Diverticulitis stories - page three

The story of...Bill

I have been suffering from this for a few years now. Even though I had been at the hospital for tests they could not tell me what was causing this pain on the left side of my lower abdomen. The pain was so severe I was nearly blacking out and had to fight hard to stop that happening.

In July this year I finally, after another test with newer equipment, got the results - diverticulitis. Now, after reading all I can on the internet, I am a bit happier knowing. I still have the same bad pain but not every day now, and my lower abdomen is still bloated, although I feel I have lost weight but it does not look like it.

E-mail Bill: wmbell4720[at]yahoo.co.uk

The story of...Kathy

I woke up at about 4:00am with pain in my left side. Even though I've had bouts of diarrhea and constipation, I never gave any thought to diverticulitis. I went to the ER about eight hours later thinking it was my left ovary. I've already had my right ovary and appendix removed. I thought this was going to be my ovary on my left side for sure.

Still, looking back over the years of sometimes cramping so badly and bouts of diarrhea it all added up. I'm still not sure about the fiber theory. It seemed like when I was eating the salad, raw fruit, and raw vegetables, this was when I would have the above symptoms. Just hoping I can control it without a surgery.

E-mail Kathy: karreed[at]insightbb.com

The story of...Karen

I was diagnosed with severe diverticulitis in June 2006. I went to the ER with pain in my lower left side, and after a CAT scan I was admitted into the hospital for three days on antibiotics. I had to continue the antibiotic for an additional 11 days.

I felt good for a while. Now it's a little over two months and I am suffering from abdominal pain again. I also have been diagnosed in the past with ovarian cysts, fibroids, IBS, spastic colitis, and adhesions from a prior surgery. Now when I have abdominal pain, I don't know which condition is actually flaring up.

So my dilemma is, when do I know it's diverticulitis and not these other conditions? Since diverticulitis can be life-threatening if it penetrates the intestine wall and goes unattended, I have to be very careful. Can anyone shed some light on this?

E-mail Karen: krenken[at]specialtydisposal.com

The story of...Betty

I have just been diagnosed with a severe case of diverticulitis. I've had bowel issues for years, lumped under the collective term "IBS" - loss of bowel control, bloating, cramping. But after weeks of pain this summer, increasing in severity, and a bout of fever, I went to my doctor who sent me to the ER thinking I had appendicitis.

I am finishing up a round of Cipro and Flagyl (plus Colace, pain medication, and Phenergan) which has kept me nauseated for the past three weeks. This condition is definitely not one to wish on your worst enemy. I am still sore and tender to touch. I've just found this website and it is somewhat comforting to know that there are others out there with the same condition.

E-mail Betty: bboop101[at]hotmail.com

The story of...Patti

I just returned home after a six-day stay in the hospital. I have had other attacks and never realized the severity of this condition. I am now faced with surgery, as this is my fourth bout.

I struggle with fear of the unknown. One of my struggles is the fact that my family has booked a cruise for over Christmas. The doctor has proposed surgery in November or waiting until after the cruise. So, do I do it in November and hope to feel up to the cruise? Will I be able to enjoy myself? What happens if I wait until after? What if something happens on the cruise?

We took out insurance on the trip, so losing money is not the issue. It would "just" be cancelling my family's cruise.

E-mail Patti: pattigaff[at]yahoo.com

The story of...Shelley

I was diagnosed with diverticulitis about two months ago but have suffered for years and never knew until then what was causing it. I have increased my fiber intake and fluid intake as recommended and stay away from anything with seeds, but still have bad attacks at least once a week.

I am 45 and really getting tired of this. I have an appointment with my doctor this week for some more advice. I had such a bad attack last week that I thought my insides were being ripped out of me. I have an ongoing prescription for antibiotics as well. I am hoping for some more answers when I see my doctor again.

E-mail Shelley: sjordan0327[at]sympatico.ca

The story of...Alley

I was diagnosed with diverticulitis on July 3, 2005. The day before fourth of July and I ended up on the floor in my room with abdominal pain that was unbearable.

