I can totally relate. The inpatient doctors during my 4 days of hospitalization merely diagnosed me and treated me. I'm thankful for their treatment. But they never took steps to help me understand diverticulitis. I had to do my own research and followed up with my PCP, who referred me to a dietician to help me work on my diet plan. Ironically, I'm the one who advocated to be referred to a dietician.
Hi, @rockyb - I'm glad to hear you got a diagnosis and hospital treatment, but that is too bad you did not get more information on diverticulitis. Good for you for self-educating and advocating for yourself to be referred to a dietician.
I'm guessing your research to this point has covered this, but just in case, here is some Mayo Clinic information on diverticulitis:
Did you meet with the dietician yet, rockyb? If you have or will soon, please do share anything you've learned here for others who are trying to manage this condition.
I am currently being treated for my 3rd episode of diverticulitis, only 8 months from my last episode.
Someone told me that he was plagued with it too but was told to try odorless garlic soft gels every day. He said it has really worked for him. Has anyone else had success with this?
Firstly, absolutely not asking for a diagnosis here but more if anyone has had the same symptoms and been diagnosed to see if I should get a second opinion.
Have had bloody stools, constant diarrhea and right side stomach pain with dizziness for 8 months plus. No food triggers, just after all food. No weight loss, if anything I can't lose weight despite trying.
Have had bloods which were relatively normal (slightly high hemoglobin and hemacrit) and a colonoscopy.
The colonoscopy showed diverticula scattered throughout my colon but no signs of inflammation at all.
Saw my GP to discuss the results and she has said I have diverticulitis and to have probiotics and avoid things like tomato seeds.
My question is, I've never had a severe flare like it seems is common for Diverticulitis brought on by seeds etc. It's a constant issue rather than incredibly painful bouts. Everything I've read on Diverticulitis sites and from others experiences suggests I have Diverticulosis which shouldn't cause any symptoms unless it's inflamed or infected, the colonoscopy shows it wasn't so in theory, it doesn't seem to be this causing my symptoms.
The doctor won't do a CT scan with contrast which seems to be the next step as she says the colonoscopy is the gold standard and hasn't at any point done a stool sample.
So my question is, should I get a second opinion? Do my symptoms match yours at all and what testing did you go through to get diagnosed?
Firstly, absolutely not asking for a diagnosis here but more if anyone has had the same symptoms and been diagnosed to see if I should get a second opinion.
Have had bloody stools, constant diarrhea and right side stomach pain with dizziness for 8 months plus. No food triggers, just after all food. No weight loss, if anything I can't lose weight despite trying.
Have had bloods which were relatively normal (slightly high hemoglobin and hemacrit) and a colonoscopy.
The colonoscopy showed diverticula scattered throughout my colon but no signs of inflammation at all.
Saw my GP to discuss the results and she has said I have diverticulitis and to have probiotics and avoid things like tomato seeds.
My question is, I've never had a severe flare like it seems is common for Diverticulitis brought on by seeds etc. It's a constant issue rather than incredibly painful bouts. Everything I've read on Diverticulitis sites and from others experiences suggests I have Diverticulosis which shouldn't cause any symptoms unless it's inflamed or infected, the colonoscopy shows it wasn't so in theory, it doesn't seem to be this causing my symptoms.
The doctor won't do a CT scan with contrast which seems to be the next step as she says the colonoscopy is the gold standard and hasn't at any point done a stool sample.
So my question is, should I get a second opinion? Do my symptoms match yours at all and what testing did you go through to get diagnosed?
I really think you should get a second opinion (that's my opinion) My boyfriend was just diagnosed with this and his gastro told him to just eat anything... we are being careful what he eats and definitely avoiding NSAIDS as they exasperate his problem..he got a medication from the doctor to take with an NSAID if he has to take one for his back pain and he does watch what he eats..his was diagnosed with a CT scan!! Prayers for you to get some answers!!
I am currently being treated for my 3rd episode of diverticulitis, only 8 months from my last episode.
Someone told me that he was plagued with it too but was told to try odorless garlic soft gels every day. He said it has really worked for him. Has anyone else had success with this?
