Diverticulitis - looking for info

Hi @lindainarizona. I'm so happy to welcome you to Connect!

Here is some information from Mayo Clinic about diverticulitis- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/basics/definition/con-20033495

I'd also like to introduce you to @dennislee3, @retrebotic, @disfraz1, @lynnkay1956, @allegro, @michellr and @aigimw who have posted about diverticulitis and can hopefully provide some support and insights.

Happy to have you here!

I have been looking for a diverticular disease group to join. Thanks for having people that are familiar with this disease other than doctors.

Welcome @barbara8. We have quite a few members who have diverticulitis and can share their experiences with you. @lindainarizona @wesbig @user_cha5e73f6 @retrebotic @akogut @disfraz1 @lynnkay1956, @allegro @aigimw @ michellr @peterhamilton might you join this discussion to welcome Barbara?

Barbara, we look forward to getting to know you better. When were you first diagnosed with diverticulitis? What has helped you the most to manage this condition?

Hello @lacy2

I can certainly understand that you must be upset about not being told the full report. This underscores the need for all patients to request and read all of their lab and procedure reports and if there is something you don't understand you can call the doctor and request an explanation.

Unfortunately, many people just trust that the doctor has given them the correct information. With medical providers being as overwhelmed as they are with heavy patient loads it makes it important for each patient to be their own advocate.

Has surgery or other treatment ever been suggested for you? Have you had any follow-up colonoscopies since 2008?

@lacy2, I'm glad that you have another colonoscopy planned. While it might not be exactly what you want but it is undoubtedly important to have it checked out again. This time I'm sure you will request to have a copy of the report for your files. It is very doubtful that you would have a colostomy bag following a colonoscopy. Usually, a colostomy bag is done as a result of colon surgery and not during a colonoscopy.

I am also happy that you have an appointment with a nephrologist. Are you having kidney problems as well?

If convenient, I would like to hear how your appointment goes tomorrow.

Hello @lacy2,

I had to smile when I read you wish you were "tougher". As I've been reading your posts I feel that you are incredibly tough already. Let's face it, some decisions are hard to make. As you said when you are in your 70's you do weigh these decisions differently than when you are younger.

I am 73 and I also wonder how many procedures I'm willing to go through in order to improve my health. So far, I'm taking them as they come because it is important for me to be as effective in living my life as possible.

If it helps, I personally feel that a colonoscopy is not that difficult of a procedure. The light sedation that is generally used is not the same as what is used during an invasive operation. While it may take a couple of days for the sedation to wear off, it is very gentle for the most part.

I am glad that you emailed the doctor's office. I hope you can get some information so that you can be confident in your decision.

I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you let me know about your doctor's response?

About 9 months ago I was having a lot of trouble with abdominal discomfort, pain, gas, bloating, constipation. I had a colonoscopy and I have several polyps (I still don't know why the doctor didn't clip them out). Well, when I went to my family doctor with this abdominal problem, he looked at the pictures and said I had diverticulosis. For 2 weeks I was on clear liquids (after that, the smell of boulion is sickening), and then he gave me ideas on what to eat and the things not to eat. Well, since then I've been doing well, but one big thing has changed ...... I have absolutely no craving any longer for chocolate .... I was truly a chocoholic! Now I'd rather eat a baked apple, a little tangerine, broccoli or cauliflower (raw) dipped in a little salad dressing. I have been doing really well since then. My biggest shock is the chocolate. I joked before that I traded my parents alcoholism in for chocolate, since I've never tasted 1 drink, but boy I sure could do away with a bag of Hershey Kisses before this.
Barb

I am 30 and was just diagnosed with diverticulitis via CT scan. I’m feeling so overwhelmed and defeated. I am wondering what my chances are of reoccurrence and for surgery or colostomy. I also want tips to prevent a flare up in the future.

I developed a bad pain in my stomach. After several tests and a Ct scan my Dr diagnosed diverticulitis. He was very vague about what I should be eating. Rest and lots of liquid and antibiotics.
So I retired to bed with water and herbal tea and google. The reputable health sites are confusing. After I feel a bit better soms suggest a low fibre diet and some suggest working up to a high fibre diet. I have problems with high fibre anyway but I am interested in what works and what the latest thoughts are. Please

I was hospitalized on a low fiber diet for 11 days with diverticulitis attack. I worked up to a regular diet with no restrictions but I was scheduled for an elective Colectomy 8 weeks later and needed 1/3 of my colon removed and reattached to get rid of the damage.