After taking my history, the doctors pressed around my abdomen trying to determine exactly where the pain was located. They were pretty sure it was diverticulitis and ruled out apendicitis. Then they ordered a CT scan--the kind where you have to drink something beforehand. They were able to determine it was diverticulitis after reading the scan. I was hospitalized with IV meds which included painkillers and antibiotics. I had other trips to the ER after that. But since I already had the diagnosis, the scan, and been treated before, they usually check out my symptoms and prescribe antibiotics.