Diverticulitis I’m writing this because I want others to avoid the worst-case scenario for Diverticulitis. I highly recommend a Colonoscopy at 40 years old bc it would have saved me a ton of grief and radiation. Causes, incidence, and risk factors No one knows exactly what causes the sacs, or pouches of diverticulosis to form. Eating a low-fiber diet is one of the most likely causes. I didn’t. My Favorite food is Salad. I love Beans and Nuts and Fibrous food. People, who eat mostly processed food, as many Americans eat, do not get enough fiber in their diet. I don’t eat at fast food and try not to eat processed foods but did eat white rice, white bread (on occasion but mostly multi grain breads), breakfast cereals (but ones that boast Fiber or Full grain), crackers, and pretzels. Constipation and hard or straining when passing stools may cause this small pockets. Diverticulosis is very common. It is found in more than half of Americans over age 60. Only a small number of these people will develop diverticulitis. I was 42. Good Shape but a little heavy. I also could not lose weight. This was a symptom too. Small seeds (popcorn kernels, Flax seeds, sesame seeds, (small stuff) or pieces of stool (feces) that become trapped in these pouches, causing infection or inflammation cause diverticulitis. I was a huge seeds and cuts person. I noticed for about 4 years that when I would go to the movies and eat popcorn I became incredibly bloated and short of breath. This became true when I would eat white bread and small seeds or nuts. Symptoms They include: • Tenderness, usually in the left lower side of the abdomen • Bloating or gas • Fever and chills • Nausea and Vomiting • Not feeling hungry and not eating • Small amounts of blood in stool or on Toilet paper. • My liver enzymes were slightly elevated - Dr told me not to worry. • Bloated gutt. • Could not lose weight. Signs and tests • CT scan • Ultrasound of the abdomen • X-rays of the abdomen • Blood test for other symptoms (elevated liver enzymes) Treatment When caught early your doctor may suggest that you: • Rest in bed and possibly use a heating pad on your belly • Take pain medicines (ask your doctor which ones you should use). • Drink only fluids for a day or two, and then slowly begin drinking thicker liquids and then eating foods. The doctor may treat you with antibiotics. Post attack, your doctor will suggest that you add more fiber to your diet and avoid certain foods. Eating more fiber can help prevent future attacks. Once these pouches have formed, you will have them for life. If you make a few simple changes in your lifestyle, you may not have diverticulitis again. Avoid: • AVOID beans and peas, coarse grains, coconut, corn or popcorn, dried fruits, skins on vegetables and fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, pickles, and cucumbers. • Ask your doctor about eating nuts or seeds. • Do not drink too much coffee, Tea, or alcohol. They can make constipation worse. I had my diverticulitis cut out. They removed 12 inches of my Colon. It’s called a resection. It sucked beyond but I am on my way to be 100%. Two weeks post surgery I still have pain in my lower abdomen. Its a bit painful to pee bc of the catheter I had after surgery. My stomach muscles are still sore. But again, they say its normal and I will return to pre surgery status. I do go number 2 more often. Complications More serious problems that may develop are: • Abnormal connections that form between different parts of the Colon or between the Colon and another body area (fistula) ◦ Abscess (pocket filled with pus or infection) • Hole or tear in the Colon (perforation) I had this. • Narrowed area in the Colon (stricture) I had this. • Abscesses can form that don’t allow antibiotics to treat the infection. I had this. They had to do a CT Scan procedure using a catheter through my abdominal wall and through my glut Muscle, eventually to my Colon to pierce the abscesses. I was awake. The surgeons wore space suits to avoid radiation. This was a Sci-fi nightmare. The front drain was left in for 30 days prior to my re-sectioning. Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if symptoms of diverticulitis occur. Also call if you have diverticulitis and: • Blood in your stools • Fever above 100.4 °F that dos not go away • Nausea, Vomiting, or chills Sudden belly or Back Pain that gets worse or is very severe