Firstly, absolutely not asking for a diagnosis here but more if anyone has had the same symptoms and been diagnosed to see if I should get a second opinion.
Have had bloody stools, constant diarrhea and right side stomach pain with dizziness for 8 months plus. No food triggers, just after all food. No weight loss, if anything I can't lose weight despite trying.
Have had bloods which were relatively normal (slightly high hemoglobin and hemacrit) and a colonoscopy.
The colonoscopy showed diverticula scattered throughout my colon but no signs of inflammation at all.
Saw my GP to discuss the results and she has said I have diverticulitis and to have probiotics and avoid things like tomato seeds.
My question is, I've never had a severe flare like it seems is common for Diverticulitis brought on by seeds etc. It's a constant issue rather than incredibly painful bouts. Everything I've read on Diverticulitis sites and from others experiences suggests I have Diverticulosis which shouldn't cause any symptoms unless it's inflamed or infected, the colonoscopy shows it wasn't so in theory, it doesn't seem to be this causing my symptoms.
The doctor won't do a CT scan with contrast which seems to be the next step as she says the colonoscopy is the gold standard and hasn't at any point done a stool sample.
So my question is, should I get a second opinion? Do my symptoms match yours at all and what testing did you go through to get diagnosed?
Definitely get a second opinion. First, along with your kidney, liver, your gallbladder is also on your right side. Are you having gallstones or any cancer marker testing?
I really think you should get a second opinion (that's my opinion) My boyfriend was just diagnosed with this and his gastro told him to just eat anything... we are being careful what he eats and definitely avoiding NSAIDS as they exasperate his problem..he got a medication from the doctor to take with an NSAID if he has to take one for his back pain and he does watch what he eats..his was diagnosed with a CT scan!! Prayers for you to get some answers!!
Thank you so much! I will get a second opinion or at the very least a stool test! Sending love to your boyfriend, sounds like he's got the best support network 🙂
Definitely get a second opinion. First, along with your kidney, liver, your gallbladder is also on your right side. Are you having gallstones or any cancer marker testing?
No, she doesn't want to do any further testing as she has said it's definitely DV, I really felt I wasn't listened to at all when explaining the symptoms. The initial blood tests covered the usual plus bowel inflammation markers which were all clear. I'll definitely get a second opinion, whilst some symptoms seem to match DV the overall picture just doesn't! Thank you for your reply 🙂
No, she doesn't want to do any further testing as she has said it's definitely DV, I really felt I wasn't listened to at all when explaining the symptoms. The initial blood tests covered the usual plus bowel inflammation markers which were all clear. I'll definitely get a second opinion, whilst some symptoms seem to match DV the overall picture just doesn't! Thank you for your reply 🙂
You're certainly in my prayers and if you have any other questions, I would be glad to help. A doctor that is not listening to their patient is a doctor that is not going to help you reach the actual root problem. She is chalking it all up to DVz and not listening to his/her patient. I have a very long almost ten year history of these same problems, and had to live in hospitals for 4 years, put in medically induced coma, been on a vent (life support) 4 times, coded on 2 different tables and they were able to revive me, finally got a transplant and organs removed and now able dealing with these symptoms even more plus vomiting 10-20 a day. Much more, but dont want to bore you. I'm just saying you have to be your own doctor and definitely advocate in the health care system to hopefully find answers.
Thank you so much! I will get a second opinion or at the very least a stool test! Sending love to your boyfriend, sounds like he's got the best support network 🙂
Thank you so much for that!! I'm not much good at anything right now.. except calling and doing his meds and such.. but I am claiming healing for both him and myself!! And now for you!! God bless you!! I'll pray for you!!
The episodes will keep happening no matter what. (Sad to say)
Will not matter what you eliminate or add to your diet.
You should check with your doctor.
For me it had gotten to the point where I finally decided to have surgery to remove that part of the colon.
I'm beginning to consider this option, too. I hope you're enjoying a better quality of life since having that part removed. Would you tell me how long ago you had the surgery? Has your quality of life improved and maintained? What were the hardest things to deal with right after the surgery?
I appreciate any insight you would be able to provide me. Thank you!
