![Diet Plans and Nutrition [Home]](/images/everydiet4.gif "every Diet [Home]"){kind=small}
Diverticulitis
CONTENTS
Diverticulosis
Diverticulitis
High Fiber diet
Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid
Diverticulosis is a condition in which the inner lining layer of the large intestine or colon bulges out
(herniates) through the outer, muscular layer. These ‘outpouchings’ are called diverticula.
Diverticulitis is the term for inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula.
A person having diverticulosis (the condition), and perhaps diverticulitis (the inflammation) as well, is said to
have diverticular disease.
Diverticulosis Symptoms, Causes and Management
Diverticula occur in a colon weakened by age, when increased pressure inside the colon (usually due to constipation) causes little pea-shaped pouches of weakness in the intestine wall. The chance of developing diverticula increases with age, so that by age 50 between 20 and 50 percent of all people will have some diverticula, and by age 90 virtually everyone will.
Treatment
This diverticulosis is usually symptom-free, so that most people do not realize they have it. However, a few people will experience spasms and pain. Relieving the constipation, primarily by increasing fiber in the diet, can reduce the problems associated with diverticulosis. If cramps, bloating, and constipation are problems, the doctor may prescribe a short course of pain medication. However, many medications cause the colon to empty, an undesirable side effect for people with diverticulosis.
Diverticulitis Symptoms, Causes and Management
A person with diverticulosis may get diverticulitis when waste matter and bacteria are trapped in a pouch (diverticula). This blockage interferes with the blood supply to the area, and infection sets in. The tissue then becomes inflamed or infected, and in severe cases may even rupture. An attack of diverticulitis can result in fever, pain and tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen.
The infection and irritation of nearby tissues within the abdomen may cause the abdominal muscles to spasm. About 25 percent of all patients with diverticulitis will have some rectal bleeding, although this rarely becomes severe. Diverticulitis is three times more likely to occur in the left side of the large intestine, and men are three times as likely as women to suffer with diverticulitis.
Treatment
Treatment for diverticulitis focuses on clearing up the infection and inflammation with antibiotics, resting the colon with a liquid diet plus a pain reliever or a drug such as propantheline (Pro-Banthine) to control muscle spasms, and preventing or minimizing complications. Acute or repeated attacks with severe pain or severe infection may be serious enough to require a hospital stay and possibly surgery.
High Fiber Diet Recommendations
High Fiber Diet for Diverticular Disease
This diverticulitis diet is a high fiber diet for managing diverticulosis, and for reducing effects of diverticulitis. The increased fiber (the American Dietetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams daily, including 6-8 grams of soluble fiber) in this diverticulitis diet plan produces more bulk in the stool, reducing pressure in the colon and assisting the more regular and complete elimination of waste, thereby preventing the formation of further diverticula.
Build up consumption of fiber in your diet gradually – rapid fiber increase may result in gas, cramping, bloating, or diarrhea. There are other benefits in having different kinds of fiber in a balanced diverticulitis diet: it helps to protect against cancer of the colon and rectum, and assists in preventing heart disease and a number of other health problems. Foods containing fiber also tend to comprise nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E and selenium, useful in fighting cancer.
Increase Fluid and Fiber
Anyone with diverticulitis who increases their fiber intake under this diverticulitis diet plan, should drink at least 1.5 liters (3 pints) daily. Insoluble fiber needs fluid to form stools that are easily passed. Medical advice may be to take a fiber supplement such as Metamucil daily (for soluble fiber from psyllium), and to use a cholesterol-lowering spread or margarine containing plant sterols. Fiber supplements provide about 2 to 3.5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, which is mixed with a quarter liter (8 ounces) of water before consuming.
Should Seeds Be Eaten?
Until recently, many doctors suggested avoiding foods with small seeds because it was believed that particles could lodge in the diverticula and cause inflammation. However, this is now a controversial point and no evidence supports this recommendation. So the seeds in tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries and raspberries, as well as poppy seeds, which are part of your diverticulitis diet, are generally considered harmless.
