BS: Diverticulitis

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,Spunky
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 07:13 AM

Hi,

After dealing with 3 bouts of diverticulitus attacks in less than one year, maybe i can add some information. I went to the show with my husband and ate popcorn. My first bout with diverticulitus came about two days later (which I'm going to attribute to eating popcorn). I was given medicine cipro and flagyl and it went away. About two months later, my mom was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor (no hope) and at the same time my brother was in hospital for a reoccuring cancer with a slim chance. I'm telling you this because while running back and forth in the same hospital (literally they were on floor 2 and 3 in the same hospital, I was becoming stressed out mentally and physically. That's when i got my second bout with diverticulitus. Stress, stress, stress. I always push off going to bathroom when things are important, constipation is not good. Two weeks without going for me was normal!!! Who knew? I never asked how many times people went to the bathroom, I thought my husband was weird for going so much! Took the medicine again and learned about fiber, water, fruit. About two months later, Oh 3rd time is the charm!!! This steak on the grill looks so good. (I really shouldn't eat this)but i was depressed. Two hours after eating a nice big juicy steak off the grill, I was in hospital. I had it again!!! Took the medication and it cleared up. Surgeon said "that's it folks we operate and take the left side of your colon out" and i said no! I'm going to beat this. Well, it's been four months now. I eat physillium, spinach, water, peaches, oatmeal, soups, water, water, vegetables, chicken, fish (did i say water?) and take stool softeners occassionally. No more carbinated "gassy" pop, no POPCORN, no red meat and no seeds. No heavy meals, cut down on the dairy. No cheese or chocolate. I have lost 35 lbs in four months and feel pretty darn good. Women are care givers to everyone it seems but themselves. My mom passed away, but my brother is much better and in remission. And me, I'm going to eat healthy and take care of myself for a change! One day at a time! Be good to yourself! Spunky

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: olddude
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 04:04 PM

Kendall
anytime you want to talk you can take it off line to me I would be happy to share any info since I battled IBD (chrons)my entire adult life. The docs told me that is why all the arthrisis and all the back and neck surgeries. There are so many side effects on the body with these things. Any advise I can give you have it

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Nov 08 - 11:57 PM

Guest Gloria......I'm not being a smart-ass, but read this thread. There is a lot of good info and helpful links on it.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: olddude
Date: 16 Nov 08 - 09:30 PM

I have battled chron's disease since I was 18 years old. clear liquids during flare up, prednisone, asacol and a lot of rest

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,gloria
Date: 16 Nov 08 - 09:27 PM

Just diagnosed with diverticulitis a week ago. Dr. said take these antibiotics and that will knock it out (cipro and flagyl for 10 days.) She wanted to do a catscan but knowing my financial situation agreed to try this treatment. A low grade fever and uncomfortable left side is the only thing that sent me to her in the first place.
Pain is left side near waist and above. Also in the back.
Anyone else have the pain there?
And diet. No one really explained a thing. Had a week off but no have to go back tomorrow.
Right now I don't know what to do. I have to work. Like most of us that is not an option. I am sixty two and have a lot of trouble with arthritis in my knees and spine too.

Any ideas will sure be appreciated.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: David Murray
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 01:22 AM

I'm getting confused. 3 weeks ago I was told I had diverticulitis and
given 7 days of flagyl and cipro. Pain and fever were gone after 2
days but still felt little twinges of pain every now and then in that
one spot. I finished all the antibiotics and a week later my fever
returned but not the pain like I had the first time. I went to the
doctor and they did a blood test and my white count was sky high.
They said I probably had an abscess and to go to the ER. So I went
and they did a CT scan and said there was no sign of diverticulitis
but said I had a twisted fat tissue in there. They gave me 5 days of
leviquen and sent me home. After 48 hours, the fever went away. I
went to see a gastroentenologist two days ago. He told me I probably
did have diverticulitis the first time and the reason it came back was
because 7 days of antibiotics isn't enough and prescribed me 10 days
(in addition to the 5 days the ER prescribed me) and also added flagyl
back too. He said the thing about the fat tissue is just what the
radiologists say when they see inflamation but don't know why. He
also said that just because diverticuli didn't show up on the CT scan,
doesn't mean I don't have them.

