How To Treat Diverticulitis - NEW DATA
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Were you recently diagnosed with Diverticulitis and want to know how to treat it? Have you had Diverticulitis before, having a flare up, and want to know if there is new data on the treatment of Diverticulitis? What about if you have Diverticulosis and want to know more information about Diverticulitis in case you get it some day? If you are asking any of those questions....or others about the treatment or management of Diverticulitis.....then watch this video!
In this video, I give a brief overview of what Diverticulosis is and how that is different from Diverticulitis. I also address the symptoms a patient would have with Diverticulitis and what would happen if they go to the hospital emergency room. Patients are usually advised to go on a clear liquid diet. But what else are they told to do? Get antibiotics? A lot of the treatment depends of your other help conditions, like whether you have IBS or are immunosuppressed.
What should you do if your symptoms become severe? Typically, a patient would go to the ER and have a CT scan, but new data suggests that an abdominal/pelvic ultrasound may be a good alternative and has benefits, which I will explain.
New data also suggests a rise in Diverticulitis. Lets talk about why that is and also discuss some myths associated with Diverticulitis. Finally, I will explain what the new data says about the cause of Diverticulitis.
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Be Sure to Check Out Other Relevant Content:
- Diverticulitis - Hospitalization and Complications: • Diverticulitis - Hospi...
- What to Do After Diverticulitis: • What to do AFTER DIVER...
- What You Need to Know About DIVERTICULOSIS: • What You Need to Know ...
- Time for A Colonoscopy: • Time for A Colonoscopy?
- When and Why Have A Colonoscopy: • When & Why Have A Colo...
- How To Plan For A Colonoscopy: • How to Plan For A Colo...
DISCLAIMER: While I am a Gastroenterologist, I am not acting as your Gastroenterologist. The information provided on this channel is intended to be general educational content and not directed towards any one individual. If you believe you have a medical condition that deserves attention please seek care from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911.
I was diagnosed with diverticulitis back in January. I had a few surgeries for it and have an ileostomy bag, which will be reversed next week. I had severe abdominal pain and a ruptured bowel, so I needed to have surgery on it. Everything is looking better now, so I'll be having the reversal of the ileostomy. I'll have to watch what I eat so my diverticulitis doesn't act up too bad. Please send me some prayers and hope for the best and for a speedy recovery!
Praying for a successful surgery and reversal.
Praying from Australia 🇦🇺 🙏
Praying for you. My wife was diagnosed with it as well. I’d think there is a home remedy of sorts and will look into it. Stay strong! 🙏🏽🙏🏻🙏
I was diagnosed 3 months ago and went Septic
In my surgery they remove the portion of the bowel with the disease then after you don't have it anymore. At least that's what the surgeon said
I’ve had fairly regular DV attacks since 2010, probably 3-4 per year. I’ve had great doctors but they essentially have prescribe Cipro, Flagyl, and Amoxycillin. In 2018 it was recommended to me to have surgery since my doctor said my diverticuli were in places that would cause repeat episodes. I elected to not have surgery for many reasons and to manage via my diet, gut biome, weight, and stress. I have had bouts since ‘18 - in fact I have one now - but I’m getting good at managing them. Here’s what I would recommend. When you start getting left side pain (or, for you maybe right side), don’t delay action, get started on a liquid diet right away. Stop eating. It’s critical to stop material passing through the colon. Drinks lots of water and preferably lemon water. I recommend a 72 hour liquid diet (BTW, no dairy other than if you need some in your coffee) and assessing your pain. If it’s still there, but declining, keep going on the liquid diet. If it’s declining, consider one more day and then start a low fiber recovery plan. I usually eat some oyster crackers or a bit of pasta. Plan on 5-7 days before starting to add some small amounts of fiber to your diet.
Regarding pain management, I would recommend Tylenol (Acetaminophen) vs Advil (Ibuprofen). The Advil will impact your digestive tract including slowing it down which you don’t want. I also take stool softeners as soon as I suspect I have an episode coming on. I also take a laxative for the first day so that I’m helping clear out my guy so that the infected spot - essentially a sore in the colon - can heal without being disrupted by being “rubbed” by food I’ve eaten. But, if the laxative causes you pressure then don’t do it, it doesn’t for me, just gives digestion a bit of “help”.
I also stop all weight training or physical activity that may cause you to tighten your abs. Don’t lift. Walking is great so I increase my daily walks.
If you can, avoid antibiotics. If you are following your doctors advice and the pain is increasing after 3-4 days then you might have a bad infection requiring antibiotics. Do your homework regarding Cipro and Flagyl. Fluoroquinolones potentially have serious side effects that can stay with you forever. I have had very bad reactions taking both and so do not go near them now. If I do take an antibiotic I take Augmentin. It doesn’t act as fast as Flagyl/Cipro but it works and doesn’t have the nasty side effects. Again, do your homework on the Fluoroquinolones.
Surgery: Some people have to get it. Maybe I will at some point. But, I given the risks of sepsis from the operation (going into the colon after all), sepsis from the hospital (a growing issue), cutting into muscle and organs, 6-10 months with a bag, and other issues, I’d rather be disciplined in managing my diet and recovery from attacks then be cut on. Plus, the doctors don’t know how much of your colon/intestine they’ll have to take until they’re in there (generally) so you could come out of the surgery with your life completely changed. Additionally, I’m reading postings by people who have had an operation and the success rate for ‘no further infections’ seems quite low and the after effects quite high. Give it some thought.
