BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: KT
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 02:29 AM

Thinking of you, Kendall. Feel better fast, k?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 12:01 AM

lol Bad, Rap.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 10:05 PM

Do you know that you can get Jell-o flavored ice cream?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: open mike
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:13 PM

i remember being surprised to hear that bananas actually have seeds
that can cause trouble for diverticulosis....

http://www.diverticulosis.net/

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 08:05 PM

Well thank God !
you are eating Ice Cream instead of that terrible J word that I won't mention ...

There is hope here

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:58 PM

Two screams? Well, load up on some cereal and have more ice screams. If that don't motivate ya, nothin will.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:55 PM

I think you are right, jacqui. I don't think folks realise just how much of an effect stress can have on them.

Kendall, one of the other things I could *tolerate* was Ensure, high fiber, vanilla flavoured. You might want to try some. It's also loaded with sugar.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:32 PM

I dont dare look.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:25 PM

Was that 64 before the ice cream? How's it now?

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:22 PM

He's now managed to put away two helpings of chocolate ice cream today and has enjoyed them. He's not eating a lot right now so I'm just trying to make sure that we have, in the house, anything that might tempt his appetite.

He ate corn all last summer and regularly eats nuts in the evening without any ill effect. I'm pretty certain that the stress of the past few months was the trigger for this attack.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 05:33 PM

That's a tad wee bit low, Kendall.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 05:21 PM

64! Good Lord! EAT!

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 04:27 PM

"I've always loved mixed nuts."

That's why you are at the Café?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 04:22 PM

My attacks dont seem to be caused by any particular food.
Come to think of it, I was eating a lot of corn on the cob, and I've always loved mixed nuts.

My doctor recommends high fibre foods such as bran and shredded wheat.

Today I tried chocolate ice cream and it tasted just like chocolate ice cream.
I've lost 10 pounds, my blood pressure is 98/54 and my glucose is 64.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 04:06 PM

Right......and your ass sucks canal water..........

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 04:02 PM

Peanut better is butter.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:48 PM

and I know chrons is far worse then Diverticulitis but that one can mess you up and make you very ill also. With chrons I cannot tell you how many times it put me in the hospital not counting the spinal surgeries. Nearly bleed out a couple of times. Just watch yourself with this stuff. Just a nice easy diet for sure.

For me Nuts, love them, but they can put me in the hospital so I try to avoid mostly. Only once in a while do I eat em

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:45 PM

Actually I'm with you gnu.....just don't get too close and cover your mouth when you cough..........

There is all of this discussion going on and my Doc had the best advice for me. She had been around far too many to rule out the seeds and nuts thing as the AMA did but she had also encountered folks who had problems elsewhere, like with corn. She said to test yourself slowly and be prepared for an attack anytime......and ALWAYS be aware of what you're eating.

About 7 or 8 years back, another 'Catter and myself both wound up in the hospital at the same time for Diverticular problems......just 3000 miles apart!   I was a gnat's ass away from surgery and a colostomy and she was perhaps even worse as she'd gone into a coma! To this day I know she absolutely cannot do many foods that I can and yet there are some things that I can't tolerate that seem silly and I don't know why I can't. I have no problem with corn at all and I know that in "Lyrical Lady's" case, its a major trigger. I can't get within a mile of a sesame seed or a poppy seed yet I'm unaffected by anise and caraway......go figure. Hell, I once had the beginnings of an attack from eating undercooked rice!

Dan....I don't envy you at all!


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:29 PM

Spaw... I did not say nuts, although I am. But, it's a good one. Fact is, they can cause ulcers. Not just in the guts if the diet is such that they can get a "hold" in a pocket. They can also cause ulcers on the gums if you don't thoroughly rinse and brush after eating them.

Docs can say a lot of things, but, why take a chance? Especially if you HAVE the condition?

I gave up peanuts for two reasons. Mostly, one tiny thoroughly unmasticated bit can cause an ulcer anywhere in the entire alimentary canal... and it's a long paddle. Two, They make me stemmie... horny as a ten peckered hoot owl... a couple of hand fulls and I am hoot hoot hoot let the birds out.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:26 PM

Ok seriously I have had Chrons Disease since I was 18, it was the reason my back, neck and everything else fell apart because there is such a high correlation with arthritis in people who have it along with a host of other problems it can give yaDiverticular.

Your Diverticular IBD can cause a lot of problems as Spaw said, the pocket can rupture and put the bacteria through the system, that maybe what is going on, they call it micro tears or something like that. Put me in the hospital about 100 times ... if you get running a good fever, go right to the ER room don't mess with it. Right now you don't need a gut surgery on top of everything else. I am a bit of an expert on that crap, been there done it and didn't like it a bit ..

