appetite and digestion after completing antibiotics

I had diverticulitis episodes and also no appetite after antibiotics. I think because we eat very little and all the side effects from the meds.

Wheen taking all those antibiotics you must eat or take probiotics or put in yogurt between doses.
I would say to eat even when no appetite. (remember, your stomach shrinks back when not eating)

Try very small portions. Yogurt, Banna proteins are a must. eggs etc. Since not on proper diet, you need to really pay attention to your nutrition and fluid intakes. Also, make sure you can take vitamins since you are not getting them form not eating.

Thank you. My appetite is improving. Im taking vitamins and probiotics. Eating cottage cheese and yogurt also. I do believe my stomach shrank because when you're sick its hard to eat anything at all so you have to force yourself to eat just a bit of food. I eat eggs for breakfast or peanut butter toast with bananas. Im drinking more fluids as well. The dr noticed my labs had low sodium when i had bloodwork last completed so I'm not sure why or what that means. Those antibiotics sure make you feel awful. 🙁 Im starting to have more energy but don't want to overdo it. When do you increase your fiber? Im not constipated but dont want to go the other way lol. Thanks for the helpful tips:))

Glad to hear you are starting to feel better.
Antibiotics are a must for diverticulitis/inflation. But, strips all the good bacteria too. I used to hate that from my past episodes. Felt like staring over every time!
I would not add too much fiber back in your diet until you see you GI Dr. Have you had a colonoscopy?
Try having an avocado has an experiment.
How was your inflammation level in blood work? That is a great marker to go by.

Where did they see this on scan? "Went to my Dr on Presidents day and CT scan showed inflammation/infection"

Yes! Its like starting back at square one:/ Just recovered from an infection in December and January was doing ok then February all over again. I am not adding a lot of fiber currently. I had a colonoscopy in June of 2024. I see GI Dr in mid April. For my first consult. I have an advocado and thought about trying some with breakfast. Just a small amount. The ER dr said my inflammation and infection were pretty much cleared completely. They saw nothing on my last scan. He only said I have Pelvic Vein Congestion and that nothing showed in my bloodwork, urine or on my CT scan. My original scan showed thickening of my colon wall and thats why my family dr put me on antibiotics and I was very sick.

As said in another response, antibiotics kill the bad and good bacteria in your gut. Perhaps you need a prebiotic and probiotic to build the good bacteria up in your digestive tract that’s needed for digestion and other functions.

Yes true, I would also out probiotics in my yogurt between the doses of antibiotics.

Currently taking daily probiotics, eating yogurt and cottage cheese. Has anyone tried that Florajen probiotics and is it more effective that regular otc probiotics? I am hesitant to try because of possible diarrhea or other side effects. My appetite is much better now that it was a week ago. Im doing all i can to try to get my body back to normal again and hoping that I avoid any more infections for a while. Thanks for all the helpful advice :))

I did take VSL3 probiotics recommended by my GI Dr. You can order online (medical grade)

Thank you. I havent yet tried anything other than otc probiotics. Im not sure what is recommended but Ill ask my GI doctor at me appt in April 🙂

My GI recommended Visbiome probiotics. They have to be refrigerated though.
If you are a Costco member they have them in the pharmacy. They are over the counter but they keep them in the refrigerator. Much cheaper there too. I’m sure other pharmacies carry them too.
I agree, those antibiotics are tough, but necessary.