Connect
TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?
@linda82: I was searching many sites to find other people to connect with who live with the same condition I have — diverticulitis. I also wanted to find out if surgery for diverticulitis helped other patients and how it changed their lives.
I finally found Mayo Clinic Connect and liked that it was monitored. It was awesome to find a place where you could get so much information from people who live with the same health issue.
TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?
@linda82: Everyday, people share experiences, insights, actual results, and more. I enjoy offering help and support where I can.
TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?
@linda82: On Mayo Clinic Connect, you can control how much you share. With not having your personal information “out there" you are free to be truly honest. It is awesome how kind everyone is and how open they are with their willingness to share.
TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?
@linda82: I take part the the discussions in the Digestive Health support group.
TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.
@linda82: After the surgery, it was helpful hearing from other members about their recovery experiences. I shared my questions and concerns. When they replied, saying they went through the same healing process, it was a relief!
With digestive issues, some concerns or issues are embarrassing. I posted about feeling pain when sitting down after surgery. It felt like I had a broom up the rectum. A member replied that he understood and reassured me not to worry because that feeling will go away. And it did!
Everyone is so understanding. It is also satisfying when someone comments that I helped them.
TERESA: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?
@linda82: While we may have different health issues at different stages, real connections are made when we share our experiences and discover our similarities. I really like that the discussions are monitored and moderated.
TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@linda82: I have always enjoyed working out and really depend on physical activity for its mental and health benefits.
Before I retired, I was on call 24/7 in a very stressful world of logistics. Many times, I would have to drive back to the office in the middle of the night, stay on site for over 12 hours and deal with endless phone calls from customers all over the world. It was hard to take time to eat right and keep moving. There were many times I just wanted to throw my phones out the door!
I had to find some form of balance to survive. I think that is why, now that I am retired, I like gardening in the silence of nature without interruptions. I have created so many different gardens on my land. I enjoy saving seeds from my plants and giving them away to friends and family. I also love to give plants from my gardens to bee keepers who in turn give me honey.
TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@linda82: I am a military brat and have lived in many places abroad and in the US. I loved to travel and to go to events with friends. With my stomach issues, all of that went away. I hope to resume traveling again. At the moment, I’m still struggling mentally with the fear and anxiety of another episode happening. It hasn’t, so I’m working on accepting that I might be able to travel again.
TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?
@linda82: "If you are going through hell, keep going." ~ unknown, sometimes attributed to General Patten or Sir Winston Churchill
TERESA: What food can you simply not resist?
@linda82: Anything Italian or Mediterranean.
TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation?
@linda82: I live in a rural area and enjoy the simple quiet life. I look forward to visiting National Parks again.
Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Mayo Clinic Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.
Like
Helpful
Hug
Connect
It is nice to meet you @linda82 . You have a perfect way to handle stress and enjoy your day with gardening. Nothing makes us feel better than time spent in nature. I'm glad your surgery has been successful and Connect was so helpful to you. Severe diverticulitis is tough to live with. Now you will be one of the Connect members who is helping others who are living with it by sharing your experiences.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsThank you @linda82 for the opportunity to introduce you to the Connect community through this Spotlight! I've appreciated your posts as you have encouraged and instructed others who have had (or who are planning to have) digestive tract surgery. Your willingness to share how you have come to terms with some of the limitations as well as the successes of your surgery gives us all encouragement and inspiration to press on.
While you share in the Digestive Health group, this Spotlight has allowed others in the Connect community to learn about you and to be inspired by your attitude. Thanks for sharing and encouraging others here on Connect. You are a valuable member!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 Reactions@linda82: Great interview Linda! We share gratitude to have found a “safe place” to ask our most private health questions assured that others will offer us their honest, direct opinions. Mayo Connect has been a huge help to me because of people like you! Thanks for sharing your insights. Best health to you…
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsThank you. This is also the site that helped me make the decision to have the surgery.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThank you, Teresa, you are a true pleasure.
Much respect.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@linda82 yours is a very interesting interview! I didn’t know that surgery was an option. My dad had diverticulitis and I was diagnosed with diverticulosis a few years ago. I also have a history of gastroparesis. It is an autonomic neuropathy complication of diabetes at the stomach end of the GI system. So I have troubles at both ends of my plumbing system. This results in a fear of having a dreadful embarrassing episode from either direction, sometimes both! My doc told me that small, frequent, low fiber meals are the treatment of choice for gastroparesis but that diverticulitis responds best to high fiber! So his final recommendation was to experiment to find what works best for me. Also don’t get constipated for diverticulitis and use Imodium as needed for gastroparesis. Sometimes it is like trying to find the balance on a teeter totter.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsSuch a wonderful interview! And to learn that we have some things in common. I, too, am a military brat who traveled everywhere. I loved it, though. As for the second thing we have in common, I am having issues with my bowels—unexplained sudden diarrhea. Spare me! The doc told me that I have EPI-exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. So, I’ll take to heart one of your favorite sayings, “if you are going through hell, keep going”. Maybe we’ll meet some day!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsYes, fiber is good. But, getting the right balance of fiber is the "hard" part. (LOL)
I remember the Dr. telling me that many elderly people have Diverticulitis but, cannot have the surgery due to health issues that come with aging. That also help me decide due to my dad. Also, at that age you start eating more processed and craving high sugar foods. (convenance/brain)
Can you have teas for your tummy?
Since the surgery I have gone back more to my "Hypoglycemic diet. HIGH protein low Carb. I was getting addicted to cherry tootsie pops and hard candy. This was due to eating the small meals that we should have and wanting something that is not filling but satisfying in evening.
I make sure and get my good portion meal in late morning or lunch. I do not eat after 6pm.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsWith EPI you are always struggling with absorption of nutrition.
I only know about that because my friend has it due to Pancreatic Cancer.
I feel for you... Hard to gain or keep weight on.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI lived with diverticulitis. for years and was treated with antibiotics till at 84 they no longer helped . The pain was unbearable with every episode. I finally ended up with surgery and a ostomy bag which cannot be reversed. I have had problems with digestion issues since the surgery and finally have an appointment with a gastro doctor from Mayo in Jacksonville and hoping I can get some relief. My advice is do not wait till you are older for surgery if needed. It has been a long recovery and has changed my way of living and my energy level
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
11 Reactions