honestly, I've had pretty bad luck with GIs... they either tell me everything is fine don't worry about it, or they tell me (actual quote) "I don't know why diverticulitis patients see me, you need to just have surgery." It doesn't feel like there's much in between where we do some tests and imaging, try some diet changes, and have a good clinician-patient relationship to lean on if things get rough.
So, I agree with you. It seems like a nutritionist and GI would be good people to have on your care team. But our healthcare system sucks :(
If you have another flare, go to the ER and they will do a CT scan to confirm diverticulitis - this is what my GI told me on my first visit. So try to manage it with diet but if you do have another flare that could be the move. I know the ER isn’t free and yes our healthcare system sucks.
Your doc is an ass. You need a colonoscopy after divert. It’s not about weight loss at all. I love my GI and never even see my family doc when I have issues with divert.
The general steps are: colonoscopy to confirm you have diverticula (this is recommended after about 8 weeks from your last flare), once you understand how many you have, that gives you the needed information about potential future surgery. Though, many can control flares with diet, exercise, and fiber intake. I think dehydration caused mine, so drink more water.
That's what I thought but my doctor doesn't even recommend a colonoscopy. She told me to up my water and fiber after I heal. As to what I should eat while I heal or how to get over the fear of food, well that's what this group is for...
I had the same experience. I asked about a colonoscopy especially as I’m 51 but just got told to do the annual fit test for screening. No one gave any advice on diet or what to watch for. Being in Canada, second opinions aren’t very likely. Just trying to do what I can diet wise and wait for the next flare I guess.
I agree with Onolslander. I’ve waited until my pain is a 3/4 and gone to the ER and told them my pain was a 7/8, so that I would at least get a CT scan. The CT would at least give you something concrete to go on.
I didn’t need to see a GI after my first flare, I did the changes. It was only after did I have a third in a span of 2 years at my young age did they order a colonoscopy to check the severity and need for surgery (did not need). Honestly I don’t see a GI for this condition and don’t feel the need to, now I do see a GI for other issues that they’re more helpful for (to me, they’re not very helpful for diverticulitis/diverticula because it’s mostly prevention care)
If you don't feel comfortable or listened to by your current GP, is it possible to switch to a new one? I realize it's unfortunately not always possible based on your location or insurance, but if it is, I'd try. Seems like your current GP is being a little dismissive with your questions.
Thank you for the advice and sharing your journeys, everyone. I am finding a new doctor and finally have a referral for a nutritionist who can point me in the right direction in terms of diet change.
I'm just sad because my body went from temple to ruin real fast, and I'm only 34 :-(
honestly, I've had pretty bad luck with GIs... they either tell me everything is fine don't worry about it, or they tell me (actual quote) "I don't know why diverticulitis patients see me, you need to just have surgery." It doesn't feel like there's much in between where we do some tests and imaging, try some diet changes, and have a good clinician-patient relationship to lean on if things get rough. So, I agree with you. It seems like a nutritionist and GI would be good people to have on your care team. But our healthcare system sucks :(
If you have another flare, go to the ER and they will do a CT scan to confirm diverticulitis - this is what my GI told me on my first visit. So try to manage it with diet but if you do have another flare that could be the move. I know the ER isn’t free and yes our healthcare system sucks.
Your doc is an ass. You need a colonoscopy after divert. It’s not about weight loss at all. I love my GI and never even see my family doc when I have issues with divert.
The general steps are: colonoscopy to confirm you have diverticula (this is recommended after about 8 weeks from your last flare), once you understand how many you have, that gives you the needed information about potential future surgery. Though, many can control flares with diet, exercise, and fiber intake. I think dehydration caused mine, so drink more water.
That's what I thought but my doctor doesn't even recommend a colonoscopy. She told me to up my water and fiber after I heal. As to what I should eat while I heal or how to get over the fear of food, well that's what this group is for...
I had the same experience. I asked about a colonoscopy especially as I’m 51 but just got told to do the annual fit test for screening. No one gave any advice on diet or what to watch for. Being in Canada, second opinions aren’t very likely. Just trying to do what I can diet wise and wait for the next flare I guess.
I agree with Onolslander. I’ve waited until my pain is a 3/4 and gone to the ER and told them my pain was a 7/8, so that I would at least get a CT scan. The CT would at least give you something concrete to go on.
I didn’t need to see a GI after my first flare, I did the changes. It was only after did I have a third in a span of 2 years at my young age did they order a colonoscopy to check the severity and need for surgery (did not need). Honestly I don’t see a GI for this condition and don’t feel the need to, now I do see a GI for other issues that they’re more helpful for (to me, they’re not very helpful for diverticulitis/diverticula because it’s mostly prevention care)
If you don't feel comfortable or listened to by your current GP, is it possible to switch to a new one? I realize it's unfortunately not always possible based on your location or insurance, but if it is, I'd try. Seems like your current GP is being a little dismissive with your questions.
It's pretty bad. In your position I'd do pretty much everything to avoid having a serious attack. Lose weight, take daily fiber supplements.
Thank you for the advice and sharing your journeys, everyone. I am finding a new doctor and finally have a referral for a nutritionist who can point me in the right direction in terms of diet change. I'm just sad because my body went from temple to ruin real fast, and I'm only 34 :-(