I have Diverticulosis

[deaduck]

Last week I started getting stabbing pains in my lower gut at about 3 in the AM so I went to the ER. And after testing and scans found out I have diverticulosis. It's a "common" condition that cause small pouches to develop in the wall of the colon. These can get infected and if severe surgery may be needed.

Friday, it got so painful they gave me a massive shot of morphine and were worried about ruptures. It's thankfully on the downswing though but I'm baffled at the cross information the various doctors and the web say about the condition.

One doctor says High fiber and avoid certain foods to prevent further outbreaks. Another say, healthy diet...no foods to avoid.

Nobody wants to talk frequency, future outbreaks ect. and of course the web is about as helpful as a nurse with multiple personalites.

Anybody else got some personal experience with this?

[Phobia]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

That sucks Duck, wish I had more info for you. Just wanted to say keep ya head up bro.

[Laffer]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

15% of people in the NA public have diverticula. That number increases to 50% by age 60. It is incredibly important to have a high fiber diet in this condition, to avoid formation of new diverticula, and to avoid attacks of diverticulitis. Depending on your demographics you have a 30% chance of having surgery for this condition. Doctors don't like to give out hard numbers, because patients use them as a crutch, and get angry if they are in that 30%. All you have to know is that you are at an increased risk, and should avoid binding foods, while increasing fiber.

[KingV2k3]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

My friend in Northern Cali had this, including surgery...

He is very proactive about his health, and advoactes the high fiber option that one of your doctors laid out to you...

On the upside, even though it was all very nasty, he's pretty much back to 100% about six months later and anticipates total recovery in a year...

For him, tht means riding dirt bikes competetively, so his 'bar' for health is hight than most...

As far as web based advice goes. I trust the Mayo Clinic...

Common sense western medicine with a nod to natural apporaches as well...quite balanced...

Good luck to you!

[Splitter77]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

my mom had this. Bad stomach pains, bloody, black stool. She didnt need the surgery though. She did get a staph infection in her arm from the IV at the hospital though.

[Stumbleweed]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

My Dad has this. I always heard to completely stay away from seeds, small spices, etc. that could get lodged in there and get infected. He still eats sunflower seeds sometimes though haha... but yeah, it's not fun at all and he's been in the hospital several times because of it.

[deaduck]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

Yeah....so far not a fan of this at all.

[plasticbeast]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

I found out I had this about 2 years ago. My mother, my grandmother, and one of my friends has it too. Like someone else said if you eat enough fiber and watch what you eat you should be fine.

From my experiences everyone has different things that triggers the pain. I never eat tomatoes, corn, or sesame seeds anymore. I never liked peanuts but I hear that should be avoided too. Since the time I had to go to the ER and found out I had this...I have not had an inflammation since. All though on occasion I will still feel sick in "my guts" but don't have any pain, but its never bad enough where it ruins my day and usually happens in the morning and is gone after I eat breakfast.

On the other side my friend does not watch his diet and basically 2 to 4 times a year he gets really sick and has to go to the doctor and be laid up for a few days and endure the pain.

I am so used to it now that I don't even think about it...it has not changed my life at all except that I don't eat certain foods with tiny seeds.

On the plus side it has made eat a little healthier and be more cognizant of what I eat.

[deaduck]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

...From my experiences everyone has different things that triggers the pain. I never eat tomatoes, corn, or sesame seeds anymore. I never liked peanuts but I hear that should be avoided too.

About 4 months back, I made some major diet changes to start dropping some real weight and that had worked out fine overall. The fiber count was dead on. But now I'm going to have to amp the fiber up even more according to the last doctor so I'm going to adjust things.

I can live with out whole corn, nuts and seeds easy enough ( though I'll miss my Wasabi almond snack and it's health pluses) but tomatoes is gonna be tough.

[ANDROMADA 1]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

I would say eat less meat,eat more fresh leafy green veg's,increase fruit intake,drink distilled water or oxygen enhanced water.Also eliminate most if not all food additaves.DONT DRINK MILK.There are also some natural colon cleansing supps out ther that work well.Try Amazing Grass...It is greta for colon health.Take Natural Vitamin C(camu camu)It is a natural anti inflamatory and pain reducer.General rule to follow is Dont Eat anything that is white,or synthetic.Ask your local natural food grocer.

[deaduck]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

....DONT DRINK MILK...

I haven't seen milk on any of the avoid lists at all.

My fiber load in the morning is fairly dependent on my skim milk and cereal core. So why avoid milk?

[Laffer]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

Not eating nuts, corn and seeds is probably a wive's tale.

[ProjectRipCity]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

Eat healthy man...And take it easy.

[deaduck]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

Eat healthy man...And take it easy.

"Taking it easy" has never been easy for me. I just don't see slowing down right now as a viable option.

[Pared]

Re: I have Diverticulosis

That sucks Duck

Wow I completely read that wrong. *puts away infraction*