Living with diverticulitis

I still don't know much about a fistula. Is it life threatening? Can it grow? What can it do? I don't know and trying to get info, but where? All this is new to me and most worrisome. I do love ice cream though!

Hi @maxine50

It is hard to say what foods are "triggers" for diverticulitis. If it happens again after eating ice cream, you might want to avoid it for a while. You might also look at other foods you ate and/or other activities that might have contributed to the symptoms.

I've found that some foods, as well as being very active or stressed create a combination that causes increased symptoms. It's important to be a good "detective" in trying to figure it all out.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

@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?

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.

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.