Thanks to Dr. Cooper for his videos. It’s a shame that DV doesn’t have - and probably won’t have - a “cure”. In my case, it’s most likely genetic because I’ve always eaten well, am not overweight, never get constipation, drink plenty of water, exercise, and manage my stress. You can run but you can’t hide too long from genetics.
Good luck everyone!
My wife is exactly same
As you. Same
Issues. Eats lives same as you. Gets extensive blood tests. 400 markers. Doc said best blood results he’s ever seen in 25 years. Yet she has these issues. Also has celiacs. So. Now we somehow have to deal
With both
Thank you so much for your detailed post. I just got done with my second bout with DV fortunately they SAY I don't have a chronic problem.
I agree to go into a liquid diet for 3 days, also take a lax to clear out the slight blockage. Oh the pain in the lower left quadrant. I happens about
1/2 hour after eating, right when the intestines have to work. I'm going to cut my meals in 1/4. I eat so good. I don't snack and I don't really like sugar.
It runs in the Fam. But Ive vowed to figure this out. and NOT get a flair up again. also a hot bath helps so much, or a heating pad right onto the
painful area. and stop eating for 3 days. or else! ouch.
Drink lots of water.
@@mstracyfulI do the hot pack as well it definitely works
Thank you for the info.
I’m having a flare up and ate a tuna sandwich with tomato on sourdough because I was hungry. 🥪 I wish I had read this first. I’ve been drinking lemon water most of the day. I feel the bubbly sensation in my intestines and left side aching has increased. 😔 I noticed whenever I was on antibiotics for something else- the pain in my left side would disappear.
@@Papillon724which antibiotics? I’m having a bad flare up rn 😢
I had it for six months. Trips to bathroom 12 times daily. Went to emergency. Started lemon water in AM half hour before breakfast. Eureka! I was soon cured and latest colonoscopy shows clean colon at 88 years old.
How long after you started the lemon water you got cured ?
Thank you, I also watched some videos of a woman who has had great success with apple cider vinegar.
Awesome ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I drink herb tea infused with lemon and ginger. Ginger is an antioxidant and lemon kills bacteria. Had an attack after Christmas, my own fault,ate foods I shouldn't have, anyway ended up in alot of pain and was getting worried when I saw a clip on YTUBE regarding the tea combo. About 2 days later all the gunk came out. Feeling better.
Good info from comments. I also drink lemon water. I too had a ileostomy and the reversal. I am almost 74 and I still have problems. I didn't know they are condider the virus. That's very possible.
I was diagnosed with diverticulosis back in 2012. No problems whatsoever with seeds or nuts. I have antibiotic and food allergies, so I started a food journal again to see what was setting me off. Every time we had pizza, submarine sandwiches or any meal with lots of bread, I had blockage and pain. I do not eat any cereals, oatmeal, grains anymore and I do much better. I eat mostly meat and vegetables, very limited processed foods, no crackers or dry salty snack foods. I had surgery a little over a year ago, they took out a large benign mass in the colon and I have done well since that resection.
I take apple cider vinegar capsules and super enzymes after every meal and it has helped immensely.
Also was taking a vitamin C complex 3-4 times a day for two weeks. Now I take it 2x a week.
My doctor gave me a high fiber diet and it made things 100% worse, I went down hill fast, after years of dealing with this I found that nuts and orange juice are the worst things to eat for me, and high fiber diet was a no go, I tried a all meat diet for a few months and so far that has helped tremendously, also doing a 3 day fast every once in a while, everyone is different but this is what helped me
A year ago I had a crisis and a cold and I noticed the antihistamine drug put away my pain. Then I put this phrase on Google: allergy and diverticulitis. You will be surprised. I visited an allergist doctor and discovered to what I was allergic to. I can’t eat pork meat. I am feeling good because now I know what to eat correctly to avoid attacks.
Was diagnosed after a fistula. Surgery is scheduled for next month. Pain is extreme, but trusting God that it will be well with meds and lifestyle changes
you mean trust modern medicine and your doctor. God can't take all the credit!
@@deanreardon
Sir, this is my testimony. My trust is in God, he gave my doctor wisdom to give a good diagnosis, treatment and surgery, because meds did not help the pain and addiction is not for me. Jesus loves you
I just got out of the hospital from this and let me tell you worsts pain in my life, I went through 36 hrs of labor with nothing and let me tell you i’ll take labor over this. I was in hospital 4 days now talking surgery 😢😢😢
Me also 10/10 pain I was 9 days there and had to put me on fentanyl with a clicker so I can click every 5 mins only then the pain stopped. Its extremely painful. Hope you get better soon and good luck with the operation. I asked to please not give me stoma bag so thankfully I healed up and home still have some pain on my right side now and back etc. You should look into pro biotic they are helping me they build good gut bacteria
Does anyone feel the pain in the lower back?
My auntie and it's even worse because she had surgery on her lower back years ago
I believe some people do because the last recent spell that I had with DV came with lower back pain, and I could hardly walk.