Diverticulitis Diet Guidelines
Foods to Eat
- Breads and grains (6-11 servings daily)
- Bread, pastas, pizzas, pancakes, muffins, bagels, pita bread (use whole-grain, whole-wheat flours, and
add 2-3 tsp of unprocessed wheat bran to, or substitute oat bran for one third of all-purpose flour in homemade
breads, muffins and other baked goods) - Whole-wheat, whole-grain and bran cereal products
- Buckwheat and stone-ground cornmeal
- Rye bread
- Whole wheat crackers or crisp breads
- Oatmeal, oat bran, or grits
- Barley, dry
- Wheat germ
- Whole wheat pasta
- Brown rice
Eat raw or dried fruits and raw vegetables if possible – chopping, peeling, cooking, pureeing, juicing, and processing
fruit and vegetables may reduce fiber content.
Vegetables (3-5 servings daily)
- All vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, greens (such as beet greens, kale,
collards, Swiss chard and turnip greens), green beans, green pepper, onions, peas, potatoes with skin, Romaine,
snow peas, green snap beans, pole beans, broad beans, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips.
Fruit (2-4 servings daily)
- All fruits such as apple, apricot, banana, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, dates, fig, grapefruit, nectarine,
orange, peach, pear, pineapple, prune.
Milk/dairy (2-3 servings daily)
- Increase fiber in yogurt or cottage cheese by adding fresh fruit, whole grain or bran cereals.
Meat/meat substitutes (2-3 servings or total of about 180 gm or 6 oz daily)
- All beans and peas such as aduki, baked beans, black beans, fava, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans,
pinto beans and split peas. - Smooth peanut butter and other smooth nut butters.
- All meat (increase fiber in meat dishes like meatloaf, casseroles, by adding 2-3 tsp of unprocessed wheat bran
or pinto beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, or oatmeal), poultry, fish, and eggs
Fats and snacks
- Whole-wheat pretzels, baked tortilla corn chips or trail mix made with dried fruits.
- Cakes, breads, and cookies made with oatmeal or fruit.
- Bean dip
Foods to Avoid
Any hard or difficult-to-digest foods, such as nuts, corn, popcorn hulls, and sunflower, pumpkin, caraway, and sesame seeds.
For more indepth information consider this book: Diverticulitis (How to Cope Successfully With)
These ebooks are also available.
The Fastest Way To End Digestive Pain Forever
New Diverticulitis Breakthrough
I was in the ER yesterday for 8 hours with severe abdominal pain in the lower left quadrant. My best friend had diverticulitis and had a portion of her colon removed, so I was fairly certain that I had the same condition. After a normal white blood cell count and a normal ultrasound, I was sent for a CT scan. I’d had one on 10/28 for pelvic/abdominal pain that was quite different from the pain yesterday. That CT scan was normal. Yesterday’s was not. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis.
After researching it on mayoclinic.com and some other websites, I knew that diverticulitis can occur at any time and any age. It is typically diagnosed with ages 50 and above. But, I happen to be 39.
I’m active in spinning classes and running around after my 4 year old. I eat high fiber foods and drink tons of water and liquids. I sleep 8 hours per night. So realistically, I should not have diverticulitis. It doesn’t matter. Anyway can get it.
Prevention is another thing. Since newly diagnosed, I now get to experiment with what foods set it off. I’m on Augmentin and Flagyl, along with pain meds that I haven’t needed to take. I’m resting and keeping to the low residue diet because I’m having 14 people here for Thanksgiving in 4 days and I want my turkey! (I need some humor somewhere in this situation.) Because I had a mild case with no fever and a normal white blood cell count, I was told I could probably have the turkey I’m preparing – just in smaller portions.
Anyway for those of us suffering with this, we are all in the same boat. I guess we keep rowing, huh?
Thaks for all your comments. I am 26 years old and was just diagnosed with diverticulitis and am having a hard time figuring out what the rest of my life is going to be like. I am on a strict water diet until I feel better, but I just can’t get the feeling of being tired away. Any suggestions?
