Diverticulitis - looking for info

My boyfriend takes the burpless fish oil by Nature Made and tolerates them very well

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?

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 🙂

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 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!

I had my surgery 5 months ago. My quality of life has definitely improved. Last year I had too many visits to the ER, constant pain on my lower left side and constantly felt sick from the strong antibiotics. The surgeon was worried my bowel might perforate and wanted to do the surgery before that happened, so it was an easy decision for me.
The hardest thing to deal with is probably getting my system to be more regular. At first I had to go (BM) at random times all day long. That got somewhat better, but my digestive system is still messed up. I was having issues before surgery as well so not sure how much is surgery related and how much is just me.
The pain was manageable so I didn’t need to take pain pills very long. I was in the hospital for 3 days.
I would say overall that my biggest struggle is knowing what I can eat and what to avoid. The surgeon said I can eat whatever I want but my gut doesn’t agree. For example, a couple of weeks ago I ordered a salad for the first time. It tasted so good. But the next day I had diarrhea all day. This has happened a few other times, especially the day after eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. I need the fiber but I haven’t quite figured out what I can tolerate.
I had robotic surgery so my recovery time was quicker than if they would have had to cut me open. They can never know for sure until they get in there and see the damage. There was a lot of diverticulitis in the portion they removed.
I couldn’t continue living like I was so I know I made the right decision. Now I just have to get my system regulated. I’m hoping my doctor can give me guidance at my next appointment.
I hope this helped. I know others on here have had different experiences so hopefully you’ll get information from them as well.
I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have. Good luck in whatever you decide. I’d love to know how things turn out for you.

Thank you, Linda. This is very helpful!

I've just recovered (mostly) from two back-to-back flares that required hospital admits because my white blood cell count was 25,000. Like you, I'm conflicted on what makes it flare, although, I have a fairly good idea that alcohol and dehydration coupled with a fiber intake of over 25 grams that day can definitely be a trigger. Other than that, I do not know what causes it to flare because I eat just about anything I want without any issues (when healthy).

Again,thank you for your insightful sharing. I am tired of getting these flares 1-2x a year. They are horribly debilitating...like kryptonite is to Superman! And, the antibiotic metronidazole makes me so nauseated and upsets my whole GI tract. I feel better about the possibility of surgery after reading about your surgery.

It has now been 16 mths since the surgery. I had it on my 60th birthday. LOL
Yes, quality of life is much better. No complaints.
I do make sure and get the right balance of diet and exercise. This is a must anyway.
I did just have my yearly physical and all my blood work was excellent.
I would suggest wearing a comfortable gown for the first couple week. (I did because they did have to open me up)
Buying pads and bed pads just in case.
Even though you went through the prep and you think everything is gone.
It is scary of what will still keep coming out. There was a lot of blood and "stuff" and it does go away. You may think it won't but, it is part of the healing process.
I felt very tired for a couple of mth's. Make yourself walk as much as possible. Especially after you eat. And your meals should be small.
You can eat what you want. But, I would go slow.
PROTEIN foods are a must.
It is so awesome not to have to worry about running to the bathroom and having control!
If you have any more questions, you can message me too.
I wished I had the surgery years ago.