The thing is, even though my fever returned I never really had that
pain like I did the first time. So did I even have diverticulitis the
second time? And secondly, if the leviquin that the ER prescribed had
been effective and my fever disapated after 2 days, why did the
gastroentenoligist add me back on flagyl too?

He wants me to come in 5 weeks from now for a colonoscopy. I guess
that is fine. My concern is that after I stop taking the drugs my
fever will return again. Maybe the infection isn't in my colon? Most
of the twinges of pain I feel are when food is being digested, not so
much when passing stool. Maybe the problem is somewhere else?

Anyway, it is frustrating being told one thing by the ER and something
else by a specialist. Who do I believe? Do I have diverticulosis or
a twisted fat pad? Obviously the colonoscopy will tell me the answer
to one of the questions next month.. But that is assuming I don't wind
up in the ER again.

I am having trouble eating much. I've lost 9 pounds because I've been
force feeding myself about 1,000 calories a day. But I should be
eating double that. I have little or no appetite. help!

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,Sawzaw
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 05:14 PM

There are three things you can do about Diverticulitis and/or IBS:

#1 Eat more fiber.

#2 Eat more fiber.

#3 Eat more fiber.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 12:44 PM

Well David I'm sorry to chuckle about it, but what a great name for a blues singer.

Fat Pad Torsion sings the Blues.



G ¦¬]

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 12:37 PM

100

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Rumncoke
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 05:47 PM

I used to have mysterious pains and intermittent constipation with rather explosive and very painful resolutions of it. I thought I was eating a healthy diet, though I was putting on weight all the time. My doctor just said 'indigestion' when I asked about it - but the antacids did nothing at all.

Then I started Atkins - and no it isn't all fried foods.

You start off eating about one pound of vegetables a day and then increase it.

Since stopping eating flour and other grains my insides have never been happier. No more screaming, no more bleeding.

Our 'natural' diet included lots of vegetables. It might not help anyone with the diverticuli already - the damage is done, I suspect, but it might help the 'genetically predisposed' or those in the same household eating the same foods to avoid the problem.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: David Murray
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 05:33 AM

Hey guys.. I don't have diverticulosis at all. Turns out it was a mis-diagnosis. I had a CT scan done today and the problem is a "fat pad torsion" Essentially little fingers of fat are connected to the outside of the colon. One of mine is twisted around cutting of circulation. The doctor said this is unusual, but not unheard of. He said it will resolve itself without further treatment other than antibiotics.

However, I suppose i should take some of the things i've learned here in mind to prevent myself from ever getting diverticulosis since i do have chronic constipation. I'm going to eat more fiber from now on anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,RDog
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 02:05 AM

Hi all,

Wow great information guys. I just got diagnosed today after having a CT scan of my lower abdomen, I was supposed to have a colonoscopy a month ago and chickened out. I highly recommend that anyone unsure take that route vs CT to avoid the radiation, I am going to have to have a scope done anyway, I could have saved allot of time. I originally was diagnosed with kidney stones, which was incorrect. And the feeling of bursting in my lower left side, with all the gas and bloat I new it had to be my intestine.
Anyway It seems really hard to eat with allot of your recommendations. Especially to eat enough protein to make sure no loss of muscle mass.
I still don't know the cause of mine, especially considering I am a health freak and try to eat allot of fiber, lean protein and drink allot of water. So I am kind of at a loss, I know that wheat and bread has been a trigger in the past for me. I thought originally it was a gluten thing, but I am not so sure. I have read allot about how hard it is to digest with all the new genetically altered wheat. Its funny if your read everything you eat, wheat is in almost everything. I think wheat bran is a killer for me, I just found out that one of the Zone bars I was eating had it in it. I'm not positive thats the reason yet.
One thing I have noticed is that no one is discussing supplements. I agree with the stress thing and the Tai Chi as I think stress is a partial culprit! Stay away from it if you can, powerful bad chemicals change many things in our body. But I have found that many vitamins in moderation help a great deal. The best ones are:
1.) Magnesium 400MG Daily / Calcium 500MG out of 1000 MG Daily 2/1 ratio, Citrate forms being the best (Magnesium is essential for relaxing muscles, nerves and chemical reactions in the body) I have been reading also this is helping allot of people. Make sure you are getting more Magnesium than calcium as we do not get enough Magnesium in our diets
2.) Fish Oil, Pharmaceutical Grade - Key Omega 3's for the brain and good for the heart
3.)Good Multivitamin with B-Vitamins not in excess, too much B6 is bad on your nerves, no more than 500% of your daily (Moderation)

