DIVERTICULITIS/DIVERTICULOSIS

11/12 had episode of sudden onset vomiting. mostly retched; very little came up about a cup of liquid seemed to come from the extreme lower colon.  I weak, slightly nauseated I had absolutely no energy for a few days.  I went to the ER after 4 days. The doctor gave me a CAT scan, said I had diverticulosis, a prescription for antibiotics and sulfur, a pat on the head, told me to check with my doctor.. My doctor ordered another CAT scan two weeks later which was pretty clear.  She gave some handouts.  Worse one was on January 12,.  I retched so hard I felt pressure behind my eyeballs and cheek bones.  Again very little came up.  My ribs are sore from retching..  Everything I read says pain is the main symptom for this condition.  I had none, ever.  Also #1 cause is stress and I have been under a tremendous pressure since April. I was to have colonoscopy on 01/13 but we had a blizzard and  dr's office canceled the whole morning of appointments anyway.  I am due for another in 2 weeks. I want to find out what is wrong with me. I don't know what to eat; one source says lots of fiber, one says no seeds, nuts, corn in any shape, peppers, raw vegetables, no greasy or fried foods, one says bland diet, so I don't eat much, as I am scared it will trigger something. How am I supposed to find out what bothers me?  I don't feel that this is food related. I do not like not knowing when it is going to come again without warning.  I am 65 and in reasonable health.  I take meds for thyroid, hormones, BP, vytorin and 3 for depression all generic; occasional Hydrocodone and Norflex prn for headaches that seem to be weather related, plus generic alprazolam prn for anxiety prn.  I take Ambien for sleep and occasionally will slip in an Advil PM if I am still having problems falling asleep. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me. I need some advice on how to handle this.
GF

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Diverticulosis doesn't necessarily cause pain.  The pain arises when these diverticula get inflamed, leading to diverticulitis.  In these cases, antibiotics would be the appropriate course of therapy.

I agree with the CT scans, which can exclude diverticulitis.  In light of a negative CT scan, then indeed, a colonoscopy would be a reasonable next step.  This can also evaluate for colitis, which is another explanation for the symptoms.  

If the nausea and retching continues, an upper endoscopy can be considered to exclude any obstruction or inflammation of the upper digestive tract that can lead to this symptom.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[Sue357]

Hi.  A year ago I was suffering from diverticulitis, which is an infection of the diverticula.  Diverticulosis is when we develop pouches in our colon that can collect things, like seeds, nuts, etc., and become infected.  I ended up having surgery as I had so many attacks in a short period.  I would suggest that you follow up with your doc and/or a good gi and rule out.  Vomiting is a symptom, but I only did that once and I think it was from the meds.  Fever, and most definately pain.  A colonoscopy would definately be a good way to diagnose.  I had multiple ct scans that showed that it wasn't going away with the meds.  Hope this helps.