Diverticulosis

[Maxineto]

I just was diagnosed with Diverticulosis which is very painful. Have to do a special diet, but I

really would like to know if it's curable or is this a forever illness? Hoping for answers. Thanks you

[Bikebug]

With a good diet and the correct medication it can be treated. For me it was about 6 to 8 weeks.

[Maxineto in reply to Bikebug]

Thanks, what medication? Antibiotics? and what else? For pain??

[Bikebug in reply to Maxineto]

As found on google:

A diverticulitis diet is something your doctor might recommend as part of a short-term treatment plan for acute diverticulitis.

Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of the digestive system. They're found most often in the lower part of the large intestine (colon). This condition is called diverticulosis.

In some cases, one or more of the pouches become inflamed or infected. This is known as diverticulitis.

Mild cases of diverticulitis are usually treated with antibiotics and a low-fiber diet, or treatment may start with a period of rest where you eat nothing by mouth, then start with clear liquids and then move to a low-fiber diet until your condition improves. More-severe cases typically require hospitalization.

Purpose

Nutrition therapy for diverticulitis is a temporary measure to give your digestive system a chance to rest. Eat small amounts until bleeding and diarrhea subside.

Diet details

Your diet starts with only clear liquids for a few days. Examples of items allowed on a clear liquid diet include:

Broth

Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple juice

Ice chips

Ice pops without bits of fruit or fruit pulp

Gelatin

Water

Tea or coffee without cream

As you start feeling better, your doctor will recommend that you slowly add low-fiber foods. Examples of low-fiber foods include:

Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds

Canned or cooked vegetables such as green beans, carrots and potatoes (without the skin)

Eggs, fish and poultry

Refined white bread

Fruit and vegetable juice with no pulp

Low-fiber cereals

Milk, yogurt and cheese

White rice, pasta and noodles

Results

You should feel better within two or three days of starting the diet and antibiotics. If you haven't started feeling better by then, call your doctor. Also contact your doctor if:

You develop a fever

Your abdominal pain is worsening

You're unable to keep clear liquids down

These may indicate a complication that requires hospitalization.

Risks

Nutrition therapy for diverticulitis has few risks. However, continuing a clear liquid diet for more than a few days can lead to weakness and other complications, since it doesn't provide enough of the nutrients your body needs. For this reason, your doctor will want you to transition back to a normal diet that includes foods with fiber as soon as you can tolerate it.

Please consult your treating doctor.

You should recover soon. It is a temporary condition.

[Maxineto in reply to Bikebug]

OMG, the doctor told me I needed to eat more fiber, so I ate lots of fiber foods yesterday and today. Did I put myself backwards?

[Bikebug in reply to Bikebug]

Aim of the low fibre diet is to reduce food particles getting caught and irritating gut further if they get stuck. Similarly, if the gut is inflammed the fibre can further irritate the gut. If things are settling more fibre will be okay. Talk with your doctor. I am reflecting on my journey through it.

[SueMillman Partner Ataxia UK]

Drink plenty. It makes a huge difference!