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Hello, everyone. I’m about 2-1/2 weeks after beginning a diverticulitis flare-up, 5th day after finishing antibiotics. This is my 3rd time with diverticulitis. Have been gradually getting better—started with liquid diet then gradually adding low-residue foods, lots of water. No fever for about a week. Was very encouraged that we caught this flare early and that I’ll soon be back to a more normal diet and active life.
Today I went out in the car driven by my husband, wanted to do a little low-key shopping. While at the store the lower abdomen started clenching really badly again, felt like diarrhea with possible vomiting. Dear husband got me home quickly to bathroom and rest. Just water and the rest for the last 5 hours. I have an intermittant low fever again, varying between 99.4 and 99.1, but down to normal just now.
Has anyone else relapsed about 5 days after finishing the course of antibiotics? I’m still on the probiotics. I’m thinking of seeing how I do tonight back on the liquid diet and calling the doctor in the morning if I’m not better. Or should I let her know right away?
Thanks for any information or encouragement!
Replies to "Hello, everyone. I’m about 2-1/2 weeks after beginning a diverticulitis flare-up, 5th day after finishing antibiotics...."
The absolute worst experience I had with diverticulitis was when I thought I was over it after about 4 days so I stopped halfway thru the Bactrim (which I hate) and talked myself into believing it was a false attack. A few weeks later it came roaring back and I had an attack that almost killed me despite restarting the Bactrim & clear liquids. I’m guessing you only have one chance to beat it and you better give that chance all you’ve got and not fool around the way I did. Despite how much you hate clear liquids and antibiotics. Don’t stop treatment prematurely.
Hello @laughterhelps
It sounds like you are having a troublesome time with diverticulitis. A liquid diet is a good idea and getting in touch with your doctor on Monday morning would be a reasonable thing to do. I see that your symptoms returned five days after stopping the antibiotics. How long were you taking the antibiotics?
A soft diet is really important after a flare-up. Greek yogurt is a good food to help with any gut problems. How are you feeling today?
I’m surprised that you only had to take 5 days of antibiotics. For me it’s usually 10 and if that doesn’t work they switch me to an alternate and/or order another CT just in case. Also you keep mentioning liquids. I hope you mean just CLEAR liquids, as awful as they are. Don’t fool yourself that a little cream soup won’t hurt. It might.
Good luck to you! I’ve been there - it’s no fun.
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@laughterhelps - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I wanted to let you know I moved your post here so you could connect with even more people talking about diverticulitis. Please meet @jpritch2 @musicflowers4u @lily2023 @neenee @oceanone and @hopeful33250. Hoping they will have some insights on how soon to get your doctor involved and also some encouragement for you.
A third time with a flare sounds rough. Relapsing 5 days after finishing antibiotics would be discouraging to me. So glad your husband was with you to take care of you when you felt so bad today.
I like your thought about letting your doctor know soon that things are regressing. Did you end up calling or messaging today? Did your doctor mention the possibility you might need more beyond the antibiotic to get well?