Diverticulitis Support Group
Diverticulitis is a common disease of the bowel, in particular the large intestine. Diverticulitis develops from diverticulosis, which involves the formation of pouches on the outside of the colon. Diverticulitis results if one of these diverticula becomes inflamed. Diverticulitis most often affects middle-aged and elderly persons, though it can strike younger patients as...
I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis in my forties and have had several bouts of it one being admitted to hospital for an absess. I had vomiting and diarrhea. I was given a ct scan to confirm it. I was given fluids and intervenious IV. In a few days I was better but still week.
I am seventy and usually get an attack once a year(given antibiotics) and the pain usually goes away in a few days.
I am at present having a flair up and am on augmentum 875 twice a day for ten days. I have taken 7 pills and still have very bad pain. I have taken cipro and flagyl which really kills my stomach. I will continue to take the antibiotic for a few days more but if the pain still is severe I will go get checked out. I'm thinking it's worse and I need the cipro and flagyl. Augmentum isn't doing it.
It is very depressing disease and when I was in my forties the doctor at that time said I will probably need a resection in the future.
Knowing what to eat causes a lot of stress because you never know what may cause a problem. I realize raw vegetables and fruit are a no no and meat too. Ground meat ok but steak no and absolutely no cucs or tomatoes unless you remove the seeds.
It's trial and error and personally I think it builds up and that's when a flair up occurs so you just never know. I go through the list and some where down the line I think I ate too much of something as in vegetables not thoroughly cooked and I did have steak the other night.
We all get scared because perforation isn't somthing we want so if in doubt go to the ER or see your doctor. Liquids and light diet for sure.
Stay on the liquid diet till the pain goes away. Then you can SLOWLY start back on low fiber foods.
As far as other foods go when you are not having a flare-up, everyone is different. All the talk of the nuts and seeds in the past has sort of been thrown out. Go to The Mayo Clinic website and read everything you can find.
It has been prooven to me over and over that stress is my trigger for an attack. I was surprised till I heard many more say the same thing.
A diverticulitis diet gives your digestive tract a chance to rest while your doctor treats your diverticulitis.
By limiting yourself to clear liquids and slowly adding low-fiber foods to your diet, your digestive tract has time to heal.
Diverticulitis diet during an attack
During an attack of diverticulitis, your doctor may recommend diverticulitis treatments.
Your doctor may also recommend that you stick to a clear liquid diet for two or three days, or until the pain goes away.
Foods and beverages allowed on a clear liquid diet include: Broth, Clear soda, Fruit juices without pulp, Ice chips, Ice pops without bits of fruit or fruit pulp, Plain gelatin, Plain water, Tea or coffee without cream.
Diverticulitis diet once signs and symptoms begin to resolve
As you start feeling better, your doctor will recommend that you SLOWLY introduce low-fiber foods.
Low-fiber foods include: Canned fruits, Desserts without seeds or nuts, Eggs, Enriched white bread, Fruit juice with little or no pulp, Low-fiber cereals, Milk, Yogurt or cheese without seeds or nuts, Smooth peanut butter, Tender meat, poultry and fish,White rice or plain pasta, noodles or macaroni, Well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skins.
You may need this low fiber diet for 2-4 weeks or more before VERY slowly starting back on the fiber foods.
Too much food can also cause a good amount of pain. Eat small meals for awhile, about the size of half of a sandwich.
I wish you luck
I am 74 and was diagnosed with my first and hopefully last bout of diverticulitis. I was prescribed cipro and flagyl, but due to my sensitivity to drugs and never taking this combo before, I asked for amoxicillin. Dr. put me on Augmentin. Ten days of horrible diarrhea and cramps and upper stomach pain followed. When finally off the meds, diarrhea continued unless I reverted back to clear liquids only. I lost so much weight in the first month, the registered dietician I am currently seeing, was concerned. When I see the gastro doctor this Fri., she wants me to ask about a liquid nutritional supplement. I go slowly with foods on the low fiber diet list she gave me, but so far I can't eat any cooked vegetables. Note, it is helpful to keep a daily diary of foods you eat and any symptoms that occur. It will be easier for you to track your progress in that way. Be sure to drink lots of water. As we age we can get dehydrated, so I'm pushing the fluids the best I can. I probably had this condition in a minor form for many years, but didn't know it. I blamed it on IBS or pelvic floor dysfunction. Only this time when a CT scan was done, did it confirm my problem. I can't wait until I am "normal" again. And yes, STRESS does play a large role in this. Before the attack, I had months of real stress going on in my life.
Take care,
Yorkiegirl
I have also just recently been diagnosed with diverticulosis, with the flare-up pain associated with diverticulitis. After the CT scan, my doctor said it was most likely triggered by stress (husband was undergoing surgery just then). So I am on the liquid stage. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding exercise (just trying out some basic yoga stretches so far) while in this stage, as I am feeling a bit light-headed? Thanks for your advice. Wishing you all health.