Can anyone share on the number of flare ups they have in a year? I have had a flare up ( uncomplicated) almost every 6 months. My doctor said she would rather deal with that then have surgery. I don't know what is causing this but have stress issues dealing with anxiety/menopause issues. The number of flare ups is scaring me a bit and I don't think its a good idea to be on antibiotics that much even though its the only thing to relieve symptoms.
I have 3 to 4 a year for the last 2 years since diagnosis 2 years ago.
Please do not avoid the antibiotics. I did and had a major bleed which involved a stay in hospital and 4 units of blood. Also my Dr was not happy with me as you can imagine. He said I needed the antibiotics and should have taken them. The problem the system is fighting is people who do not need antibiotics or will not benefit from them.
I also get twice a year and no surgery is recommended. I can live with that right now. If I had more that might change.
I had 3 flare ups in 6 weeks Antibiotics were not effective I was hospitalized and a infectious disease specialist had to culture After a 3 day period the right combination of antibiotics was formulated and interventions given for 3 days in hospital and 7 days at home Because of ineffective antibiotics the infection welded my small intestine to my large Surgery was required ( twice in 2 weeks) Please take your antibiotics and b thankful that they work My life has changed I wish you the best take care
Hi, I have had so many in the last year I have lost count! Approximately every 6-8 weeks. Seeing surgeon tomorrow.
Hi hilary please ask lots of questions If you still have appendix surgeon will almost automatically take that to and will also take some of small intestine My surgeons intent was to do lapiscopic but couldn't get good view and had to do open Recovery has been harder than ever imagined I don't think I would do it again mine was emergency due to antibiotics not working But most do well with surgery
How can you tell when you have a flare up?I have pain in my left side worse after a BM. Have had DD. Last sigmoidoscopy last week showed no infection but inflammation. So Dr insists I need only pain meds and Bentyl. Neither agree with me. Don’t blame you about antibiotics. Unless you’re sure you are infected you certainly don’t want them. My question I guess is how can you be sure it’s an infection?
14+ times in 18 months. Finally had the surgery and am glad I did it.
I have had 3 or 4 this past year. The last was when I ended up in the zeR with perforated bowel. Now waiting to have surgery. It's no longer an option.
Oh wow bless your heart. Mine just hurts like the devil. He just keeps telling me I need stronger pain meds are increases my Bentyl. What do you all think?
Hi Ellen, I don’t think they are intending to do surgery or even consider yet. Even though I was hospitalised with severe pain, high CRP levels and on IV antibiotics, the ultrasound came back as no infection or inflammation in the diverticula.....very odd. Having said that, the pain is unreal and so debilitating.
Hi Cindy
Are you in the UK? If you are and are only having 2 uncomplicated bouts of infection a year, then the NHS will not do anything apart from giving antibiotics. They are unpleasant, with nasty side effects, but that is better than developing one of the very serious but fortunately rare complications. It does take time to get over an attack, 4 - 6 weeks or more. I hope you have modified your diet and are following a healthy one, with a good amount of soluble fibre. Stress can trigger DD so I would suggest you look at relaxation methods, like yoga or massage.
If it is just inflammation, not infection, then all you will be told is to take pain medication. My own GP won't prescribe antibiotics any more unless essential, due to fear of antibiotic intolerance. It can be difficult to tell the difference in the pain between just inflammation, or infection. Infection usually comes with fever, chills, nausea, cramps, passing blood (or some combination).
If you are OK in between attacks, then you would seem to be less affected than many people who post on this forum. They have complications, or additional gastric conditions, which sometimes make surgery essential. I have coped just fine with uncomplicated DD for 17 years, having just 3 flares in 14 years, then 3 in quick succession in 2016. But I am fine now, although it took over a year before the pain finally went. I lead a totally normal active life, just watching what I eat.
If you are outside the UK, then it's different. In the US the usual treatment is far more aggressive - hospitalisation, with a far greater volume of antibiotics, and surgery is often suggested for preventative measures after 2 attacks. It is not something to be taken lightly as it's major surgery and no guarantee it won't return.
The posts here will give you plenty of information - all the pros and cons, but you should be aware that posts are biased towards people with complicated problems, or ongoing issues. For these people surgery has been life changing and essential. Those who recover after medication usually stop posting. Best wishes
I'm so sorry about the pain high CRP is inflammation it has to b somewhere The pain was me doubled over literally on the floor dog's licking me in the face and unable to get up and docs still saying inflammation I sure hope you get some answers if your insurance allows get another opinion
Did you have vomiting and fever?
Hi Cindy,
I feel the same, have had 3 flare ups this year, a lot for me. Normally once every year.
Yes the GP would rather you deal with it, antibiotics then low fibre diet until symptoms ease. My last flare is taking a while to settle.
Yes I think stress is a large factor because if your immune system gets low a flare-up becomes more likely.
I think a way to control anxiety, meditation, yoga (gentle) is something I really must try and apply my self to.
Too much chaos in life just recently but that is what life is all about, great if you don't weaken.
Best of luck
I have almost constant low level pain.
It is when I feel ill or there is an increase in pain. For example as we drive along every little bump or turn is really painful, I know then I need to start the antibiotics and try to hit it
No don’t have fever or vomiting. Just pain off the charts it’s so bad. Over the years have attributed it to IBS. Last month saw Dr and after exam he said I had DD and put me on antibiotics. Never recovered from that. Had another attack soon after going off antibiotics so. Dr said that was not a good sign since I had them so close together. Needless to say I’m beginning to doubt infection or no infection. I know we are all anxious about our issues and with good reason. Well Dr just called and they are going to do surgery on me. Oh noooo
I have a flare up about every 6 months as well. It usually is a result of my "falling off the wagon" and eating or drinking something that I know is not good for someone with DD. My doctor said the minor flare is reasonable to deal with -- with antibiotics rather than surgery. I was referred to a colorectal surgeon who said the same thing. No surgery for me unless it's absolutely necessary.
Patricia surgery may b best My case was highly complicated Most on forum have no regrets Remember it will take 3 months or longer to recuperate Do your best to have everything in order at home I'm going on week 3 of second surgery and still can't walk long enough to go to grocery store or do any house work B prepared for incontinence Thank goodness my daughter got these items for me Write questions for surgeon no matter how small he or she will b happy to answer!