God bless to all who have this disease. Recently diagnosed with it, after an excruciating bout of pain and subsequent hospitalization. Now I am constantly nauseated, feel drained most of the time and I am so tired of being in the bathroom. Metamucil seems to make my problems worse, so I am going to try Citrucel, per the suggestion of many on this forum. I have gone from being a reasonably active 52 year old to an amorphous blob, with no energy and tons of frustration. Best wishes to everyone out there. Peace!
cramps constipation tking duphalac 30 ml at night 25 in the morning no help then hot water in morning followed by milpar which then causes diarrhea does anyone think I will have oneto have my colon removed which terrifies me can anyone help me
i have divericulitis and i been taking flagyl and cipro for 4 days and still sick do i have to go back to the doc? and still with temp.????
I was told today that I have diverticulitis. Had severe pain in my left side, went to the doctor and she immediately sent me for a catscan. If someone has any cooking recipes to share please email me. Good luck to everyone.
I know guys this is the end of the row, it came so sudden
and has so many complications I am second guessing if I want to continue living like this. Good luck to you all
and I hope we will be luckier next time around.
I am glad to have found this website – it’s like you are in this thing alone – and you don’t know what to eat and what not to eat. I had my first attack April 09. Ended up at the emergency room taking iv fluids, having a cat scan and sent home with pain/nausea meds. After that I really watched what I ate and kept it to all soft things. Did not have another attack until 2 weeks ago. The symptoms were the same but not quite as severe: hot (tho not fever) nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. I realized what caused it was eating butter pecan ice cream. Both times I have had chills. The night I was at the er the dr asked if anyone in my family had – had this and yes, my mother had. Looking back, my mother for years ate almost nothing but ice cream, cool whip, jello, pimento cheese and soft things. When she was 80 she told me she had not been bothered by diverticulitis in so long and wondered if she could have been healed from that. No doubt eating that way for years on end did heal that place. I guess the best thing to do it stay on soft food – I tend to feel better that way. So many of your remarks sound like my situation. This just started and I am 54. Someone was right when they said others had no idea what kind of pain this is – you have to have it to understand. The waistband of my jeans kills me too – I feel so much better when I put on my pj’s at night – its a big sigh of relief. I pray each of us will find a way to endure this horrible thing.
I just had a hospital stay for 4 days in August/09. I thought that I had brought this attack on by eating pop-corn and peanuts (i had a weak moment!) But the surgeon told me that it is not just what you eat but that a piece of stool can brake off and settle in the pouches. So needless to say I had an emergency CT Scan that showed I had some small perforations in my colon. Years ago I had been told I have IBS and also my attacks diverticular attacks were mistakingly being diagnosed as bladder infection (with no urine samples tested!) So now I do increase my fiber and also drink Benefiber, i used to use Metamucil but doc told me not to. I agree it is a hit and miss especially when you are told to “expect” another attack. My attacked was described at being a level 2 and that 3 would mean surgery. I stay away from white rice and try buying things that use whole wheat flour. If i eat potatoes i try to keep the skin on them, instead I eat yams. For a snack I like baked potatoe yams sprinkle with lemon and salt. Also the key is to eat in moderation. Good luck!
I am a 38 year old woman, and I have had this for over 8 years now. I was diagnosed after I had such a hard time giving birth to my daughter that I had to go to a specialist and get tested for what I didnt know! then they told me I was horrified and thought it was the end of the world me a young person having this old people disease, or so I thought now I am reading your posts and see you all are young. But I do have a question, how do you gradually add fiber to get all the way up to the max of what we are supposed to have with this disease? Just wondering and appreciate an answer if someone knows… thank you all and God Bless you all.
A little discouraged, been on low carb diet! Just don’t know what to eat anymore! What about colon cleansing?
I have controlled the attacks at the first signs of discomfort with Oregono Oil tablets or Paraguard (for the intestines) At least so far I have not had to take an antibotic, which I really hate doing. I take two tablets every two or three hours until I feel no discomfort.
then you need to take lots of freindly bacteria (yogurt ect)
good luck…….
I was just diagnosed with diverticulitis on Sept. 26, went to the hospital with several pain on the left side of my abdomen and a bloated feeling (hadn’t eaten in over 30 hrs at that point and still felt full). No other symptoms, no fever, nausea, etc… After a C.T. scan, bang…. 31 yrs old and now dealing with a shock of a disease that supposedly on effects the old population. I don’t understand what caused it as I am in decent shape (not great but certainly not obese or even overweight), have a pretty decent fiber diet (love rice and black beans and eat it several times a week, along with salads and the rest of a fairly balanced diet), oh and no one in my family has ever had it. So I have NO idea as I said why or how I got it but I do and now I have to deal with it. Looks like a great site for diet and info…. good luck to all who have this problem!
