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Diverticulitis treatment
I’ve been battling diverticulosis/diverticulitis for a long time now and this past June got horrible cramps in the lower abdominal area. After many phone calls to my gastroenterologist, where I didn’t feel like I was being taken seriously, she finally put me on Augmentin and I ended up taking it for 6 weeks and then had a colonoscopy. The findings were inflammation and spasms in the sigmoid colon area and diverticulosis throughout the colon.
In asking her about diet, she gave the “standard” answer of stay on low fiber for a couple more weeks (I’ve been doing this for a couple months now), slowly add in fiber. I’m so frustrated with that and I want to know what to eat and if there are supplements that will help with inflammation and healing. She took some biopsies and it will be another week before I get the results. She’s already suggested the possibility of a colon resection which seems a bit overkill at this point.
What I’m dealing with right now are multiple bowel movements throughout the morning, and frequent urination because of the inflammation. What’s frustrating is not being able to just get out and do “normal” day to day activities. Any suggestions on diet, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
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Hello @trishplace and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear of your battle with diverticulitis. I join you in your fight to get back to "normal" while dealing with this problem. There are no easy answers. Everyone deals with it in a way that works for them.
Here are some suggestions that have worked for me. I find that my bouts with diverticulitis tend to get worse when I'm overly tired and I've been on my feet a lot. When a "bout" of diverticulitis begins I spend time laying down, often with a heating pad on my abdomen and only have liquids for a while, and then add soft foods until the pain is decreased.
Another suggestion is to keep a food/activity diary or journal if you will. If you do this regularly, you may find certain "triggers" to the bouts of pain. Perhaps it will be a certain type of food or a certain type of busyness that activates the pain.
We have other discussions on Connect where members have talked about diverticulitis. Here is a link to one of those discussions. Some of these members have had multiple surgeries and others have dealt with it with diet alone. Feel free to join in their discussion and ask them questions. When you read their post just click on "Reply" and join their discussion. I would like to invite one member, @thull to join this discussion.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diverticulitis-1/?commentsorder=newest#chv4-comment-stream-header
As you also mentioned IBS in the title of your post, I'm wondering if you are familiar with the FODMAP eating plan? I've tried this and so have many others with amazing success. Here is a link to this discussion as well https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fodmap-eating-plan/
Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to this problem. It just takes diligence and healthy eating and consuming lots of liquids.
Will you post again with an update on how you are doing?
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4 ReactionsI'm giving an update on my diverticulitis and digestive issues. Although the diverticulitis and inflammation has settled down, I'm now having upper abdominal gas and burning in the gallbladder area, even though I had the gallbladder removed over a year ago. Doesn't matter what I eat, it's a constant. I'm still have problems, at times, with frequent urination.
I had requested an appointment at the Mayo clinic in Rochester (closest to me) and my gastroenterologist had sent her referral and then records. I received a letter from Mayo that stated they had reviewed my information to determine if they could add further value or treatment options.... unfortunately, we are unable to offer you an appointment at this time.
I have added a really good probiotic into my daily diet, also Kombucha and yogurt. The frequent bowel movements, for the most part, are down to 2 or 3 throughout the day, so that's an improvement.
Lots of anxiety over this because I never know if I'm going to have a "good day" and can go out and do things, or what's going to happen. I'm seeing a therapist and I'm just starting Lexipro. I really don't know if my gastroenterologist is going to be much more help. I feel like I've been abandoned and am now just doing research on my own via the internet.
Recently I visited with a Colorectal surgeon/proctologist for my ongoing battle with anal fissures/internal and external hemorrhoids. I had been on a nitroglycerin ointment for this, but couldn't use it during the day because of headaches and dizziness from it. With the Nifedipine I'm noticing my teeth are aching, I'm more "wiped out" and my anxiety level is up. Anyone else taking this and having these side effects? On the positive side, the anal pain and hemorrhoids are better, not cured, but better.
