I have diverticulitis and the only thing that helps me manage attacks is miralax. Since I've been taking it, no straining. Straining is a good way to bring on more attacks and more pockets. I think the miralax helps food stay out of the pockets too. Try it, my GE recommended it. Please too make sure you don't have food sensitivities like milk or wheat. I believe allot of my problems stem from food intolerance to grains. If I eat wheat, it comes out just like it went in. Foods that don't digest can be a cause of inflammation. Please make sure you don't have thyroid issues either. They can contribute to constipation issues too.
I'm sorry I can not help with your question,but I have a question for you, I had my first diverticulitis attack last saturday March 25, 2010 and no one told me what to expect. It will be one week tomorrow and I still can not digest anything without bloating and gas, but mostly bloating so I assume I need to get rid of the gas[How] and I still can not eat much of anything. Noticed your post was in Jan sorry, thought maybe these post were more recent, I have been taking Phillips of mag,] bowel have moved but not much texture