1. < Digestive Health

Diverticulosis throughout entire colon -anyone?

Posted by comptomama @comptomama, Mar 8, 2023

I have diverticulosis throughout my entire colon. I have had many bouts of diverticulitis on my left side. I think it is not common to have diverticulosis throughout, but I was wondering if anyone else has this, and do you know why?

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comptomama | @comptomama | Mar 10, 2023
In reply to @barbara94 "I have to say this whole Diverticulosis diagnosis came almost overnight! Literally, … one week I..." + (show)
@barbara94

I have to say this whole Diverticulosis diagnosis came almost overnight! Literally, …
one week I could eat absolutely ANYTHING I wanted. Always had. And I’m 74 and was healthy/active except for a failed spine fusion which made pain meds necessary.
The next week? I’m doubled over in severe pain after eating ice cream?!!
Was SO confused! Had a previously scheduled colonoscopy the month before all this happened. RESULT? Doc said “you have some diverticula, but not bad.” He said I was fine!
The “flare up” happened and I too went to the emerg room! Had never even been in an ambulance! Result: docs said- go immediately on a FODMAP diet. Which I’m trying to adjust to now. Any tips at all appreciated ! Thx to all of you!

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It's a whole new relationship with food for sure.

REPLY
pachab00 | @pachab00 | Mar 11, 2023
In reply to @barbara94 "I have to say this whole Diverticulosis diagnosis came almost overnight! Literally, … one week I..." + (show)
@barbara94

I have to say this whole Diverticulosis diagnosis came almost overnight! Literally, …
one week I could eat absolutely ANYTHING I wanted. Always had. And I’m 74 and was healthy/active except for a failed spine fusion which made pain meds necessary.
The next week? I’m doubled over in severe pain after eating ice cream?!!
Was SO confused! Had a previously scheduled colonoscopy the month before all this happened. RESULT? Doc said “you have some diverticula, but not bad.” He said I was fine!
The “flare up” happened and I too went to the emerg room! Had never even been in an ambulance! Result: docs said- go immediately on a FODMAP diet. Which I’m trying to adjust to now. Any tips at all appreciated ! Thx to all of you!

Jump to this post

Good heavens. Narcotics can cause severe constipation. Which can lead to diverticulitis! The history you wrote may say it all. Avoid constipation at all costs! If one gas surgery, take 2 stool softeners daily, add fiber and much fluids! Avoid white rice, bananas, applesauce and white bread like the plague.

REPLY
2 replies
lisa9 | @lisa9 | Mar 11, 2023
In reply to @tomm1347 "Hello comptomama, Sorry to hear. Are you having surgery? I got some bad news in January..." + (show)
@tomm1347

Hello comptomama,
Sorry to hear. Are you having surgery?

I got some bad news in January regarding my cat scan and started a thread on this site.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/60-yr-old-male-diverticulitis-with-fistula-passage-to-bladder/

Anxiously and patiently waiting for my colectomy with anastomosis surgery date of 4/3.
I've been basically disabled and will continue to be until then.
Just awful....

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Hi I was told I had diverticulosis with a dilated colon that stop working I had colon resection surgery 05/18/22 most of my colon was removed leaving a small section that was attached to my small intestine I don't have a bag almost 1 year and I have intense pain and my stomach always feels tight and feel as if something heavy is in it always gassy it's so frustrating.

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barbara94 | @barbara94 | Mar 12, 2023
In reply to @pachab00 "Good heavens. Narcotics can cause severe constipation. Which can lead to diverticulitis! The history you wrote..." + (show)
@pachab00

Good heavens. Narcotics can cause severe constipation. Which can lead to diverticulitis! The history you wrote may say it all. Avoid constipation at all costs! If one gas surgery, take 2 stool softeners daily, add fiber and much fluids! Avoid white rice, bananas, applesauce and white bread like the plague.

