Colon Spasm and Diverticulosis

[Larry Sands]

Subject: Colon Spasms and Diverticulosis.

How can I stop the spasms which will hopefully stop the pouches from developing?

I am currently experiencing colon spasms and developing pouches, especially in the ascending colon. My GI specialist has prescribed several anti-spasm medicines, but to no avail. Herebal fiber and oatmeal are a part of my diet. I've been fighting this battle for over 7 years. I stay away from nuts and other foods that are harmful. I've noticed that shortly after eating a meal the pain begins in the ascending colon(right side) and sometimes in the descending colon (left side).  

[lizziecee]

Hi Larry, you may want your doctor to look into IBD. There is a simple, non-invasive, non-specific test for inflammation in the intestines, called a calprotectin test which will show any inflammation. It is easy and cheap to do, all you need to do is give a stool sample. If the calprotectin level is out of range, then other invasive tests can be done i.e. upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
Liz.

[rellimc2]

Larry, I have a solution for you:

I too suffered from this affliction for many years.  I first had the spasms, for which my doctor offered similarly ineffective medicines.  Most recently, as I continued to have problems I had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with diverticulosis (the pouches you were referring to).  When it inflames it is incredibly painful, and will put you down for 3-4 days.

The solution:  Metamucil (or some other form of psyllium husk).

Why?:  It rocks!!  I haven't had an episode in over a year!  Nice, smooth deposits everytime...  Start out slow, taking just half a teaspoon (of the sugar-free type) with each meal so that your bacteria in your gut can adjust to the new material.  This is important to prevent gas.

Gradually increase it to the recommended maintenance amount of 1 tsp with each meal.  I'm a pro, so I adjust it depending on the meal type (for greasy pizza maybe a little more ;-)

Just be sure to drink lots of water, and don't bother with the cheaper brands - They taste like ****.  I'm super cheap, and I still buy Metamucil brand, so that should tell you something...

Best of luck with this - I hope you can bring your life back under control like I did with the wonders of the ground psyllium husk.  Please let me know if it helps - I wish I had known about the importance of fiber years ago!

Thanks,
Craig
***@****

[rellimc2]

One more note, Larry:  If you're in pain right now, don't eat any fiber.  You need to drink liquids like broth and low-fiber foods for a day or three until it passes.  As soon as the episode is passed start easing into the Metamucil supplement and you'll be golden...