These have helped my nerves greatly and helped to alleviate Anxieties that cause allot of stress!!
After that its excercise and diet! I am going back to the drawing board with my diet after this scary episode!! I was scared like many of having to go through a serious operation! Thank God for the Antibiotics!!
Blessings to you all!

RDog

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: David Murray
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 11:30 PM

I went to the doctor on thursday. He examined me and told me it would just take a while for things to get back to normal. It turns out my hot flashes and nausea are the result of anxiety over this issue so I've been taking Xanax as needed to help reduce anxiety attacks. That is why I would feel like I was running a fever, but wasn't according to the thermometer. Also I would have rapid heartbeat and the feeling of adrenaline. So at least I know the cause of all of that.

Unfortunately, today my lower left side has hurt almost all day. And I've had diarrhea. However, it wasn't the same type of pain I had with the infection. today the pain comes and goes. It will come for about 10 seconds at a time and disappear for minutes at a time. Walking and doing a lot of movement seems to make it happen more often.   So I am not sure exactly the cause of this pain. I hear people on here talk about having little "attacks" every now and then that don't require treatment. And some people associate it with certain things they ate.

I'm wondering if I've been eating too much fiber. Every since I went back on solid foods I was determined not to be constipated anymore since I spend 6 months out of the year constipated. So I've been eating high fiber foods. Well, I certainly haven't been constipated. My stool has been the softest it has ever been... but today is a bit too soft, more like diarrhea but without the actual liquid.. Not sure if that could be the cause of the pain or not. anyway, obviously I'm still worried about this.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 06:19 AM

Secondary infection? Antibiotic resistant strain? (See C-Dif)

Best idea? See a Doctor and not a folk forum(;<))

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: David Murray
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 03:03 AM

Kind of an update on my condition:

Last Sunday I started feeling pain in my lower-left abdomen along with fever and nausea. The pain just felt like a gas pain that never went away. It was never "severe pain" but I knew it wasn't right, so I went to the doctor the next morning and he proscribed cipro and flagyl. I took them as I was supposed to. The pain got worse the next day but started getting better by Wednesday. Despite the pain getting better, I kept having hot flashes. I was supposed to return that day to check my white blood cell count anyway. It had actually gone up instead of down so he told me to come back the next day (thursday) and check it again. By thursday, the white cell count was normal and I was feeling much better. By this weekend the pain was gone completely. I started eating some more solid foods on Sunday. Unfortunately, tonight (or should I say early Monday morning) I have been having hot/cold flashes again but not reading any fever on the thermometer. I took my last pills last night. Theoretically, both antibiotics should still be present in my system. There is still no pain, but I fear something is wrong.

Incidently, I have had diarrhea for a week now. Not normal diarrhea, it is more like really soft peanut butter. I figured that was due to lack of solid food and the antibiotics (both say diarrhea as a side effect)

I suppose I'll call the doctor when they open. But I thought I'd find a forum like this and see what other people's thoughts are.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 12:23 AM

Good advice Barb......and SHE KNOWS of what she speaks......and she's right. I do too as Barb and I had simultaneous attacks a few years ago where we both wound up hospitalized. She was in worse shape than I was and I can't imagine how bad THAT was.

Go back and read through this thread and look for some good advice and some good links. When you are under an attack go to a full liquid diet and then a soft/semi-liquid diet as you improve. This could be for up to two weeks at least. The longer you can rest your bowels the better your result as you get into the high fiber end of things. Let me give you one additional piece of advice here regarding antibiotics and gastric disorders.

Antibiotics kill bacteria and even at their best they can be pretty non-discriminatory in what they kill. Digestion in the large intestine relies on many "good" bacteria. Your infection is from bad bacteria......and the antibiotics sometimes just kill off everything including the good ones. UNFORTUNATELY-----There is a really nasty badass bacteria known as "C-Diff" which is impervious to many antibiotics and takes over as the good guys die. The result is more pain and digestive problems including extreme diarrhea. C-Diff is killed (of course) by antibiotics but only a very narrow band of the drugs and if that doesn't do it, you are literally going to be in deep shit for the rest of your life.   Read some about it. Clostridium Difficile is not your friend.

I had this little bugger as well and I still take pearl form probiotics which supply good bacteria to the gut as well as eating yogurt. And that is what I would suggest for anyone on a heavy antibiotic regimen......yogurt. It can at least provide some additional good bacteria as you are taking the drugs. C-Diff has become a major problem throughout the country.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 11:57 PM

Oh Oh, I should have added that you probably shouldn't have anything alcoholic for a few days. Alcohol can be a real irritant and depending on what kind of meds you're on, it can make you feel rather ill.
B

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 11:34 PM

My advice is to give your system a break and don't eat any solids until the pain is gone. The antibiotics will kick in and you'll feel better soon. PM me if you want/need any more info...been there, felt that! This is the season of all the wonderful things that can give you trouble, hopefully your Doc has filled you in. Be careful what you eat for a while.
Barb

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Paul Burke
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 07:39 AM

Guest David Murray: tough luck, diverticulitis is a bit of a bind. You're probably inflamed because of a slight blockage or even a small perforation, but it will pass. You'll get repeats of this (though hopefully not as severe) for the rest of your life. It can be controlled by (often quite minor) adjustments to diet. One important point is don't let the pressure build up, think of those little balloons, and let it fly regardless of your reputation.

That's the bad news. The good news is, it's not bowel cancer. That's what I was convinced I had when I went for the tests a few years ago. You've never seen a bloke who's just been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition beam so much!

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 07:21 AM

Your bowels will be inflamed and this won't go away immediately. It's like waiting for a bruise or swollen finger to go down.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,David Murray
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 07:07 AM

Hi all, I am 33 years old. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis yesterday because of abdominal pain. I was given two different antibiotics to take. About 24 hours has passed since first taking them, but there has been no improvement. I'm curious how long it takes for the pain to go away. Now, I'm not in excruciating pain. it is just an irritating pain mostly when I move, cough, etc. Any pressure on the lower left abdomen hurts a lot. But generally while i'm laying still there is no pain. So I'm not sure how severe my case may be compared to others I've read about here. The doctor wanted me to return in two days to re-evaluate so I was hoping to be cured by then. Not sure when I'll be returning to work.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: PoppaGator
Date: 01 May 08 - 02:22 PM

'03 or '08, diverticulitis, or diverticulosis, is a BITCH!

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: PoppaGator
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 05:46 PM

spursfan,

Fiber/roughage is good, but be careful ~ many foods that are high in fiber (and especially many that appear to be extra-desirable, such as coarse dark bread products) contain seeds and nuts, which will make your problem worse. Eat whole-grain products without added nuts and seeds, plus lettuce and other greens, for your fiber needs.

I'm surprised you're being asked to wait two months after diagnosis to have your colonoscopy. I received my diagnosis immediately after being scoped, as a direct result of viewing the results.

PS: I think your team will probably whup Phoenix, but Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets are this year's Team of Destiny!

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 05:06 PM

What works for my wife is Bife Chorizo con papas fritas, washed down with a glass of Norton red, followed by flan con dulce de leche - never better than at El Palacio de La Papa Frita in Buenos Aires.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,spursfan
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 11:34 AM

Diagnosed with diverticulitis 1 week ago am i supposed to increase fiber intake now or wait, am supposed to have colonoscopy in 6to8 weeks. what is ok to eat, very nervous around food! 44 F

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 07:08 PM

For your consideration...EFT
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=9nRY3UtTHvo&feature=related
bob

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 10:08 PM

Thanks to Bob and the rest who have come along in the past few days. Moderation is always a key.

Lyrical Lady and I both wound up in the hospital (2500 miles apart)at the same time with severe attacks, both close to surgery and in LL's case as I best recall, she was almost or was comatose for awhile. After we both passed the critical stage and returned home we found out we'd both gone through the same thing........I was going to say soulmates but bowelmates might be more appropriate...LOL.

Neither of us has had anything nearly as severe since but we both have very different foods we can and can't eat. Many ARE the same, but a lot are very divergent. I don't think LL will eat corn on a bet, but I might be wrong now. But at the time her attack was brought on by, basically, cornbread!

I think all the medical types mean very well but its the nature of this disease to affect us all somewhat differently I think and as I said, trying out tiny quantities of many foods and watching carefully for any reaction is just about all you can do to both be safe and also to have any kind of varied diet at all.

Earlier I clicked on one of our Google links adverts for a Diverticulitis Diet and found several things I am at odds with. Like I say.............To learn what your body can do you have to learn from your body.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 04:19 PM

Hi Kids: I've been following this thread for a bit, but didn't jump in until now. Under the banner of "what works for me" I suggest looking into Qigong(Chi Kung), Tai Chi, and Yoga too. While I won't attempt to get too elaborate with it in this thread, as you can easily search the subject if you so choose.
The method I use is like self-massage. Simply taking one hand and massaging the abdominal area in a clockwise motion to the count of 100.(Counts may vary, do 20 if you like, as long as you balance between one hand and the other.) Then using the other hand, the same circular motion in a counter-clockwise direction, again to the count of 100. The process brings "Chi" to the area, and seems to help liquify, or better digest food. Constipation may be alleviated by placing your hands behind the back and with the backs of your hands, gently tap both sides of the spinal column up and down.
I find Chamomile Tea, pineapple and papaya help.
Eating say, 5 small meals throughout the day, helps. And exercise, exercise, gentle excercise...
As a word of caution, and since I am not a Doctor, your individual cases might be so serious that what I've suggested should be applied with discretion and common sense. Don't want anybody getting hurt. I also use Goji berries, which can be brewed like a tea, or added to soups, muffins, etc. Highly nutritive. Search YouTube to view cleansing effects. Probiotic Yogurt is also helpful. Ginseng.
Further, you might want to investigate EFT, a sort of self-acupucture if you will. Stimulating the meridian points of the body by tapping.
And while it may seem strange, I recommend that you guard your thoughts, and try to the best of your ability, to keep a focus on "health" rather than "I'm diseased".
And please, moderation in everying, you might be your own best doctor by assessing what works and what doesn't. Not to go overboard by taking EVERYTHING mentioned in this thread. Balance works wonders..
Thanks for your posts. They have helped me educate myself...
Hope that you all feel better...bob

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: PoppaGator
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 02:53 PM

I looked back to see if I had contributed to this discussion any time in the past. Apparently not ~ although I am sure that I have addressed this subject in other threads.

I've got diverticuli; I usually get "osis" and "itis" mixed up and say the wrong word. My case is chronic and fairly mild; I've never gotten infected and really sick, but I've been miserable with a condition that can only be described as combining the worst of constipation and diarrhea. Read on only if you dare; you've been warned!