Yes
Yes. Started with left side lower back pain. Doctor tested for kidney stones
Yes; felt like a bladder infection and had pain in my lower back as well
Funny, the NSAID is the only thing that helps my inflammation and pain with diverticulities, plus antibiotics. I had pain that was horrible for 2+ weeks because I thought it would just go away. I had to go to urgent care and got a CT the next day to dx me. Although, some say it's because of bad diet, I had a healthy diet and still got it.
I appreciate the focus on this topic. I have it with other conditions ( kidney stones former and GERD) and it’s hard to navigate what to eat.
Soups n lots of bone broth
@RavenWolf Drum69 yes agree soup(home made) with own stock and plenty green herbs, home made salad with avocado and plenty oil
You seem like a doctor who truly cares. Thank you for this video. You explained diverticulitis far better than my ex-gastroenterologist.
He seems to know what he is talking about, too. That's surprisingly rare on TH-cam. Subscribed.
I have it right now pain in left side i dont have money to go doctor pls pray for me😢😢
How about pain in the left hip area when having diverticulitis ?
I’m having severe left hip pain as well as lower left abdomen.
@@Papillon724same 😢 including knee pain also
Had an attack of Diverticulitis out of the blue, was sent home with antibiotics, a follow up CT scan 1 month later showed an abscess that they couldn't drain, bowel perforation, large local lymph nodes and fat stranding. The doctor said to let nature take its course and wanted to wait for swelling to go down before I had a colonoscopy. Never had a normal bowel motion since, have passed blood, blood clots, mucus and mucosy poop. Now am feeling better other than constant soft stool sometimes with mucus or blood and another month on another CT now shows I have adhesions to the bladder and womb, an ovarian abcess and a bowel to bladder fistula, have a sigmoidoscopy tomorrow as they suspect a tumor, am scared, doctor keeps telling me im young to have this gone from mild to very complicated.
Hope you got on well. I have diverticulitis at the moment and just watched this video.
@@monicacaseyS my diverticulitis has cleared but left some residual infection, but unfortunately their found colon cancer in my sigmoidoscopy so am now starting that journey, maybe the diverticulitis was a blessing because they wouldn't have found that otherwise, I had zero symptoms
@@sunlion0 hopefully they caught it earlier. So even diverticulitis can be a blessing. Sending healing vibes to you 🙏🏻
Praying for you 🙏 ❤️
Hope you're feeling better ❤
I just found out i have diverticulitis. I landed in the ER. Nuts were the culprit. My mom had this disease and nuts always gave her flare ups. So please dont say that nuts don't cause this issue
Over 10 years ago, I had just eaten a few walnuts one evening while visiting family. Later that night, I had vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bled from the rectum and I thought I was going to die. I don't recall how I even got to the hospital. I will not touch walnuts ever again.
A lot of the older generation used to love to bake up cakes & make desserts with walnuts in them. They would get halfways insulted when
I would refuse to eat their cakes, etc. despite being told about my condition.
For me, Seeds n nuts are the culprit 95% of the time
Me too. I had to give up nuts and that seems to take care of it. The last flare up was deep fried coconut shrimp. One more thing Metamucil which is also helpful to lower cholesterol and healthy blood sugar.
Seeds sesame is the worst. I just say I'm allergic to sesame seeds. Because they try to kill me.
@@deniceeverham9467 do you take metamucil?
I had a colonoscopy in mid July - dr says you are fine , you have ALOT of diverticula but it’s pretty common - nothing to worry about. Not even two months later - i am at work , I have a left side cramp and suddenly the chills really bad . Went to ER because the chills and cramping got worse. WBC was high and they do a CT scan - I get admitted and have Diverticulitis with a 2.4cm abscess and fissure. I have to stay and be on antibiotics for 5 days - surgeon says that if it was a tad bit larger he would have did surgery . Never knew I had any of this going on and suddenly I have this / now no matter my healthier diet , more fiber etc I am constipated a lot and nothing seems right now. Wondering if something happened during the colonoscopy and if they should have just did the surgery because i am so uncomfortable no matter what i do . 😢
Please drink lemon, lime with hot water half an hour before your breakfast. And try your have one to two cups of Anise tea with ginger.
Did it seem to get worse after colonoscopy? I refused to have one.
@@Papillon724 Yes - had colonoscopy in july and by september i had an abscess and was in hospital for a week. never happened to me before. He told me that i had some diverticula but never said anything to worry about - i believe something happened or triggered something after the colonoscopy - it was a nightmare after that - ended up in hospital 3 more times and had surgery last month .. Crazy
@@samanthaj78 That’s awful. 😞 I wonder what happens during colonoscopy that could cause something like this to go from bad to worse. When the doctor told me of the possible side effects from colonoscopy- I decided just to leave it alone. But I’m having symptoms now. Flare ups. What were your first symptoms that led you to colonoscopy and are you doing better since the abscess was found?