My mom and a couple of my friends who were at my house for the party I was supposed to have rushed me to the hospital, where I spent most of the day and night in a bed in the ER. After about 11 hours the doctor came back and told me that I had diverticulitis. But the kicker is that I'm the youngest patient he has ever diagnosed with it. I was only 21.

So anyways, I ended up spending five days in the hospital eating nothing but ice chips and getting pain meds every three hours. They sent me home with two antibiotics and a pain medication, which did not work.

Since then I have had three flare-ups. But the last time I was in hospital they gave me a colonoscopy and suggested surgery. Well I'm going to a specialist next week. Let's see what he says.

E-mail Alley: Synfulgirl69[at]yahoo.com

The story of...Susan

In 1988 I was diagnosed with diverticular disease and it got worse over a 10-year period, with excruciating pain and massive does of antibiotics to clear it up - and then three months later the process would be repeated.

I tried everything from Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, and even a psychic surgeon, as well as numerous visits to see a consultant at the hospital, who told me that surgery did not always work.

In 2000 after being ill for six months on and off I was rushed into hospital with a perforated bowel which resulted in surgery, including a spell in intensive care and a temporary colostomy. In 2002 this procedure was reversed. Although I felt much better and it was not quite as painful I still had attacks which were treated with antibiotics.

To my joy, in 2003 I discovered aloe vera and Forever Freedom products and I am pleased to say that although I still have mild symptoms, I can cope with the hand I have now been dealt. So there is hope.

E-mail Susan: susan.bexley[at]hmps.gsi.gov.uk

The story of...Pat

Well I didn't know there were lots of people with this. It is just a terrible illness, and I have got the mild form - I wouldn't like to know what the full-blown form would be like then if this is only the mild form.

Anyone else have to take clean underwear everywhere they go? How embarrassing and debilitating this illness really is, anyone else have to be as near to a toilet as possible? I must have had this for years and not known, now it is getting worse, I am scared to go out of the house!

I feel for anyone who has it worse than me, I cannot cope anymore, it makes me just want to give up. I had a barium enema but I've not had the follow-up and not had results given to my GP yet, so I don't know how to cope with the pain and the embarrassment.

I've read on websites that fibre can help but I am eating nothing but veg and fruit, I've given up bread, cheese etc, I only eat salads now, have been for two months but nothing helps, soon as it goes in, it comes out.

E-mail Pat: kathypallen[at]yahoo.co.uk

The story of...Pat

I have been diagnosed with diverticulitis, and I have had it since early this summer. I haven't been for my follow up with the doctor yet. I have been trying to find info so I know where I stand. My internist sent me home two months ago with "eat a bland diet..goodbye". I have an attack at least once a week. I am looking for all the advice I can get.

Update on Pat...

Since I first shared my story, I have been to see the surgeon on my follow up. He recommended Metamucil powder...follow directions...what a difference for me. The very next day! He told me powder is better than tablets.

I started out with two doses and one of the tablets just to use them up. I feel some bloating, but after several months of going till there was nothing left in my colon, I now have normal bowel movements.

I don't have any inflammation or infection, and am trying to be cautious about diet. But I hope this information can be of some help. He also said the Metamucil wafers could be used. I also have no more pain with bowel movements.

E-mail Pat: justpkaraffa[at]yahoo.com

The story of...Linda

For seven years my doctors treated me for indigestion, but last year they sent me for an x-ray up my back passage and diagnosed me with diverticular disease. Every month or two it flares up and gives me violent pain in my left side and into my back.

What relief can anyone advise? The doctors gave me Mebeverine tablets to be taken 20 minutes before meals, but they don't seem to stop the horrible cramping pain. I have also increased the fiber in my diet but if I eat too much it gives me diarrhea. Please any advice would be very much appreciated.

