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Diverticulitis and IBS & Nifedipine ointment side effects
I’ve been battling diverticulosis/diverticulitis for a long time now and this past June got horrible cramps in the lower abdominal area. After many phone calls to my gastroenterologist, where I didn’t feel like I was being taken seriously, she finally put me on Augmentin and I ended up taking it for 6 weeks and then had a colonoscopy. The findings were inflammation and spasms in the sigmoid colon area and diverticulosis throughout the colon.
In asking her about diet, she gave the “standard” answer of stay on low fiber for a couple more weeks (I’ve been doing this for a couple months now), slowly add in fiber. I’m so frustrated with that and I want to know what to eat and if there are supplements that will help with inflammation and healing. She took some biopsies and it will be another week before I get the results. She’s already suggested the possibility of a colon resection which seems a bit overkill at this point.
What I’m dealing with right now are multiple bowel movements throughout the morning, and frequent urination because of the inflammation. What’s frustrating is not being able to just get out and do “normal” day to day activities. Any suggestions on diet, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
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Hello @trishplace and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear of your battle with diverticulitis. I join you in your fight to get back to "normal" while dealing with this problem. There are no easy answers. Everyone deals with it in a way that works for them.
Here are some suggestions that have worked for me. I find that my bouts with diverticulitis tend to get worse when I'm overly tired and I've been on my feet a lot. When a "bout" of diverticulitis begins I spend time laying down, often with a heating pad on my abdomen and only have liquids for a while, and then add soft foods until the pain is decreased.
Another suggestion is to keep a food/activity diary or journal if you will. If you do this regularly, you may find certain "triggers" to the bouts of pain. Perhaps it will be a certain type of food or a certain type of busyness that activates the pain.
We have other discussions on Connect where members have talked about diverticulitis. Here is a link to one of those discussions. Some of these members have had multiple surgeries and others have dealt with it with diet alone. Feel free to join in their discussion and ask them questions. When you read their post just click on "Reply" and join their discussion. I would like to invite one member, @thull to join this discussion.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diverticulitis-1/?commentsorder=newest#chv4-comment-stream-headerAs you also mentioned IBS in the title of your post, I'm wondering if you are familiar with the FODMAP eating plan? I've tried this and so have many others with amazing success. Here is a link to this discussion as well https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fodmap-eating-plan/
Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to this problem. It just takes diligence and healthy eating and consuming lots of liquids.
Will you post again with an update on how you are doing?
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2 ReactionsI'm giving an update on my diverticulitis and digestive issues. Although the diverticulitis and inflammation has settled down, I'm now having upper abdominal gas and burning in the gallbladder area, even though I had the gallbladder removed over a year ago. Doesn't matter what I eat, it's a constant. I'm still have problems, at times, with frequent urination.
I had requested an appointment at the Mayo clinic in Rochester (closest to me) and my gastroenterologist had sent her referral and then records. I received a letter from Mayo that stated they had reviewed my information to determine if they could add further value or treatment options.... unfortunately, we are unable to offer you an appointment at this time.
I have added a really good probiotic into my daily diet, also Kombucha and yogurt. The frequent bowel movements, for the most part, are down to 2 or 3 throughout the day, so that's an improvement.
Lots of anxiety over this because I never know if I'm going to have a "good day" and can go out and do things, or what's going to happen. I'm seeing a therapist and I'm just starting Lexipro. I really don't know if my gastroenterologist is going to be much more help. I feel like I've been abandoned and am now just doing research on my own via the internet.
Recently I visited with a Colorectal surgeon/proctologist for my ongoing battle with anal fissures/internal and external hemorrhoids. I had been on a nitroglycerin ointment for this, but couldn't use it during the day because of headaches and dizziness from it. With the Nifedipine I'm noticing my teeth are aching, I'm more "wiped out" and my anxiety level is up. Anyone else taking this and having these side effects? On the positive side, the anal pain and hemorrhoids are better, not cured, but better.