diverticulitis and diet

I too have been struggling with diverticulitis for numerous years.

If not taken care of you eventually will end up with some kind of surgery to remove the pouch’s that is causing the pain and inflammation.

I had what was called hand assisted sigmoid (literally cutting you open and pulling out your colon/intestine and cutting it off) in December 2009. Can I say it was easy? No. Do I feel better? Yes. Unfortunately I was advised after surgery that it wasn’t only in the lower part of the colon as originally thought I have pockets all through the colon/intestine.

I stay on a strict diet of no raw vegetables, no fresh fruit, no peanuts, pop-corn, any thing with a hull, no spice (salt and pepper are my best friend), no hot items, as in salsa, green peppers (any peppers), no salads, the list is endless. Is it hard? Yes. I have sampled a few of the above only to pay a dear price for it and it’s not worth the pain. If I chose to go back to the old habits then I chose to have all of my colon/intestine removed.

Because you seem to be in the early stages, you could follow the above listed for items not to eat a couple of weeks to get it under control. Then you can slowly add an item back. If this item irritates your system mark it off the list for awhile.

Trust me; don’t be as stubborn as I was as I lived on mashed potatoes and baby food way too long. If you can get a hold of it in the early stages life will be so much better.

I wish you luck and understand your pain! Surf the net for list of items that can help. Beware of the links that state you can eat anything if you have diverticulitis as this is not true. Give it a try…..

This is my first flare up and I am on antibiotics I have a lot of pain so I thought I would go on liquids but worry about tummy pain

Hello @smcumber and @sallybarnes,

As a person with many years of diverticulitis I heartily agree with the advice of @joyce22w. The diet seems restrictive, but so much better than the pain of diverticulitis and the resulting complications.

When I begin a flare-up, I resort to a liquid diet (like Ensure or Carnation Breakfast Drink) until the pain begins to subside and I feel better. Then I add in soft foods as they feel comfortable. I agree that raw veggies are definitely not a good idea, however, you can roast fresh veggies in the oven with olive oil. My favorites are a combination of asparagus, carrots, onions, new potatoes. I bake them until they are soft and tender. I also shred veggies into a meatloaf. I shred carrots, green pepper, onions, zucchini, etc. It adds a great flavor to the meatloaf as well as increasing your veggie intake.

Since you are in the beginnings of this disorder I would advise you to read as much as you can about diverticulitis and diet. Here is a link to Mayo Clinic's recommendations about diet for diverticulitis, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/diverticulitis-diet/art-20048499

Wishing you good eating without pain,

Teresa

Hi @sallybarnes,

The link that Mentor @hopeful33250 has shared contains some great information about diet; here's another article from Mayo Clinic that you may wish to read:
– Are there trigger foods I should avoid to prevent diverticulitis attacks? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/diverticulitis-diet/faq-20058293

In this conversation on Connect about diverticulitis, "Recurring diverticulitis & colitis," https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recurring-diverticulitis-colitis/ @suez @newenglandgal have shared their insights, and I'd also like to introduce you to a few other members who have diverticulitis, and may be able to share their experiences with you; please meet @lindainarizona @wesbig @user_cha5e73f6 @retrebotic @akogut @disfraz1 @lynnkay1956, @allegro @michellr.

@sallybarnes, we look forward to getting to know you better. What has helped you the most to manage this condition?

Hi@sallybarnes,
I agree with a liquid diet first, then soft foods next. I had diverticulitis first, and then was hospitalized with ulcerative colitis about 2 years ago. Both are difficult and painful illnesses. I stay on a low fiber diet; nothing raw, no nuts, grains. Meats & veggies cooked until very soft. No veggies with skins (corn, peas, etc) or legumes that cause gas. I worry about not getting enough protein. I've lost 30 lbs from being sick. Good luck to you.