Diverticulitis ? What to do ?

[Emily123]

I think I have diverticulitis but I don't know how to verify this or what to do about it. Over the past 18 months I have had short periods of colicky lower abdominal pain, mostly centred on the left, lots of tummy noises, and sometimes very slight fever, though not always. There is no obvious change in bowel habit. When I am in pain I feel too unwell to go to my GP surgery to see a doctor. Painkillers don't help at all. After about four days the pain goes away and I might not get it again for months and I feel fine ! A few years ago I had a colonoscopy for a different problem and scattered diverticula were an incidental finding. At my GP surgery all the doctors are now locums or salaried who keep changing so none of them "know" me even though I have four long term health conditions (osteoporosis, diabetes Type 2 (well controlled and am actually underweight), small airways disease (no known cause) and a heart defect) - I am under several consultants and don't wish to add another one unless it's really, really necessary.

[Debbie Stuart]

It does sound as though you may be struggling with diverticulitis. I appreciate that you are already under the care of a number of Health Professionals, however, in order for you to get a diagnosis and subsequent management plan you will need to be assessed by a specialist. Your GP can refer you to an appropriate specialist - it may be worth writing down a summary of your symptoms so that the GP understands the extent of your problem.

[stephtlewis777]

Is there a difference in Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis? I was diagnosed with the first one many years ago. I kind of swept it under the rug because I thought I could "deal" with it. Now it seems to be getting worse, I have the pain & bloating associated with it, they also think it could be IBS. My mother had Stage 4 Colon Cancer, so I am very weary of seeing anyone about this. I was supposed to have surgery for the hemorrhoids but, have put that off as well for because I have no insurance. I am also overweight and trying to lose weight the sensible way.
My other question is can I use an all natural cleansing product? Would it be harmful for me?

Thank you in advance.

[Julie Thompson]

Hi

Diverticulitis an infected inflamed diverticula only a certain percentage of people with diverticulosis will get diverticulitis. An information sheet from CORE charity will help you to understand you diagnosis a little better. See here
http://www.corecharity.org.uk/condition ... ar-disease

If your mother had colon cancer you should let your health care provider know of this history - it can be difficult to do, particularly if you have had a bad experience, but it really would be the best course of action if you are having continuing or changing symptoms.

[Emily123]

Thank you for your advice and that link Julie. The link was particularly informative. I note it says that diverticula can occur even in the small intestine. I know that I have them in my colon from colonoscopy but also in my small intestine as they were found in my duodenum on a barium meal ! I eat a very good diet and have eaten a high fibre diet most of my adult life (I'm now 60) and am very regular, but as a child I ate an extremely low residue diet, I was such fussy eater and never had fruit or vegetables, I only ate foods like white bread and biscuits and potatoes, and I used to have a bowel movement perhaps only once a week and was very constipated often. I suspect my diverticula developed then as a child though they were obviously not a problem then. I will definitely make an appointment to see a GP - thanks for your encouragement.