1. < Digestive Health
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How to tell the difference: diverticulosis or IBS? Or both?

Posted by hobbity @hobbity, Feb 17, 2024

I have diverticulosis and I'm pretty sure IBS as well . My question is how to tell which is bothering you at any given time . Seens like i could have symptoms if both ?

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celia16 | @celia16 | Sep 29, 2024
In reply to @waterlilly "I've had constipation my whole life. Was on Metamucil for 30 some years, Miralax for 5..." + (show)
Profile picture for waterlilly @waterlilly

I've had constipation my whole life. Was on Metamucil for 30 some years, Miralax for 5 years. Just weaned myself off the Miralax. It was causing too much D and urgent bathroom calls. Not good. It took me almost 2 months to do the weaning off Miralax and at times it's still hard. Here's my agenda: 4 to 5 Senna S, 425 mg. oxide Magnesium, 1 kiwi, prunes, prune juice, flax seed and I use a step stool during a BM.

I also just was recently diagnosed with EPI and take Creon for that. So I deal with IBS, EPI and constipation. I also have some Crohns.

It's really hard. I always ask why I can't be normal.

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Oh my….I only started dealing with this 2 years ago. I hope I can get back on track somehow. My mom says she’s had her entire life. She’s 83 and hasn’t been bothered for the last several years, except for esophagus issues. And, she has terrible eating habits.

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diver126 | @diver126 | Sep 30, 2024
In reply to @diver126 "I feel your pain. I too have C and D. From what I am reading, diet..." + (show)
Profile picture for diver126 @diver126

I feel your pain. I too have C and D. From what I am reading, diet for each condition contradicts each. Doctor now recommending colon surgery. Am undecided but something needs to change!

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I have done research into colon resection and sure don’t like what I’ve found. There can be some devastating long term complications, including cancers. My family has a cancer history of aggressive and rare cancers. I’ve decided to sit tight for now and try following a better diet.

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speedbird | @speedbird | Oct 1, 2024
In reply to @jjl23 "I recently went from IBS-D to C and back. Just had a colonoscopy and test for..." + (show)
Profile picture for jjl23 @jjl23

I recently went from IBS-D to C and back. Just had a colonoscopy and test for microscopic colitis is negative but Dr says I have diverticulosis in my sigmoid colon. Any suggestions on dealing with this? The IBS-C is the most annoying

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Morning Diver126. Always a good idea to sit tight and not rush into surgery. I think the most important consideration is to be certain you have an experienced GI Doc & colorectal surgeon. Discuss your concerns. Two years ago I had laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy where 15 cm was removed (diverticulitis ). I am doing fine and have no regrets. Never heard of a colon resection causing cancer long term. Best of luck, think positive & set up an appointment!

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helen001 | @helen001 | Oct 1, 2024
In reply to @diver126 "I have done research into colon resection and sure don’t like what I’ve found. There can..." + (show)
Profile picture for diver126 @diver126

I have done research into colon resection and sure don’t like what I’ve found. There can be some devastating long term complications, including cancers. My family has a cancer history of aggressive and rare cancers. I’ve decided to sit tight for now and try following a better diet.

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Hi I too have been recommended surgery by a bowel surgeon. I'm terrified I've tried to do some research on life afterwards can you tell me what you learnt doing your research please. I'm suffering with diverticulitis.

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1 reply
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diver126 | @diver126 | Oct 1, 2024
In reply to @helen001 "Hi I too have been recommended surgery by a bowel surgeon. I'm terrified I've tried to..." + (show)
Profile picture for helen001 @helen001

Hi I too have been recommended surgery by a bowel surgeon. I'm terrified I've tried to do some research on life afterwards can you tell me what you learnt doing your research please. I'm suffering with diverticulitis.

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What I’ve found is that since there are so many differences in outcome doctors actually are finding it hard to advise patients. There seem to be better outcomes for people who are symptomatic versus those that are asymptomatic. Your doctor can best advise your particular situation. I don’t have constant problems so I have time to think it over. Good luck and God bless.

