What is Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a common disease of the bowel, in particular the large intestine. Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pouches (diverticul...
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Questions about diverticulosis
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I had my first attack in May, 2009. My second (much worse) attack was the end of July, 2009. I was in the hospital for 7 days and had to have surgery for adhesions and abcessed diverticuli. Afterward, I saw a specialist who basically thought I needed surgery (which I oppose at this time) and then he said "eat whatever you want unless it bothers you" and we'll see what happens. Not good enough for me.
I found a diet online called Great Taste, No Pain, which really seems to help alleviate many of the symptoms. However, I still have the twingy, crampy pain in my lower left and right quadrants. I don't want to take pain pills. Anybody have any useful tips or hints? Also, both attacks occurred exactly five days after a long car trip (could not be avoided - my dad has cancer and was in the hospital in another state). The doctor said he didn't think there could be a connection between the two but it seems like an awful big coincidence. Has anyone else noticed this problem? And, my last attack occurred 2 weeks after my first colonoscopy. Could that have aggravated the diverticulosis? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Posted on 09/15/09, 12:09 pm |
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You may be right about all of the connections you are making. No one really knows much about our disease, but we humans are always looking for connections. There is an error in logic called Post Hoc (before then, therefore because of).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_... I think I have made many such erros with my disease. I had severely restricted my diet and was still being attacked. I finally gave up. I believe our disease is an auto immune problem and not a fiber, seed, or a particular food problem. There are two ways our immune systems can cause us problems. One is that it is weak and does not respond to the invaders. Most first attacks I believe start this way. The second is more common. Our bodies become hypersensitive to bacteria invading our colon and start to attack our own flesh in order to keep the invaders at bay. The tell-tail evidence of this is shown when the colonoscopy reveals red patches of uninfected areas in the colon. Drugs like Mesalazine are performing miracles in people like us because they turn down the immune system so that damage does not become extensive and the raw patches are not there to become infected by invading bacteria. Many of us have lost the battle trying to understand what foods are triggers. 80 percent of us that get a first attack, never get another (WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING). The can body learn how to fight diverticulitis on its own and does not over respond, no matter how many diverticula you have. Those that over respond or under respond need help. The best evidence that I have to support this theory is that Mesalazine (an anti inflammatory drug) seems to be very effective in keeping some of us healthy. Some of us will suffer no matter what food, surgical, or medical treatment we pursue. It is a tricky disease. Someday we may know the answers. Today, we are just starting to come out of the dark ages in DD history. John 
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Poofbaby,
Your Dad having cancer might be the reason you got sick, not the car ride. Having a family member sick is a major attack on a person's immune system. It is a fact that the biggest health risk older people can have is losing a spouse. People do die of a broken heart. There is not a lot one can really do about it either. Our immune systems are somehow connected. Yours might have shutdown to help your Dad. I hope you and your Dad get healthy fast. John
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Thanks for all the info and advice. When you mentioned "the red patches in uninfected areas", does that mean that area will become infected next? I believe the photos the doctor gave me when he went in and cleaned out the adhesions showed something that sounds like what you described. You certainly seem to have been through it all! But I am so thankful I found this website - it is a Godsend for people with this disease because the doctors certainly don't offer much useful information. I am not a person who is satisfied with a "let's just wait and see what happens" approach.
I have aunts who say they had attacks years ago but are fine now. I hope I can only be so lucky. I have cut out everything I think was irritating my stomach. Nuts, seeds, alcohol and I'm considering milk next. I really appreciate your insight into this dreadful illness!
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I have noticed a correlation between severe onset of attacks folowing long car rides. I have begun to believe that the jiggling stirs up my intestine. I have also noticed that I have an attack after lengthy periods of stress.
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To LouAnnH:
I told my husband the same thing - that all the bouncing and jiggling irritates something in my intestines! He thinks that sounds insane and my doctor didn't seem so sure there could be any connection - but I, like you, do see a correlation. I am so fearful of several trips I have coming up when I have to travel out of state as my Dad is having surgery for colon/rectal cancer. He's been in and out of the hospital this summer several times and each time, I have had attacks afterward. Has anybody found anything that helps in reducing the severity or likelihood of an attack after long car trips? All info is greatly appreciated. Donna
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I have read that exercise is very helpful with diverticulitis. Inactivity seems to cause problems, among other things.
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