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:24 PM

I'm glad that Spaw enunciated it - until she moved 'down south', I knew a woman who was hospitalized with a bad case of diverticulitis. I visited her in hospital and she was so sick she said that she was not sure she would survive it. Not only was she sick but she had a lot of sharp, wrenching abdominal pain.

She did, however, and the last I knew she was OK again but with limitations on what she could eat.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:23 PM

Ah, that makes sense, Tink, thanks.

Kendall, all I wanted for about two months was strawberries and orange juice. I hadn't had either one in probably 15-20 years except maybe a handful of times. Now, I had been eating the berries like they were going out of style. I know the oj has potassium, but I am not sure what I may have been craving in the berries, but they still taste good!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Tinker
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 03:07 PM

Sorry I wasn't clear... just need to stagger the time of day. We have big bottles here abouts for my immune deficient kids .... Try to scatter it as far as possible between the antibiotic doses.

Kendall ... big hugs...

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 01:57 PM

Piss me off? what makes you think you can piss me off?
What you say makes sense.

My doctor said the jury is still out on the nuts thing. Ironic that the only things that tase right are, strawberries, jello and ice water.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 01:44 PM

I hate to piss you off Kendall, but you need to treat Diverticular disease as a serious condition. Especially for people who are compromised because of other existing conditions, it can be more than just a pain! You need to learn what you cannot tolerate and what you can. Gnu brings up seeds and nuts..........Some folks can do those things under certain conditions, many can't. The AMA says they are okay.....most sufferers say they are not. Similarly, peas, corn, and some beans, also fit that category.

Also.....re: probiotics-------One of the reasons that most have to be taken later is that they start to break down way before they ever get to the large intestine (gut).   I have gone to using "pearl" form and it worked immediately better. LIKE THESE
   
The big thing you're fighting is a bacteria called C-Dif and its the one can cause the biggest problems. It is nasty to the 100th power. It is naturally occurring but when the antibiotics kill the good, C-Dif is left and it will kill you! Capable of eating holes in your gut, you need yet another antibiotic to kill it and this is where the pearl form comes into play as by far the best probiotic to use. I had C-Dif and even after it was supposedly gone, it came right back and with avengeance! I took 4 pearls at intervals every day and they were capable of repopulating the gut with good little beggars where other forms had not worked. As a preventative even now I still take one a day.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 01:18 PM

Tink, like jacqui, I also take the acidophilous and antibiotics over the same course of treatment and it works well for me. Maybe it depends on what type of meds?

Having just spent two months and about $600+ in insurance copays to diagnose and treat pneumonia, Kendall, I can tell you you to have patience AND don't rest too much.

I learned, the hard way, once again, that you have to keep active, even in small ways, so that you don't lose all of your strength. My pulse ox was dropping way low whenever I moved around, so I got scared and would lay up until I had it up in a better range, but lo and behold, I wasn't getting better.

There is a reason they always make a person get up and moving all of the time in hospital even when one doesn't want to...have to keep things moving etc. I knew all of that from having worked and been in hospital but when I get too sick it's hard to remember, esp. when all I feel like doing is lying in bed! So...rest, yes, but balance it with little walks, etc. And, heal up!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 12:55 PM

Diverticulitis... eat no seeds from such as strawberries, tomatoes, etc.

And, whiskey won't kill ya.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 11:22 AM

Rapaire
   I will pray for you !!

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 11:17 AM

A layer of red jello with shredded carrots, a layer of sweetened cream cheese, and a layer of blue jello -- PERFECT for the Glorious Fourth!

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 10:40 AM

Hell of a way to lose weight - pneumonia and diverticulitis. Opt for the meds next time, Captain.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 10:09 AM

LOL.

I learned, many years back, that, in order to get to finishing a course of antibiotics, I have to take acidophilous to repopulate the gut. On advice from my GP at the time I wait about 30 minutes after the antibiotics before taking the acidophilous. That seems to work and is what Kendall is doing right now.

He really doesn't have much of an appetite right now so isn't eating a lot. He's lost about ten pounds over the last couple of weeks and his blood pressure is coming down nicely! If he can keep the weight off he may be able to reduce the BP meds he's taking.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:24 AM

SINS
for you, I will make an exception ... as long as I don't have to see it. Captain, lots of food with the antibiotics they always mess up my gut bigtime. No dairy, some antibiotics, dairy will cut the effectiveness according to my doc

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:17 AM

Yes

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:00 AM

Are you including hangovers?

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 08:14 AM

I've never been this sick in my life.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 08:02 AM

I like Jell-O. Does this mean that olddude and I can't be friends? Black Cherry is my favorite...

