Diverticulitis prevention

Posted by ayersg @ayersg, Apr 6, 2023

Is there a way to prevent diverticulitis from recurring? Is there a change in diet that can help heal the colon issue that causes it?

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@maxine50

Yes, have to play detective all the time. Stress is a problem right now. Anything can be a problem.

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Yes, indeed!
I worry constantly that I may trigger an infection which in my case caused a large abscess, a trip to theatre to have a drain inserted and three weeks in hospital having intravenous antibiotics - not to mention severe pain.
The stress is unbearable.

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@marionclark

Yes, indeed!
I worry constantly that I may trigger an infection which in my case caused a large abscess, a trip to theatre to have a drain inserted and three weeks in hospital having intravenous antibiotics - not to mention severe pain.
The stress is unbearable.

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OMG, it can cause a bigger infection????? Already have a fistula somewhere but don't know where. Doctor not very helpful.

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@hopeful33250

Sure, a low residue diet is basically a low fiber diet. Here is some information about a low fiber diet from Mayo Clinic's website:

--Low Fiber Diet
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/low-fiber-diet/art-20048511
Since raw fruits and veggies are generally high fiber, I often make soups (and use an immersible blender to puree them) or make smoothies. That way, I get the nutrients, but without the fiber.

Each person is different, so what works for me, might not necessarily work for you. However, I always feel like a change in eating habits is generally not very costly and is worth trying for a month or so to see if it helps.

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That is so interesting. Low fiber diet. My doctor said I was not eating enough fiber!! So, I started trying to eat more fiber during the day. Am I wrong????
I have stopped eating meat, nuts. I do eat cooked zucchini, broccoli, carrots, potato and snack on apples, pears and Nature Valley Trail mix bar, yogurt, fried eggs, low fat cheese, bagels with avocado, pasta with pesto, salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, but now I read that it's not good for me. I'm so confused.

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@maxine50

That is so interesting. Low fiber diet. My doctor said I was not eating enough fiber!! So, I started trying to eat more fiber during the day. Am I wrong????
I have stopped eating meat, nuts. I do eat cooked zucchini, broccoli, carrots, potato and snack on apples, pears and Nature Valley Trail mix bar, yogurt, fried eggs, low fat cheese, bagels with avocado, pasta with pesto, salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, but now I read that it's not good for me. I'm so confused.

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@maxine50

It's probably important to find out what works best for you. Note any "trigger" foods that may worsen your symptoms.

Have you considered asking for a referral to a certified dietitian? Most hospital systems have a certified dietician who can be very helpful in dealing with eating plans for folks with digestive issues. I have seen one on two different occasions. Both appointments were very helpful to me.

If your doctor has not suggested this, will you ask for a referral?

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@maxine50

OMG, it can cause a bigger infection????? Already have a fistula somewhere but don't know where. Doctor not very helpful.

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Yes, that is what happened to me. I was is awful pain and my GP ordered a CT scan. It showed a 6cm x 4cm mass which was stated on the report to be carcinoma. I was immediately admitted to hospital and a surgeon told me that was a secondary cancer virtually giving me a death sentence. Next day I was taken to theatre to have radical surgery but no cancer was detected, just the abscess and I had blood poisoning.
Emotionally that was very traumatic.
I’ve been told that this was a very rare occurrence.

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@hopeful33250

@maxine50

It's probably important to find out what works best for you. Note any "trigger" foods that may worsen your symptoms.

Have you considered asking for a referral to a certified dietitian? Most hospital systems have a certified dietician who can be very helpful in dealing with eating plans for folks with digestive issues. I have seen one on two different occasions. Both appointments were very helpful to me.

If your doctor has not suggested this, will you ask for a referral?

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Thank you! Most helpful! I see my GP again in 3 weeks and will certainly follow up to see a dietitian. I didn’t think of that and am surprised that it hasn’t been offered.

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@maxine50

That is so interesting. Low fiber diet. My doctor said I was not eating enough fiber!! So, I started trying to eat more fiber during the day. Am I wrong????
I have stopped eating meat, nuts. I do eat cooked zucchini, broccoli, carrots, potato and snack on apples, pears and Nature Valley Trail mix bar, yogurt, fried eggs, low fat cheese, bagels with avocado, pasta with pesto, salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, but now I read that it's not good for me. I'm so confused.

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I’m also confused. I’ve been very conscious of the need to eat adequate fibre and do so. To not do that seems counter intuitive.

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@marionclark

Thank you! Most helpful! I see my GP again in 3 weeks and will certainly follow up to see a dietitian. I didn’t think of that and am surprised that it hasn’t been offered.

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@marionclark

Yes, it is surprising that doctors don't suggest it, because it can be so helpful. I'm glad that you will consider it. Will you let me know how you are doing?

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@marionclark

I’m also confused. I’ve been very conscious of the need to eat adequate fibre and do so. To not do that seems counter intuitive.

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@marionclark

You should, of course, contact your doctor if you feel uncertain about making any dietary changes. Please remember that Mayo Connect is a place where patients share experiences. We do not offer medical advice. We only share what has helped us. Any suggestions offered on Connect are simply suggestions.

Will you contact your doctor?

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