Last November 5 days before my 50th birthday I was taken to the ER after suffering pain in my lower left side and a temp that went from normal to 103 over night. By the time I got to the ER my temp was 104 and my white count was sky high. They acted quickly with a CT scan and exam. Two doctors came in and told me that I had diverticulitus and they were sorry that an abcess had ruptured. They admitted me and put me in the surgical care unit with a stand by over the weekend for emergency surgery. They did put me on several IV antibiotics and pain meds. I was there 5 days and they finally let me go home. They told me if I had waited and not come to the ER I would not have lived through the day. A real eye opener about something I had never heard of before. I’ve had 2 more major attacks with outpatient treatment and 2 moderate attacks since. I see the surgeon next week and I hope they will take care of this. I have not felt well since November and other things have not helped. I feel for each and every person on here coping with this disease.
All this is very interesting. I’m going to try citrucel. Metamucial does the opposite for me.
I’ve been managing this condition successfully for 2 years without flareup. Here are some things I know work.
Nothing fried! EVER! No fries, KFC, chips, and that includes burgers and chicken patties. If it’s fried it’s bad, period.
No rare meat. I miss my delicious steaks but I gave them up as they would trigger attacks. And I eat very little pork as it’s so fatty and even lean pork can be hard to digest.
Fiber supplements EVERY DAY. I take it in the morning and at dinner and I haven’t had any constipation since.
Stay off the toilet! Many of us tend to stay on the toilet for long periods with the urge to go even when nothing happens. Or we strain and push, which is the worst thing you can do as it stretches and stresses the colon. If you sit for more than 2 minutes without producing you are stressing and aggravating your bowel. Get off and lie down for a bit. You need to learn to recognize that false signal to go and let your body relax.
Tons and tons of fresh fruit and soft vegetables. You can never get enough. And ignore that BS about seeds. The seed bearing fruits like berries, melons and grapes, and veggies like tomatoes and zuchinni are excellent for your colon health and the seeds don’t cause flareups despite what you might have read.
Good luck all.
I have seen several mentions of the problem being aggravated by seeds, but most of the medical literture I’ve read, and the GI surgeons I’ve spoken with debunk that as a myth. I eat raw berries daily and have had only one attack in the past year. I suppose we are all different but it seems to be generally accepted that it’s not a cause.
To the fella who downed three slices of strawberry pie and a big mac then blamed it on the seeds – I’ll bet it was the cup of lard in the pie crust and the 35 gms of beef fat that laid you low and not the poor berries. Just a little -ahem – food for thought.
I have recently been diagnosed with this painful disease as well. I am 39 years of age and finding out now it is common with people in their later years. A couple of days ago I started having lower pain in my left side with a bloating feeling. It felt very tender and I was also feeling lethargic. I never would have thought I had diverticulitis. I am always on the go living as a single parent raising three young boys, so when I began to feel this, I knew it had to be serious. After drinking two bottles of this milky stuff and a c.t. with contrast, I got the call right away from my m.d. telling me it was diver. I have been doing some research when possible and found this site to be helpful. For all of you dealing with this I wish you well and speedy recovery.
I was a completely healthy active woman who is a teacher until I experienced my first diverticulitis attack 3 1/3 years ago. After experiencing three years of hell trying to figure out what to eat,what not to eat, many trips to hospital, bloating, constipation, pushing so hard and knowing i had not gone to the bathroom for days, the familiar warm hot feeling in my lower left pelvis area, three separate week long hospital trips, cipro/flagyl cocktails that i ate like candy, I finally had surgery this summer, June 8. I had over a foot of large intestine removed and cannot tell you how normal I feel as it has been 10 weeks post surgery. My doctors told me that my diet can be normal, and for the first time in years, popcorn, corn, etc. since my damaged large intestine was removed. I feel terrific. No annoying cough, no infections, just pure, wonderful life ahead of me. I opted for an open surgery as my surgeon wanted to have a good look at everything and I had complete trust and faith in this man. When he removed the colon, he found that I had scar tissue even on the outside and more damage than expected so he removed a foot. I truly feel as if my life is at a second chance. I cannot tell you enough to opt for surgery. Even though you can have it done lapro, with such a serious condition as diverticulitis, the surgeon really can see the damage completely and if any to organs surrounding. Once you heal, No more sickness, no more stress wondering if one is going to burst, no more worries, and how wonderful it is to feel normal again. I am back teaching full time and at 50 years old, I have my life back.
