Diverticulitis 101

So, if you have been reading my blog you know that last month I was diagnosed with Acute Diverticulitis. Unfortunately, my case was complicated due to also having a perforated intestine, and an infected abscess.

What is Diverticulitis:
I have researched this disease since I returned home. According the the Mayo Clinic it is, Diverticulitis occurs when one or more diverticula in your digestive tract become inflamed or infected. Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form anywhere in your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. However, they're most commonly found in the large intestine.

According to the Diverticulitis Website- The problem seems to increase with age as the weak areas of the colon continue to balloon out and result in pockets. Ballooning is caused by pressure such as exertion when a person is constipated by lack of fiber in their diet or because of certain medications. It has also been attributed to some gallbladder surgeries that have positioned the gall duct to drip directly into the intestines after the gallbladder has been removed.

Diverticulitis is something that can hit anyone any time but is generally seen in almost half of all Americans over the age of 60, but it is diagnosed to a lesser degree to many who are in their 40′s (not in my case. Does this mean my body is actually over 60?).

Most cases of Diverticulitis are treated with antibiotics. If the flares up continue, surgery is suggested.

Keeping Diverticulitis at bay means a life changing diet. One rich in fiber once the intestine and colon have had time to heal. Until then a low-residue diet is the norm.

My low-residue diet consisted of:

• V8
• Soup
• Tuna Fish
• Scrambled Eggs
• White Bread
• Turkey Burgers
• Mashed Potatoe
• Yogurt - Activia and Dannon Whips
• Cottage Cheese
• Cream of Wheat
• Chicken Breast
• Attune Chocolate Bars

Tomorrow, God willing, I head back to the GI doctor for a my second follow up. I stopped my antibiotics 3 days ago. Yesterday, there was some mild cramping, today, some more cramping and twinges. I owe the hospital $19,000 and expect many more medical bills to pile up. Scary considering that surgery will probably be in my future. According the doctor, I can have surgery and still have diverticulitis attacks.

Great!

Everyone I have talked to either has had it or knows someone who has had it. Hopefully, somewhere along the way, someone will come up with something that aids in recurrences or abolishes it totally.

Wish me luck tomorrow, I am hoping for at least a direction tomorrow and less waiting time for the doctor 2+ hours last time.

Peace Out!