Hi Q,
Here is a great Site for info on Diverticulitis. Hope it helps. Stay
strong.
Diverticulitis develops from a condition called diverticulosis. If you're
older than age 40, it's common for you to have diverticulosis small, bulging
pouches (diverticula) in your digestive tract. In the United States, more than
50 percent of people older than 60 have diverticula. Although diverticula can
form anywhere, including in your esophagus, stomach and small intestine, most
occur in your large intestine. Because these pouches seldom cause any problems,
you may never know you have them.
Self-care Here are things you can do to help prevent or slow the progression
of diverticular disease:
Eat more fiber. High-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and
whole grains, soften waste material and help it pass more quickly through your
colon. This reduces pressure inside your digestive tract. Aim for 25 to 30
grams of fiber each day. An apple or 1/2 cup of spinach contains 2 to 3 grams
of fiber, and 1/2 cup of baked beans contains about 6 grams. Try to substitute
fruits, vegetables and grain products for foods high in fat. Be sure to add
fiber gradually to avoid bloating, abdominal discomfort and gas. If it's
difficult for you to consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day, consider using
a fiber supplement, such as psyllium (Metamucil, Nature's Way) or
methylcellulose (Citrucel). Although commonly recommended, there's little
evidence that avoiding eating seeds or nuts prevents recurrent attacks of
diverticulitis.
Drink plenty of fluids. Fiber works by absorbing water and increasing the
soft, bulky waste in your colon. But if you don't drink enough liquid to
replace what's absorbed, fiber can be constipating.
Respond to bowel urges. When you need to use the bathroom, don't delay.
Delaying bowel movements leads to harder stools that require more force to pass
and increased pressure within your colon.
Exercise regularly. Exercise promotes normal bowel function and reduces
pressure inside your colon. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diverticulitis/DS00070/DSECTION=1
With Love,
CtrlAltDel aka Dave
C4/5 Complete - 31 Years Post
Texas, USA
Quadius <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Well, I have been suffering with bowel problems often on since July. It
seems as if I need to defecate so often it is quite disconcerting, at least it
feels that way. I have also had a problem with the stool being too loose. My
doctor suggested using oxybutynin after my bowel programs to eliminate some of
the spasms in my bowels and that seems to have worked pretty well.
Unfortunately I still have a tremendous amount of cramps often on and it is
difficult for me to plan much of anything any longer.
After my fifth visit to the doctor, he finally realized that I have
diverticulitis which was discovered in my colonoscopy back in July. You know
what happens when you assume. Well he apologized because he had assumed that I
was told by the doctor in charge of the colonoscopy that I had diverticulitis.
Anyway, I have modified my diet somewhat and this has helped for the majority
of the time.
Does anybody else on here suffer from diverticulitis and if so what type of
things have you eliminated from your diet.
So far I have tried to get away from anything that has nuts, seeds, and I most
definitely cannot be grapes, strawberries, cherries, and some other things I'm
forgetting right now.
Quadius