its been about 3 years since the 1st real attack of diver that actually laid me down and since Ive learned alot about a disease that a colonoscopy told me that I never had.
but in the back of my head I just never was sure and would dabble in the no-nos.everynight for 3 years I have to take stool softners just to be sure of the next day and sometimes they dont even help when its that time.
well now I know that its diverticilitis and I also know it was my favorite fruit strawberries that about had me having surgery 3 days ago.
last weekend I went with the wife to get groceries and I begged for a strawberry pie and ate 3 generous portions over several days.
well that was all it took for the wheels to start closing my stools off that instantly started the pains.the next day I had to go out of town still aching with fever and almost flulike symptems and coming home after no food intake all day I stopped and the good ole mcD and ordered a burger and slammed it down before I ever thought of the sesame seeds and that was all she wrote.all the pain kept getting worse and I ended up at the doctor and then to the hospital to get a CT scan which finally showed me proof that I had a bad case of diver.after all this time Im still homebound with abdominal pain but getting better as time goes by.Ill personally vouch for the strawberries to be the cause but the buns a killer.
I also have diverticulosis with flare ups of the diverticuli. How long do you do the juice fast to clear up the attack? I also have studied up on the fact that usually we have high acid test so need to eat proper foods to get our system more alkaline. Great Taste No Pain is a set of books I just bought, teaches you proper food combinations, you would be shocked at all the wrong combos we eat, you cat eat most everything, but just not together. I think I have found something valuable in this info. Right now I am needing to juice fast and can’t find how long to do that, it is very hard just doing it today!! Good luck to you all with the same problems. I don’t think others understand the burning, pain and it actually waking a person up at night unless you have been there. Thanks. Laurel
I had first attack of diverticulitis 4 years ago.Never any surgery but many times did a liquid diet and cipro flagyl. Recently I found out many of us sufferers are more “acid” than alkaline in our tummys.An acid enviroment inside us is a bed for infection. Check out lists for alkanine foods (watermelon, lemons, cantelope) adding these have helped me much….eat these more than meats. Eat no fried foods but much fruit and veggies.Lots of liquids, no sodas, no sweetners but splenda/stevia. Pray for no surgery.
suffering severe cramping from sigmoid diverticulitis can any help me
Thanks a lot for all these details, I learned a lot.I also got this worst experience once and now I am afraid of having another attack.I have changed my food pattern but I want to know what sort of medicine should I take.
Hello everyone your are here to find some info I just got out of the hospt today flagl cepro I think we can beat this by watching what we eat and jus doing the right thing god bless im going to start praying for myself and everyone else!
Oooops. Levaquin 500 mg. was the other antibiotic along with Flagyl 500 mg. This combo makes you feel like ur are 99 years old, but it works at killing all the bacteria, good and bad. My mother is a nurse and says taking Probiotics is highly recommended and aloe juice also. Sounds like a trip to the health food store for me………
It has been 4 years and I am still learning to deal with diverticulosis. The most recent flair up was 2 weeks ago. I had surgery 3 years ago and had a bowel resection. It was a tough experience and I never want to have to do that again.
Yet, even after the surgery, I am prone to attacks at the most inconvenient times……usually when I am away from home and traveling for work. Grrrr!
Reading all the blog comments helps me to feel like I am not alone. All the symptoms and episodes sound so familiar.
A good dose of Flagyl 500 mg 4xs a day with 500mg once a day of for 7 days helped a lot. Thats my emergency cocktail of meds when things go far south! If you know what I mean.
Yet, day to day I am still experiencing bloating, cramping, painful bowel movements etc. Never know when it will strike but now I am researching and reading and looking at what I can do to live a normal life. I travel and sometimes it is crazy and stressful.
