
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...

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I noticed the pain maybe ten days ago.
Six days ago (Sunday) was much more painful (lower left) with swelling. I softened up my diet. Monday I feel better but I called and got an appointment for Tuesday.
Tuesday I felt better still (some mild pain) and the doc says diverticulitis. He felt it was a mild case and I could handle it with diet.
I didn't ask enough questions.
I went on a low residue diet Tuesday. But the mild pain persists. Satuday morning I had eggs but I've been on a liquid diet since (clear broth, jello, water, fruit juice).
The pain is very mild and not enough to keep me from doing anything, but I'm taking it easy just in case.
Two questions: How long can I expect an episode to last?
and
Can I eat the low residue diet?? I'm hungry!
Thanks
Six days ago (Sunday) was much more painful (lower left) with swelling. I softened up my diet. Monday I feel better but I called and got an appointment for Tuesday.
Tuesday I felt better still (some mild pain) and the doc says diverticulitis. He felt it was a mild case and I could handle it with diet.
I didn't ask enough questions.
I went on a low residue diet Tuesday. But the mild pain persists. Satuday morning I had eggs but I've been on a liquid diet since (clear broth, jello, water, fruit juice).
The pain is very mild and not enough to keep me from doing anything, but I'm taking it easy just in case.
Two questions: How long can I expect an episode to last?
and
Can I eat the low residue diet?? I'm hungry!
Thanks
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So the low residue diet won't inhibit healing? Good!
What about activity? Should I be laying around or can I perform physical labor (without straining)?
Just by a physical examination. Lots of prodding, tapping, listening. He spent a lot of time listening to me. Actually, I was favorably impressed with how deliberate he was.
I'm going to call in the morning and see if I can get an antibiotic.
There is a difference between infection and irritation.
The irritation can last several weeks or indefinitely.
Are these two statements true?
I have to assume the doctor felt I did not have an infection.
I really have no desire to take antibiotics if I do not have an infection.
Am I just being too impatient??
And I understand that I should stay away from fiber until I have zero pain. Right??
Thanks
An infection is determined by blood work and the presence of a fever. My fever was very low grade and the blood count was not off tremendously. But the pain I had was unbelievable. I thought I was gonna pass out from the pain a couple times.
I would strongly suggest you get a Gastro doc. Once you are out of pain and sure you do not have an infection then you need to be scoped to see how much damage has been done. If the gastro doc will do it, and most do, have him/her give you a prescription for Bentyl. This is basically a muscle relaxant for the colon. If you start to get the pains again Bentyl can help prevent a full blown flare up by relaxing the colon. At least it will make the flare up not as bad. If I feel the tale-tale cramping in my lower left side I take a pill asap.
If you are still felling pains eat stuff like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, soups, those foods seem to help. Lots of water. Don't be afraid to take stool softener laxitives cause you sure don't want to strain to poop while you are in pain. If you pop a hole in that colon you are gonna be in a lot of hurt and also gonna wear a bag for a while afterwards. Water is good.
As I type, there is just a hint of pain.
Thank-you BobbyBoy, jhaley75, and Catfish for your replies.
I just came home yesterday from having a sigmoid resection myself. I have had chronic pain since my last attack which helped me make the decision to finally move forward with the surgery.
If you haven't had a CT scan or a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, I might suggest another doctor. If you can get a referral to a GI, that's who you should be seeing.
Good luck - hope you feel better!
Now that I have gotten educated with the painful signs I hit the fiber.