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...
Hi there. I'm new to this website, but I found it necessary to register because of the difficulty I'm having finding out the information I need about this disease. I am only 23 years old and have been having chronic, sometimes severe pain in my left-side for months. I recently had a CT scan done and they told me I had diverticulosis/diverticulitis. They didn't specify which one, but I assume it's diverticulitis because of the severe pain. I have a few questions I really need help with...
1. What are my pain management options? Over-the-counter medication such as Aleve or Tylenol don't do anything for me; the only relief I've gotten is from stronger medications such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. The thing is I'm afraid of using these because I know they cause constipation, and I don't want to make my problem worse! But living a normal life without pain medication is not really an option for me. I need to work to support my son and I can't work if I'm in alot of pain. I've read that Demerol is the preferred medication to treat the pain of those with diverticulitis, but are there any other options? Also, how hard is it to get prescribed Demerol?
2. What kind of doctor do I need to follow up with? A gastroenterologist is what someone recommended me, but is that my only option? Are they more expensive than regular doctors? I have no insurance and I'm going to have to pay for everything out of pocket.. so cost is definitely a factor.
Any other suggestions such as dietary or lifestyle changes would be appreciated. I'm really confused because I keep reading conflicting things on the internet about what I should do. I have made dietary changes since my test results came back in, namely eating alot more fiber and drinking more water, but are there any other things I need to do?
Thanks again in advance, I really appreciate it.
Adam
1. What are my pain management options? Over-the-counter medication such as Aleve or Tylenol don't do anything for me; the only relief I've gotten is from stronger medications such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. The thing is I'm afraid of using these because I know they cause constipation, and I don't want to make my problem worse! But living a normal life without pain medication is not really an option for me. I need to work to support my son and I can't work if I'm in alot of pain. I've read that Demerol is the preferred medication to treat the pain of those with diverticulitis, but are there any other options? Also, how hard is it to get prescribed Demerol?
2. What kind of doctor do I need to follow up with? A gastroenterologist is what someone recommended me, but is that my only option? Are they more expensive than regular doctors? I have no insurance and I'm going to have to pay for everything out of pocket.. so cost is definitely a factor.
Any other suggestions such as dietary or lifestyle changes would be appreciated. I'm really confused because I keep reading conflicting things on the internet about what I should do. I have made dietary changes since my test results came back in, namely eating alot more fiber and drinking more water, but are there any other things I need to do?
Thanks again in advance, I really appreciate it.
Adam
deleted_user
Hi there, you might find my story on my page to be of some help. As far as pain management, you might want to see a pain management physician and I would definitely see a gastroenterologist. You don't want your situation to get worse. After reading my story, let me know if you have any other questions. Hope it helps. :)
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