Jump to this post

Thanks SO MUCH! Yes, opiates do cause “backups!”😆🙄 And I do take 3 stool soft’ners a day, PLUS extra fiber, which for the most part has saved me. But STILL have occasional issues! Especially after long car trips, OR if I miss exercising EVERY DAY! Just thought I’d get advice from those in the KNOW! STILL open to ANY TIPS at all ❤️!Thx!

REPLY
clkurth | @clkurth | Mar 13, 2023

For the last 6 months, I’ve worked diligently to avoid a surgery, which has been recommended since a horrible bout of this condition in late October. I take 1 T extra virgin olive oil each evening, which promotes ease of bowel. I drink a beet juice and banana blended shake with water, coconut milk and beet powder each morning. It powers through and keeps me regular. If I feel a tinge or sensation, I take peppermint gel caps which address this right away, followed by aloe Vera gel caps to help heal any potential inflammation. Works like a charm. I am careful about anything with seeds, and I eat an avocado per day. So far, so good. Hope these tips help you.

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2 replies
tomm1347 | @tomm1347 | Mar 13, 2023
In reply to @speedbird "Hi I had laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy eight months ago and the healing process was a little..." + (show)
@speedbird

Hi I had laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy eight months ago and the healing process was a little bit longer than I thought (74 yrs old). The one thing I can share with you is that my surgeon requested a peripheral nerve block prior to procedure and that made all the difference in the world. Minimal pain, practically none and never needed opioids only acetaminophen. Back to golf and bowling. Good Luck, thoughts & prayers!

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Hello,
Was your surgery done robotically?

Thanks
Tom

REPLY
1 reply
faddy | @faddy | Mar 14, 2023
In reply to @clkurth "For the last 6 months, I’ve worked diligently to avoid a surgery, which has been recommended..." + (show)
@clkurth

For the last 6 months, I’ve worked diligently to avoid a surgery, which has been recommended since a horrible bout of this condition in late October. I take 1 T extra virgin olive oil each evening, which promotes ease of bowel. I drink a beet juice and banana blended shake with water, coconut milk and beet powder each morning. It powers through and keeps me regular. If I feel a tinge or sensation, I take peppermint gel caps which address this right away, followed by aloe Vera gel caps to help heal any potential inflammation. Works like a charm. I am careful about anything with seeds, and I eat an avocado per day. So far, so good. Hope these tips help you.

Jump to this post

Sounds great !May I add don’t forget to chew, chew , chew your food before swallowing . It just makes digestion more efficient.

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1 reply
pachab00 | @pachab00 | Mar 15, 2023
In reply to @faddy "Sounds great !May I add don’t forget to chew, chew , chew your food before swallowing..." + (show)
@faddy

Sounds great !May I add don’t forget to chew, chew , chew your food before swallowing . It just makes digestion more efficient.

Jump to this post

Interesting. Maybe everyone's different. Research studies I've read say seeds aren't causative-- that was older thinking. Also, for me, bananas are constipating-more than a half now and then are a problem for me. But your routine seems to work for you!

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jillian7 | @jillian7 | Mar 16, 2023
In reply to @pachab00 "Good heavens. Narcotics can cause severe constipation. Which can lead to diverticulitis! The history you wrote..." + (show)
@pachab00

Good heavens. Narcotics can cause severe constipation. Which can lead to diverticulitis! The history you wrote may say it all. Avoid constipation at all costs! If one gas surgery, take 2 stool softeners daily, add fiber and much fluids! Avoid white rice, bananas, applesauce and white bread like the plague.

Jump to this post

Aspirin and Tylenol are also the culprits as well. This is what caused my Divirticulitis, resulting in loss I'd foot of diseased Colon last year. Be careful!

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pachab00 | @pachab00 | Mar 17, 2023

I would think problems with Tylenol or aspirin could be related to dose & frequency. Even small, infrequent (like postop) narcotics cause constipation that can initiate a bout of diverticulitis. Recent studies have shown that therapeutic, safe, scheduled doses of Tylenol can be as effective for postoperative pain as narcotics in older patients. Surprising but true. Hospitals too freely offer a narcotic when (unless otherwise contraindicated), acetominophen (tylenol) will do.

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