Finally a diagnosis!

OJ1

Hi for several years I got excruciating pain suddenly lower abdomen and had to go to the loo. I then got really bad diarrhoea and the pain came in waves . Often I passed out. This has happened in situations as restaurants and people have found me unconscious on the floor and then been hospitalised with head injuries. I went for tests a few years ago and they diagnosed vagus and said it is one of those things. I just accepted that and these episodes which occur from nowhere just occur. 
apologies for long essay!

Then last Christmas I was walking with my daughter and my bowels gave way. I have never been so embarrassed in my life . I couldn’t even reach the toilet at a pub close by!

This has happened again several times along with pain and fainting spells. 

My daughters made me get myself checked and today consultant said diverticulitis.
it is great to have a name to it and looking at other peoples stories I don’t feel so alone.
I have felt so ashamed and alone with this.and I’m not old.
I was told I have scarring etc. I don’t want to go down the stoma route unless really necessary.
anybodyelse had the same symptoms as me? And how have they coped? 

I’m sorry about this. I have felt it was inky me like this 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @OJ1

Welcome to the community!  

I am so happy to hear you finally have a diagnosis! I have Ulcerative Colitis and have a stoma myself Everyone is different when it comes to bowel issues and symptoms. I would suggest conferring with your GP or specialist what they think would be the best route with your scarring. For example some benefit from a high fibre diet whereas other do not at all. Your GP will be able to help with any pain relief as well, or even your local pharmacist. 

Please don't feel ashamed or alone. There are so many out there who have gone through the same, myself included. My symptoms started at 19. I actually put myself forward for stoma surgery when I was 28. But my situation was quite complex. I had different methods of helping, including using incontinent pads. I also would plan every route so I knew where every bathroom was. To be fair I still do that!   

I would also suggest asking your GP about talking therapies. Or you can refer yourself when you are ready. One of the biggest advantages I feel I had, was developing coping techniques to help with the anxiety side of it all.