Chronic Pain,and fear.

[Breathless1943]

Hi All,I’m hoping for some advice off anyone on here who suffers with flare ups of Diverticulitis.

I won’t go into my full story ,as I would be here all day. Basically I’m 80yrs old,and about 9mths ago I was told I have Diverticula,just to add to all my other problems. Well I’ve had about 5 flare ups since then,I don’t seem to be off antibiotics for long when I’m back on them. Before this I might add I haven’t had an antibiotic in 12 yrs. Anyway 2 wks ago I had another flare up and my GP gave me a different antibiotic that really didn’t agree with me,so Monday just gone she put me back on one that seemed to work,( for a while anyway ) but I don’t feel I’m getting any better,and the week- end is coming and I don’t want to end up in A&E,that’s just one fear I have. Another is I keep being asked about having a colonoscopy which I had some years ago and was agony,they found I had this disease with a CT scan with contrast,which I’ve been told is better because it’s less invasive.

Finally,my question to anyone out there battling with the same problem,is can you help me with any of your experiences,plus best foods to eat,anything at all to help me with this terrible pain.

Sorry I didn’t mean to go on so much.😢

[Mgt8]

Hello,

Yes, diverticulitis can be so painful.

I too have antibiotics on a regular basis for this. Sometimes, an antibiotic stops working for me and the doctor tries a different one which helps. I used to worry about taking too many antibiotics but my doctor assured me, she would not prescribe them if they weren't needed.

I would suggest talking with your doctor first if you don't feel you are getting any better.

I find what I eat and how much I drink, really helps during a flareup. Although food with fibre keeps us healthy, day to day, during a flareup I avoid it. My go to foods are white bread, Mashed potato, eggs, clear soup and white fish cooked plain. I also don't eat as much, so it gives my digestive system time to heal. I only do this for a couple of days, as by then, it's made a difference, The other trick seems to be to drink plenty of plain water and to get up and walk about if you can.

Hoping some of this helps and wishing you well, very soon...

Mgt

[Breathless1943 in reply to Mgt8]

Sorry it’s took me so long to answer you,I just haven’t felt to good.

Anyway you say talk to my GP,well I never get the same GP twice,if I ask to see one I trust,your talking 3 weeks,none of them really know me,I haven’t had much help at all. This particular flare up seems never ending,it’s 1-30pm now and I was up at 8-00am and I’ve been to the toilet 5 times. I feel really low and my stomach feels sore. But that’s really not for you to know,I just got carried away.

Right food ,What do you have with your mashed potatoes,I don’t like clear soup,I don’t mind eggs,or fish. And I can only eat white bread.

Just like to say thank you to you for taking the time to answer me,sometimes it’s just good to know you’re not alone. Hope your days going well for you.

[Mgt8 in reply to Breathless1943]

You're definitely not alone in this,

It seems never ending sometimes. I really do think your doctor would be a good step now as it's been going on for a while for you. Even if it's a different doctor. They can advise you for the best.

I like fish with my mashed potato. Eggs are quite versatile too as they can be cooked in so many ways. A bit of salt and pepper too.

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Best wishes...

Mgt

[Breathless1943 in reply to Mgt8]

Hi,My hubby called an ambulance last night I was in so much pain. As I never wanted to go in hospital,he told me to phone 111 this morning to see an out of hours GP. So I’ve got an appointment for

3-30 pm. And I’ll take it from there. Thank you.

[Mgt8 in reply to Breathless1943]

So pleased you sought medical advice.Good luck for this afternoon. I hope they can get you on the way to fitness again...

Best wishes

Mgt

[Breathless1943 in reply to Mgt8]

Hi no they never sorted me out on that appointment was a total waste of time. One week later I ended up in hospital for a week came out yesterday,for an entirely different reason,

Now I’ve had diarrhoea really bad for 3 days,it’s beginning to worry me a bit now. Sorry to go on a bit after so long as well.