Diverticulitis
Discussion
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition where small, bulging pouches (diverticula) that form in the lining of the large intestine (colon) become inflamed or infected.
A year ago I had surgery for bowel cancer. It was quite a big operation (hemicolectomy). The recovery went well and other than a few ongoing niggles, I'm very much on the mend. As part of my post-op monitoring, I was told my iron count was low which can happen after a big procedure. However, after a longer period of time, there were no signs of it improving so a colonoscopy (and gastroscopy) was requested to rule out an internal bleed, Thankfully, all okay on that front and I was put on a course of tablets.
The colonoscopy report did come back with an unexpected item in the bagging area: diverticulitis. There was no mention of it on the first examination which led to the operation, so I don't know if this was missed or if the condition developed after my 'decat' procedure. Once the main scar started to heal, my belly started to feel a bit bloated. As the weeks and months went by my belly gradually increased in size. To the touch it felt firm, even on an empty stomach. Symptoms for diverticulitis include: acute, constant pain typically in the lower left side of the abdomen, along with fever, nausea, vomiting, and a change in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation). The only sympton I have is some discomfort and sporadic bouts of pain in my lower left abdomen. The bloaty, hard-belly comes and goes and I think I will need to go and see my GP.
Diverticulitis is linked to ageing (over 50) and a low-fiber diet. Other risk factors include smoking (I don't smoke) obesity (my BMI will say I am) lack of exercise (physical job but not regular exercise especially since the op) and the use of certain medications like NSAIDs. I suffer with gout and would typically take Ibuprofen (and more recently, Naproxen) to tackle flare-ups. Lately the Allopurinol is helping to keep the attacks away (firmly touching wood).
The bloating is concerning. It sometimes feels like it is affecting my breathing. Rather than post this on a motoring forum, I should be seeking medical help but, sharing experiences with someone in a similar situation might help, or may well help someone in the future. I'm also reticent about writing to the surgeon as I feel another intrusive examination might be requested. I'd rather not add to the two colonoscopies I've already had if it can be avoided and frankly speaking, my experience of the gastroscopy was an horrific one.
I'm getting through the days fairly well and I am careful about what I eat in terms of the type of food and quantity. But I'm putting on weight. Regular exercise will, I hope, will make a difference. The pot belly needs some more management and I will try the recommended liquid (and low-fiber) diet to rest my colon, and once the inflammation resolves, gradually transition to a high-fiber diet to hopefully keep on the right side of comfort.
Another ailment to add to the others, yaay!
A year ago I had surgery for bowel cancer. It was quite a big operation (hemicolectomy). The recovery went well and other than a few ongoing niggles, I'm very much on the mend. As part of my post-op monitoring, I was told my iron count was low which can happen after a big procedure. However, after a longer period of time, there were no signs of it improving so a colonoscopy (and gastroscopy) was requested to rule out an internal bleed, Thankfully, all okay on that front and I was put on a course of tablets.
The colonoscopy report did come back with an unexpected item in the bagging area: diverticulitis. There was no mention of it on the first examination which led to the operation, so I don't know if this was missed or if the condition developed after my 'decat' procedure. Once the main scar started to heal, my belly started to feel a bit bloated. As the weeks and months went by my belly gradually increased in size. To the touch it felt firm, even on an empty stomach. Symptoms for diverticulitis include: acute, constant pain typically in the lower left side of the abdomen, along with fever, nausea, vomiting, and a change in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation). The only sympton I have is some discomfort and sporadic bouts of pain in my lower left abdomen. The bloaty, hard-belly comes and goes and I think I will need to go and see my GP.
Diverticulitis is linked to ageing (over 50) and a low-fiber diet. Other risk factors include smoking (I don't smoke) obesity (my BMI will say I am) lack of exercise (physical job but not regular exercise especially since the op) and the use of certain medications like NSAIDs. I suffer with gout and would typically take Ibuprofen (and more recently, Naproxen) to tackle flare-ups. Lately the Allopurinol is helping to keep the attacks away (firmly touching wood).
The bloating is concerning. It sometimes feels like it is affecting my breathing. Rather than post this on a motoring forum, I should be seeking medical help but, sharing experiences with someone in a similar situation might help, or may well help someone in the future. I'm also reticent about writing to the surgeon as I feel another intrusive examination might be requested. I'd rather not add to the two colonoscopies I've already had if it can be avoided and frankly speaking, my experience of the gastroscopy was an horrific one.
I'm getting through the days fairly well and I am careful about what I eat in terms of the type of food and quantity. But I'm putting on weight. Regular exercise will, I hope, will make a difference. The pot belly needs some more management and I will try the recommended liquid (and low-fiber) diet to rest my colon, and once the inflammation resolves, gradually transition to a high-fiber diet to hopefully keep on the right side of comfort.
Another ailment to add to the others, yaay!
Sorry to hear that Glassman, sounds like you’ve been through it.
Is it possible you have an food intolerance of some kind? I went through the rock hard stomach, pain in upper left abdomen and forgive me for saying this incase someone is reading this eating… crap that looked like worms.. I took all sorts of intolerance tests, all came back clear.. So I started cutting out different foods and found Gluten in particular Beer causes my issues along with too much caffeine. I bloody love strong Belgian beer as well
During the hot spell I dared to have one larger shandy as my colleague had ordered one and it looked refreshing… That evening all my issues came back for 24 hours..
Is it possible you have an food intolerance of some kind? I went through the rock hard stomach, pain in upper left abdomen and forgive me for saying this incase someone is reading this eating… crap that looked like worms.. I took all sorts of intolerance tests, all came back clear.. So I started cutting out different foods and found Gluten in particular Beer causes my issues along with too much caffeine. I bloody love strong Belgian beer as well
During the hot spell I dared to have one larger shandy as my colleague had ordered one and it looked refreshing… That evening all my issues came back for 24 hours..My wife has to avoid certain types of seeds, (pine seeds are one) they will always cause a flare up; and the drs advice to her on the symptoms starting; was to lower the fibre intake, increase fluids, take ibruprofen, and once gone, go back to a reasonably high fibre diet..
Odd but it works for her.
Odd but it works for her.
I was diagnosed at 36, GP sent me to straight to hospital with a suspected burst appendix after being in agony for a couple of days. Surgeon gave me the good news post op...a prune a day and high fiber diet and very little trouble these days. I'm 54 very soon.
Rest, liquid diet of chicken broth, then white rice and chicken breast deals with the occasional flare up. The antibiotics they prescribe are brutal so I try to avoid them.
Best wishes.
Rest, liquid diet of chicken broth, then white rice and chicken breast deals with the occasional flare up. The antibiotics they prescribe are brutal so I try to avoid them.
Best wishes.
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