Hello Group,
I am 43, and have had bouts of left sided diverticulitis w/hospitalization 3 times and frequent courses of oral cipro/flagyl for about 10 years now. However, yesterday I went to the doctor, and he discovered that I had a low grade fever 100.0 and a very very tender RIGHT lower abdomen.
To make a long story short, I was sent to the er immediately, under suspicion of appendicitis. NO SUCH LUCK...(im being sarcastic)... apparently, the diverticular disease has progressed from the left side to the right side now as well, and is infected and causing all kinds of headache. I had no idea that this was a progressive disease!!! What in the world am i doing wrong? I hate this! And I have been feeling sick for weeks now... unaware of the infection. Has anyone ever had progression of diverticular disease in this manner?? What's gong to happen to me? All these infections CAN'T be good. This is my 3rd this year......What can I do to stop it? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. :-)
Hi
Sorry to say I am in exactly the same boat as you. What started off as moderate 16 years ago in now severe and all over. You are not doing anything wrong - that's just how the disease progresses. I have followed the recommended diet all these years and had 3 flares in 15 years until last August. Since then I have had 3 flares, and am currently on Cefalexin and Metronazide (the UK versions of Cipro and Flagyl). My GP wouldn't normally have put me on medication for a very mild flare (I didn't even realise, just thought it was a mild tummy ache, as I'd gone to her for a bladder infection!!), but I am off on a coach trip next week. It's normally pain killers and a liquid only diet here for mild symptoms. Hospitalisation only happens for fistula, abscess or blockage which require surgery as an emergency, or so severe an attack it can't be treated at home. (It's known as the NHS bed shortage).
So to control it I'm afraid it's; 1) take Metamucil daily to soften, bulk and eliminate stools so preventing trapped matter and reinfection; 2) If you have not already done so, keep a food diary to identify your trigger foods and eliminate them; 3) stick to the diet of safe foods including lots of soluble high fibre once the flare has subsided (boring but it's better than being ill); 4) consider taking probiotics and pure aloe vera juice.
You are certainly young to have such a bad case - I am 67. In the US I know surgery is often the recommended course of action, but taking out one part can sometimes just result in the Diverticula popping up elsewhere. There are lots of posts in this forum detailing all our various experiences plus, including the pros and cons of surgery, and plenty of helpful food information.
I don't think the reasons for developing this disease are fully understood - some say it is lack of fibre in the western diet, but I and many others love our veggies and fruit and have always eaten healthily. In my case I eat too much of a good thing, and my triggers are gluten, wheat and full fat. I suppose finding that out at 51 was a bit too late! It might take some time for your insides to settle down this time. I hope you get the information you need from this forum.
Thank you for your kind response. I have an appointment with my GI in an hour or so... fingers crossed... I am just so disturbed to know that I have this disease... I LOVE veggies and fruits. I was raised on all types of greens, and have always had very regular bowels so it's very perplexing. I am blessed to have found this forum and will keep checking in frequently. Have a blessed day!
I am fed up of feeling sick. It doesn't matter what I eat I try to stay off things I know will start my DD of but at the moment everything is. I have multiple diverticula on the left side but I have started with pain sometimes on the right. It gets me down I don't like going too far from toilets. I don't go very far. I hope you feel better soon