1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Diverticula

Is this diverticula disease?

Posted , 5 users are following.

marie86421
marie86421

I had an endoscopy in Jan 2014 after years of having a pain in my lower left side of my abdomen.  The endoscopy was unsuccessful due to 'fixity' (a term used by the consultant) of the seigmoid colon which meant that he could get no further without the risk of damaging my colon.  It was painful when he reached the point at 'fixity'.  I was told that I had diverticular disease and given advice on diet etc.

For about the last few weeks, I have been experiencing pain in the same area, but this pain is now extending what feels like through my pelvis and into my lower back just above the buttock.  I am wondering if this is because of the 'fixity' (think this means that the colon has attached itself to the abdomen wall) or could it be an ovary issue.  This only seems to happen when I am lying on my right side when I go to bed.  As soon as I lie on my back the pain disappears.  Perhaps the colon is pulling when I lay on my right side.  Could this be the diverticula disease?

Any helpful suggestions would be most welcome.

2 likes, 20 replies

20 Replies

Prev
  • appendectomy
    appendectomy marie86421

    Posted

    Hi Vivian. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Life's been a bit busy. I'm feeling quite OK at the moment thanks. I was wondering how you are getting on? Did you manage to get the scan done? And Marie, how did your appointment go? Hope you ladies are well
    • vivian89329
      vivian89329 appendectomy

      Posted

      Hi

      My GP referred me to a Surgeon. He said the Surgeon will do the Scan. The wait time is long. I haved changed my diet again and I hope yo go back to work next week. This relapse was a bad one. I still have discomfort on the left lower side. Feels like a healing wound. I don't know if I mentioned I also have IBS. I have a question.

      My GP thought this recent epidode was more due to IBS but wouldn't the diverticular pockets flare up also?

      Vivian

    • appendectomy
      appendectomy vivian89329

      Posted

      I think diverticular disease goes and in hand with IBS. My personal thesis on diverticular disease is that it is indeed chronic inflammation of the affected area. Now anytime its aggravated it turns into acute inflammation or infection ie diverticulitis. The catalyst for this could be many things. Common attributes of catalysts are that they cause irritation to the guts provoking the inflamed tissue. Inflammation takes a long time to heal, especially if its irritated over and over again. If it sits in the guts it is constantly provoked by the peristalsis and intraluminal pressures ( feaces). So if my theory would be right the only way to combat this is by reducing inflammation. Or in your case reduce the IBS symptoms to eliminate the knock on effect its has on your diverticular disease. Remember this is just me speculating. Perhaps try your IBS medications with liquid diet the week before you due back. Plus probiotics as you been on antibiotics. I use liquid youghurts regular, 3-4 hourly to ensure consistent supply of goodness. I don't know if it works but its cured me from diarrhoea one or two times in the past. It can't hurt unless you are lactose intolerant. I heard that in Sweden they stick you on iv drip for 6 weeks for complete bowel rest if there's recurrent episodes. Before considering operation. I hope your surgeons have a cancellation and that they can move your appointment forward so you don't have to wait too long
    • vivian89329
      vivian89329 appendectomy

      Posted

      Thank you so much. I agree with you.

      I am trying a balance of diet. Cannot get too constipated and cannot be running to the bathroom all day either. Liquid diet is good. Also mild laxative has worked for me and imodium. It is just so tiring. Here in Canada we wait forever to see Specialists unless it is very urgent. That is the problem. They also are not quick at medical testing unless they suspect something very serious. It is just too costly.

      I am using my hot water bottle now.

      Thanks for all your help.

      Keep.in touch.

      Vivian

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.