@@Papillon724 well i was having a lot of bloating and constipation. i also had little pains on my left side sometimes - but the irregularity with using the bathroom and bloating was making me wonder why. I should of looked into side effects from a colonoscopy - i didn’t . I just wanted it done to see what was going on. When the abscess came i was at work and i honestly thought it was like a fibroid issue or something - annoying pain on my left side but then i got the worst chills i ever had. Like i was shaking like i never had before . I caught the abscess in time with a week in the hospital and antibiotics . I ended up back in the hospital in december and two times in may . no matter how healthy i was eating , healthy lifestyle - the dr told me that i would probably get diverticulitis again and again from scar tissue and the diverticula getting caught in pockets. I couldn’t live worrying all the time so i got the surgery while i was healthy and no infections so i didn’t need a “bag”. Maybe you should just get a cat scan to see what is going on in there because a cat scan can see everything - just skip the colonoscopy
I quit sunflower seeds and had no issues for 4 years. I made the mistake of eating seeds while commuting to work and after 3 days had a flare up. Will never touch seeds again 😢
Told by my doctor no seeds or nuts. They at stuck in the gut. But butters okay if you like them and full of protein
I absolutely cannot eat popcorn or seeds. Even blueberries were giving me bouts of divertic. Unfortunately, I have a very limited diet because I have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and can't eat a lot of high-fiber foods, and I have slow motility, so that leads to constipation and straining, which can trigger divertic. As can stress, for sure. So I still have frequent bouts. :(
I agree. Same with my wife. I don’t buy the new recommendations. Study is flawed. Was done on general
Population. Not people with diverticulosis. Proves
Correlation not causation.
Got diagnosed a month ago, I'm in my 30's. Was in extreme pain all over the place, CT scan show the abscess had burst and i had multiple pockets of puss all over the pelvic region. Luckily a week in hospital with heavy meds and my body cleared it. They wanted to originally have key hole surgery to drain them but they happened to be too hard to get to without much more major surgery. I normally never go to the doctors and suffered for 4 weeks which is how it got this bad but now I know to get straight to my GP if I have similar trouble. Thanks for the vid, I have been watching a lot of them to learn more and while this condition sucks it is manageable.
I was so surprised when I first got diagnosed that this is considered a “ elderly person “disease. I am 35. I’ve had very painful attack of gas for most of my life as long as I can remember. of thought I was just normal and everyone went through it. I kind of assumed it was because I was a girl, and always holding my farts in. Finally one day the pain got so bad that I ended up going to the emergency room. They did a bunch of bloodwork didn’t find anything and did some sort of imaging and didn’t see anything. Sent me home with Tylenol.
A couple weeks later the pain was so bad again, but I went to urgent care this time. Dr. felt around a bit and said he thinks I have an infected pocket in my intestines and gave me some antibiotics it cleared up and I was great
I doing great for a while, and one day had sesame, crusted salmon, and had a major flareup again (I assumed the sesame seeds). I am very careful to avoid nuts and seeds now and it’s been going OK
I finally ended up going to a Gastro and got a colonoscopy done. They didn’t really find much but did find a couple small pockets of inflammation, but nothing that they were concerned with.
This is my first episode that I’ve had in six months now and I have no idea what triggered it. Frustrating.
@@bladynebula346did you had sesame seeds and other nuts in the past years too? Why I'm asking this is because I am having sesame seeds and nuts and I'm fine so it means it won't affect me
@@bladynebula346 I had to go to ER after eating salmon. Have diverticulitis.
I’m at hospital now in so much pain hope you are ok xx
So basically what you're saying is exact opposite of what the er docs just told me this morning... Great.
The last two times I had an attack, which was not as severe as some of you posting...I roasted a few heads of garlic and eat 4 or 5 cloves twice a day. That took care of it after a week of lessening pain.
BEST advice I’ve heard, and I’ve been sick on and off for over a year. No one in our very small town(s)/area has given me advice like this. I’ve been to a PA who has diverticulitis (she hasn’t really helped me deal with it), 2 family doctors who give me zero advice and put me on antibiotics (3 times in 6 months), and a gastroenterologist that just keeps giving me tests and never tells me exactly what to eat and doesn’t refer me to a dietician like I need. THANK YOU, Dr Cooper for clearing a lot up for me!!
i craked open 6 English walnuts ,was great for 24 hrs but then I thought i was on my way out, that stuff is painful, lasted 2 days/nights
Thank you so much! This video was very informative especially for someone that’s against medicine
I have it right now and Im 99.9 percent sure that it was brought on, by eating a whole bunch of pistachios the night before. Spent the last few days with painful constipation, directly followed by severe, bloody diarrhea. Starting to feel better now, but I distinctly remember laying on the batroom floor, praying that I wasn't going to end up like Elvis.😮. I REALLY thought I was about to die. I have been in several life threatening incidents, but the two times in my life, that I felt like I was touching the hem of the Grim Reapers robe, was when I was sitting on a toilet with my pants around my ankles...😆
Prayers for your healing
Diagnosed with Diverticulitis many years ago. I do not take medication, monitor intake of food in smaller portions throughout the day. Soon as i feel slight discomfort on left side of abdomen, i change to liquid diet giving colon a rest for few days often fasting intermittently. Fortunately at 75yrs i have not needed hospital treatment. If i occasionally overeat in one sitting i suffer the consequences and it’s not worth the pain.
No red meat...
How much pistachios?
Your comment has me laughing in pain with you! I'm glad I wasn't the only person in the bathroom thinking am I really gonna go out like the king? I don't know what will fix this awful diagnosis but I pray to the porcelain gods that I never see another flair up! best of luck with yours and thanks for the laugh!
Tomatoes will flare you up if eating constantly
Nuts don't cause it huh? The other day I ate some pistachio nuts, now I'm down with diverticulitis. Coincidence ?
