Thank you dilong, for your valuable input.
I am not very knowlegeable about intestinal issues.
When i was 65, I had bloody bowel movements, fainted one morning, went to bed, and realized I had better get to a hospital because I was so ill. I received 3 pints blood and spent 3 days in ICU. Diagnosis was diverticulosis. I was told, fiber, fiber, fiber, so changed my diet. Was fine for two years. Now I have pain directly under my belly button, bloating, diarrhea, (constant, all day long), occasional constipation, gas, gastro-intestinal gurgling, etc. Went to Gastroenterologist, after numerous tests to rule out- everything, he told me I have diverticulosis, which I already knew! Thru research on the internet I learned that there are THREE kinds of diverticulosis !. painful diverticulosis, 2. inflammitory diverticulosis, and 3.bleeding diverticulosis. Apparently what sent me to the hospital was bleeding diverticulosis.
The symptoms which I now have, I believe are painful diverticulosis which I've had since last summer. The are nearly identical to IBS, and can be treated like IBS. Learn the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, don't just eat FIBER!!! Soluble fiber is soft and easy to digest. Since I've switched my diet, my diarrhea has dropped considerably, however I continue to have pain (which is more like an ache) and which intensifies as the day goes on. I have found that Ativan helps to stop the colon spasms which I believe is what is causing the pain. I definitely have an allergy to wheat and gluten, altho I have been tested for and am negative for Celiac disease. Nevertheless, wheat allergy can exist without having celiac disease., and I simply cannot eat wheat. My diet now consists of bananas and other soft fruit, flour tortillas, jack and cheddar cheese and fish. I can add in baked chips (no fat) and salsa. I also eat plain bagels and sour dough bread with Whipped cream cheese. I substitute avacado for mayo with turkey or chicken breast meat on sandwiches, no lettuce. Try the IBS sites, and continue to look up diverticulitis on other sites. you have to do the research yourself because the doctors really don't know what they are talking about. Insoluble fiber is going to cause you GREAT PAIN!!!! Fiber pills are helpful, forget drinking all the water, just stay hydrated!!. Research more on the internet, the info is there but you really have to dig for it. For my condition, I am going to ask my doctor for antispasmodics. You need a firm diagnosis, so try the painful diverticulitis diagnosis on your doctor. And try eating only soluble fiber for awhile, it might work.
Why did the ER doctor behave like I was alright ? I asked if there would be any need for surgery on my colon... and he said nah...
I have been to the doctor at the ER and said just have lots of stuck up bowel at this time. He did not mention any surgery. He said come back if I develop new symptoms.
He did an x ray and blood tests..
First of all, you have serious problems and drinking lots of water won't solve them. You have an advanced state of disease and dietary suggestions are above my pay grade.
Go on the internet and searh for "Hill-Burton" care. This is a federal law requiring hospitals that get federal funding to provide a stated amount of free care to the needy.
Select a hospital in your area that offers surgery. Contact the social worker at that institution. Squeak loudly but politely.
You will get any procedure you require without insurance or consideration of your ability to pay.