Thanks for that great suggestion, @treesab. Yes, I've found that a probiotic pill is a great help with diverticulitis symptoms. Also, a low residue diet is most effective for me.
Hi Teresa,
It was lovely to receive your message, thank you.
I’m struggling to manage at present.
Recently, I had a CT scan that revealed a 6x4 cm abscess and fistula that had formed between the outside of my rectum but within the ‘envelope’ (my surgeon’s word) that contains the bowel. I gather this is unusual. It was drained and I had intensive treatment for three weeks with three types of antibiotics.
The CT scan also revealed that I have severe diverticulitis. Three years prior to that my diverticulitis was considered to be mild.
The surgeon initally considered a coloectomy but decided that I may not have a recurrence of the abscess.
Management is now the central issue. I have a half dose of colonlytely each evening and take 4 colyxol tablets with senna at the same time.
My diet is plain - all home cooked.
I’m 84 years old.
Thank you again for writing - your kindness touches me.
Kindest regards,
Marion.
Hi Teresa,
It was lovely to receive your message, thank you.
I’m struggling to manage at present.
Recently, I had a CT scan that revealed a 6x4 cm abscess and fistula that had formed between the outside of my rectum but within the ‘envelope’ (my surgeon’s word) that contains the bowel. I gather this is unusual. It was drained and I had intensive treatment for three weeks with three types of antibiotics.
The CT scan also revealed that I have severe diverticulitis. Three years prior to that my diverticulitis was considered to be mild.
The surgeon initally considered a coloectomy but decided that I may not have a recurrence of the abscess.
Management is now the central issue. I have a half dose of colonlytely each evening and take 4 colyxol tablets with senna at the same time.
My diet is plain - all home cooked.
I’m 84 years old.
Thank you again for writing - your kindness touches me.
Kindest regards,
Marion.
I appreciate you sharing your journey with diverticulitis. It certainly has been a challenging time for you. I admire your ability to adjust your diet and lifestyle to accommodate these changes.
My diverticulitis has changed over the years as well. At one time, it was just in the sigmoid colon but now throughout the entire colon. A low-residue diet has worked well for me along with stool softeners. It is good to find ways to adapt to these physical changes!
I hope that this continues to heal, and you begin to feel better. Will you post again with updates?
About 3 months ago, after a colonoscopy, I was told I had diverticulosis and a fistula but he didn't say where the fistula was or what it was. I had to research the Internet to find out what diverticulosis and a fistula was. Somedays, I am just fine, but then, wham bam here I am again.
I was feeling fine for the past four days and tonight I ate ice cream for dessert and wham bam. Could ice cream be bad for diverticulosis?
About 3 months ago, after a colonoscopy, I was told I had diverticulosis and a fistula but he didn't say where the fistula was or what it was. I had to research the Internet to find out what diverticulosis and a fistula was. Somedays, I am just fine, but then, wham bam here I am again.
I was feeling fine for the past four days and tonight I ate ice cream for dessert and wham bam. Could ice cream be bad for diverticulosis?
I can’t help you with the ice cream question but I also have a fistula. I agree that it’s hard to understand what the short and long-term effects of this is.
There seems to be many different views about diet. I’m new to this and keen to learn as much as I can.
I appreciate you sharing your journey with diverticulitis. It certainly has been a challenging time for you. I admire your ability to adjust your diet and lifestyle to accommodate these changes.
My diverticulitis has changed over the years as well. At one time, it was just in the sigmoid colon but now throughout the entire colon. A low-residue diet has worked well for me along with stool softeners. It is good to find ways to adapt to these physical changes!
I hope that this continues to heal, and you begin to feel better. Will you post again with updates?
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1 caution with licorice root is that it can raise blood pressure. Look for DGL which is deglycyrrhizinated licorice root. It won't raise BP 🙂
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2 ReactionsWhat is a low residue diet? What can you, or cannot, eat? Thanks, Maxine
Hello @maxine50
Here is some information from WebMD regarding a low residue diet,
--Low Residue Diet Foods
https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/crohns-disease/low-residue-diet-foods
Thank you. I needed this advice. xx
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1 ReactionHello @marionclark and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am glad that you have found this discussion group helpful to you.
I'm wondering if you would like to share more about your history of diverticulitis or what you have found helpful in dealing with the symptoms?
Hi Teresa,
It was lovely to receive your message, thank you.
I’m struggling to manage at present.
Recently, I had a CT scan that revealed a 6x4 cm abscess and fistula that had formed between the outside of my rectum but within the ‘envelope’ (my surgeon’s word) that contains the bowel. I gather this is unusual. It was drained and I had intensive treatment for three weeks with three types of antibiotics.
The CT scan also revealed that I have severe diverticulitis. Three years prior to that my diverticulitis was considered to be mild.
The surgeon initally considered a coloectomy but decided that I may not have a recurrence of the abscess.
Management is now the central issue. I have a half dose of colonlytely each evening and take 4 colyxol tablets with senna at the same time.
My diet is plain - all home cooked.
I’m 84 years old.
Thank you again for writing - your kindness touches me.
Kindest regards,
Marion.
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Helpful -
Hug
7 Reactions@marionclark
I appreciate you sharing your journey with diverticulitis. It certainly has been a challenging time for you. I admire your ability to adjust your diet and lifestyle to accommodate these changes.
My diverticulitis has changed over the years as well. At one time, it was just in the sigmoid colon but now throughout the entire colon. A low-residue diet has worked well for me along with stool softeners. It is good to find ways to adapt to these physical changes!
I hope that this continues to heal, and you begin to feel better. Will you post again with updates?
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsAbout 3 months ago, after a colonoscopy, I was told I had diverticulosis and a fistula but he didn't say where the fistula was or what it was. I had to research the Internet to find out what diverticulosis and a fistula was. Somedays, I am just fine, but then, wham bam here I am again.
I was feeling fine for the past four days and tonight I ate ice cream for dessert and wham bam. Could ice cream be bad for diverticulosis?
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI can’t help you with the ice cream question but I also have a fistula. I agree that it’s hard to understand what the short and long-term effects of this is.
There seems to be many different views about diet. I’m new to this and keen to learn as much as I can.
Can you share what you mean by low residue diet please. What works for you?
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