Diverticulitis?

[CoziNess]

I've had symptoms of self diagnosed diverticulitis for the last week. I thought I'd Google'd it and it seems those on steroids have a higher mortality from it than normal people! I never knew that and although I'm only at an early stage, it bothered me that I'd not read anything about it in the bumph. Has anyone else had this and been ok? I'm in my own and feel sick of being stuck to the house feeling crappy, ( I'm on a slow taper from 5mg to 4.5mg at the moment with all the adrenal insufficiency and pmr and gca symptoms on top).

[krillemy]

I recently had surgery. They removed part of my colon because I have had too many episodes of diverticulitis, and it was mall functioning. There is a statistical correlation between PMR and diverticulitis, however it is not necessary due to pred. but could be the autoimmune disease itself. Anyway, you will not fall over and dye, and here in Denmark the doctors tells you to let it pass by itself and they do not treat unless you get severe pain and temperature over 104 F. The acute risk is obstruction or perforation of the of the gut (very painful or no passing of gas). So go to the ER if you get very poorly - good luck

[CoziNess in reply to krillemy]

That is reassuring. In sure it will be exacerbating it not causing it, but I didn't expect new morbidities. You have managed it and so shall I, thank you for reassurance. Xx

[SheffieldJane]

I can empathise about feeling stuck in the house and crappy, ditto. I also have diverticulitis diagnosed via a camera colonoscopy. Diverticulosis is often present in older people without giving any trouble. If you are having pain and other gut symptoms you really need to have it properly diagnosed and treated and to rule out cancer in particular . I have been on an eight week course of Omeprazole to allow my Diverticular disease to heal and Buscopan and similar to relieve sluggish bowels. I had at least one course of antibiotics that the GP was reluctant to prescribe and it didn’t help. I saw a gynaecologist because ovarian cancer can cause these symptoms. I think Actemra and long term Pred were definitely my triggers. I have had a rotten few months with pain, bowel and bladder symptoms and eventually tests - colonoscopy, endoscopy, and the camera colonoscopy, as well as a pelvic ultrasound and various blood, urine and stool tests. At last my symptoms seem to be settling, I am very careful about my diet. Although Diverticular disease is known as an adverse affect of the drugs we take, I noticed that I had to persist to be taken seriously by my GP and then found myself on a cancer pathway once under the care of a gastroenterologist ( casually mentioned after being put in the clear). So I urge you to actively seek a definitive diagnosis. I can recommend the camera endoscopy/colonsoscopy as being the least unpleasant ( apart from all the preparatory laxative) and the most accurate. The best of luck. I never took Pred on an empty stomach, I took it with thick live yoghurt but I may have been better taking Omeprazole at the outset but as is often the case PPIs bring their own set of problems.

[CoziNess in reply to SheffieldJane]

I will go to the doctors, as you say it can be other things.... I'll give then a ring now. I've always needed Omeprazole since I began my illness 3 years ago, but a bit of Buscopan would be good. Thanks Jane xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The increased mortality is thought to be linked to the fact that the pred masks the severity of the symptoms so perforation may occur without being noticed. Once there is perforation, there is a serious contamination situation in the abdominal cavity and infection can become rampant as peritonitis. As a result - there should be a very low threshold of suspicion for any patients on pred and complaining of abdominal pain.

[CoziNess in reply to PMRpro]

That makes me want to sort it out now... and I'll mention what you said as I'm sure they will try fob me off . I don't want perforation!!

[MDT1]

I am currently awaiting results of a CT scan and a date for a colonoscopy for suspected diverticulosis, diagnosed by my GP 3 months ago after I was cleared of Ca. I have had several flare-ups but it is manageable, just!! - you have my sympathy. Do see someone about it!! x