Diverticular management

[Warham]

Back in 2020 a colonoscopy discovered a diverticular (a kind of pouch in the wall of my large intestine) during the diagnostic phase before I started chemo-radiotherapy for anal cancer. It’s been grumbling along since then, giving me occasional left sided discomfort. But in November this year I had a full blown diverticular crisis which required treatment. The crisis was terrible and I want to do what I can to lessen the chances of it happening again.

I wondered if anyone had successfully followed a plan to manage their diverticular to prevent this happening? A lot of what I read seems contradictory - keep your fibre intake up versus keep it down!

[Mariecapp]

Boy that's terrible. I know that I cannot tolerate a high fiber diet because of my PRD. I would end up in the ED if I did that. I feel like I live on immodium because of my malabsorbtion issues. I hope that you find some answers

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

In acute episode go on a low fibre diet till things settle. High fibre diet can prevent diverticular disease from happening. A western diet has a lot to answer for! Most UK citizens suffer from diverticulae (small blowouts in the wall of the large intestine) but not everyone gets inflamed pockets that cause real trouble!

[Greenfingers20]

I have this too. I avoid wholegrain, seeds and very high fibre-stringy or fibrous fruit or veg. If flare up I revert to white food ie white bread, corn flakes, baked potato, chicken, fish. Also avoid fatty foods always.

Drink at least a litre of water daily.

These work for me. Good luck.

[Warham]

Thanks for the tips