pvquilter

I also have this wonderful disease. In 2005 I had my first diverticulitis attack. We were able to help it with antibiotcs. AWFUL!!!!
Then I had a colonoscopy which showed I had the pockets
( diverticuli), so I went on a high fiber diet and no seeds, popcorn etc. I had another attack with fever and pain in 2006 which also was treated with antibiotics. But in August 2008 I got another attack. This time all the antibiotics in the world did not help. From August till Nov. I lost 35 pounds. I had no appetite, very sick. They would give me antibiotics and as soon as two weeks after I was done with them I would get another attack. This went on until Oct. Then my specialist put me in the hospital for three days giving me IV antibiotics thinking if we really got a stronger dose in my system it would help. When I left the hospital I took another 14 days of antibotics. Two weeks later I was in the same situation with another attack. We finally scheduled surgery for the end of Nov. I was in the hospital 9 days. He wanted to do my surgery laproscopic, but after three hours in surgery and not being able to get at or see what he wanted to do without injuring anything he needed to do open surgery. (I was told they kiterally open you up and lay your intestines on the table and take out the bad parts).I had 1/3 of rectum, all of large colon and a part of the small colon removed. I did not go back to work until Jan 15th, then only part-time. It was a long recovery. I believe stress has a lot to do with also. My Dr. told me it is also caused by constipation. Never thought I had that problem, but I guess I did. He said feces can get caught in those pockets and give you the infection. I could have hugged my Dr. when it was all over. I now feel like a million and he said I can eat anything I want. Needless to say I have an appetite again. I did not want to gain my weight back, but did. At least I am healthy and feeling better. If I would have waited any longer it can burst, then you really have a dilemna, because you would have to have a bag, and later if all goes well, you have surgery again to reverse it. There I was lucky I did not have to do that.
Before my surgery I watched a video on youtube how they did the surgery. It is interesting.I feel I know almost everything you could know about this disease and I don't wish it on anyone.

Melody

I do understand what you are saying. For me it is dehydration and stress and constipation. I drink lots of water and prefer to eat less, but you know stress doesn't see things that way. Stress wants FOOD. So it is a battle. I have no trouble with fiber, and I actually do much better with a high fiber diet as long as I keep drinking plenty of water. So far, I have not had to take any antibiotics. I drink lots of juices and also green tea. My DH is in the bathroom all the time with the Crohn's, but I have the opposite problem. Interesting thing, the GI dr. gives the same directions to him that he gives to me. And it's the same GI. So far we are doing pretty darn good.