Hi, my name is Tinyface!

Tinyface

Its not really my name but thats what my dear husband calls me!
Just diagnosed with diverticulitis after 3 weeks of dreadful pain misdiagnosed as ibs. Looking for info and chat

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @tinyface Thank you for joining the community, and for telling us about your situation.

How are you feeling about your new diverticulitis diagnosis? 

What kind of information are you looking for? 

You've come to the right place to chat with likeminded people. We're a friendly bunch, and there's usually someone around to talk to. 

If you're looking to take part in some casual conversation and games, I'd encourage you to pop into our virtual coffee lounge.

Alex_Alumni

Hello and welcome to the community from me too @Tinyface I hope you're enjoying the forum so far  

Is there anything we can help with today?

Alex

sarah36

@Tinyface, your husbands name for you is adorable 🥰 

janer1967

Hi there and welcome 

My mum was recently diagnosed with that too after being admitted to hospital 

Personally not sure it is correct though as she went in with suspected kidney stones and had her kidneys flushed which from reading up I can't see where this fits with diverticulitis but I'm no doctor 

Tinyface

Hi everyone thanks ive only just seen these comments as been on my bed a lot and too miserable to pick up phone. Im a technophobe too so dont know how to reply to each of you but I will give it a try.
@Tori_Scope Thanks. I am looking for info about how to prevent and treat. If indeed gps diagnosis is correct. Im getting further tests but quite upset if it is that. Yet another digestive issue! 
@Teddybear12 thanks thats useful info
@Alex_Scope thank you. Just chatting is nice! Im miserable with pain and exhaution! 
@janer1967 they are going to check for those as have pain in kidney same side.  Is your Mum ok now? 
@Pam hello to you too. I know that feeling. Ive lately been too exhausted to pick up my phone.

janer1967

@Tinyface yes mum is OK now thanks had a nasty water infection which I think was the problem finally cured with couple courses of antibiotics 

Tori_Scope

You've replied to us perfectly there by tagging us in @tinyface  

I'm sure your doctor will be able to let you know what your treatment options are if it does end up being diverticulitis, but the NHS page says the following:

Treatment for diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Treatments for diverticular disease

Diet
Eating a high-fibre diet may help ease the symptoms of diverticular disease and stop you developing diverticulitis.

Generally, adults should aim to eat 30g of fibre a day.

Good sources of fibre include fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, beans and pulses, nuts, cereals and starchy foods.

Fibre supplements, usually in the form of sachets of powder that you mix with water, are also available from pharmacists and health food shops.

Find out how to get more fibre in your diet

Gradually increasing your fibre intake over a few weeks and drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent side effects associated with a high-fibre diet, such as bloating and farting.

Medicine

Paracetamol can be used to relieve pain.

Some painkillers, including aspirin and ibuprofen, should not be taken regularly as they can cause stomach upsets. Ask a pharmacist about this.

Speak to a GP if paracetamol alone is not working.

You may be prescribed a bulk-forming laxative to help ease any constipation or diarrhoea.

Treatments for diverticulitis

Diet
If you have diverticulitis, a GP may recommend that you stick to a fluid-only diet for a few days until your symptoms improve.

While you're recovering you should eat a very low-fibre diet to rest your digestive system.

Once the symptoms have gone, you can return to a higher-fibre diet, aiming to eat about 30g of fibre a day.

Medicine

Diverticulitis can usually be treated at home with antibiotics prescribed by a GP.

You can take paracetamol to help relieve any pain. Talk to a GP if paracetamol alone is not working.

Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can cause stomach upsets.

More serious cases of diverticulitis may need hospital treatment.

In hospital, you'll probably get injections of antibiotics, and be kept hydrated and nourished using a
tube directly connected to your vein (intravenous drip).

You may also be prescribed a stronger painkiller if paracetamol is not helping.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to treat serious complications of diverticulitis.

Surgery usually involves removing the affected section of your large intestine.

This is known as a colectomy. This is the treatment for rare complications such as fistulas, peritonitis or a blockage in your intestines.

After a colectomy, you may have a temporary or permanent colostomy, where one end of your bowel is diverted through an opening in your tummy.

The most common complication of diverticulitis is developing abscesses.

These are usually treated with a technique known as percutaneous drainage, which is done by a radiologist.

If surgery is being considered, your doctor should discuss the benefits and the risks very carefully with you.

I'm sorry to hear that you've been exhausted and miserable. We're always around to chat to, if you'd like to take your mind off of things