Living with diverticulitis: How do I keep it from coming back?

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?

@hopeful33250 - I would say 2-3 weeks of hard time recovery, meaning, surgery discomfort, bathroom frequency, fatigue, and very careful eating. Then I could see improvement with bathroom breaks close to normal, and eating became more adventurous, trial and error. I would say at 8-10 weeks, eating and bathroom breaks were very close to normal. My biggest issue at that point was building my strength and stamina back to normal. Remember, I had a year of hip/mobility issues to recover from as well as the colon resection and infections. Bodily functions were all good. To improve stamina, I started a gym routine four days a week, starting with simple weight training with 2 lb weights and walking 20 minutes. Each week I added a bit. I let my body tell me how far to push. I can say, I didn't push too fast. I'm at 4 lbs, eight weeks in, but started water walking and a "senior" boot camp last week! I don't worry about keeping up with everyone. I'm going to try and play my first 18 holes of Golf this Saturday.... wish me luck! I'm 70.

If the doctor wants another CT now he probably wants to compare findings
I also have the feeling I’ll glow in the dark with all these Ct scans.
Also remember- these tests go through an approval process at the insurance company. If they don’t find it’s necessary they will not approve it.

@maxine50

I can only guess at why the CT scan is necessary. I do know that each diagnostic test is used to track certain problems. MRIs are good to detect some things and CT scans are better to detect other things.

I'm going to tag another mentor, @astaingegerdm, as she has had a lot of gastro problems and she might have some more insight as to why the doctor is asking for a CT now.

Did you ask your doctor why the CT?

@marionclark I went through a similar colon abscess/diverticulitis in October, 2022, which resulted in a colon resection of the sigmoid colon. The abscess burst, perforating the colon causing "free particals" to enter my abdomen. I had diarrhea symptoms prior, but no pain, so not knowing of the infection raging in my body, I had a total hip replacement done in late September. 48 hours later, my colon ruptured and was in the emergency room. I could not have emergency colon surgery because of the just completed hip replacement....fear of infection in newly inserted hip, I had to wait ten weeks for my colon resection surgery. During the ten weeks I was on 1600 mg of augmentin daily and was very anxious that another abscess would occur. My diet was low fiber, which is gentle on the digestive system. I took 1.5 teaspoon of Metamucil daily, which kept my stools just the right firmess. I made it through the ten weeks, had the surgery, endured the recovery period (takes patience) and am living a normal digestive life, better than I've had in the last 10 years! Best wishes for your outcome. Low fiber diet (on internet), antibiotic and Metamucil daily worked for me during the waiting period.

An insurance company? You have one? Lucky you!!

No, didn't ask the doctor why a CT after the MRI. I am just hoping he knows what he's doing. After months of this Diverticulosis battle, I just want it to stop!

Hi @maxine50

I understand you when you say, "I just want it to stop." Please remember that good food choices are your best friend when dealing with diverticulitis. A member in another discussion said, "I am trying not to give my body anything to get mad at me."

Often food choices are a result of habits that we've acquired over the years. We like what we are familiar with and what "tastes good." This is not always the best idea when dealing with diverticulitis.

While food choices aren't the only way to control symptoms, they are an important factor. Have you looked at dietary suggestions for dealing with diverticulitis?

There is so much difference of opinion when it comes to fibre I find. My naturopath says high fibre with seeds and nuts are completely fine, the me GP says low fibre, with no seeds or nuts. I’ve just gone to what keeps my bowels moving and me feeling better. That is until I have another flare up.

Hi @maxine50

I understand you when you say, "I just want it to stop." Please remember that good food choices are your best friend when dealing with diverticulitis. A member in another discussion said, "I am trying not to give my body anything to get mad at me."

Often food choices are a result of habits that we've acquired over the years. We like what we are familiar with and what "tastes good." This is not always the best idea when dealing with diverticulitis.

While food choices aren't the only way to control symptoms, they are an important factor. Have you looked at dietary suggestions for dealing with diverticulitis?