Diverticulitis Support Group

Hi Maggie,

Were you diagnosed with Diverticulitis or Diverticulosis?

If diverticulitis, perhaps you can tell us about your past infections and what you've experienced.

As for what you need to do, that varies as well depending on whether diverticulitis or osis. Most Americans over 50-ish have diverticulosis and never have an issue.

Welcome to our group, at any rate.

Actually it was diverticulosis. Can you tell me what the difference is and can divertuculosis turn into diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticuli. Diverticuli are like little pockets on your colon; they bubble out from the colon a bit. Think of a garden hose as it ages and dries out in the sun - it will start to have weak spots that bulge. That's how your colon would look from the outside. A high percentage of people have diverticulosis - it is not rare at all. Most people with diverticulosis will never have diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis is the infection and related inflammation of the diverticuli. There are many theories on why they become infected but my doctors all say that no one really knows. Some people have issues with popcorn, nuts and seeds because they MAY (not documented) get in the little pockets and cause irritation and infection.

If I was told I have diverticulosis and had never had diverticulitis, I would probably start to watch my diet. Lower the consumption of processed and fried foods and eat a high fiber diet; lots of healthy veggies, beans and whole grains. The body can process the fiber from fruits and veggies more easily than from whole grains, so I would focus there. My doc recommends approximately 35 grams of fiber per day. If you can't get this in your diet, you can take a supplement like Fiber Sure or Metamucil. Each supplement is a bit different so you'll have to see which suits your tastes and agrees with your digestion.

If you're not currently eating high fiber, don't make a sudden increase. Slowly increase your fiber intake by 2-3 grams per day each week. So, say you track your food for a week and you're only eating 12 grams per day, increase that to 15 grams per day for a week, then 18 per day for a week and so forth until you've reached the goal.

When increasing your fiber intake, it is very important to drink plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is your weight divided by 2.2 equals the ounces you should have. However, as long as you're getting in 64 ounces and not having any diarrhea or constipation, you'll be fine.

Most in our group, unfortunately, have frequent bouts of diverticulitis, if not chronic infections and take far too many antibiotics and live in pain. I, myself, had surgery in November to remove 8 inches of effected colon because I was having chronic infections and my life was very impacted. Taking steps now, before you have -itis, can prevent this.

Most believe, the primary causes of -itis are: low fiber diet, obesity, stress and chronic constipation.

Please ask any questions you may have. We're here to help!

Kimby, Thanks for that info! It helped me as well. Do you know...I've elminated all nuts and seeds b/c I ate a lot of them for the fiber (for my IBS) before I got diagnosed with diverticulitis. Do Fiber Sure and Metamucil have psylium? I'm never constipated, but I'm having a hard time getting more than 25 g. of fiber right now b/c I'm coming out of an attack. Do either of those products have psylium? I mean, couldn't that get stuck and create another infection? I'm trying to avoid surgery at this point.

Also, are you better since your surgery, or do you still have pain? Did they talk to you about the possibility of adhesions?

Thanks for any info you have on these topics!

Big hug of thanks,

Kathy

Hi Kathy!

If you are coming out of an attack and the fiber is causing you problems, you need to limit it until you are well and then SLOWLY reinstroduce. Yes, some have psyllium, but apparently it getting into the pockets is not often problematic. I would personally avoid psyllium husks though. That is, of course, the big debate - is about things getting "stuck"? My docs all believe that me saying an attack occurred after popcorn/nuts (whatever) is purely coincidental. I'm not sold, but recent medical studies don't support the theory that are attacks are brought on my these foods. Once you are well, try to slowly increase your fiber and use supplements only if necessary. My favorite is Fiber Sure. You can't even tell it's there. Hopefully, by focusing on fruits and veggies, you can get enough from your diet. Just think, a pear has 5 grams of fiber!!

I no longer have any pain other than occassional incision pain when I have a powerful sneeze. I had surgery on the 15th of November. I have no intestinal pain and haven't since the surgery. As far as lesions, yes, we discussed the possibility. However, my docs believe the risk to be low for me because I've had no other abdominal surgeries and am young (35). That doesn't mean it can't happen, but I'm trusting that my body will heal properly and not develop any adhesions.

I hope you are feeling well! I only log on here every few days, but if you would like to email me, my email is skinnywellfed1@aol.com. Just be sure to reference Daily Strength in the subject line.

Hugs to you!

Hi Maggie,
I agree with Kathy. I'm just recovering from attack #4. I also would like to say to avoid sugar and drink lots of water. Hang in there. Its hard to find a doctor who doesn't want to operate. I myself am against it and want to try other things first. I haven't been having enough fiber in between attacks or water. I also need to try to reduce my anxiety level. Hope this helps.