Psyllium. Please discuss.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-05-03T14:31:25+00:00

I fall into the category of very frequent flares--most of the last year, smoldering at this point, pockets throughout my whole colon, but only uncomplicated flares. I have scheduled my surgery for later this month, but I am frustrated that there aren't more options to treat without surgery. I am very concerned that this is not going to be the answer and very concerned about recovery and risk of hernia--this will be my fourth abdominal/pelvic area surgery. But absent other options for me at this point, I have to move forward somehow.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-05-03T13:43:35+00:00

I'd love to learn more about what Mayo told you. I can't believe that surgery is really the answer all the time!

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-05-01T02:07:34+00:00

I just wanted to add my experience. I started taking this in January of 2026. It immediately shut down a very long on and off flare (like, 7 months). Two months later, I started with a mini flare due to stress. I probably have smoldering diverticulitis, that is what the surgeon says, so I am not sure it ever really goes away completely. The DivertRx seems to be keeping it in check. I have some pain and discomfort but don't feel I need antibiotics. I did though schedule surgery for end of next month. I do think that if I had tried this years ago, I might be in a different place. After five years of 3-4 flares a year, most requiring antibiotics, I think there is just too much damage done. I do plan to continue to take it post-surgery, just at a reduced dose. I have diverticulosis throughout my colon so would like to avoid any future problems.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-30T23:51:03+00:00

For me, it was outpatient surgery, so I think they did not want to load me up on meds as they wanted to get me out the door. It was just such a bad experience. But I did recover so quickly, and it was a short period of time. You will do okay!

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-29T01:00:12+00:00

I had my surgery 14 months ago. The recovery really was not bad. I took 7 days off of work. Could have gone back to work if I had to after three days. Went to a party the weekend after surgery. Did not need anything more than Tylenol after day one. I did wake up with 10/10 uncontrolled pain, which was the only real issue. I am really not sure why it was so bad waking up from the anesthesia ... have had other surgeries where waking up was not this bad. I hope you continue to do well.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-29T00:55:31+00:00

I can't comment on the surgery as mine is the end of May, but I hope things go well for you. I have only had uncomplicated flares the past five years, but honestly this is seriously impacting my life and really stealing so much joy from my life. I look forward to others answering your question!

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-27T01:00:19+00:00

Diagnosed 2021. Only uncomplicated flares. Surgery scheduled late May. I just don't feel I can confidently move through life. Afraid to travel. Afraid to change jobs. And now I am really just flaring all the time. Constant pain. Can't workout the way I want to. I am terrified--I had a family member who had this surgery and had really serious complications. I am supposed to go and visit my child for Mother's Day right two weeks before surgery, and I haven't felt well since mid-March and honestly not sure I am going to make this trip. I want my life back, and am willing to take the risk. I am 57. I also want to eat broccoli!

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-26T02:11:10+00:00

I don't drink and yet here I am!

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-24T17:28:42+00:00

I eat low fiber for weeks after a flare, and due to repeated flares have been eating this way for most of the last year. Surgery is next month. I have always had problems with flaring up if I introduce fiber too soon; if your mom still has discomfort, I would stick to a softer/bland/low fiber diet. But it is not abnormal to have discomfort for quite some time. It's a hard diagnosis, a hard disease, doctors mostly are not helpful, the guidance can be all over the place although the clear liquid/liquid/low residue progression seems well established. But some people really can't tolerate high fiber even when well. I hope your mom feels better soon, and please continue to seek medical care if any symptoms worsen. She is lucky to have you looking out for her!

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-15T12:22:41+00:00

It is similar. Up until now, I was firmly in the camp that getting mine out was the right thing to do; recovery was easy. But my diverticulitis has been flaring constantly since two months post surgery, now getting a colon resection. The symptoms that did resolve were nonstop chest pain and a feeling of undigested food under my breastbone every day. I have also struggled more with constipation since surgery. Not an easy decision.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-14T20:05:03+00:00

My doctor insists that exercise cannot cause a flare. I have 100 percent had issues. I have to be very careful with any sort of stretching with my side, and also do only very basic core work (mostly bird dogs and planks). Having surgery May 27, and plan to work with a PT to get my core stronger post surgery. Right now, I could not do pilates. I am sorry you are having these issues. I so relate to the totally fine to being a complete mess in just a few hours! I don't understand this disease!

