Desperate & fearful.

[Breathless1943]

hi all I have quite a few health problems which would take to long to go into. But recently as well as IBS I’ve been diagnosed with Diverticulosis,now this is all new to me and I just don’t know how to handle it. Because I suffer with chronic stomach pain,I can’t tell when it becomes Diverticulitis.

One minute my BM are very loose,the next constipation. But today I’m very loose and in a lot of pain. Has anyone got any suggestions? All I had from my GP was eat plenty of fibre.

in the few months I’ve been told I have a chance of a detached retina,I started having dizzy turns where I can’t lie down,turns out I need my ears syringe,now this. It’s all come at once and I’m now getting scared of any consequences. But if I could just get some understanding of this Diverticulosis/ Diverticulitis it would be a great help.

I know everyone on this site has there own issues so wish you all some contentment.

[SueCats]

Diverticulosis is the formation of abnormal pouches in the bowel wall. It's quite common as people get older and usually don't cause any symptoms. Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of these pouches.

I was diagnosed with diverticulosis 5 years ago and had no symptoms for 5 years. Recent surgery, lots of pain relief medication, and laxatives seemed to upset things and I developed (a mild case of) diverticulitis. This was treated with antibiotics. I was advised to follow a Low Fibre Diet for a few weeks.

People who develop more acute diverticulitis are usually advised to follow a liquid diet for a few weeks. These diets are to allow the bowel to rest.

Once the bowel is rested, you should gradually return to high fibre foods, which are good for the system, if your system can tolerate it.

I was surprised how many people seem to be affected by diverticulitis. A number of my friends knew people who had this condition. I found it helpful to talk to others and also to see a dietitian. There are a number of leaflets available to help explain and understand. Coping with Diverticulitis by a P C is one of them.

I also have IBS and it is all a question of "managing" things as best you can. Sometimes easier said than done.

[Breathless1943 in reply to SueCats]

Hi thank you for the reply. I’m the same suffer with IBS too. But I was only diagnosed with Diverticulosis a few months ago. But I’ve had loose bowel movements all yesterday afternoon, leading to severe pain, but being Saturday I couldn’t do much about it,so I just went to bed. I did try 111 which was going to get a nurse to phone me,but they were busy. So I’ve woke up this morning feeling just a little better,but still tried 111 and they’re getting a GP in my area to give me a call. Trouble is when problems are new to me,I tend to worry not knowing what’s best for me,and I really don’t want to end up in hospital. So thank you for your advice I will take that until I speak or see my own GP. Practically just drink all day today,I have had a few Rice Krispies . Your reply means a lot to me.

[SueCats in reply to Breathless1943]

They might refer you for a CT scan. This should determine the extent of any infection. That's what they did for me after I made a 111 call. Don't be worried if they put you on a drip for a few hours to deliver fluids and antibiotics. I had this and was then sent home with more antibiotics.

Liquids are good, and Rice Krispies are low fibre, so should be OK. Good luck.

[Breathless1943 in reply to SueCats]

Thank you SueCats,you’ve been a great help, I’ll keep that in mind.

I may just try a piece of toast later,but I do drink a lot of water.

[Apop]

Microsuctioning of the ears is less scary and much easier to tolerate than syringing.

[Breathless1943 in reply to Apop]

My GP is supposed to have made me an appointment for the ENT nurses to take a look ,he told me in the meantime just put oil in. Considering the ENT nurses work from our surgery it seems to be taking a long time🙄. But thanks for that I’ve never heard of it,maybe that’s the plan,like everything in the NHS it’s wait and see. Thank you much appreciated.

[Breathless1943 in reply to Apop]

Looks like you were right,that is the plan,but guess what not until the 24 October 😡