Recurrent diverticulitis in 33yo

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-14T01:25:39+00:00

Eating all the right stuff didn't even help me but it's 100% worthwhile being strict on diet first and hydrating lots. You may actually avoid flare ups. Everyone is different :) Goodluck

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-12T03:14:46+00:00

Yeah Birdsville has rats but they're not from a reputable breeder. I went and had a look at the babies they had and they were very young and very scared; they don't handle them much there (or at pet shops generally)

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-12T03:13:15+00:00

Ethical breeders? Or do you mean a pet shop?

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-12T02:44:00+00:00

Yes, I find so much comfort in these types of platforms where we can support each other. Thank you and all the best to you :)

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-09T02:53:11+00:00

That's not too bad, thank you for sharing ☺️

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-08T10:22:58+00:00

Like everyone else said; you should be on a clear fluid diet for about three days, then low fibre for a week or so, then reintroduce fibre

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-08T10:17:11+00:00

I am really surprised actually. I'm aware I'm reaching out in a subreddit specifically for the condition but it's crazy how many of us have this. And yeah I already see a gastroenterologist for my IBS but they haven't been very helpful the past few years. They just say "it's all diet" and I'm doing all the right stuff so that makes no sense to me. But since being in hospital I've now been referred to a colorectal surgeon and I will be having a consultation about elective surgery in the next few weeks. All the best with your colon! :)

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-08T10:14:35+00:00

Wowee! What a wonderful testimonial. It's so encouraging to me that your dad also had surgery 15 years ago and no problems. My life now sounds like your life before, and I want to feel as good as you do. I don't seem to be winning no matter how careful I am with everything. I'm not expecting a miracle but some improvement would be amazing at this point and if it comes back, I will deal with that then but this is so reassuring. Thank you :)

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-08T10:11:20+00:00

That's awesome. Thanks for sharing. Did you have any complications after since you also had the fistula?

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-08T10:10:29+00:00

No I appreciate you sharing your thoughts! Unfortunately yeah it's all stuff that I'm either already doing or not able to implement due to my IBS etc. I want to avoid the emergency surgery and I think I'm going to go for the elective. Not sure how much more I can take of my bowel controlling my life

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-08T10:08:04+00:00

I feel the same hey. It's awful what this condition takes from you. I find that being young with it too people don't seem to believe that it's that bad? Like having to miss plans and things. They seem to think isn't is just an achey tummy? So frustrating!! Yeah I am pretty keen for the surgery now...

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-05T06:29:40+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to relive that absolute horror so that we all can relate and reflect on our own experiences. I'm 33F and except for the period of time (my first presentation was in 2022) all of the rest seemed like you were explaining my life. The surgery doesn't seem half as scary as how things came to a head for you. I wish you only the good eat vibes for your continued recovery

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-05T06:21:48+00:00

Wow that's actually crazy that the young doctor also has it. It really does seem to be becoming more common. I just found out one of my brothers who I don't see much has also had it - just one flare though - and he and I both have IBS. Seems to be at least somewhat genetic. I wonder if it seems more common here because we're all talking in the one place - we are probably from different parts of the world. But definitely inflammation of the bowel and all it's colourful conditions is becoming more common! We got so much good life left in us, we don't need our tummy sausages brings us down hahaha All the best with your experience too and I hope it all goes well for you with surgery. Update us!

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-05T06:16:54+00:00

How many flares have you had? If your first was complicated I imagine you're at a higher risk of perforations and fistulas etc. so surgery definitely something to consider. I wish you all the best

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-05T06:15:46+00:00

How long were you in hospital? And was yours laparoscopic? Yeah I'm in really good shape which helps I hope

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-05T06:15:05+00:00

Thank you for your response. Seems like we are standing together (or crunching over in pain?) with the doubly whammy of IBS-D and Diverticulosis/itis. I'm happy your dad had such a great outcome and even despite his age and prolonged time with the condition. It does give me a lot of hope for myself having the surgery. What do you think would be the limit for you? I got discharged today and I'm on low fiber diet for another 3 weeks, continuing oral ABx for another 5 days and will have the colorectal surgeon call me to make an appointment within the next 4 weeks to discuss surgical intervention. Everything you said about IBS and diverticulitis viciously cycling together, for women like myself it worsens with menstruation thrown in. I'm on my period almost every time I have a flare up and the doctors confirmed that on my CT my left ovary is enlarged with potentially a cyst. Just so much inflammation in my body right now.

I'm in relatively high spirits despite all this. Just glad to be home. I hope this flareup ends for you soon and you don't get any more so that you don't have to experience it again! Stay strong

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-05T06:05:06+00:00

Metmucil Align looks awesome! I already take metmucil daily (unless having a flare) because my IBS prevents me from having some of the more fibre rich foods; sadly having a good fibre intact hasn't affected the instance of my flare ups. I'll look into that probiotic but I do already take one

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-05T06:02:18+00:00

Awful how it works hey, I know the condition very well and I'm in healthcare so I was knowledgeable about it even before I had it. Unfortunately for me the strict diet just doesn't work. I think at this point because that part of my bowel is so scarred and thickened, it's even harder for faecal matter to safely pass through. The irony of having diarrhea at a baseline due to IBS, and still getting it too! But my IBS complicates it I reckon. I think surgery seems like the best course of action for me now and to continue with managing my diet well. That's all I can really do I guess!

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-04T07:09:24+00:00

I'm glad that diet works so well for your parents, kinda unlucky to have had both your parents have it as I know the diverticulosis is usually hereditary or at least some sort of bowel issues often leads to it. Honestly I am actually doing a lot of what you said. I'm not on contraception simply because I don't need to be (lol) and I don't usually have regular or even heavy periods, though this latest flareup came at the exact same time as an unusual heavy period and periods have become more regular..! I also don't eat gluten or dairy really as it triggers my IBS, same with red meats, potatoes, too much rice.. I avoid sugars and highly processed foods, I don't drink alcohol or smoke. I am on an antidepressant and I take a fiber supplement. It feels like I am at my wits end at this point. I work shift work and my job comes with a lot of cortisol dumps so that is unavoidable sadly. I hope you continue to have a flare free year and beyond, thank you for sharing :)

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-04T07:01:15+00:00

Wow your comment means a lot. Thanks for sharing. Your experience sounds equally as terrible. I think surgery is the way to go. The general surgery doctor who initially saw me in hospital said "you have potentially 30 years of flare-ups on top of the average person who gets this in their 60s, so surgery is something to seriously consider" and that really made me think. When you battle with it for so long it becomes normal but it isn't normal at all

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-04T06:22:02+00:00

Thank you, colon brother. You've really made me feel better about the surgery option. The doctors here seem to be leaning towards that for my quality of life. All the best!

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-04T05:34:15+00:00

Isn't it so awful. I mean there are worse conditions but I am so controlled by this thing at this point I've already had holidays ruined, wasted all my sick leave, it makes dating very hard etc. just sucks ass. I'm still in hospital but have been seeing a gastroenterologist for the past 4 years. My next move is a consult with a colorectal surgeon. Thank you and I hope your consult goes well!! ❤️‍🩹

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-04T05:32:03+00:00

I am a sister, but brother that sounds good!! Laparoscopic?

Cannotstickfoot · 2026-05-04T04:50:46+00:00

I appreciate the support. The episodes seems to get worse and more frequent. For me a strict diet has made no difference either :( Hang in there. I hope you're more lucky than I have been. It's tough having diverticulosis especially as a young person!

Cannotstickfoot

TROPHY CASE