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Hi, @rockyb - I'm glad to hear you got a diagnosis and hospital treatment, but that is too bad you did not get more information on diverticulitis. Good for you for self-educating and advocating for yourself to be referred to a dietician.
I'm guessing your research to this point has covered this, but just in case, here is some Mayo Clinic information on diverticulitis:
- Diverticulitis https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758
Mayo Clinic also has a number of high fiber recipes online:
-Healthy Recipes/High-fiber recipes https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/recipes/high-fiber-recipes/rcs-20077194
Did you meet with the dietician yet, rockyb? If you have or will soon, please do share anything you've learned here for others who are trying to manage this condition.
Firstly, absolutely not asking for a diagnosis here but more if anyone has had the same symptoms and been diagnosed to see if I should get a second opinion.
Have had bloody stools, constant diarrhea and right side stomach pain with dizziness for 8 months plus. No food triggers, just after all food. No weight loss, if anything I can't lose weight despite trying.
Have had bloods which were relatively normal (slightly high hemoglobin and hemacrit) and a colonoscopy.
The colonoscopy showed diverticula scattered throughout my colon but no signs of inflammation at all.
Saw my GP to discuss the results and she has said I have diverticulitis and to have probiotics and avoid things like tomato seeds.
My question is, I've never had a severe flare like it seems is common for Diverticulitis brought on by seeds etc. It's a constant issue rather than incredibly painful bouts. Everything I've read on Diverticulitis sites and from others experiences suggests I have Diverticulosis which shouldn't cause any symptoms unless it's inflamed or infected, the colonoscopy shows it wasn't so in theory, it doesn't seem to be this causing my symptoms.
The doctor won't do a CT scan with contrast which seems to be the next step as she says the colonoscopy is the gold standard and hasn't at any point done a stool sample.
So my question is, should I get a second opinion? Do my symptoms match yours at all and what testing did you go through to get diagnosed?
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI really think you should get a second opinion (that's my opinion) My boyfriend was just diagnosed with this and his gastro told him to just eat anything... we are being careful what he eats and definitely avoiding NSAIDS as they exasperate his problem..he got a medication from the doctor to take with an NSAID if he has to take one for his back pain and he does watch what he eats..his was diagnosed with a CT scan!! Prayers for you to get some answers!!
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Hug
6 ReactionsMy boyfriend takes the burpless fish oil by Nature Made and tolerates them very well
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1 ReactionDefinitely get a second opinion. First, along with your kidney, liver, your gallbladder is also on your right side. Are you having gallstones or any cancer marker testing?
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Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsThank you so much! I will get a second opinion or at the very least a stool test! Sending love to your boyfriend, sounds like he's got the best support network 🙂
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsNo, she doesn't want to do any further testing as she has said it's definitely DV, I really felt I wasn't listened to at all when explaining the symptoms. The initial blood tests covered the usual plus bowel inflammation markers which were all clear. I'll definitely get a second opinion, whilst some symptoms seem to match DV the overall picture just doesn't! Thank you for your reply 🙂
You're certainly in my prayers and if you have any other questions, I would be glad to help. A doctor that is not listening to their patient is a doctor that is not going to help you reach the actual root problem. She is chalking it all up to DVz and not listening to his/her patient. I have a very long almost ten year history of these same problems, and had to live in hospitals for 4 years, put in medically induced coma, been on a vent (life support) 4 times, coded on 2 different tables and they were able to revive me, finally got a transplant and organs removed and now able dealing with these symptoms even more plus vomiting 10-20 a day. Much more, but dont want to bore you. I'm just saying you have to be your own doctor and definitely advocate in the health care system to hopefully find answers.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you so much for that!! I'm not much good at anything right now.. except calling and doing his meds and such.. but I am claiming healing for both him and myself!! And now for you!! God bless you!! I'll pray for you!!
Hi Linda,
I'm beginning to consider this option, too. I hope you're enjoying a better quality of life since having that part removed. Would you tell me how long ago you had the surgery? Has your quality of life improved and maintained? What were the hardest things to deal with right after the surgery?
I appreciate any insight you would be able to provide me. Thank you!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions