Ischemic Colitis and Diverticular Disease

I am a 55 yr old female, no medications, with a history since 2003 of diverticulitis. I recently developed cramping and bloody mucousy stools. I underwent a colonoscopy 2 days ago, and was diagnosed with ischemic colitis.  I was wondering if there was any connection between the diverticular disease and ischemic colitis?

Also, the gastroenterologist has placed me on a low residue diet indefinitely. I am concerned that this may cause me to have diverticular problems.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
There is no connection between diverticulitis and ischemic bowel disease.
Low residue should be continued till the symptoms of diverticulitis subside.

[dkelewae]

I am not currently having a diverticulitis attack. I was diagnosed with ischemic colon and Erythematous mucosa of the sigmoid colon.

My concern is that if I stay on the low residue diet, that it could cause a flare up of diverticulitis.