I was diagnosed over 16 years ago, at 51, but with hindsight had it much longer. My experience from then until now is that doctors seem to know very little about the disease apart from basic facts, and simply don't have the time to talk to patients. A "one size fits all" approach is taken, but 15 months on this Forum has shown that everyone is different, and needs to work out for themselves what suits them best.
Recent research seems to indicate that a low fibre diet may not be the only reason this disease develops, and it is not necessarily the fault of the sufferer for years of bad eating. Many people, including myself, have always eaten a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, and low in saturated fat and processed food, yet still develop it. Published reports have suggested that there may be a genetic component as well. Several members of my family have had this disease, and we all suffered from hypertension as well, plus the older members did not have access then to today's diet. Transit times through the bowel vary enormously, and normal levels are quoted at "3 times a day to once every 3 days". So I am guessing everyone's bowel works at differing rates and wonder if this too might be significant.
When I was initially diagnosed I was prescribed a daily psyllium based stool softened, Fybogel, and it works well for me. My movements have never been regular, but this does bulk, soften and regulate me. However I do go 3 - 6 times a day, it does seem to irritate my bladder, and I have infections from time to time. I was also lucky to speak to a nurse, who suggested I cut out gluten. This too worked for me, as it reduced bloating. Now if I have gluten, the following day I get the niggling pain associated with Diverticulosis. From this start I kept a daily food diary, and was able to work out that for me full fat, and ice cream in particular, triggered symptoms. Just recently I tried a different GF bread, which contained more seeds than before, and this too triggered niggles. Other people have reported all sorts of different trigger foods, from popcorn, to red meat, dairy, skins, nuts, kale. The one thing we have in common is we all have different trigger foods. So the current doctor advice of "eat what you like" is, I feel, misleading. I would add "but identify any trigger foods first, and eliminate them from your diet". Stress also plays a part in triggering symptoms: family problems, work problems, other health problems, or sometimes just subconscious stress. I have only recently realised that my symptoms flare up before I am due to go away.
Sufferers are told "eat more fibre" but not what sort. My experience has shown soluble fibre is best, in the form of blended soups, vegetable puree, and well cooked, small meals, thoroughly chewed. I limit myself to 1 slice of bread or 30gm proper porridge daily. Many people have problems with skins on fruit, vegetables, potatoes, and remove them and the seeds before eating. Some people cannot eat raw vegetables without triggering symptoms. I am fortunate, as I can eat salad, and it helps keep me regular.
When I feel I might have an attack coming on, I go on a 48 hour fluid only diet, with herbal tea, broths, jelly, meal replacement drinks, plain yogurt. That gives the bowels a rest and usually settles things down. Then I slowly introduce low residue food back into my diet until I can get back to normal. This includes mashed potato, steamed fish, crustless white bread, grilled chicken. If my tummy becomes rigid, very tender, or I develop swamping cramps, or a temperature, then I call the GP. So this is how I managed my disease for many years. But sometimes it is very difficult to differentiate between a developing infection, and the symptoms of inflammation, and I err on the side of caution. I am more experienced now, but for new sufferers, telling the difference is a real problem. My GP, with justification, is becoming concerned with the development of antibiotic resistance and more reluctant to prescribe.
In 2016 I had a nasty flare up, followed by 2 more, and it took several courses of antibiotics and 10 months, before settling down. Following advice from members on this Forum, I introduced pure Aloe Vera juice and a probiotic drink into my daily regime. What the medical profession does not tell you is how long it can take to recover from these flare ups, and just how bad you can feel. It took 4 weeks to recover from the first flare in 2001, and it is now taking me considerably longer. 4 - 6 weeks seems to be about the norm but I have heard of others taking up to a year.
But the other things you are not told about are the lingering symptoms of pain, diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, bleeding, mucus, depression, weight loss and fear. Fear of eating anything in case the pain starts up. Fear of going out in case you need a toilet or soil yourself. Fear that you are never going to feel better. Fear when you are away from home, possibly abroad, without medication, and that you will become ill and have to communicate your problem and medication needs. Lack of understanding by family and friends who can't understand why you can't eat exactly what you like, or why you still feel ill.
The advice I give is to ask family and friends if you can serve yourself when eating away from home, saying you don't want to start feeling unwell and spoil the day for others. I don't worry any more about causing offense by not clearing my plate. Or researching the eating place first so you have an idea of what you can eat. Or go for the self service buffet option. Regarding the fear of eating, I suggest to people they try a very small taster of a particular food, then see how it goes over the next 48 hours.
This is a long rambling post, but I hope I've included some useful information for you. I really hope the new guidelines will be beneficial, and are long overdue.
The worst pain was a year and a half ago when I didn't know how to manage this disease. So, please know that you will be able to enjoy your life again, for sure! Hugs you.