Recently diagnosed with diverticulitis- advice on fybogel and how to not get ill again! :)
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hello all 
I was diagnosed with suspected diverticulitis 10th Feb this year. Had pain like I've never had before all in lower left stomach. Had constipation which I don't get and fever. Pain so bad I couldn't take a deep breath or laugh or walk well or move basically!
Was given 7 days of co-amoxiclav and co codamol, they nearly kept me in hospital.
The pain went only a few days ago and now I only get pain very Occasionally if I take a deep breath.
After much perusal on these boards I decided to try fybogel and 3 billion acidophilus tablets. I started these last Saturday, 3 days ago.
Fybogel overnight made it softer although bulkier but easier to go. However today I am constipated and it's a huge huge strain to try and go. I know I'm not supposed to strain.
Does anyone have any advice for me?
I eat a very high fibre diet as I'm on slimming world. Eat tons of fruit and veg and whole grain. So I cannot understand why I have this? I had the pain very mildly occasionally at Christmas so I know its Diverticulitis, plus my mum and dad have had it.
Could it be too much fibre that has caused this? Should I quit the fybogel altogether?? Docs have given me no advice as they're not 100% sure it is diverticulitis as I'm only 31 they say. I'm sure it is.
Or should I carry on taking the fybogel?
I'm much better I just want to do the right thing so I don't get ill again. It was horrendous as you all know.
Sorry this is so long! Thank you in advance xx
1 like, 34 replies
katie93427
Posted
Extra bit sorry xx
I'm normally regular as clockwork. I'm only constipated when it flares. So should I not bother with the fybogel?
BA21_3RU katie93427
Posted
katie93427 BA21_3RU
Posted
Thank you for your reply. Will do
DorryC katie93427
Posted
Fiber supplements increase your need for water and if you don't get enough extra water, they can be constipating. Do you think that could be the problem?
katie93427 DorryC
Posted
Hi, thanks for your reply.
I am drinking tons of water a day, a good 6-8 pints. But may not be enough. I think I'll leave the fybogel for now.
linda822 katie93427
Posted
Here is what I was told, I'm at 6 weeks now and feeling almost myself again.Stick to a low fiber diet for a few weeks and lots of water then slowly back to normal diet. No fiber supplements for now to rest the colon and I am taking a probiotic pill once a day to help get the digestive track back to normal.
katie93427 linda822
Posted
I will do that thank you Linda.
I thought I've done it too soon, the fybogel.
Will go very easy on the fibre. Have had porridge today, silly lol!
Guest katie93427
Posted
katie93427 Guest
Posted
No they didn't. They gave me tablets and sent me home. Said I was too young so if it happens again I'll have scan or colonoscopy. Joy x
linda822 katie93427
Posted
katie93427 linda822
Posted
Hi Linda,
I have an appointment with my doctor in a fortnight so will try. I really don't want a colonoscopy
still needing lactulose even today and barely any fibre at all. 
linda822 katie93427
Posted
You can't get a colonoscopy while you have diverticulitis, it can cause damage to your colon. I have to wait 8 weeks for mine.
Guest linda822
Posted
patricia33865 katie93427
Posted
Hello Katie,don't worry about a colonoscopy,I was so scared,I asked to be sedated,I must say everybody was so kind,and I never felt a thing ! Hope everything goes well for you.🙋🏼
patricia33865 katie93427
Posted
Hello Katie,I too have been a member of S.W. but found all that fibre wasn't good for me and gave me constant diarrhoea,so I am on soft food diet to give my colon a rest for a while,I had to leave S.W because I couldn't follow their exact diet,it seems most people have constipation.