Hi jewl12, my name is Linda. I recently joined this group. Before I was diagnosed with diverticulitis, I had terrific pain in my left side and across my abdomen. I also have arthritis in my left hip and spine. So, at first, I thought my arthritis was flaring up but this wasn't a 'come and go' pain, it was constant pain. An ER doc diagnosed me and then my family doc confirmed that I had diverticulitis. My abdomen swelled up and was very hard. I, too, worried it was something else (something worse)

Don't know the difference between Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis? Must do some research on that.

Hugs to you, hope you are having a better day. Raining here in Pa.

Thank you lindah113. I've been watching the posts hoping someone would respond. Not that I'm glad either of is is having this pain but it makes me feel a little better knowing someone else has these symptoms. What did you do to get better or is it better. I was told that I didn't have diverticulitis (which by the way is when the pockets are inflamed), but that I did have diverticulosis (that's when there are pockets but not inflamed. I guess it hurts either way because it was hurting then. Today my side hurt more. I guess I should go on a bland diet for awhile. According to most of these post, that helps more than anything. I was about ready to make an appointment with a obgyn until I read your post. But maybe these symptoms are normal. It does seem to swell up and feel heavy for awhile , then almost go away, although not completely.

It's raining here in Tennessee too. Thanks again for responding.

When I went to the ER that first day of pain, they gave me a shot of something. I became a bit dizzy but it took the pain away and I haven't had the pain since. I was also on a antibiotic and pills for nausea. Don't remember the name of the antibiotic. That was almost a month ago. I've been very careful with what I'm eating and I think that has ALOT to do with it. If Diverticulitis comes with inflamed pockets then that's what I have. My family doc said this is a very common disease for women over 40 and it can be controlled with diet. The week before I went to ER I hate peas for supper one night and then made chili and ate that a couple days in a row. No wonder I was sick! Now I don't eat beans, peas, nuts, seeds, no wheat breads, no fried foods. Also you're not supposed to eat fresh fruit and I don't know why. I love fresh fruit so I may try that and see what happens.
So far so good.............you have to see what works for you. A friend of mine told me not to eat bananas unless they are ripe. Well I don't like real ripe bananas and I eat them everyday with peanut butter on toast. I still eat that and I haven't been sick so the bananas do not bother me.

Gosh I wish you luck with this and hope you find what works for you. It's certainly no fun being in pain. {{hugs}} Linda

lindah113, LOL. I have a banana in my smoothie every morning and about a tablespoon of peanut butter in it too. I've sort of been wondering about the milk that I put in my smoothie though. Sometimes I feel a little bloated after the smoothie. I've been eating a lot of soup this week and feel a little better, less swollen.

For some reason I'm not getting emails that my posts have been replied to. I used to get them. So I have to remember to look. Glad you are staying under control. Right now I'm have more pain from arthritis.

Oh it's one thing or anotherl, ya know? I have arthritis too. In my spine and left hip. I take pain pills but the best relief for me is the chiropractor. Works wonders!

If you have problems with whole milk. Try fat free or skim milk. My friend, Bill, drinks skim milk. I don't like it, yuk. So we buy both.

Have a good night and Happy Halloween...Linda

Ha, I don't get notified when I get a reply here either. But I should. I must come by and check too.

I used to get notifications all the time. Seems like I don't get any notices from this site at all lately. I used to get something almost every day from all the groups that I am a member. There used to be a place to check if you wanted to be notified that a post has been replied to. I don't like to miss anything LOL. and I forget to look. Halloween was was rainy and I had to work till 6 so we didn't open the doors except to try to get the cats in and three trick or treaters came up even though the lights were off. Found them something and closed the door. I'm a party pooper this year.

I have had that heaviness on my right side on and off for a few years now. All I can think of is that I am constipated. And it slows down in that area.