It may be coincidence. You likely ate other things too. It may also be a factor of eating a lot of them. Certainly your own experience should inform you, but it does not generalize to others. There’s no evidence to support that what happened to you is the norm and therefore we should no longer dole out blanket advice for everyone with diverticulosis to avoid seeds and nuts.
@@MarkCooperMDdoc love ya but i have spoken to so so
Many people who after seeds and nuts got hammered. I also spoke to a doc who said he disagrees with then” new “ advice. That the story was flawed as a result of the group not being with diverticulosis.
It was only after years of a high-fiber diet, which included nuts and seeds as well as leafy green vegetables, celery, Etc., that I ended up with acute diverticulitis
So you're saying a healthy diet gave you diverticulitis? I don't think it works that way. You are not taking into account (or ignoring), other facts that contribute to your illness. It's not only about the diet, sadly.
Unless the diet was organic then it could easily cause diverticulitis . Nuts and seeds aggravate my colon.@@RA82828
Thanks for this great video. Towards the end you referred to the 'right' types of foods - got some examples? Also, what's your view on taking a pro-biotic if you have diverticulosis (and are trying to avoid future flare ups!)
Typically any overlaid graphics are trying to highlight examples related to what I’m saying. Some other videos get into some more specifics. Overall I’m not big on any specific foods as people seem to react differently. Broccoli is definitely nutritious but it causes some people a lot of bloating. Other foods would be perfectly nutritious to substitute for broccoli and avoid bloat. So for those people I don’t want to suggest there’s something magical about broccoli.
I am a diverticulitis "frequent flyer". I have a connective tissue disorder (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) so I'm more prone to anything where the connective tissue is involved, and it was explained to me that many EDS patients have diverticula. I had 6-1/2 inches of sigmoid colon removed in 2018, did great for two years, then it all started up again, and it's more frequent than it was even before that surgery. Unfortunately, I have diverticula THROUGHOUT my colon, so the surgeon doesn't know where to target next. I'd go for a total colectomy, but she says I don't want to do that, that dealing with reattachment or a stoma would be triggering for my medical PTSD. (So is frequent diverticulitis.) I have been prescribed antibiotics every single time I've had this, dozens and dozens of times over the years, and am wondering if I shouldn't just try to ride it out without any next time (or stop the course I'm on currently because, yep, I'm in another flare). I've had way too many CT scans over the years, too. Docs where I live don't want to go the ultrasound route. They'd do an MRI before they'd do that. I'm so tired of this. It's ruining my quality of life and causing me to think Very Dark Thoughts about Not Being Here Anymore. This is no life.
I feel I could have written your post myself.
Yes. I had 12” of colon removed 2 years ago.
The procedure left my small intestine “paralyzed “, and I had to wear an illiostomy for 4 months. They reversed it, things were ok-ish for about 2 years and now I can feel the same pains I had for decades.
This is like a sick joke. I feel the same way you do about all this.
It isn’t living, at best it’s very limited living.
We can’t just keep getting pieces taken out every 2 years. Frustrating doesn’t come close to describing it.
So yea, who wouldn’t have dark thoughts? Who would want to live like this?
I wish you the best and wish you whatever treatment/miracle will allow you enjoy your life without this garbage.
@@JRrox822I wish the same for you! So sorry you have to be in this club.
@@the_real_littlepinkhousefly Oh!
It's a club? Then I quit!!! 😀Just kidding.
Thank you-
Keep hanging in there.
♥
Hi,I’m sorry your going through this! I just found out I have this condition too! Ugh….but I do believe God is by our side. It seems everything happens for a reason…..have u tried apple cider viniger? I’m thinking this helps emensly! Also lemon water….. please keep your chin up…..meditation will help you stay positive 👍🏻🙏get the dark thoughts out of your head! Peace and love
@@kimediss8188 I do know God is with me, as a Jesus-follower. I'm not sure "everything happens for a reason" but I know He can make good from bad. Nonetheless, I am a human being who sometimes feels pushed to the limit.
Since my original comment I've been learning about how trauma often gets stuck in our bodies and can trigger or cause a lot of chronic illnesses and pain. I know my diverticulosis is from having EDS, but I believe the stress of trauma can cause a diverticulitis flare. I'm also beginning to question whether the last several "diverticulitis bouts" have actually been the infection at all -- with no CT scan proof, and the pain not being EXACTLY like I've had in the past (but close), I think it may all be trauma coming out, as I have been working on a lot of hard things in therapy. So -- the "dark thoughts" are trying to work their way out of my body, but right now that's painful. Also, just telling someone to "get the dark thoughts out of your head" isn't super helpful, because people who have trauma can't just happy-thought it away. It just gets suppressed, and that makes people actually sicker in the long run.
My diverticulitis pain went away after I drank a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
hey bacteria! there is a party in my colon and youre invited happy little buddy!!!
I get flare ups when I eat beef or cabbage.
To reiterate and expand on what This GI Doctor was saying. The newest studies are showing that highly processed foods (especially here in America) are a major contributing cause of diverticulitis flare-ups. The researchers found that cultures that still live mostly off the land in places such as African countries have had no reported cases of diverticulitis.
I think the biggest change most people can make to improve their health is to cook at home from unprocessed/minimally processed ingredients.
