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Craiser4350
Q: 

Will this ever get better?

By August 8, 2018 - 1:27pm
 
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I am 61 snd developed diverticulitis 12 months ago. One day I didn’t have it, next day I was doubled over in pain. Had ABD CT to confirm, followed by a colonoscopy after infection cleared. Now I have had 7 diverticulitis flares, treated with Cipro and flagyl -in 12 months. Simultaneously I have been under extreme stress from family issues. I read stress doesn’t cause this, but I think stress can cause anything.

Is there anyone who treats this alternatively? I can’t stand the thought of one more antibiotic round. Plus, I am terrified of my tendons rupturing.

Vegetarian diet? Colon cleanses? Supplements? I need someone else who has another way of approaching this. My gastrenteterologist just referred me to a surgeon to remove my transverse and descending colon. There is no way I am going thst route, especially without trying something else first.

I live in Atlanta metropolitan area. Anyone know of anything else I can try?

Thank you.

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SusanC
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HERWriter Guide

Hello Craiser4350

Thank you for writing and I'm sorry you're dealing with this awful disease. And I agree with you, I believe stress is a trigger for many illnesses, including things as serious as cancer - and everything in between. Our immune system is founded in the gut and stress has an enormous factor in our immune systems functioning capabilities. I have IBS C/D and the main trigger for a bad flare in me is stress. I believe that if stress is not causing your flares, it's certainly contributing to it. I have been vegetarian for 27 years; it doesn't appear to be a factor for me one way or other, but stress is a huge trigger.

But diet can definitely help. My advice to you is to check out Kate Scarlata - you can go to her website, she is highly regarded in diet advice for those with digestive/intestinal diseases (cut and paste) : http://www.katescarlata.com/

The Mayo Clinic also has a good diet for diverticulitis in particular (cut and paste): https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/diverticulitis-diet/art-20048499

Probiotics help some people. Colon cleanses are NOT recommended for anyone with diverticulitis. Avoid completely. You don't want to trigger a flare by doing this if there is any inflammation in the colon and with diverticulitis, you'll have plenty of inflammation. Be careful with these kinds of "alternative treatments" - some can make things worse.

You need to reduce the stress in your family. Some way and some how, this stress has to be lifted from you.

I hope this information helps-
Susan

August 8, 2018 - 3:24pm

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