Question: Is diverticulitis just caused by diet alone? Is it just the foods I eat or don’t eat? Are there other factors to why I have this wonderful challenge??????
Wishing everyone better health and healing!!! CGG
wow i hope everyone does well. I’m on my second flair up i’m 36 and i dont have insurance any more. I try to eat what i’m supposed to but i guess it’s not enough. I hope to see my doctor soon hopefully no damage has been done
I must weigh in with Karne and Tricia regarding nuts/seeds. This disease can be very different from person to person, but I have had multiple bouts of diverticulitis in just 18 months and can tie it back to sesame seeds in almost every case. In each case, I ingested a significant amount of sesame seeds just two days before starting to feel the lower, left abdominal pain that tells me that I’ve got an infection. Once it was Ahi Tuna rolled in sesame seeds — delicious, but deadly. Another time it was sushi rolled in an insane amount of sesame seeds — again, delicious! Another time it was as simple as a mini burger served on a sesame seed bun. Totally missed that one! Chose to go without antibiotics during that bout as it felt a bit milder than the others.
I am still trying to figure what caused my last episode (last month)because I was almost paranoid in my avoidance of sesame seeds. I now believe it to be some peanuts I ate. I don’t even like them, but was desperate for food on a business trip and broke out the airline peanuts! Never again!
I feel fortunate to know what causes my diverticulitis. My heart goes out to those for which it is more random. I am only 45 and hope that my triggers do not change or become broader as I age. For now, I’m sure to have some extra fiber every morning in my cereal bowl. For me, that consists of 2 Tbls or so of Kashi GoLean sprinkled on top of whatever cereal I’m having.
Best of luck to those suffering this week.
On April 13, my hubby, (who is 55) was saying that it felt like his insides hurt. He was very uncomfortable, but said it might just be gas. We had lunch, and he ate, no problems. When we got home that night, and he was getting ready for his shower, noticed that on his left side, his lower abdomen was all “puffy”, weird looking. He agreed to go to the ER, and they got him in…did a CT, and said “yep, it is diverticulitis” and that he had free air in his abdomen. they were going to watch it and see if it would resolve on its own. they started pushing antibiotics, and admitted him. At that point, his temp was 98.9. by the time he was taken to a room, (at 2am) it was 99.8. at 6 in the morning, they decided to do surgery after all, because it was up to 101. by the time he got into surgery at noon, it was 103. He was hospitalized for 7 days, and has a colostomy. But, he goes in Tuesday to have it reversed, yeah! He is really looking forward to it. We avoid all seeds, (do you know that McDonalds only has sesame seed buns??!!) and I have even learned how to make a good salsa without seeds! It has been a learning experience, to say the least…
thankyou all for sharing your experinces i,have just been diagnosed as having divercalitus and i know how painful this is so sympathise fully with you all i,m just leaning how to deal best with it and try to get it under control
i to thought it was bowel cancer and was so relieved its not that i put of going to dr as i was frightend but put up with it for months i have bleeding from bottom and the awful stomache cramps and bloating and constipation and wind which lodged sometime sort of jelly stuff from my bottom yukky i know sorry and i,ve had the chills and diarreha sometimes other times constipated
i,m hoping to get this awful thing under some sort of control hugs mandy
I just got out of the hospital yesterday after 7 days-first time attack and have been up since 3am looking for info. related to this condition. Its been very helpfull since I am 59 yrs. old(supposingly good health) and up to now had been told that after the age of 50 is when it usually shows up-have to tell my family about what I have just read. After a severe attack-had boop in my stomach due to one of the fistulas broke- and on3 strong medications that one of then is used for Quimotherapy, the agonizing pain and experience I am definitely taking seriously the doctors advice of:NO NUTS, NO SEEDS, HIGH FIBER DIET and like Tricia has said following her advice-definitely- check everything I eat. Going to try the Citrucel tablet.
thank you for this information, excellent for me.
I agree with Tricia. After having a colonoscopy – My doc also told me I should have no problem eating seeds and nuts. I have been going easy on the seeds and had no problems, so I tried a handful of nuts last night and am regretting it now. I have pain and tenderness in my left side. I will probably have to call the doc tomorrow and get an antibiotic.
