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My mum is suffering with diverticular disease.

Posted , 4 users are following.

jean26980
jean26980

My mum was diagnosed with diverticular disease a few years ago. No matter what different food regimes she tries she still has severe cramps and either constipation or diarrhoea. She’s 78 and it’s making her low in spirit and not want to eat very much! How do we know it’s not something more sinister developing? Yes, cancer! 

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • ashdankail
    ashdankail jean26980

    Posted

    Jean have you spoken to a GI doctor or a dietitian?  They would be the best bet right now... I would communicate with a your local dietitian to get ideas on what to eat and what is good for you.... The mediterranean diet was recommended to me by my Dietitian.  Good luck. Keep us posted.
    • jean26980
      jean26980 ashdankail

      Posted

      Thank you so much. Only been under the GP’s care and they  don’t seem that interested! 

      Think I’ll ask for a referral for a Gastro doctor. 

    • ashdankail
      ashdankail jean26980

      Posted

      I hope you can find answers.  A GI doctor came to visit me many times in the hospital and they became my best friend with all my questions.  Now that I have more questions it is hard to get them answered through my primary Dr. good luck and keep us posted.  We are all here to support each other. We need each others support while we all battle this together.... literally.
  • 1231Pecan
    1231Pecan jean26980

    Posted

    I suffered for a full 90 days with DD. Finally, after 3 months of eating right (oatmeal, yogurt, veggie juices, mashed potatoes, fruit smoothies, and TONS of water, at least 10 glasses/day), plus a couple of rounds of antibiotics, and occasionally an extra-strength Tylenol, I finally turned the corner. I never thought the day would come when I didn't feel bad, but it finally did. I take an occasional stool softener to make absolutely sure that I avoid constipation. In fact, I'm sure that constipation was what landed me DD in the first place. I do not naturally like water or fibrous foods, but  you can bet your bottom dollar that has all changed. 

    Insofar as colon cancer, I have polyps and my dad died with undiagnosed colon cancer, so I make sure to have a colonoscopy every 3 years to rule it out. I feel that even if I do end up with colon cancer because of my family history, I can lead a full life with early diagnosis. 

    I hope your mom stays the course; it may seem like it will never end, but for me, it finally did.

     

    • jean26980
      jean26980 1231Pecan

      Posted

      Thank you. I think another colonoscopy sounds like a good idea.  

      The dieradvixe soinds good too. Yogurts? Are these the bio /pro biotics version

    • jean26980
      jean26980 1231Pecan

      Posted

      What symptoms did you have to warrant antibiotics? The Gp’s are so reluctant. I feel a course may benefit mum, but not sure at what stage to approach them. 
  • Sigmoid
    Sigmoid jean26980

    Posted

    Sorry to hear about your mum.  I began having severe constipation about 3 months ago.  Finally I went to see a Dietician and she is helping me determine which foods may be the cause and which foods are not.  I would recommend getting in touch with a Dietician.  Hope you can find a good diet to relieve the constipation - good luck.
  • Sigmoid
    Sigmoid jean26980

    Posted

    Sorry to hear about your mum.  I began having severe constipation about 3 months ago.  Finally I went to see a Dietician and she is helping me determine which foods may be the cause and which foods are not.  I would recommend getting in touch with a Dietician.  Hope you can find a good diet to relieve the constipation - good luck.
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