Oh No Diverticulitis from.....

[Chuckie327]

Having what appears to be another episode of Diverticulitis. OK. Who corked me at my intestinal level? LOL Extreme gas but not constipated.
Terrible low and mid level abdominal pain. Then
fast onslaught of nausea and vomiting! Taking sips of water.  Pain up my back and rib cage has decreased. It has been 3 years since last attack.
Here is my question. Hi fiber is out until I can eat again. Baby food and clear soup, and gatorade jello all helped last time. Any better foods for recovery? Little afraid of Beano at this point. Taking Omaprazoline 20 mg when vomiting clears up. No fever and so allergic to so many antibiotics. No general aching. No repeat of vomiting. Baby food even sounds tasty! Avoiding fruits and veggies right now. Nauseated but thinking hunger. Let those food choices roll Please,,,,,,,,TY

[Chuckie327]

Hello Dr. Walters,

I've had three episodes  of Diverticulitis in four years.  Thanks for your advice about a surgeon's opinion and a CT Scan.. I did not know that should be a consideration,  The last time I had an attack was three years ago, Since then I started on Levothyroxine 50 mcg. and feel full so often.  Holding Omeprazole DR 40mg today and on liquids. My Dr. said in the past that he does not want to start me on any antibiotic unless I go to a hospital. So maybe all this will come to happen sooner than later. Had Vancomycin for knee surgery and that went well. Sure would like to avoid
Vanco.  Again thank you for responding, I would appreciate any additional opinions. About to try  a small baked potato and a bit of baked chicken.  Have a lovely weekend!

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

Based on your comments I assume that you have had at least  two episodes of diverticulitis. I also assume that at some point this was confirmed with a CT scan rather than merely clinical suspicion. If this is the case, it's time to talk to a surgeon. Having had 2 bouts, you have at least a 65% chance of another. If it was 3 bouts, the odds increase to around 75%. the fact that you have merely had pain and felt crummy has no bearing on the fact that any future bout may present with a free perforation into the peritoneal cavity which most commonly requires a (temporary) colostomy. The surgery does not reduce your risk to zero but does reduce it by about 90% without removing enough colon to adversely affect your bowel function. Cute puppies by the way on your homepage.