Thanks very much for your reply. I've had diverticulitis about a year & a half, and colitis one year. I can't pinpoint any certain foods that are triggers. My doctor hasn't been much help, frankly, and I'm going to get a new one. He keeps prescribing antibiotics, and we all know that too many are bad for us. Plus, taking Cipro and Flagyl makes me sick! I'm very discouraged today.

@suez It is good to hear from you again! Yes, I understand your concern regarding regular use of antibiotics. Flagyl makes me very sick as well. Now, I just take the Cipro alone and that works pretty well without side-effects. If you are OK sharing more about this, how often do you have to take antibiotics to keep this under control? Teresa

@suez I noticed you take Cipro. Before they knew some of the side effects of Cipro, I had been on it, but don't remember why at this point in time. But after taking Cipro as prescribed and finished the complete dose, I started to get pain in my right shoulder. X-rays showed nothing but their best guess was rotator cuff problems. After about 3 months the pain started down my arm but not to the elbow. Then at 4 months, one day when I was doing my hair with my arm above my head, I noticed a lump in the upper arm, but below where if you "make a muscle" to show off your muscle. I went to the doctor and he said, "You tore the biceps and there is nothing you can do for it or should do for it". I thought that was a strange diagnosis (Dx) so I made an appt with the the head teaching orthopedic doctor at a local hospital for a second opinion. Much to my surprise he said the EXACT same words! Can't get a better second opinion than that!!!!! The next year I was put on another round of Cipro and again downstream of taking the entire dose, my left shoulder started to hurt but this time the pain started down my arm sooner. This time within 3 months I noticed that misplaced lump in my left arm. But during the previous episode they asked if below the lump on the bottom side of my arm, did I see blood under the skin, but I hadn't. This time I looked and there was. About 2-3 years later I noticed in the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) that torn muscles can occur from Cipro, but usually it is the Achilles tendon that tears and that needs a surgical repair so you can walk! What I found interesting was when both of mine tore, I had no perceptible loss of strength. So if taking or after taking Cipro, you have pain in the lower leg or upper arm, you may want to see an orthopedic surgeon. and if you catch it right away, they may immobilize the limb and allow it to heal before it tears completely.

@gailfaith That's a real interesting experience - I've never heard of that. Teresa

Teresa, To what are you referring when you said you " never heard of that?" @gailfaith

@gailfaith I was referring to the torn muscle problem and the use of Cipro. Teresa

TERESA Thanks. I thought this what you referring to but it followed something re diverticulosis, but that DID refer to Cipro! gailfaith

@gailfaith
Yes, sometimes it is hard to follow the discussions and know when something applies to just a part of a discussion. Teresa

I am in the same boat and know, how you feel. You look for common demonitor and can not find one. Neither foods, or drinks or
other med or etc. I even thought of mental situations, but no. I get sick from Cipro, or other anti-flammitory meds. Doctors do tests, but they all turn out normal. Now I am anxious, when dates come up, and I do not know how I will feel.. No appetit, getting weaker and depressed. Was always positive, and eat most dishes, without thinking about it.
It is hard for my hubby, because I liked to cook and he loves to eat. Now I feel nauseous, just looking at food. And he never had to cook! Even saw a medical psychologist, but it is not in my mind, he said, Let me know, what you find out. There must be an answer to this.

Hello @edda

I see that this is your first post in the "Recurring diverticulitis & colitis" discussion, however, I see that you have posted in other areas regarding abdominal pain and the inability of doctors to find a cause and be able to help you. You have mentioned endoscopies, MRIs and other tests but all without a diagnosis. I can imagine how frustrated you must feel.

You mention a loss of appetite and nausea, do you also have diarrhea? Have you gone to a large medical center like a Mayo facility or a large university medical school?

You might consider another opinion from a larger research facility. With your weight loss and inability to eat that might be a good idea.

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Teresa