E-mail Linda: milinda50[at]supanet.com

The story of...Jamie

I have just been diagnosed with diverticulitis at the age of 28 after having two attacks, the second one putting me in the hospital for a couple of days with heavy antibiotics and painkillers.

The doctors have given me the choice of having the surgery to remove the infected area, or I can continue trying to treat it with diet. I am pretty torn on the decision, so if someone has had the surgery please send me your thoughts or any info you think might be helpful. Thank you.

E-mail Jamie: pdmoses[at]msn.com

The story of...Tony

I was diagnosed this year with bowel cancer. Had the operation and found it was diverticulitis. My symptoms before the operation were going to the toilet about five or six times per day, a bit of blood and mucous, no pain and I could control going to the toilet.

I wish I had a second opinion as I have been worse since the operation. My operation was in August 2005 and I still get pain where the operation was performed and still going to the toilet the same, and this time I can't hold it - when I have to go I have to go.

E-mail Tony: jabela[at]dodo.com.au

The story of...Debbie

I have had three attacks of diverticulitis in two years. I was hospitalized for two of them. I am scheduled for open surgery soon, but I am also checking into laparoscopic. Has anyone gone that route? I really don't know which way to go...open or lap.

E-mail Debbie: banjodeb[at]adelphia.net

The story of...Catherine

I'm in the midst of my second attack in two years. I have no health insurance. This is the most painful thing I've ever had. All of the doctors I've spoken to give a very bleak outlook. Does anyone know anything that can be done that doesn't require surgery??

E-mail Catherine: longb[at]gvtc.com

The story of...Matthew

I am writing on behalf of my husband, who has just returned home from hospital after having a colonoscopy this afternoon. They fortunately did not find anything sinister, but just announced that it was diverticulitis.

No instructions or information, so I have been reading with interest the symptoms and diets from other sufferers. We have no idea how to treat this, so I shall read all I can online to get as much info as is available. Thank you all.

The story of...Nikki

I have lactose intolerance, endometriosis and diverticulosis. I was diagnosed with LI in 2000, Endo in 2003 and diverticulosis in 2004. I have no idea when my first attack was, as the LI and Endo were covering it up, as I just presumed it was because of these I was suffering. I am 32. No children and a stressful work life. If aloe helps can someone let me know please?? I am confused with the diet...

E-mail Nikki: nikkiborr[at]hotmail.com

The story of...Roland

My first attack was June 2004. I had a mild second attack in January 2005, and my third was in June. The doctors did a barium enema, and the results said diverticulitis.

I took antibiotics and still felt mild pain, is this normal? The doctor suggest surgery to remove part of my colon, but I'm not crazy about that as I am only 38 years old. What about aloe vera, does it work or is just a sales pitch? I'm thinking about trying it.

I am really worried, if an operation can fix it I will do it but I have heard people say it still comes back. Any suggestions.

E-mail Roland: canturoland[at]yahoo.com

The story of...Nirmala

I have been just diagnosed with diverticular bowel disease but have not been told what to do. I am a vegetarian and would like to know if anyone has any knowledge of how to manage this.

I am constantly bloated and no matter what I eat it irritates my stomach. I am limited to what I can eat and I am now almost scared to eat in case I am in pain. I am awaiting to be seen by consultants in six weeks time.

The story of...Tessa

Hi I am Tessa, and I understand exactly what you are going through. I was diagnosed with the diverticulitis approx four years ago after which resulted in surgery, but even so this disease is still ongoing, and I have attacks about four to five times a year.

Bloating is a big problem. It's ironic that they say it's those who don't eat enough fibre are likely to fall into the category of developing this disease, but I loved my veg...So I'm putting it down to stress!!!!

Diet: forbidden - nuts, marmalade, sultanas, cherries etc. No skins off fruit, pith or pips, green beans, baked beans, butter beans, peas, sweetcorn, stalks of vegetables. No spicy foods at all. Hope this helps.

E-mail Tessa: chezak12[at]aol.com

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