Living with diverticulitis: How do I keep it from coming back?

@bkatz43 I suffered from repeated flare ups resulting in multiple ER visits and then antibiotics that made me sick. I tried various diets but the flare ups continued. My GI finally referred me to a colorectal surgeon. She highly recommended I have that part of my colon removed for fear of a rupture.
I decided to go ahead with the surgery because I couldn’t deal with the fear of continuing diverticulitis or a perforated colon and emergency surgery.
My surgery was in January of this year. I am 72 years old. They were able to do a robotic resection and I haven’t had a flare up since then. I’m very glad I opted for surgery.
I do suffer with chronic diarrhea and stomach upset which I’m seeing my GI about. I don’t believe all of it is surgery related although the diarrhea could be. I’m having an endoscopy later this week to see if something else is going on.
All that being said, I am very grateful I opted for the surgery. Those diverticulitis flare ups are awful.
Good luck to you.

@linda82 and chew the food thoroughly.

It is so hard to know what diet works…it seems to me that too much fiber loading can be problematic…. My docs don’t want me to take ibuprofen, as it is very hard on the digestive system…so, for my back, I use Tylenol, but sparingly…of late PT has been very helpful for my back, with care not to overdo, and take short breaks during the day with heat… wishing you all good health !

@mwilliams1 cooked carrots are excellent, mashed potatoes, applesauce, smooth peanut or almond butter, canned pears (rinse off the syrup )….a few of my go-to easy foods.

@donbarkman
You sound like you are going backwards on the anti diverticulitis trek. NSAIDS are a big no. Plus you are probably starting solids and fiber way too soon. Almost the hardest part of the “cure” is sticking to clear liquids for about twice as long as you think you need to. There is no easy way around this disease.

@zilla after 17 years of episodes at random, I have learned the lesson about not going back too soon. This last time I think I rushed the fiber timing. I avoid painkillers unless necessary, but the back issue needed some solution. I should’ve checked for its effect on diverticulitis more, I know it’s not good in general. My ortho guy is good, but this was a bad choice.

@donbarkman I am trying to manage my back issue while dealing with CRC and a very sensitive gut….i use Tylenol when really necessary and have actually gotten help with back problem from the combo of a terrific PT at NYPresbyterian and an osteopath.MD (manual work )…once my core got stronger (it was weak after open abdominal surgery) I felt progress at last…just don’t overdo the exercise, rest your body or even use heat if needed…it takes patience for sure ! Just gently sucking in my abdomen, but not too far, made a difference- then I learned to breathe normally while doing that and eventually some well-chosen exercises…professional guidance can make a real difference !

@nycmusic I essentially had sciatica which PT only helped modestly. I got a spinal injection and a small cyst drained that put pressure on my nerves. That was after the PT and trying the ibuprofen. So far so good with the back. My wife had scoliosis and many major surgeries. I know how bad back issues can be. Good luck.

Every situation is different, and we also know things can quickly change…wishing you both the best ..l

It's so helpful to hear other people's experiences. For myself--- I try to avoid fiber. When I have a flare-up, I go on a liquid diet--- broth, water, tea, clear apple juice the second day. Then onto the bland, white low-residue diet. Luckily I like all the foods that are on it. I've always preferred Wonder White Bread to any Grain Bread so I guess I'm lucky in that regard.
Some doctors have told me that seeds, popcorn, etc. are alright. But a Nurse who has divertic. assured me that they're NOT. And I've heard the same thing from several other people.
I'm careful to avoid constipation and Ibuprofen, since that's what landed me in the hospital last year for 10 days with my first very painful attack. I didn't have surgery and I'm hoping that I'll never need it. So I'm handling it as best as I can. And I drink plenty of water all day long. And Green Tea. The thought of having surgery has me terrified.