Takes a special person to be a G.I. provider. you have a beautiful smile….
Oh dear….fibre is my worst enemy. Extreme bloating, cramps, acid reflux…I just can’t. I used to take extra fibre and ate plenty of veg…and my diverticulosis got worse, a lot worse! I’ve changed my diet to high fat (excellent for pooping) and very low carb (diabetes) and feel so much better. Never had diverticulitis until a month ago, not long after eating a bunch a of garden fresh tomatoes (I couldn’t resist)…I’m totally blaming the seeds and skins!
Question for you, why do they say fibre is so important BUT you should avoid fibre after an attack? Low residue diet is best for healing but then you want to add the fibre back when you feel better…..nonsense!
Could be oxalates as well, Sally Nortons' book 'toxic Superfoods' is a real eye opener.
Agreed, Fiber always flares my gut. Eating low carb, low fiber, and low sugar seems to be the most beneficial.
I have had a resection and multiple bouts of diverticulitis and fiber always causes problems. Tried every type and the same result. Now, I'm just recovering from another round, not sure what to do about diet, still haven't found the right balance. A long and difficult road this has been.
@@grayman618I’m with you!! Haven’t found a balance. I’m 3 months in…
So in other words the keto diet?
Thank you doctor for your great contributions. Really appreciated. Everything, content, tone, etc.
Thanks - I’m glad you found it helpful and appreciate you sharing.
Great video. Filled with a lot of information
Glad it was helpful!
Thank u for posting this video. I have had frequent uncomplicated diverticulitis . cutting out sugar, fatty meat, most alcohol plus drinking kefir helled me a lot. Severe stress seems to bring on diverticulitis too.. What are your thoughts on that?
I was wondering about kefir and it's effect on diverticulitis...
@Tinpal1 I think anything that boosts our gut health is a good thing, unless you are sensitive to dairy.. some folks just can't drink kefir without having problems
Stress suppresses the immune system so maybe it plays a role
I just had 10 days of Antibiotics, for a diverticulitis . I didnt have any fever, and all the other symptoms except for pain in the areas the CT scan showed . I still feel yuk, I hope it wasnt as Dr Cooper has indicated , a virus attack, I was told by the NP to eat low fiber, and wants me to continue .
same here. I'm still trying to heal my gut from the damage the antibiotics did.
I was just at the ER today. Because yesterday I had strong abdominal pain and no bowl movements;. When they took me back they took blood, gave me some pain meds intravenously (Which really helped). They did a CT and told me that I have a diverticulitis flareup. They prescribed me antibiotics and to take Tylenol and or ibuprofen every three hours. That was seven hours ago. I am laying in bed and I feel much better. Male, 5’9", 190lbs and in decent shape. I’m strongly going to research a diet that would be best for this condition and learn about good gut health. I never want to repeat this.
Same here. I was diagnosed 3 months ago. But still have flare ups time to time. Be sure to contact your Doctor so you can be put on antibiotics ASAP!!
I’m convinced my diverticulitis is caused by covid. I’ve had it three times. The first time during my first bout of covid in 2020. Then after being vaccinated in April 2022, I was hospitalised with diverticulitis. Now, last week I tested positive for covid again. I’m three days into a diverticulitis flare up. Never had problems with my gut before. Doesn’t run in my family. I’m not overweight. I eat a Mediterranean diet, no pasta, no bread, very little alcohol, no milk. Lots of veggies and beans. Some meat and fish. Our own olive oil. After this I’m trying carnivore
What you described is convincing except I wouldn’t conclude that you should give up on a Mediterranean diet, much less for a carnivore diet.
@@MarkCooperMD Thanks for replying. I’m just so confused by all the differing points of view out there. I thought carnivore as I’ve read it heals the gut. I watch Drs Berry and Cywes and Baker and Kiltz telling us we don’t need plants. Plants are trying to kill you. We don’t need fibre etc. I guess I could try keto and just eat low carb. I just want to heal and heal correctly.
I don’t know the credentials of these doctors, their specialties, and where they trained and now practice. They sound like outliers in their views. Isolated studies may show results that go against the grain-this is actually expected based on statistics. The entire body of evidence informs what I talk about.
@@MarkCooperMD Thank you, I appreciate your reply. They do seem rather passionate about the subject. I feel more inclined to listen to Dr Eric Westman. And you, of course 😊
Susie, before you do that, how about you give up the meat and start your day with hot lemon water. And then end your day with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
@mark Cooper , thank you for not giving out the misinformation most doctors still give out of staying away from seeds even thought JAMA (medical journal ) back in 2008 ! Did an intensive study proving otherwise , this is why I switched my Dr , he told me to stop eating strawberries because of the seeds 😂🤡
Thanks. I do find some patients swear seeds are their triggers. I think a person’s individual experience is what works for them and shouldn’t be quickly discounted by me. Studies are broad and I think the importance of that study is physicians should stop telling people to embark on a difficult elimination diet that has proven itself to not benefit patients, at expense of dramatically narrowing meal options and promoting less nutritious food.