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1 reply
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marehealth57 | @marehealth57 | Mar 10 3:51pm
In reply to @hobbity "Decided i could wait until my doc appt march 12th . Pain is mostly gone ,..." + (show)
Profile picture for hobbity @hobbity

Decided i could wait until my doc appt march 12th . Pain is mostly gone , more worried about if its stomach related now ? Had h.pylori last year and was treated but pain memories can be deceiving . Time for another colonoscopy and edoscopy ugh . Been 8 years . And hiatal hernia ! I'm a wreck lol . So much reflux and stomach area discomfort .

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I am in the same boat as you. I have exactly what you have. Its horrible. And I eat healthy. No red meat, mostly sockeye salmon, tuna or chicken. It makes me wonder what is really in our food

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marehealth57 | @marehealth57 | Mar 10 3:52pm
In reply to @danny5 "i may be wrong but H.Pylori is the bug that causes stomach ulcers. if i'm correct,..." + (show)
Profile picture for danny67 @danny5

i may be wrong but H.Pylori is the bug that causes stomach ulcers. if i'm correct, hiatal hernia could be causing the acid reflux to backup and inflame an ulcer. i've had more ulcers than i can count. if it is. the H.Pylori is something that's always going to be in your stomach. my GI put me on Protonix 40mg twice a day. for ME, it works great.
Google the H.Pylori in the meantime. good luck hobbity, danny

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I am on Protonix too

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aknelson923 | @aknelson923 | Jul 23 5:04pm
In reply to @shelleyw "jjl23, Anything with 💩💩constipation is, well, the shits🥵. 17 years and counting and still no medical..." + (show)
Profile picture for shelleyW @shelleyw

jjl23,
Anything with 💩💩constipation is, well, the shits🥵. 17 years and counting and still no medical professional has even come close to getting a real diagnosis.
Several years ago I was tested for colitis and it was negative, I didn't even know I was getting it tested. Regarding your diverticulosis in the sigmoid colon, do you have symptoms? What did the doctor say about it? Probably nothing 👿.
Is there a reason why your body switches from IBS-D to C? I have never been diagnosed with IBDs of any sort.
ShelleyW

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Same here. It’s been 15 years. I just learned today they found "severe diverticulum of the sigmoid colon" in 2022! No one told me. And I was also diagnosed with IBS-D, I only learned all of this today after years of not being able to leave home for more than a few minutes. I have to be near a toilet at all times. Having diarrhea 12 times during waking hours and about 7-10 over night. It sucks!

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aknelson923 | @aknelson923 | Jul 23 5:07pm
In reply to @diver126 "I have done research into colon resection and sure don’t like what I’ve found. There can..." + (show)
Profile picture for diver126 @diver126

I have done research into colon resection and sure don’t like what I’ve found. There can be some devastating long term complications, including cancers. My family has a cancer history of aggressive and rare cancers. I’ve decided to sit tight for now and try following a better diet.

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I had a surgery that shortened my small intestine in 2003, the symptoms are manageable. Never had an issue until 2015, and that was a result of gallbladder issues. After the gallbladder was removed in 2022, the symptoms have been severe. I actually had a life after the resection. Since the gallbladder surgery in 2022, I do not.

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Profile picture for aknelson923
aknelson923 | @aknelson923 | Jul 23 5:09pm
In reply to @diver126 "I have done research into colon resection and sure don’t like what I’ve found. There can..." + (show)
Profile picture for diver126 @diver126

I have done research into colon resection and sure don’t like what I’ve found. There can be some devastating long term complications, including cancers. My family has a cancer history of aggressive and rare cancers. I’ve decided to sit tight for now and try following a better diet.

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Continue to get checked out. My brother did not know he had this issue and by the time he did, he had 3 months to live due to cancer. I am having the same issues and will continue to advocate on my own behalf because I don't want to wait and be told I have no time and few options.

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