It took a long time for me to get a correct diagnosis and then to learn from internet sources ~ not from a doctor! ~ to avoid nuts and seeds. Before that, I had been going out of my way to eat "roughage," and therefore ate plenty of stuff that had actually been making my condition worse!

As soon as I stopped eating the offending items, I became absolutely "regular." I just wish it hadn't taken so long.

I had undergone multiple scopings that turned up no results ~ that is, no cancerous developments. It was only after the second intrusion, after I demanded some explanation for the symptoms I had been experiencing, that the examing doc said, "Oh, yeah, well, you do have some diverticuli in there..."

Sure, I was glad not to have colon cancer, but that's not the only problem a person could have, and I needed to learn about my condition, cancer or not!

With my condition, anything that gets through the digetive system and remains solid all the way to the colon (lower intestine) can wreak havoc with the, ahem, eliminative function. Tiny seeds (as in strawberries, unfortunately, among other things) can be the worst, which makes me reluctant to even try fine-ground nuts. Well, completely ground down to nut "butter" is OK.

This is my theory: when solid objects are still in the mix when digested food gets to the colon, and when the inner walls of the colon are lined with "potholes" (diverticuli), the bits stick in the perforations. I believe that the body somehow "senses" this as the colon being full of completely processed waste matter, when it is not. The person then feels the unmistakable sense that he/she needs to defecate, but either (a) little or nothing is there ready to be excreted, or (b) there is a bit of waste matter, but it has not yet become normally ready-to-go ~ it'll be more acidic or corrosive than normal, often more liquid than solid, etc. Nasty!

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jan 08 - 02:34 PM

John,
That recipe is ideal for diverticulosis sufferers. When diverticulitis hits, the pain is excruciating and most prefer to eat nothing. Nothing in nothing out.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: iancarterb
Date: 20 Jan 08 - 02:28 PM

I have an old friend who has been hospitalilized twice with severe diverticulitis, and he already ate a very spartan and healthful diet. He has been able to stay free of further inflammations by just chewing everything endlessly, similarly to "grinding nuts to a powder" as mentioned as Catspaw described. I think this is the ultimate 'be careful and be lucky' disease, and lucky is good.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: john f weldon
Date: 20 Jan 08 - 08:53 AM

Oops. Well, I wasn't trying to kill anyone. I asked my wife for the recipe and that's what she gave me. When I told her about the negative reviews, she said "Oh, I leave out the walnuts!"

I don't know what causes an attack. The most likely culprit for me seems to be super-sour lifesavers.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 11:38 PM

Amen,Spaw...right on!
Barb

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 03:42 PM

This disease is kinda' strabe and the medicos change their minds a lot. Classic thinking was that nuts were an absolute no-no for anyone with the basic problem as nuts tended to plug the "sacks" and become infected. Now they say nuts are fine! But I can intro you to loads of folks with diverticular disease who will tell you they can't eat ANY nut...period! In my case I try to avoid them unless they are ground as fine as powder. I love a lot of nuts so I do that occasionally. Also I have been known to chew up the things and spit them out.....very sad.

I can't eat popcorn at all even though current medical thinking allows it. I know its a sure way to have an attack. So when I really can't stand smelling the stuff while everyone eats it, I chew it up and spit into a cup. Karen won't let me do this in public (thank god).

Corn and peas are also classic no-nos but I have thankfully never reacted to either and I would have to kill myself rather than miss sweet corn season.

And some sufferers can't do bran when baked or cooked and have to use supplemental stuff to get any in their diet. The best thing you can do is to trey small amounts of all the old bad stuff and see how you do. At the first sign of a problem jump right back on the straight and narrow for a few days rather than risk an attack. There ain't nothin' funny about one of those at all!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: bobad
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 01:50 PM

John's muffins would be indicated for people with diverticulosis but contra-indicated for those with diverticulitis.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 01:37 PM

In simple form, think of one as the chronic (osis) and the other the acute (itis) phase of diverticular disease.

