Diverticulitis

[France21]

I am 75 years old.

On Thursday morning I awoke with terrible abdominal pain and diarrhoea followed by heavy blood loss. I was very frightened. I went to A and E where I was looked after really well. They gave me painkillers and X-rays and a CT scan. I had diverticulitis and inflammation of sigmoid colon. I was admitted to hospital and given antibiotics. After the pain subsided and the blood loss stopped, I was allowed home on the fourth day. I feel really alone and frightened. I have always been so active but the exhaustion is so bad. I just want to get back to normal.

[YogaFriend]

hi France 21 I too am new to this diverticulitis and it’s v unpleasant. I think it’s also fairly common and one of the many things that can happen as one get a bit older. Great eh. I am 4 weeks on from my bout if this and still have some pain mainly on left but can be all over at times. I am also tired but anxious too. Has been confirmed on CT as diverticulitis. Am seeing a Gut Specialist soon and if I learn anything new I will share. I understand how you feel. I feel rather vulnerable and worried it will recur so want to learn how best to manage it. Sending you my best wishes and hope you too feel better soon.

[France21 in reply to YogaFriend]

Thank you for your reply. Hope all goes well for you.

[FeistyGirl]

Hi France21

I’m 66 and live in the UK. I first got Diverticulitis in June 2018 and like you was admitted to hospital. Once there I was also found to have. Pseudomonas infection in my blood. I had 2/3 types of IV antibiotics and then oral antibiotics.

Since then I’ve had about 4/5 bouts of Diverticulitis that have required antibiotics as well as a few episodes that have been milder. My latest episode was in January and like you had left me shattered and my colon continues to niggle away and flares up every few days. It’s really depressing and exhausting. It leaves you feeling so unwell.

In addition the last two times I’ve gad big flare ups I’ve been given a different antibiotic which I started to have a reaction to last month. I suspect it’s a cheaper one and don’t think it’s been as effective as the previous treatment I had.

It is frustrating and depressing to think things will deteriorate more with age and I worry about the damage each flare up causes. I try to keep positive and throw myself into looking after my Granddaughters who bring such joy!

I hope things improve for you Drs seem very dismissive about Diverticulitis generally.

I

[France21 in reply to FeistyGirl]

Thank you for your reply. I hope you will feel better soon x

[Buvin]

Sorry that you have experienced this. I also have diverticulitis but I have it under control. I am careful what I eat and I make sure I don't get constipated. I hope you feel better soon.

[France21 in reply to Buvin]

Thank you for your reply and positivity x