Seeking Help for Persistent Diverticulitis Symptoms
At 41 years old, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 165 pounds, I found myself diagnosed with diverticulitis after persuading a healthcare provider at an affordable walk-in clinic to evaluate my condition. Fortunately, I don’t suffer from any other significant health issues, nor do I smoke or consume alcohol. The doctor recommended two ultrasounds—one for my kidneys and another for my abdomen—over the course of two weeks, and both results came back normal. Feeling the need to address my symptoms further, I requested antibiotics and was prescribed a combination of metro- something and cipro to take over a week. This all took place in early July. Although I experienced only mild pain and no fevers, there was a constant burning sensation that lingered. In response, I modified my eating habits, opting for broth, boiled chicken, rice, eggs, toast, and applesauce. After about a week of taking the antibiotics, I started to notice some relief from the discomfort. However, about five days later, the burning sensation returned. I suspected that the lack of bowel movements during our recent trip might have triggered this discomfort. This prompted me to start using MiraLAX, which has since helped me have daily bowel movements, although the consistency is still quite unusual and thin. I have yet to introduce any new foods into my diet, and the discomfort persists. I’m left wondering if there’s something I’m missing in my approach. Should I consider requesting another round of antibiotics? Would it be prudent to insist on a CT scan, even though I'm uninsured and managing expenses as a parent? While the pain isn't unbearable and doesn’t hinder my daily activities, it remains a constant annoyance. I'm reaching out for any advice or guidance! 🥲
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 6:51:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with ongoing discomfort related to diverticulitis, and I appreciate you sharing your experience. Persistent symptoms like burning sensations can be quite bothersome, especially after having made dietary adjustments and experiencing temporary relief. Let’s break down your situation and explore some actionable steps.
Main Points
- Your symptoms may be influenced by factors beyond diverticulitis itself, such as bowel movement regularity and diet.
- Re-evaluating your diet and ensuring adequate fiber intake is crucial.
- Further medical imaging or antibiotic use can be considered, but let's focus on practical self-care measures first.
Explanation
Diverticulitis is often related to inflammation in the diverticula of the colon, and while antibiotics initially help, lingering symptoms may not always require another antibiotic course. If bowel habits have been irregular (e.g., thin stools), this can impact gastrointestinal health and contribute to discomfort.
Next Steps
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Dietary Adjustments: Gradually incorporate more fiber into your diet, which can help normalize bowel movements and manage symptoms over time. Focus on soluble fibers found in foods like oatmeal, bananas, and cooked vegetables, while avoiding too much fiber too quickly, as it might exacerbate symptoms.
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Hydration: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids (aim for at least 8-10 cups daily). This can help with both digestion and reducing burning sensations.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track changes in discomfort and bowel habits. Note any specific foods or situations that seem to trigger or alleviate your symptoms. This information can be vital for any future medical consultations.
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Consider Gradual Re-Introduction of Foods: Once your bowel movements normalize, consider cautiously reintroducing a wider variety of foods to determine what you tolerate well and what may cause discomfort.
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Evaluate Need for Medical Imaging: If symptoms persist despite self-care, sharing your symptom diary with a healthcare provider may help guide decisions about further investigations, like a CT scan, especially if you plan to advocate for that.
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Antibiotics: It’s not generally advisable to request another round of antibiotics without a clear indication of an infection. If you suspect a recurrent issue, discuss your symptoms with a provider to evaluate the necessity of further medication.
Conclusion
With these steps, you can actively manage your symptoms while evaluating how your body responds. If discomfort continues beyond a reasonable timeframe or worsens, seeking follow-up care would be prudent. It’s understandable to feel frustrated, but small, focused changes can often provide relief. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance!
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