Spaw....Careful about the osis 'cause I sure hate the itis.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Becca72
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 11:20 AM

What are diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots, like an inner tube that pokes through weak places in a tire. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Pouches (plural) are called diverticula. The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis. About 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulosis. The condition becomes more common as people age. About half of all people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis.

When the pouches become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. This happens in 10 to 25 percent of people with diverticulosis. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are also called diverticular disease.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: bobad
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 10:54 AM

A differentiation should be made between diverticulosis and diverticulitis.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 10:41 AM

uh, John.......nice preventative it is, but for anyone who has even a mild form of diverticular disease that muffin is a complete disaster! LOL.......I can't imagine eating one at all!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: john f weldon
Date: 19 Jan 08 - 10:28 AM

Huh? An hour ago this thread was at the top, so I looked up this great recipe for preventive health. When I got back it was gone.   Works for me.

Applesauce-Date Muffins

1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 whole-wheat flour
2/3 cup bran ceral, such as Bran Buds or All-Bran
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup finely chopped dates
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 TBS canola oil

1. Preheat oven to 425 . Coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick spray.
2. Spread walnuts in a shallow pan and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool.
3.In a large bowl, whisk flour, bran cereal, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in dates and walnuts. [I omit the walnuts and mix the dates in by hands, breaking up the dates which clump together and making sure each bit is covered with flour]
4. In a bowl, whisk applesauce, brown sugar and oil until smooth. Make a well in the dry ingredients and mix in the wet ingredients until just combined. (Do not overmix.)
5. Divide batter among the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 12 to 15 m inutes, or until tops spring back when touched lightly. Loosen edges and turn muffins out onto a wire rack to cool.

[5 grams of fiber per muffin!]

from Eating Well, January/February 1998

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: mg
Date: 20 May 07 - 05:08 PM

GOod luck but don't try to diagnose cancer yourself..let the doctors do that...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 07 - 09:33 AM

Mebeverine and an Actemel each morning works for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 May 07 - 09:19 AM

If I had one solid movement my fear of colon cancer would go as without the pain and the narrow movements I'd have no symptoms. But how do I get this?

Oat bread. THIS may help.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,shipdog556
Date: 20 May 07 - 09:14 AM

Old Man ! My brother at 58 years old was told by his doctor he was the postor boy for someone who would not have a heart attack.Low cholesterol,ate red meat. Consumed anything he desired.Two months later he had a heart attack.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,Help needed
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 11:26 AM

Thanks for the info, was that a week after the infection cleared up? or a week after you started taking the meds before the movements were back to normal?

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 07:44 AM

Here are some recommendations from the Mayo Clinic.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: kendall
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 06:58 AM

In my case it wasn't long. Give it a week or so.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: GUEST,Help needed
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 01:46 AM

I was diagnosed with diverticulitis last week. My symptoms were just a pain in my lower left side, exacerbated with movement and severly sensitive to pressure. After 4 or 5 days on antibiotics the pain cleared up. The Doc says that we still need to do a colonoscopy in a month or too to make sure it wasn't colon cancer though. He's fairly sure it was diverticulitis, but just to be 110%.
So now I'm very nervous, especially as although the pain is gone my bowel doesn't seem to have recovered. I have some constipation and when I do have movements (usually in the morning) my movements are narrow and runny - could this be from the diverticulitis?
And so, how do I get them back to normal after the diverticulits? If I had one solid movement my fear of colon cancer would go as without the pain and the narrow movements I'd have no symptoms. But how do I get this? Do I go to fiber straight away? or do I wait until the bowel has recovered and then then do it? How long after a flare up of diverticular infection does the bowel retuen to normal movements?
Any help would be hugely appreciated! :)

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: ard mhacha
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 08:52 AM

Some really good advice, after reading this Thread I am now on hunger-strike, water only.

Subject: RE: BS: Diverticulitis
From: kendall
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 07:46 AM

Dicyclomine has been a boon for me. Haven't had an attack since I went on it.