HiI have diverticulitis, ibsd, and acid reflux. My first diverticulitis flare up was four years ago. Had another three years later, and another last month. The liquid diet for three days and then small amounts of white rice and boiled chicken help. I also take Cipro and Flagyl for seven days. I get very weak from not eating and very very bloated from the Cipro and Flagyl. The Flagyl causes insomnia and of course horrible metal taste in my mouth. This last flare up I could not even switch to rice and chicken after seven days because of lack of appetite. I was still on liquids the entire course of the antibiotics. Now after being off the antibiotics for 24 hours my bloating has calmed down and the metabolic taste is gone. I’m starting to eat solid bland foods again fortunately.My question is: has anyone had luck with any other antibiotics paired up with Cipro? Flagyl has so many side effects that I can’t take the full dose for seven days. I am okay with the Cipro for seven days even with the bloating. Flagyl is my problem.By the way, when I am starting to get a flare up my signs are: diarrhea, chills and nausea before during and after a BM.With my ibsd, I only have diarrhea.The chills and nausea before during and after the BM are how I know it’s diverticulitis flare up again.Has anyone had similar symptoms and has anyone had luck with some other antibiotics besides flagyl?Thanks for all your help 🙂
Hello @donna2023, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It sounds like you have had a rough go with your flagyl regimen in particular. I'd like to invite a few members who have also discussed diverticulitis and flagyl to share some of their experiences with the medication. @bbarbiee, @frane1939, @vjs, and @lisag03 have all used flagyl for a digestive health issue.
@donna2023, you may also find the following discussion of interest, "Diverticulitis and persistent pain" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diverticulitis-and-persistent-pain/.
@donna2023, have you discussed your struggles with the flagyl part of your medication regimen with the provider who prescribed it? Have they offered any alternatives knowing you are unable to finish the full 7 day regimen?
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1 ReactionI had diverticulitis for several years. Yes, Cipro and flagyl. I could not take flagyl. About 4 years ago I was prescribed due to a flare After one pill the bottom of my foot started to burn , itch and swell. I couldn’t be for sure if it was the flagyl; however, 3 weeks ago I was prepping for a colon resection and was prescribed flagyl as well as other antibiotics to take Again, this happened to my foot. At that point I realized it was the flagyl that had done this a few years ago. I told my surgeon on the morning of and ask her if she was planning on giving me more during surgery. She immediately said she had other options other than flagyl. I’m 3 weeks out from resection. I’m glad I had the surgery. Path report showed abscess and at some point I had a perforation.
I know your feeling of hurting with these issues and the dread of the meds. My flares were numerous in the last year plus I am a liver transplant so I have to be cautious with all aspects of health
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2 ReactionsThank you for sharing your story.
I am very interested to listen to both of your stories. I have had GERD for years, doing ok, then suddenly diagnosed with this thing called LPR. I loved my previous GI doc, as he always spoke to me like I have a brain, but unfortunately has retired. I have a large Left Inguinal hernia, and have as he had told me, diverticulosis. I have in the past 2yrs had 3 terrible episodes that were very scary, and painful, but not sure of what was happening. First one, doubled over with pain,low grade ttemp, and vomiting. I thought it was eating something "spoiled" Could not eat for sweveral days, but little by little started to eat. Second one no apparent temp, but terrible pain and bloating like I was hiding a basketball in my PJ's. Also vomiting, but no stool for 3 days. The last one was waking up at 130 am so nauseated and abd. bloating, I ran to the BR and broke out in a cold sweat, but could not vomit, and no stool. I had trouble breathing because I was wretching continuously. For a moment I thought I was going to die. Same recovery--could not eat for days, but eventually I began with toast and oatmeal. Saw the PA at a new office, and she said I was probably just constipated, so up my fiber. Also, that I should have gone into ER for an X-ray. Does this sound like Diverticulitis ? I do not look forward to another attack like this.
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2 ReactionsI also was prescribed Flagyl pre colon resection. Got violently ill with projectile vomiting. I’ve made sure Flagyl is listed in my electronic medical record under Allergies!
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2 ReactionsI had a bout of diverticulitis. The gp wanted to prescribe flagyl but the specialist just prescribed the light diet and I was better in ten days.
I have had flagyl once. I was so sick the dr took me off it.
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