@@MarkCooperMD my entire colon is diseased. I must avoid seeds, fruit & veggie, skins, pork, beef and more. Tender Fish, chicken, chia seeds soaked & ground flax seeds in smoothies, tuna, etc. take methycellulose fiber capsules. 4 + 18 Oz of water daily
Mustard seeds spag bol Branston pickle all to do with foods you eat
It's a very painful affliction
Been through it several times... Best advise ive seen..... thx
I was just in the hospital, suffering from extreme back, leg, and abominable pain. With extreme constipation. My Stull would not evacuate, without extreme pressure. I have a previous back injury and current L5, S1 Herniation which causes extreme pain, numbness in my back, legs, knees, and feet. I've been diagnosed wuth diverticulitis. Which caused swelling, whuch in turn caused pain, difficulty urinating, and in general makes life, walking, exercise difficult. I decided to continue a clear, liquid diet, mostly utilizing chicken stock, lots of water, and prune juice, and im slowly feeling better. I rather not used antibiotics and prefer a natural path. Is there any advice you could offer?
How did it go
I had lingering lower abdominal pain a year ago which lasted for 4 months. I couldn’t run or jump without pain. Went to doctor and was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. They gave me antibiotics and it cleared up. Now, 1 year later I feel the same pain coming back. Feels like pain the in groin as well as dull pain in lower abdomen. I wish I knew what triggered it. Foods, constipation, travel??
Never had a fever or nausea related to diverticulitis. Pain is always there but tolerable unless I try to run. I’m also have IBS - self diagnosed.
Patients who have dull persistent symptoms I will try brief courses of meds I would use for ulcerative colitis. It’s an inflammatory condition afterall.
My pain seems to go from lower left abdomen to left hip. The running/jumping part…totally agree.
does mct oil help diverticulities
I am in hospital right now just diagnosed with diverticulitis, admitted on Friday with severe abdominal pain, I feel so depressed 😔, I hope your information will help me.
I've been dealing with these horrible symptoms for over 3 weeks now, but having no insurance, and living on Social Security, I just cannot afford to see a doctor about this. I'll try a clear liquid diet for several days, then move into some soft foods like cottage cheese, and scrambled eggs??? Then I'll start eating a lot of salads and see if this will help me.
What was your outcome
@@mikimiki6202 I seem to fine now. I started eating high fiber foods and the pain began going away. I haven't been in pain for about 2 weeks now.
I'm also without health coverage. My diverticulitis is so bad this week. So much pain.
@@jrconcerned6064 Try this, like I did. Stop all "solid" foods for 3 days. CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY. After that, "soft" foods only for 3 days. Then go to a HIGH FIBER diet and never stop eating that way. My pain has been gone for a months now and I'm so much better for it.
@@jrconcerned6064 Try the way I recovered. Liquids for 3 or more days (till pain stops), then SOFT foods (creamed potatoes, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, etc) if the pain comes back, go back to clear liquids for 3 days and try again. Finally, if there's no more pain after several days of SOFT FOODS, eat HIGH FIBER FOODS...FOREVER.
Hello ,
I’m curious if Dr. Mark still comes on TH-cam to help people with health issues ?
If someone can get back to me I’d appreciate it.
Thanks so much !
❤ Try to stay or get healthy.
I’m trying to get information in a few health issues that I’m concerned about with myself. 💙
I have it now, ugh I started feeling sick when I was given a new medication for cholesterol. I believe that was the cause anyone can tell me if I'm right🤔
I've just been hospitalised twice this year which very extreme pain and bad infections this disease is no joke. Thanks for the information. Stopping smoking to increase blood flow and eat high fibre is what My doctors told me. Twice I just dodged Ann operation as the little sack ruptured and floored me with the pain.
Damn bro I’m having a flare up rn after being in the hospital in n out since May
Hi Dr., i was dx with diverticulitis in May 2023 with my 10 yr colonoscopy. Told back to come back in 10 yrs. I got the report., thru hospital My Chart. My GP read it to me, later via phone exactly as per report, geez not his way of saying it, the report. Obviously he didnt know. Not first time ive had issues with him, . I have seen or talked to him since. Weve clashed with symptoms on many other diseases, illnesses over the yrs too. But since there is a huge shortage of doctors in my country and i need my meds, i have to hang on to him for that only.
I try to take probiotics, vit d, prunes, dates for constipation, IBS.
I never had GI issues until last year. I began to take prescription iron pills due to iron deficiency anemia. Constipation ensued from the pills. Lots of straining to have bowel movements. Had a few very sharp stabbing pains in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen. 2 months later, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis via CT scan. 3 days before I ate a lot of strawberry tomatoes, which have tons of seeds in them.
The antibiotics then damaged upper GI health. Gastritis and esophagitis=horrible symptoms for the last 5 months.
I've lost 20 lbs.
Iron pills are constipating. I recommend they be taken with miralax. Or get iron infusions.
This was a very simple and informative video. Thank you.
I have found that I have fewer minor attacks if I remove nuts and seeds, including tomato seeds (although strawberry and raspberry seeds don't seem to bother it). I also found that things like dried corn or wasabi peas trigger it very badly, so I don't touch them at all anymore.
Yep I don’t believe the new rules.
Amazing revelation...thank you very much indeed for the updation. Lots of physicians advise not to eat seeds and nuts. I am a yoga teacher. Now i have new client with diverticulitis and given him 2 sessions. He got good relief..Thank you for the incredible discourse 🙏🏻
How much seeds nuts are too much per day?