Kendall, will Jell-O bring you to the Song Circle on Saturday? If so, let me know flavor choices.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Tinker
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:44 AM

Kendall, I'm sure you know this, but don't take the antibiotic and probiotic (acidophilous) at the same time. The gut friendly stuff will just be wiped out if you do. There are lots of antibiotics in my house.

You guys have had enough....

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:49 PM

It was the Jello I tell you , that's what did it
avoid at all cost

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:36 PM

OK, you had me at "Screw the Scotch". But "fuck the jello"?!

What's the MATTER with you people?!

Don't you know they tried all those things BEFORE they called plumbers and doctors?

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:28 PM

Yes, Maeve, I will walk over for a piece of one of your pies. I heard they are legends. But hold the Jello ... gosh see Kendall
now I have to find my holy water and sprinkle it on the keyboard cuase you made me type that cursed word J-E-L-L-O

Is there an exercist in the Forum ...

Jello ... the root of all Evil

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:22 PM

Oh dear. I had forgotten about olddude and jello.

We have opened the hornets nest.

Run.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:13 PM

Come to think of it, maybe I should make apple pie jello for the song circle. Either Kendall would consider that comfort food or olddude would drive over in time for the song circle. Hmmm...

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: olddude
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:04 PM

Ok Kendall my friend, sick and hurting is one thing but when you start talking Jello you are going to piss me off.   And have a hot dog ... dang Jello ... dang come on there pal must I drive there and kick your ass ... and you know I don't normally talk like this ... Jello

Help me out here Spaw. Get Better, quick .. no more of this stuff ok

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:03 PM

Rapaire, I can hear it now:

(Whispered) "Oh Love, I have need of thee!" followed by "HOOOOONK!"

Jacqui will love that idea.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 09:43 PM

Coliform bacteria, other than the E coli 0157, don't cause major symptoms. What the plumber said* about coliform bacteria. It comes out of the wrong end of animals. Heavy rain/flooding can wash it into wells, but if you got E. coli, you likely have other animal-but related bacteria, so treating the well is a good idea.

Obey Jacqui, eat your fiber, take your meds, rest and don't talk. Good luck. Feel better quick.

*Don't go from Kendall's digestive tract to a plumber that fast again. I IMAGINED things.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 09:22 PM

Well, so much for the pregnancy theory.

Both can be cleaned up (I've had pneumonia several times -- it's not fun, but it is fixable). And yes, the stress probably had a lot to do with it.

You know he's not feeling well when he craves J***o.

Go down to the chandler's shop and buy one of those gas powered boat horns, the really loud kind. Then if/when he needs something he can just blow it and you'll know he has needs and wants that require fulfillment. That will help with his stress.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: maeve
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 09:12 PM

Thank you, Jacqui. Could be worse, and he'll soon feel some better.

Sweet dreams, Kendall.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 08:22 PM

a good diagnosis with fast results from antibiotics. Easy enough to treat, apart from stresses.

hugs to you both

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 07:55 PM

Good news/bad news Jacqui. With the upcoming flu season promising to be unpleasant, we need to build the Captain up. I am proposing that you run around the backyard with a boombox blasting rap. He can chase you. Seamus and I will keep track of the miles run. OK?

Rest, Kendall. This really sucks.

Subject: RE: BS: Is there a Doctor in the forum?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 07:34 PM

We had to wait around after Kendall's scan as the doctor had requested immediate results. After about 15 minutes we were told that the results had been seen, that we could go home and that we would be contacted later in the day with further information. This we took as a good sign - I think if there had been anything serious showing up Kendall would have been whipped into hospital post haste.

His doctor's assistant called a while back to tell us that Kendall has diverticulitis and also some pneumonia in his left lung, luckily restricted to the lower part of the lung. The antibiotics that he is taking will deal with both problems over the next few days. He's also taking acidophilous to combat the damage that antibiotics do to the friendly gut bacteria.

We had a plumber come round this afternoon to pump out the well and clean it out with chlorine and that should deal with that problem. The only thing that was found was Total Coliform - not dangerous according to a couple of websites I found - this is a bit from one of them:-

Total coliform bacteria are commonly found in the environment (e.g. soil or
vegetation) and are generally harmless. If only total coliform bacteria are
detected in drinking water, the source is probably environmental, and fecal
contamination is not likely. However, if environmental contamination can enter
the system, there may be a way for other pathogens to enter the system.
Therefore, it is important to determine the source and resolve the problem.

I am not at all sure that the problem with the well is anything to do with Kendall's current condition. The stress of two lots of anaesthetics and two major disappointments, as well as the loss of Ezra, in such a short time period has caused a lot of stress, which would have been an easy trigger for the diverticulitis and in his weakened condition the pneumonia would not be surprising.

Anyway, I'm not going to feed him lobster until he feels a lot better as he just wouldn't appreciate it at all.