Diverticulitis

[granny grump]

I have been in hospital for a week. I was taken in in the early hours of Friday morning with horrendous stomach pains. They thought that it was either appendicitis diverticultis or chronic constipation. It turned out to be diverticulitis with a small perforation of the bowel. Due to my weight they did not want to operate and chose the 'conservative' route. Xray scan two strong antibiotics a saline drip and blood tests daily. Luckily this worked and I didn't need an operation. I came home yesterday evening. I'm still on antibiotics and have to go back to the outpatients clinic next week and a further scan in about 4-6 weeks.

I have never experienced such pain and the Dr says that I was extremely lucky - I certainly feel it.

I am sure that there are Abs out there who have experienced this. I have to follow a high fibre diet - can anyone give me any pointers on what and what not to do and recommend any dietary tips

It is good to get home - I have missed Granddad Grump & AB as well but hopefully back on the right road now

[jackthehat]

Sorry to hear that, gg.
Glad to hear you are on the mend.

[Old_Geezer]

What Jack said.

[Euphemia]

Sorry to hear that you have been so poorly and wish you a speedy recovery.

[tenrec]

Glad you are on the mend.

[granny grump]

Thank you it is good to be back xx

[Mosaic]

GG - my mother chose to put up with this condition rather than seek medical help, and it contributed to her death (in her 80s). So you've had a diagnosis and advice, and the best you can do for yourself is follow the advice but keep in touch with some kind of group - local hospitals often have these - so that you hear of new approaches and you keep yourself healthy. I'm glad you're on the mend, be good to yourself.

[Jan1957]

I was diagnosed with diverticulitis several years ago and if I stick to the diet the hospital gave me I am now usually ok. The only thing I really have a problem with is dairy products so have those in limited amounts, and avoid cheese as much as I can as that was how I found out in the first place. The canteen where I worked made a lovely cauliflower cheese and after having it nearly every day for a week for lunch spent most of the afternoon in the loo. I did have medication at the beginning but now don't need to take any.

[boxtops]

Welcome back, GG - good to hear that you are home.

[granny grump]

Thank you again I suppose everyone has there own triggers and ways of dealing with it thank you for you input

[anneasquith]

awe, you poor thing, im so glad the tretment worked. take care.

[marval]

I am sorry to hear you have not been well, just follow all the advice the experts gave you. I wish you well.xx

[Maydup]

Aww glad you're home gg and feeling a bit better.

You will need to introduce fibre into your diet gradually and be gentle on your digestive system for a few days more. But the easiest way to have more fibre is to increase your fruit and veg intake.

Have high fibre cereal with some chopped fruit on it in the morning. Or porridge with chopped pear and sultanas. Then increase you veg intake at dinner time and change to wholemeal bread and wholemeal pasta.

Have a look at this information for all you could possible need on diverticulitis.

http://www.patient.co...ealth/Diverticula.htm

[scotman]

You might want to consider fibre supplements. One brand is the well-known Fybogel. You may get this on prescription if your GP thinks it important enough. You could also buy Psyllium husks from local health food shop.
Other than that eat plenty veg and drink plenty of water.

[rsvp]

ouch gg! not funny but glad to hear you are back home and better.

[granny grump]

Thank you for your posts the specialist said that I had to sprinkle 2 x tablespoons of bran onto my cereal each morning and alsoas you have recommended eat plenty of fruit & veg and most of all plenty of fluid

[Eve]

Glad you're feeling better. I used to get these sachets called Fibrasure I think. You put it in a drink and in cordial I couldn't taste it.

You used to be able to get a trial pack in Boots but not had one for ages so not sure. Might be worth looking out for. I found it easier to take than Fybrogel if you only need something light.

[granny grump]

Thank you Jenna I will go into our local chemist and make some enquiries

[cathfromsaron]

i have to avoid wheat and yeast to help my tum. have you had food allergy tests yet?

[rov1100]

I have a close relative who suffers from chronic diverticulitus. What happens is that the Diverticula in your lower bowel enlarge usually to age and this prevents food waste from passing through because pockets form and trap the waste. This causes the infection and so the antibiotics.

My relative has been told to cut out foods that contain pips such as tomatoes,etc as these can lodge in the cavities and cause infection. There are many foods that come into this category.

[rov1100]

By the way you can get Fibregel on prescription and of course if you are over 60 its free.