Six weeks ago went to Dr. for possible urine infection. After 5 days of cipro condition worstened. was sent to urologist 5 days later,hospitalized due to seriousness of infection.I was put on 3 major antibotics and fluids introveinously. 48 hrs. later diagnosed with ecoli poisining.Tests showed diverticulilis.A fistula had formed from my colon to my bladder, allowing fecies matter to leak into mt urnairy trac.6 days in hospital, 30 days bed rest at home on 2 antibotics,all culminate with laproscopic surgery to cut out 1ft. of colon,sew up hole in bladder. am home now after 3 days in hospital.After reading everyones accounts of this disease, I realize how fortunate I truely am,to be alive. Im just like everyone else,just looking for diet advice real answers. All I know for sure is,don’t go through this alone. Take GOD with you. I’m sure he knows more than all these doctors put together.
can alcohol bring on flare up of diverticullocis? There are various schools of thoughts on this and I would like to know.
I am a 47yr old female. On June 3rd this year I was rushed to the hospital with terrible pain in the left quadrant of my adbomen. I had started having diahrea and vomiting at the same time from 10:30am to 12:30pm. I was so very weak. They did blood work and sent me home saying I had a UTI and stomach virus. Well, two hours later I caught the most gut wrenching pain and head to the restroom where I started passing blood. I was rushed back in to have a ct scan done and found out I had Ischemic Colitis (no blood flow to the left side of my colon) Five days later I had an emergency scope done to find out I had ulcers and infection in my colon. On the seventh day I was released. A week later I followed up with the doctor. He found I was still very tender and my abdomen was still destended. Two day later I had another ct scan done on a Friday. On the Monday I had to see my heart doctor to see about the blockage in the mesenteric artery. I am having a test done tomorrow for that.All they could say was my ct scan was abnormal from Friday. Well,yesterday evening I received a call saying I have Diverticulitis also. Bam!!!! So now I know that and have to wait for the other test. In the meantime I’m wondring how much of my colon is dying from a lack of blood supply. It seems that since my heartattack Feb of 08 I have just gone downhill. Am I the only one that keeps having things go wrong one after another?? Sorry if I did babble on but some people in my family don’t understand how I feel.
I will try though some of the thing you kind people have suggested. If anyone would like to contact me my email is:m_pellegrin@bellsouth.net…………thanks for your time.
I had my first bout with diverticulitis this past week at the age of 29.
Ho w fun. Liquid diets are not for a foodie. It’s good to know that there are others who don’t fall into to 60 plus category with this problem. Here’s to soft food and better health for the next month!
I’m wondering if anyone has had surgery to repair damaged tissue due to diverticulitis. I have what is called contained perforated diverticulitis. I spent 11 days in the hospital, had a drain tube placed and it reamined in for 2 months…excessive, I know. The Dr. was pushing surgery early on and I was concerned about the still damaged tissue…too soon for surgery. I was right, after seeking a second opinion, I have had the tube removed, back to work part time and feel much better. I had IV antibiotics, daily injections of Lovox into my stomach to prevent clots, insulin because my blood sugar was so low… this was a nightmare! I really appreciate more info and your stories, I had never heard of this disease before. I still may have to have surgery, but am praying that I can still heal myself through a proper diet. I was on a liquid diet for 50 days and lost 15-20 lbs…not the way one wants to lose weight! I am trying to put a bit on as I was down to 100 lbs.
I was diagnosed today with Diverticular Disease and everything I am reading here is identical to what I have been going through in the past 6 months. I almost feel better just knowing I am not alone. For a while I thought it may be something like cancer. I am doing research and hope to have this under control. I just tuned 31 and it feels like my health is going down. Ive been very depressed but feeling better today
Thank-you,for all the information that you have shared about your own personal trails with Diverticulitis. I just found out this week that I also have Diverticulitis. So I’m learning more about high fiber diet’s and what else can help. Everything helps!
I was diagnosed a little over 10 years ago and would have bouts about twice a year. My doctor told me to never forget the symptoms I experienced with the first bout telling me I would need to get on antibiotics ASP. About two years ago a friend of mine told me about Fiber One Bars, I have been eating them ever since and have not had a case of diverticulitis yet, knock on wood. I had tried all the other fiber products out there but none have worked as well as the Fiber One Bars. Just food for thought, hope this may help at least one of you. Please, please pay attention to your body as the doctor told me, I have never had to go to hospital because I listened to my doctor and as soon as the symptoms appear I give him a call.
