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roxyrose08 · 10-02-2012, 03:02 PM

My problem started a couple of months ago. I awoke one night with cramps and diarrhea. In the following days it progressed to a pain in my lower left side and was quite tender to the touch but I did not have any fever. After six days I went to my Primary care Dr. and he said diverticulitis and gave me a shot of antibiotic, a script for more antibiotic, told me to eat bland diet, and a referral to a gastro specialist. The pain went away after about three days on the meds and I went back to my regular diet. A week or so later the pain and tenderness came back. I saw the specialist and he ordered a CT scan and scheduled a colonoscopy he also gave me another round of antibiotics and ordered a bland diet. A few days later the pain went away again and I resumed my normal diet.
Three weeks later the pain is back and I don't know what to think.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had reoccurring diverticulitis and if so what should my next move be.

rufous57 · 10-02-2012, 07:21 PM

What were the results from the CT Scan and colonoscopy?

roxyrose08 · 10-02-2012, 07:37 PM

I haven't heard anything from the CT and I'm still waiting to have the colonoscopy. The GI specialist is nearly impossible to get in touch with so I’m debating whether to go back to my GP tomorrow.

rufous57 · 10-02-2012, 07:59 PM

If you're still in pain I would definitely go back to your GP and try to get the CT test results. It is unfortunate that it takes so long to get in for colonoscopy but it is very important to have this done.

Please don't let this disease get out of hand, it can be a serious thing that can kill you and cause incredible pain and suffering! My DH had diverticulitis. He had attacks that he kept secret from me, he said he thought he had pulled stomach muscles. After awhile, the attacks got so bad that he ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks being treated for a perforated colon! After 3 months of rest and healing, he was able to have a colon resection as an elective surgery and he now eats very carefully, including limiting red meat, getting enough water, fiber and eating low fat. He was lucky to have the best surgeon in our city and the difference in his health after the surgery was unbelievable!

I hope you get some answers soon and feel better soon! Please let us know how you are doing and be persistant with the GI doctor!

Quark17 · 10-16-2012, 04:42 AM

Your symptoms are definitely suspicious for diverticulitis.
a few questions:
did u finish your entire course of antibiotics? (i assume u were on ciprofloxacin and flagyl)

what were the findings of your colonoscopy?

did anyone discuss the importance of fiber in your diet?

If indeed you do have diverticulitis you must always finish your course of antibiotics. During the acute phase you must have a low fiber (mush food) diet. Then fiber must be introduced gradually and you should drink at least 64 ounces of water a day (fiber requires this), and the goal is to achieve soft bowel movements that do not require straining. I have suffered with diverticulitis since 2006. By the time I took this seriously it was too late. I had developed a stricture in my sigmoid colon that required a bowel resection. I am 60 years old and in good health except for that history.

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