Where do I go from here ?

[Confused6]

Hi all. I have been unwell since beginning of August this year with diverticulitis and mild pancolitis. I have been in hospital twice where I was given fluids and antibiotics. On both occasions the diarrhea dried up and pain went away and I was discharged but within a matter of days the diarrhea came back. I have not been told to change my diet or anything like that but have been trying to follow a low fibre diet. When I was being discharged the doctor told me the only thing that they can do,if it flares up, is take me in and treat me with fluids and, if necessary, antibiotics. I was just wondering if anyone here could give me any pointers on where to go from here. I'm scared to go out because when the urge hits me I need to go straight away and I'm afraid to take immodium or anything incase I'm doing wrong thing. Sorry for the long post but I just don't know what to try next.

[Jameshuh]

Sorry to hear you are in this situation. Has anything had a effect in the past positive or negative i.e. diet change or alternative therapies like slippery elm powder or black cumin seed oil etc?

[jackdup]

I would try a probiotic yogurt. I have Crohns and after I had a flare up the diarrhea continued. I saw ads on TV for Activia and they claimed if you tried it and it didn’t improve your bowel issues within two weeks they would refund your money. I thought there was no way it would help me and I could get a refund for the two weeks of Activia I had bought. On about the 10th day things really did improve so I eat it most of the time but especially if I have diarrhea return. I know everyone is different and it may not help you but there really is no downside to trying it, just be sure whatever brand you choose has a probiotic, and give it a couple of weeks.

[jackdup]

Just curious, have you been tested for lactose intolerance as that could also be causing diarrhea? Trying a product like Lactaid before having in any dairy products could rule that out pretty quickly.

[Janeywoo]

Hi… I really feel for you, it’s horrible….I’m going through a flare at the minute and can’t go too far away from the loo… I have diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis. I find sticking to a really plain diet helps when flaring… no fibre… white toast and butter, eggs, chicken, mashed potatoes, clear soup, white rice, fish, water etc and also just generally limiting the amount of food I eat to give the bowel a rest. I can call my IBD nurses for advice so there should be someone you can call for advice. Could your doctor refer you to someone you could speak to get some help and support?