IBS/Diverticulitis?

[Devonlodge]

Am new to this site but looking forward to hearing everyone’s views. I’ve had diarrhoea problems for many, many years & following a period of constant diarrhoea for 3 weeks was sent for a 2nd colonoscopy & have been diagnosed with some diverticulitis in the intestine. A doctor happened to mention trying either a high or low fibre diet and a low fibre diet has helped but I still get the occasional (often embarrassing) flare up. I am planning to get yet another appointment with my doc to discuss this in more detail, but would like to know if diverticulitis is the same as, IBS. I couldn’t find a link on here for diverticulitis only IBS.

[Devonlodge]

Also, what does IBS “C” & “D” mean? I’ve not been told about this by my doctor.

[Ellie-Louise in reply to Devonlodge]

Hi, I asked the very same question last week and was told it stands for IBS Constipation, and IBS Diarrhoea.

[Hidden]

Hi Devonlodge there is information on Diverticulitis UK. There are rcommendations

for diet increasing fibre and eating other foods such as nuts. Can't say this diet would help me. If you can look back at what set you off with a flare up whether it was food or drink or stress it might help in the management of your problem.

As for feeling weak and exhausted, and tests to say you don't need antibiotics you might find certain foods such as extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil can protect you from streptococcus and staphlycoccus aureas infections. Looking at your diet more closely might help pinpoint food intolerances which you may have had for years without realising it. You can have a new smart test from Alphega chemiss which have many branches all over the uk. They take a finger prick test and the blood test is run through a computer and the results analysed and explained within an hour, It tests for 64 foods. After years of getting on everyone's nerves with dashing to the loo and bloating, the tests showed my range of food intolerances included everything in my diet that I loved! I found I had multi grain intolerance - no more Chinese food with wheat batter, and rice, No more bread cakes and pasta, no more mayonnaise or scrambled egg - yes had egg as a minor intolerance but removed it, and feel heaps better. Then had to cut out marmite as it is made from barley, no more malt vinegar, on fish and chips - and my favourite pudding banana split with double cream and chocolate - gone dairy allergy to milk.

I am now on a lactase free diet, and can still eat meat vegetables, fruit, and potatoes, and a small amount of lactase free cheese eg cheddar cheese. Since beginning of February have managed to keep my weight down, having lost two and a half stone, and kept my blood sugar down as I am type 2 diabetic. If you have not been tested for celiac disease by your gastroenterologist, it is definitely worth asking for tests for egg dairy and gluten. You might find your area might do more food tests than these, but don't think they do multi grain tests as when I went for gluten intolerance test found it was normal but was allergic to

wheat rye barley maize corn flour and rice. Think you might need a bit more help from your gastro if he has not exhausted every facet of your problem. Take care.

PS eg of my new diet - a slice of melon for breakfast with some hot weak Ribena,

Lunch, can be a salad where I mix a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of cider vinegar and some honey for a dressing and have this with cold ham, tomatoes cucumber, and red peppers. I like a home made soup from leeks potatoes and carrots, where again I add a small amount of olive oil. I can happily eat any casserole and use porridge to thicken sauces and stock cubes which don't have wheat in them. I even make my own bread from porridge extra virgin olive oil and water, dried yeast, and water. Take care.

[sweetsusie]

Tell your doctor you'd like to try either Welchol or Colestipol for your diarrhea. Both of these will totally stop your problem. I take Colestipol because it's less expensive in the US.