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Hi everyone,
I found myself having my first acute Diverticulitis attack exactly two years ago. I ended up in the ER. It just came out of nowhere. My doctor then told me that 95% of all patients will never experience this again. No need to follow any diet etc. Well I guess I am in the 5% corner🙄. Since then I had approximately every 6 months another bad attack, horrible pain chills fever etc.
Flagyl almost kills me so I get Cipra . However I was always healthy and it’s awkward being sick on a on and off basis. It's a bit frustrating that physicians can not really give consistent advice. I believe I have to look for a specialist. I really dread the surgery and try everything to avoid it. Glad to have found this forum... and learning...Thank you all for your time 🙂
2 likes, 23 replies
ashdankail heidi91082
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Heidi91082 - I was told the same thing from my Dr when I was hospitalized for the Diverticulitis; however, I have heard some many people talk about how they have more than just one attack. I would highly suggest following a good low fiber diet with lots of water and exercise. That is what I have been told on many of the discussion boards here.
It can be very discouraging, but don't let this disease win. Fight through with a good low fiber diet until your gut fills good, then introduce one thing at a time into your diet to see if your tummy can handle it. Stay away from red meat, anything with seeds and broccoli. At least until you feel like you tummy feels really good. i would also keep a ledger of what you eat that upsets your tummy, so you know not to eat it again. Oh and taking a good probiotic is what I hear a lot of people saying. I was told to go to my local nutrition store and ask for a good probiotic with 20 mil. cultures. Good luck and we will pray for you.
Guest heidi91082
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I was told by doctor that when you have diverticulitis your chances of having it again is very high! In my case its been over and over and over!
Important question Group: Some say as soon as you feel the twinges to go on clear liquids now my question is would that stop the infection from growing and keep you off antibiotics? And isn't the twinges is because infection is surfing to where you will feel the horrible pain and all its nasty symptoms a few days later ?
ashdankail Guest
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Guest heidi91082
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heidi91082 Guest
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I get cipra 1000mg
And isn’t this med the one that supposed to separate your tendances from the bones etc. lovely outlook. 😳
madeline27614 heidi91082
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I think certain foods trigger it. Actually a build up of putting too much stress in your intestines. Too much meat, raw veggies, seeds and nuts. I eat mostly ground meat and chicken . If I have a steak it’s a filet only. All carbs are fine for me. I could live in them but do incorporate some meats, fish and poultry.
I have learned though go to recognize symptoms and immediately apply a heating pad on my abdomen and go on liquid for one day then soft low residue foods. If not better in a day or two most I go to doctor and get Cipro and flagyl. Hate them but the they work. God Bless!
heidi91082 madeline27614
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Yes I always ate fruits nuts almonds yoghurt etc. lately I sense that yoghurt if any dairy products aren’t good. So I cut that out loved raspberries- having seeds so no more lol. Yep stress seems to be a trigger. Right now I am on chicken broth and juice - need my coffee though
Blessings on your journey
Guest heidi91082
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OH I forgot to add that is thats another nasty thing about diverticulosis is that how it attacks you can be feeling fine and WHAMM it hits you. YOU never know when it's going to hit.
heidi91082 Guest
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dee88278 heidi91082
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Regarding the meds: The first attack I had I ended up in the hospital on IV of flagyl and cipro which I tolerated ok, but when released on oral meds, the cipro gave me terrible side effects so doc said just use flagyl 500 - which made me miserable for several weeks even after I went off of it. The second flare about 5 years later, my doc said let's try flagyl 250. She said yes, the "recommended" dose was 500 but that was recommended for everyone despite weight, stature, sex, or reaction to meds. It healed me fine, and very few side effects. Fast forward 4 years to most recent attack - new doc who knew I was allergic to cipro so just prescribed flagyl. I told him about the 250, and he said okay to try, but if I wasn't better in two days or was worse, to up it to 500. I recovered quickly from the pain and infection, even though I still had some side effects - mainly anxiety though so I think it was that rather than meds. Just a thought for those of you who have so very much trouble with meds - a lower dosage might help. I stay away completely from nuts, seeds, popcorn.
heidi91082 dee88278
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Wow the urgend care i went around christmas gave me 1000 mg cipro and 1000 mg flagyl ... i am slender and the side effects especially from flagyl was horrible . I researched and decided to discontinue flagyl and thlught thats pretty high dose anyways . Well urgent care did not even wanted to give any advice. Yep i am done with all kind of seeds etc... guess “Gerber “ diet is the way to go🙄
Guest dee88278
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Guest
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Does any eat the "Fiber Ones Bars"? I bought two boxes but haven't tried them yet.
heidi91082 Guest
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dee88278 Guest
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I was very careful for about 3 years - not eating anything with seeds, no corn, no popcorn, and then I got a little complacent - love strawberries and those didn't seem to bother me, so I went on to okra and corn and nuts then I guess I just got carried away - can't really put my finger on the absolute cause for the second one, It was relatively mild. The last one I had this past Nov. I followed the same pattern, and I really think it was popcorn that got me. It was a little different, as I had pain all over my abdomen and it never localized and also was constipated. I had some 250 mg of flagyl on hand, so I took one that night - the next morning I had BM and some blood, but the pain was gone. Took flagyl for another 10 days. It still played with my mind and I developed extreme anxiety for about a month. I am going to really try to watch what I eat from now on - but I sure do miss the nuts and strawberries!!
ashdankail dee88278
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Dee, I love strawberries too. This has been a difficult month trying to find out what I an eat and what I can. I feel I am at the point to where I can try new things, but am finding out that my gut is NOT ready for new things yet. It is still healing. When were you able to start eating oatmeal? I love my oatmeal, but was told not to have any yet. I couldn't even eat Cream of Wheat yet. My tummy really turned when I started eating that, then came the mild pain.
Today, I have developed a hernia due to lack of fiber in my diet. I am not regular anymore and am confused as to what I can truly eat now. Any suggestions would be helpful. I just finished my antibiotics earlier this week.
Thank you - Amanda
Guest dee88278
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dee88278 ashdankail
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Hi Amanda, It is different for everyone, and just takes a lot of time - and mistakes - to find out what is best for you. I do not eat a lot of fiber - it tends to cause bloating and gas, and does not help my constipation! Neither do fiber supplements. One of my main helps has been giving up a lot of sugar and carbs - has helped relieve the gas an bloating. Also stopped eating onions and garlic - but part of that is due to I have developed silent reflux
. I have found the best thing when I get constipated is to use a glycerin suppository. I am not regular - never have been, which is very frustrating. Be sure and take a probiotic - ask the pharmacist for one that is really good - not always the cheapest. That helped me get over side efffects from antibiotics. And of course stress is a killer, but I am not one who can tell you how to alleviate that - I am the world's worst! I do eat oatmeal everyday but didn't for about 2 months after my recent attack. Just go slow and easy - it may be the results of the meds are causing the problems and that will eventually go away too. So wishing you the best in thoughts and prayers.
dee88278 Guest
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Guest dee88278
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gio41589 Guest
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Saw the discussion about the probiotics. I've been using one for people over 50: Fortify by Nature's Way. Found it at Walmart. Ask your pharmacist about that one. Found it's not too harsh, and works fairly well for me. Stay off the red meats, dairy, sugar, and simple carbs too. And - no booze, as it's bad for the gut! Hope this is helpful.