Colon Resection for Diverticulitis and Chronic Constipation

After being treated for diverticulitis with heavy laxitives should you be on a diet to regain your body and muscle strength? My muscles have been extremely painful 6-8

Hi @rubbob1 and @tracy430, welcome to Connect. It must be difficult to have such extreme pain in our muscles.

I wanted to introduce you to @mamacita @sakota and @thull all have mentioned diverticulitis in the past and may have thoughts on a diet to regain body and muscle strength.

I also wanted to offer this link, as it details foods to avoid as you live with diverticulitis: https://www.healthline.com/health/diverticulitis-diet-list-of-foods-to-avoid#foods-to-avoid

Back to you, what has your doctor said you should do? Did they offer any tips or guidance as to how to regain strength?

Hello @tracy430 and @rubbob1- you will notice I merged your conversations to one place. I would like to e-introduce the two of you in hopes that you can offer up some information to each other. @rubbob1, have you figured out some tactics to gain some muscle strength? if so, what tips or advice can you offer? Did you also have surgery for your diverticulitis?

My surgeon offered the standard recommendations of more fiber, more water, stay active. I have had colon resection so for all intents and purposes, I no longer have diverticulitis. He removed 7 inches of my sigmoid colon. He told me I need to "manage" the constipation, but could not tell me if this is going to be a life long problem. It's very distressing.

Yes, I have had the surgery. I'm sure that I've lost muscle strength because I've gone from 130 lbs to 109 lbs. I spent at least 3 months existing on mashed potatoes and soft foods, as not to cause a flare.

Don’t despair things WILL get better. I had the same operation..it takes time for the body to adjust
To your new anatomy. Good Luck!🍀🍀🍀

@oceanone Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! Admittedly, I'm not the most patient person in the World!

I had my fourth surgery in less than a year due to diverticulitis 3 weeks ago. Ended up having Deloyer procedure done this time. My system still does not seem normal, although I am at the opposite end from you , with diarrhea rather than constipation. My surgeon prescribed taking 2 Senekot everyday to make sure things moved along. I am still on a soft, low fiber diet but hope to advance that once I see him for my follow up later this week. As for the Senekot, it has worked too well for my system and I had to back dosage down. I have not taken any for a week and things are moving fine. It is a plant based stool softener and seems to be gentler than some of the laxatives out there. Senna is also what is in the Smooth Move herbal tea. Maybe you could try that as well if you haven't all ready.
I would rather have the loose bowel movements than be constipated. I get panicked when nothing comes out, as that has been the precursor to every hospital visit this past year! I am hoping things get back to normal soon. I know it took about 5 to 6 weeks last time. I hope you get back to normal soon as well. Let us know how you are doing!

Thank you. I am hoping things eventually go back to "normal". I made an appointment to see my Gastroenterologist, since my surgeon doesn't seem to have any answers.

I am having the same issues with constipation and laxatives aren't working. Was told not to "insert" anything so don't know what to do