to hear so many of you have such horrible times with it.  This last time was not bad at all.  Good luck

 

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest susansho

    Posted

    Susan, how was you diagnosed , by ct scan or just your symptoms told to doctor?  How many attacks did you have in those 4 years? Did you ever have any mucus and blood mixed or just pain or both? 
    • angela91414
      angela91414 Guest

      Posted

      Hi, 

      Don’t get many flare ups but when I do I get low pain all across ( not just on left)! wispy,mucusy bloody stools ( gross I know) 3 attacks in 4yrs and was diagnosed through colonoscopy. 

    • susansho
      susansho Guest

      Posted

      1st time by ct scan, 2d time went to doc and she diagnosed me just by my 

      symptoms (lack of appetite, little pain left side, upset stomach).  Never had mucus or blood but had hemorroids which bled a little.  Hated the antibiotics which made me nauseous.  Went and got a ct scan 7 days after starting medicine and the diverticulis had cleared up and they said I only had diverticulotis (which once you have diverticulitis you have diverticotis (sp??)

      I never had the horrible symptoms that a lot of people have described in this column.  Hope this helps.  I'm really sorry that a lot of you are suffering so.

      I also take a probiotic every day.  If you take antibiotics you have to take a probiotic to balance the good and bad stuff in your gut.

       

  • angela91414
    angela91414 susansho

    Posted

    Hi,

    Like you I was diagnosed 4 yrs ago and went privately to a top consultant in this field. I was diagnosed after colonoscopy and like you was told I could eat anything as he said that it has now been dispelled that pips etc can get caught in the pouches! I was advised to eat enough fibre to stop from getting constipated and I have had 3 flare ups in 4 years. When I get a flare up I get lower pain all across mucusy and bloody stools and loss of appetite. I feel fortunate mine has not been worse as I follow a near normal diet but it’s a miserable condition that affects so many people. 

    • Guest
      Guest angela91414

      Posted

      I get what you get Angela, I was diagnosed in ER with Contrast and CT Scan, 5 tubes off blood and had a high white blood cell count.  I had diverticulisis with the blood and mucusy. My questions is do we ever actually heal from this or is it a on time constant thing?
    • Guest
      Guest Guest

      Posted

      Hi

      As I understand it, once you have diverticula, you have them for life.  If you are not having a bout of inflammation/infection it is known as Diverticulosis.  If you are having a flare up, it is Diverticulitis (itis means inflammation ie appendicitis, tonsillitis etc).  Under Related Information on this page is an article all about the meaning of the various terms.  As well as having diverticula, I have a thickened twisted narrow colon and was told I have Diverticular Disease.  (Why are all the names so similar - no wonder people get confused!!).

      Anyway, the spells of inflammation/infection get treated, the pain and symptoms (eventually - it can take weeks or months) subside.  However the underlying condition never goes away and seems to get worse over time.  I manage with diet and stool softeners, having learned what does and does not affect my insides.  The doctors currently say "eat what you like" but I think what they mean is "everyone's different so there's no definitive list of what to eat or avoid - it's just trial and error and if it affects you, don't eat it!"  The one thing that seems common to doctors and sufferers is to eat soluble fibre.  I personally peel fruit and veggies, cook well and chew thoroughly.  I make a lot of soup which I also blend well.  But that's me and it won't be for everyone.  I'm currently sitting on the "naughty stool" having eaten badly and am having niggles as a consequence!  Serves me right!

  • Guest
    Guest susansho

    Posted

    I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis had infection so does that mean I will stay having Diverticulitis? Why does it NOT heal and go away? 
    • angela91414
      angela91414 Guest

      Posted

      Hi

      It will heal eventually with fluid/bland diet and anti biotics if needed. During an attack the advice is to cut out all fibre but when it’s healed you must have enough fibre in your diet to stop constipation. You may get flare ups where you have to go through the whole procedure again until it’s healed. Many people have found they can not tolerate certain foods so it’s really trial and error to see what works for you. Luckily I fall in the bracket where I eat a near normal diet and have had 3 flare ups in 4yrs. 

    • Guest
      Guest angela91414

      Posted

      Angela, with all 3 of your flare ups did you have to take antibiotics each and every time? 
    • angela91414
      angela91414 Guest

      Posted

      No I didn’t. The first time I had DD I was on holiday in Florida. I had low tummy pain all day and whilst straining down passed  a blood clot. ER told me to visit Dr when I got home a week later as after passing the blood the pain eased. By the time I had a colonoscopy back in the UK 3 weeks later the consultant said it had healed itself  ( without antibiotics) I have only had antibiotics once and my Dr prescribes them for peace of mind when I go on holiday. If I feel like I’m going to have a flare up I start a bland diet and take a couple paracetamol and touch wood I’ve been very lucky considering the rubbish I eat sometimes!!!
    • Guest
      Guest Guest

      Posted

      It does heal but it takes time - weeks, months or more than a year.  Once the inflammation/infection has gone you will no longer have Diverticulitis, you will have Diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula WITHOUT inflammation/infection)
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