I am sorry to say it hurts continuously but some days okay

This really never goes away your pain should get better with time, you never feel normal again.

Hello! New to the group and new to Diverticulitis. Back on 8/24/2017, I was diagnosed with what they called a mild case of diverticulitis (per CT scan, 7 mm inflammation on the right ascending colon), low grade fever with malaise, pain was like an ache that hurt more with movement. I thought it might be appendicitis or kidney stone (which might have been easier because they could yank those out or pass them) but this diverticulitis appears to be a lifestyle/diet change that also encompasses addressing my stress-related issues. No blood tests were ever done during my course of treatment. Seemed like the doc felt the CT scan and the urine test (they had suspected an UTI as well but that was negative) were enough testing for me . In any case, they put me on two antibiotics, Flagyl and Cipro. I did not feel right on the full strength of Cipro (500 mg/twice a day) so I only took the equivalent of one. Pain came back worse after about a week and was switch to Bactrim (plus Flagyl). Felt immediate results with Bactrim (thank goodness). Within a day or two, I didn't feel that sick - (ie., low grade fever feeling (plus I was probably a little over-obsessive taking my temperature over and over since it stayed in the 99.whatever range for many days)) and the pain lightened up; although in times of stress, I do feel the twinges more often than not on my right side. I finished the meds religiously (although I slept through a couple of doses of the Flagyl now and then). Saw my GI in follow up. He prescribed a fiber supplement (Metamucil) [but I'm not constipated or have diarrhea, just soft poop which I don't have to strain so I may try the Metamucil biscuits if I must have to] and a probiotic (I take Align not the VSL3 that he suggested because I supplement the Align (suggested by my primary care) with SoDelicious coconut milk yogurt that has the live cultures. My pharmacist thought the VSL 3 might be overkill as well). I've added more vegetables (cooked) to my daily diet as well as water. I eat my proteins separate from my carbs. Haven't had red meat yet except for a bite or two of overcooked stew. And might start eating fresh apples as opposed to applesauce soon. I've lost 7 pounds. I'm doing ok but I still feel my side ache or twinge but it seems residual. So is this my new normal, not feeling normal? :( Anything else I should be doing? I guess it could be worse and a wake up call to finally take care of myself and not just those around me. Thanks for listening.

the colon needs time to heal so with the medicine the Dr. gives you, also PLEASE go on a clear liquid diet. this gives the colon time to heal. NO fiber,
also no Metamucil, which is fiber, till the colon is healed. this causes the colon to work hard and cause pain. please no fiber for a few weeks to be safe, or until you know your own body.

Everything you need to know is on the Mayo Clinic website---just look for Diverticulitis.
good luck

PS. the pain should go away when you are on the liquid diet.

Thank you.

To Hawaii58 - why do you eat proteins separate from carbs? Just diagnosed in ER last week. I'm still on meds (Cipro&Metronidazole). Have searched many websites for what to eat but nothing comes up for what I CAN eat. Dr. sent me home w/ just meds no other info. Help.

To Nuby, I eat proteins separate from carbs based on the Pain Free Food book by Michael Howlweg. Something about "There are some foods that should never be in the gut together because they cause a catalyst reaction and release acid that can destroy your mucosal. (The lining of your intestines)." Anyway, It's not making anything worse and I'm more aware of what I eat and when. It allowed me to create a baseline food routine for myself so now as I add more of the food I use to eat as well as more fiber I might be able to see what works or doesn't work. But I didn't start food grouping until I was done with antibiotics. . During the acute period that you are now in, I loosely followed (ie., I avoided dairy) what I saw in another website discussion. I have pasted it below. Hope it provides some guidance. But listen to your own body. • Food List for Diverticulitis
during episodes of
discomfort.
Acute Phase Food List
• Clear liquids for 1-3 days until pain subsides
• Beef or chicken broth
• Clear soda
• Fruit juices without pulp, apple or grape are good choices
• Tea, coffee without cream,
• Jell-O without fruit
• Ice chips or Popsicles without pulp
• Plain saltine crackers
• Dry toast
Recovery Phase Food List
• Introduce low-fiber bland foods
• Soft or hard boiled eggs
• Canned fruits without pulp
• Desserts without seeds or nuts
• Juices without pulp
• Low-fiber cereals and milk
• Cheeses
• Yogurt
• Smooth peanut butter
• Tender meats, poultry, or fish
• Rice, plain noodles, or macaroni
• Well cooked vegetables without skins
Return to Normal and Prevention Food List
No longer do doctors state to avoid nuts, seeds corn, popcorn etc....as there is no evidence that this causes a flare up. You obviously just wouldn't eat these foods during a flare up as it will cause more pain. This information was from a doctor based site.

• This is my actual list from my doctor of what to eat for the first 4 weeks:
Grains: Refined white flour products. Ex. white bread, bagels, pancakes/waffles, cream of wheat, white pasta/rice. Cold/hot cereals made from white or refined flour. (So, no "whole grain" cereals)
Protein: Tender, well cooked beef, pork, poultry, fish. Eggs cooked well. Smooth nut butter (remember, no pieces!) Tofu, if that's your thing.
Vegetables: Canned or well-cooked vegetables, no skins or seeds. Mashed potatoes. vegetable Juice.
Fruit: Canned, soft, or well cooked fruits, no skins, seeds, membranes.
Dairy: Milk, buttermilk, yogurt, mild cheese, cottage cheese, lactose-free milk, sherbet. (They told me to limit dairy, but I don't drink milk so that wasn't a biggie for me.)
Fats/Oils: Limit to 8 teaspoons per day. When possible choose healthy oils/fats, such as Canola or Olive oil.
Other: Broth and strained soups made from allowed vegetables. Desserts- small portions without whole grains, nuts, seeds, raisins, or coconut.
A summed up list of what NOT to eat:
Tough or Fatty meat. Anything fried. Lunch meat. Sausage/Bacon/Hotdogs. Anything raw(meat/sushi/eggs). Whole-wheat anything. Brown rice/quinoa/kasha/barley. Oatmeal, anything whole-grain and high-fiber. Raw/undercooked vegetables. Peas/Corn. Gas-forming vegetables. Potato skin. Raw fruit. Coconut, Avocado.
Good luck. Also, I didn't start the probiotics until I was done with antibiotics too. I think the probiotics helped a lot. I still feel twinges which I think are also stress-related.

To Hawaii58: I can't thank you enough for your reply. You provided more info than any Dr. has given and much more than I tried to find for the last week! I just finished meds today and pain is 90% gone. With your info I really feel I'll be able to tackle this (?). BTW: what do people call Diverticulitis? I don't think disease is appropriate and I don't like the term illness but since it's possible for reaccurance, I'm not sure what to name it. Either way, thanks again.

You're welcome!