Cong'tl defect-bowel on one side and twisted, plus diverticulois - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Pat Burgess · 12-18-2003, 02:01 PM

Hello--
I hope someone can help me.
A barium enema just revealed that my bowel is only on the left side of my body/abdomen and it is twisted, which the doctor thinks is the source of my pain.
I had complained of pain on my left side near/under my ribcage, and the pain went through to my back.
I also have divertiulosis, which flared to an "itis" 2 months ago.

The catch-22 is that the doctor says that I cannot have much fiber because food/fiber could get stcuk in the twisted part, or develop scar tissue, yet I need fiber for the diverticulosis.

Does anyone have any info on the longer term problems with the bowel only being on the left side of the body, twisted and the further condition of diverticulitis?

thanks so much

Harry · 12-18-2003, 11:02 PM

You have to have fiber for your intestines to function properly.

If a Gastro Doctor does not know that then you need to change Doctors. And, I don't say that lightly!!! Your intestines HAVE to have 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily but just make sure you drink enough water with each dose if you're taking Metamucil.

Pat Burgess · 12-19-2003, 08:27 AM

Thank you Harry for your reply--

Yes, the doctor realizes that this is a concern-He's said that I have 2 conditions that are working at cross-odds. He wants me to have some fibre, but warns that normal amounts could cause some difficulty if it causes some constriction in the twisted area....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry

You have to have fiber for your intestines to function properly.

If a Gastro Doctor does not know that then you need to change Doctors. And, I don't say that lightly!!! Your intestines HAVE to have 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily but just make sure you drink enough water with each dose if you're taking Metamucil.