I am 39 and have just been in hospital for 5 days with diagnosed diverticulitus. I have been on IV antibiotics, 3 of them and now taking tablets for the next 5 days. I was so surprised as I have not had any of the more common symptoms of this disease like diahorea or constipation but I have had pain in my upper abdomen just under the rib cage for months after eating certain foods and wondered if I had gall stone trouble. I have been feeling unwell for months with a bit of nausea but it hasnt stopped me functioning as a working mum, but what started as a back ache at the beginning of the week then moved to the front and finally localised in severe lower left side pain made me go to ER on Saturday and my blood test showed high markers of infection and inflammation and also I had a temp. I was there for 7 hours (the staff were great)and after testing for UTI, having a full abdo ultrasound which was clear! and finally a CT scan which gave the result. I am now interested in any information on the control of this disease and aprreciated reading other peoples comments on it.
To Tricia from 4-28: Thank you Thank you Thank you for your recommendations! I am online after being in the hospital with my husband all night. I need to be as educated in this as I can possibly be since I do not want to see my husband go through that again. He was diagnosed with diverticulitis and he’s a type 2 diabetic as well, which of course complicates things a bit due to the CT they gave him last night. They have temporarily changed his medication, and his diet will need to be adjusted for that as well. I thought I WAS taking pretty good care of him, but some serious examination is definitely in order. I will take your recommendation of the Citrucel and pick some up today. My heart goes out to anyone suffering with this serious disease, and I wish everyone going through it, including the supportive family members of the afflicted, the very best!!
sounds good i’m going to follow recomendations . just spent 3 days in hospital –rectal bleeding !!!! had to have 2 units of blood !!
need to print out copy
Thanks very much!
Tricia,
I was just diagonised yesterday with diverticulitis by a CAT, the pain was so severe. terrible chills and ached all over. I am on antibiotics and clear liquid diet for a few days and was just searching to see how to change my diet. I read your letter and was inspired to do more for my health. Some many things I can’t have is what I really like but its not worth this pain.
Thank you,
Mary
It is now believed by some commentators that eating nuts is not as harmful as was previously thought! Is there any basis in fact for this opinion?
I am in my 30’s and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis a few years ago. I also experienced many of the symptoms mentioned throughout by many – bloating, constipation, heartburn. At first I believed I was lactose intolerant and tried using OTC products (chamomille tea, antacids, stool softeners, licorice – ANYTHING) to relieve the pain. They would always work for a while and then the pain would return. My uncle passed away from colon cancer and I was afraid to find out my condition. One night, after having a sesame seed hamburger bun for dinner, I experienced TERRIBLE stomach spasms that felt like a basketball was being pushed around in my stomach and up my throat. I vomiting more than 5 times that night. I knew I had to get a professional exam. I saw my doctor and explained my symptoms. She did a pelvic check and found tenderness on the lower left side. I was sent for a CT scan which revealed I had diverticulitis. I was on antibiotics and read as much online as I could about the disease. My doctor also recommended that I take a Metamucil tablet daily. Although doctors have changed their view about nuts, and seeds, I have not. I stay completely away from tomato/lemon seeds, sesame seeds, strawberries, popcorn, peanuts, walnuts, corn. This works for me. It has been 7 years since I was initally diagnosed and I had 1 episode 2 years ago due to restaurant rice not being fully cooked. The only symtom I had was a slighty tender lower left pelvic pain, but that, enough with a gut instinct was enough for me to go back to my doctor and request another dose of antibiotics. A year ago I had a colonoscopy and was clear of anything harmful. I check EVERYTHING I eat and although this can be seen as annoying to others, it’s important to my health. One month ago Metamucil changed their fiber to promote a “heart healthy” product and eliminated my usual product. I experimented with this new product by watching how my stomach reacted. It did not work for me, as I experienced diarrhea. After experimenting with different products, I have finally found taking 1 Citrucel tablet works for me. I hope the best for all of you as I know how extremely difficult it can be finding some healing from this pain. God Bless you.