Diverticular Disease after gallbladder removal

[Emmjay52]

I have had diverticular disease for some years past (I'm 71). 2 years ago I had my gallbladder removed. I try to eat healthily, as little fat as possible etc. However since removal of my gallbladder I find having extra fibre gives me diarrhoea, which doesn't help the diverticular disease. I have had one episode of diverticulitis so I'm aware that I'm quite lucky so far. Over the last 6 months the diarrhoea problem has got worse, I can't remember the last time I had a normal bowel movement. I also get an odd pain in the left side of my tummy near the hip bone, only when I've been sleeping on that side. It disappears soon after I turn over or get up. I've had this pain on and off for several years now, and keeping a diary of food intake and bowel movements shows no link with either. Ultrasound scan hasn't shown up anything wrong in this area. I just wondered if anyone has had any similar problems or symptoms? I know I need to go back to the doctor about the change in bowel movements, but I suspect they will just say it's the after-effects of the gallbladder removal but why would that start 18 months after the operation?

[Angrybelly]

I've had diverticular disease for many years, it always given me diarrhea. If you have had your gall bladder out you could possibly have bile acid diarrhea. They call this BAM. You may want to mention your symptoms to your doctor. The diarrhea is usually yellowish or greenish in color and that's because your colon may not be absorbing the bile which irritates the sigmoid. People with diverticular diseases have problems with their sigmoid to begin with. Need a doctor's diagnosis this maybe a starting point.

[Emmjay52 in reply to Angrybelly]

I've just put a post on here to say that I am reasonably certain my symptoms were due to taking a magnesium supplement. Thank you for your response though.

[Breathless1943]

Hi Emmjay52,I’ve just put a post on ,and I’m very similar to you. I had my gall bladder out about12 yrs ago and never been right since. If you have diverticular I very much doubt your problem is from your gallbladder removal. I only started with this disease about 9 mths ago,and I feel as though I’ve been on antibiotics ever since. I found I had it through a CT scan with like a dye. If I were you I would cut the fibre down a little,and you really should see your GP for some help.

[Emmjay52 in reply to Breathless1943]

Hi, I have just put a post on here to say I am reasonably certain my symptoms were caused by taking a magnesium supplement. I am back to "normal" now. Thanks for your response.