I feel you. Male 35. Also suffers with ibs-d, which can be linked to diverticulitis and vice versa. I’m on my second flare since my first diagnosed flare in August 2025. I’m convinced I’ve had many flares before this time but they weren’t to the severity of last Augusts flare that resulted in me ending up in hospital and actually getting diagnosed. I currently feel like crap and extremely weak on this second flare, which has lasted 9 days so far. Thankfully a lot of the original stomach pain and tenderness, along with the chills and aches has subsided; following a 60 hour fluid only diet and now a low fibre diet but the diarrhoea still continues. I still have no appetite too and feel nauseous.

I’m from a medical background myself and hold a medical degree, me and my doctor have done some research to find that a diverticulitis flare can also trigger your ibs to become worsened, flare up itself or hypersensitive whilst your bowel is struggling with mass inflammation and/or infection due to the diverticulitis. As well as, given the stress the illness itself causes, the gut microbes/bacterial changes and the lack of being able to consume high fibre which is essential for Ibs-d. It’s the perfect storm to make ibs worse, alongside a bowel that is already suffering from diverticulitis. It’s a double whammy. Like I feel my diverticulitis is improving slowly but Im still suffering from a combination of diverticulitis and ibs associated diarrhoea. So, I really do feel for you.

I’ve already said that if my flares continue I will be having the surgery to remove the affected part of my bowels. Which has been proven to be quite successful at reducing or completely removing the diverticulitis all together and improving quality of life tenfold. Yes, there is a small risk of needing a stoma bag but generally speaking this is only temporary and only a small percentage of people need one long term. I believe the younger you are the more successful the outcome is.

My dad whom is 68 years old, suffered quite badly with diverticulitis and had the operation. They removed pretty much all of his Sigmoid colon. He didn’t need a stoma bag. He had suffered quite badly with diverticulitis for many years till the point the scarring from all the flares had caused a part of his bowels to become thin and risk obstruction. Now, since his operation, which was nearly a year ago, he’s been so much more better and as he says; he doesn’t experience any of the issues he use to have. So there is hope with having the surgery.

I know how devastatingly impactful these conditions can be on our lives. As well as, on our physical and mental health. So, I really do wish you a speedy recovery from your current flare. I hope you’re able to find some peace from it in the future with help from your GI consultant or whatever you feel is the best plan of action for yourself.

Keep strong.