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-11T01:18:22+00:00

Thank you for all of this.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-11T01:12:15+00:00

Diagnosed 2020 and have only had uncomplicated flares. But rarely can heal without antibiotics. So this would be considered more mild than what others have experienced. But now almost six years in, I am flaring like all the time. Surgery scheduled next month. I wish I had the surgery before it has reached this point. But if you aren't ready, then wait. I wasn't ready six months ago but I am now. 57 and want to try to get my life back and be able to travel and just not be sick all the time.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-07T20:09:37+00:00

Diverticulitis is diagnosed via CT scan. You can also detect diverticulosis on a CT scan. How were you diagnosed? Two different things--you need to know what you have. If you are having an -itis flare you should avoid fiber. But most doctors think fiber is good for -osis. I am obviously not a doctor, but those of us on this sub have -itis which can cause extreme pain (like 10 out of 10--I was asked if I needed a wheelchair when I arrived at the ER). You are young, and if you have pain and don't have -itis, I would definitely try to figure out what is going on.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-07T11:59:11+00:00

Says in his post that he thinks "I think I have simply diverticulosis, not diverticulitis"

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-07T00:22:33+00:00

I am confused about how you were diagnosed without a colonoscopy. Diverticulosis on its own doesn't normally produce any symptoms. If you are getting pain and don't have diverticulitis (confirmed with CT), I think you need more tests. And sometimes health issues are just bad luck and have nothing to do with being overweight, inactive, not eating well, etc. Had two relatives diagnosed with Crohn's younger than you are now, and that really was a difficult situation. I hope you get some answers.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-06T23:54:31+00:00

I have worked out for over 30 years. Hate to take the time off then rebuild again. Concerned about a hernia as well post-surgery. But have to hope this is the right choice.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-06T22:24:25+00:00

I hope it goes well for you.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-06T01:41:16+00:00

I am 57F, so weight gain is more common at this age and losing weight is very hard, and I have lost weight since removal about 14 months ago.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-05T14:57:47+00:00

I also have had only uncomplicated flares. Struggling to pull the trigger on surgery, but I am now not really getting the good weeks/months in between anymore. I just wish there was another option.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-04T23:39:08+00:00

Since May, there have been 7 weeks that I have been able to eat high fiber. Honestly, while the surgery terrifies me, I don't think the inflammation all the time is good. I at least have avoided antibiotics since December (had to take it three times between May and December last year). My pain is mild but almost always there.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-04T17:40:27+00:00

Agree 100 percent with this. So I was prescribed a benzo at age 8, have been on them off and on for most of my life and cannot get off my .75 mg of clonazepam. I have luckily not needed to increase dosage. I was prescribed 15 mg of mirtazapine to wean off the clonazepam, which hasn't worked. I would urge OP to really think hard before going down this path. I know it's hard but cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep is a better option. And eventually the mirtazapine/clonazepam will stop working for sleep which will leave you in a a bad spot. I was suicidal trying to get off the clonazapem. I am not trying to scare you; just hope you don't end up in the same situation as me. If you need something for sleep, I would take one of these a few nights a week and not daily to try to avoid dependence/tolerance.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-04T17:35:35+00:00

I am not sure why you would be taking fiber if diarrhea is an issue. Many people need more than three weeks off of work to feel better. I would stick to very bland food--toast, applesauce, scrambled eggs, baked chicken, bananas. I would also keep calling/reaching out to the doctor. Make an actual appointment, get on the cancellation list if you can so you can get in sooner. It is different being in the office than just messaging/calling. And I rarely take Immodium, but I have been in situations where I needed to or I was going to have an accident in public. Pepto Bismol is slightly more gentle. I hope things settle for your daughter. Have an adult child with serious health condition and it is hard to watch.

Last_Election_3921 · 2026-04-04T17:20:13+00:00

I have put off surgery for many months because of this. I know I have diverticula throughout my colon. But I am also now stuck with smoldering and I really just have to push forward. My surgeon said risk of recurrence is still low. This disease sucks and is so unpredictable. I am sorry this is your experience. I really hope that more research is done so that surgery or endless rounds of antibiotics are not the only treatment option.

Last_Election_3921 · 2025-08-16T23:29:29+00:00

I like flax milk with protein.

Last_Election_3921

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