Hi Mark, Thanks very much for making this informative video. I really appreciate your efforts. Hopefully I can get my issues under control. I am starting FODMAP this week. I am guessing Christmas and New Years will be a little bit quiet, but I really do not want another bout of inflammation like I have just had. Anyway again thanks very much.
Hi I was diagnosed with diverticular disease 2 years ago had bad flare up in Dec 2023 was hospitalised CT abnormal have to have colonoscopy done through general anaesthetic as I have a looped sigmoid colon and could not have it done through sedation, am very unwell so tired right sided dull aches ongoing, kleenprep failed, any advice would be much appreciated.
What about parasites causing inflammation in the gut causing the flare ups
Maybe ask your dr for an anti parasitic. Ivermectin is one.
I cannot find a GI doctor in this city who can give me the info needed to help guide me other than telling me over the phone that I had two precancerous polyps, severe diverticulitis and not to eat nuts. And no I don't need to make an appointment with him to talk about it is what he said. Apparently this city is getting overwhelmed with the need for colonoscopies and it's keeping doctors too busy to do anything else, is what my pc told me. Am very disappointed and is seems like our medical system is slowly failing along with the city. Am I on my own again in this medical adventure, time to rise up again as my own best advocate because most certainly no one else will. They're too busy making sure everything is in place for the anticipated cash cow from the rainbow crowd. Thank you for your info.
Diagnosed with diverticulitis back in 2012. Was hospitalized for a week on pain killers and antibiotics. Recently do to family stress I had a flare up. Was prescribed 2 antibiotics. Cause the pain lasted over a month.
Use poke leaves drops and liquid kelp take one drop of each , increase drops one extra each day until 15 days which would equal to 15 drops of each. Take with 8oz of water.
I have it right now in 2024
I was diagnosed 6 days ago spent 5 days in the hospital, just to know zosin started raising my biliruben direct which started to show as a liver blockage , I had hepatasleenomaglia as well very very painful 25 years old it’s getting younger and younger people noe
I just got diagnosed 😭 was in the hospital for a couple days they said I had a abscess but wasn’t big enough to drain gonna try and watch what I eat thanks for the video!
@@RA82828 I’m good been eating fiber no issues so far ! Thanks for the shout out hope all is well with you !!!
I was diagnosed a few years back. The flare ups are so painful and nasty.
A home remedy I use is turmeric powder, ginger powder, diced garlic, dash of black pepper,fresh lemon juice in water, boil, strain, drink cool or hot.
Definitely works to reduce colon inflammation for me.
Also slippery elm capsules help.
Slippery elm seems popular. Essentially it’s fiber. People also seem to like tumeric and ginger and there’s observational data for this. I’ve also seen many people say lemon juice and water. However garlic provokes diarrhea so I don’t know if that’s good or bad. Glad it works for you.
Since the toxic experimental clot shots cause so many injuries and death just wondering if the poison causes colon problems
What a stupid way to refer to the Covid shot.
@@Teddydoggie Why are you insulting people who don’t just believe what you or our government says. Can’t this person have an opposing opinion. Has the shot made your behavior short tempered?
We know now that the clot shot, also causes severe myocarditis in many cases, especially in young male athletes. So many have died. This is a documented medical fact.
I personally know several people who have suffered problems shortly after those rushed out money making shots and a lot more people talking about them if you do your research. Or you can put your trust in the people making big money from them. Good luck with that!
Yeah my friend got three shots now she has ulcers in her rectum and diverticulitis She also had to have her veins scraped out because they were clotting not good.
😢
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Would pomegranates cause this issue I’m in a lot of pain
How much Vitamin D should I be taking i was diagnosed with Diverticulitis in my 30s I’m 47 now
Vitamin D is the one vitamin I take. I sporadically take 1000 IU, probably taking a total of 20k a month. If you’re known to have a deficiency then you may need more.
This not helpful as far as what to eat, during an episode . . .
I was diagnosed earlier this year and at this moment I have a flare up. I have chronic kidney failure and I'm on dialysis so I believe my diverticulitis stems from this because of the low strict diet of fibre and fluid. So here you can see my dilemma, is there any diet advice you can give? me,
It’s not fiber but phosphorus and excess potassium that patients on dialysis need to avoid. Your dialysis team should include a nutritionist and they should be able to point you to specific foods that meet those criteria.
Painful condition.
When a person has a history of good healing with antibiotics and a new doctor comes along and says just take tylenol then the poor guy get sentenced to a week or more of pain and lack of sleep etc and then goes to a real doctor who cares and finally gets the antibiotics he needs.
Or just go back to the first doctor and say we gave it a try for a week I’m still hurting. First doctor should say they’re sorry it didn’t work, appreciate you tried and give you antibiotics.
If we give everyone antibiotics off the bat we over prescribe them and cause problems. That’s not caring.
Thank you so much, very informative.
I am due for my colonoscopy ( 5 yr) due to polyps found previously. I currently have diverticulitis and am being treated .
How soon will it be safe to have a colonoscopy preformed after having diverticulitis?
Thanks
6 weeks is typically sufficient to have improvement of symptoms and be safe to proceed with the colonoscopy
@@MarkCooperMD
Thank you so kindly for your response, it is much appreciated !
I had a colonoscopy and other then 1 polyp it came back clear. Told me no need for another one because of my age. Then 3 months later I had some slight pain and nausea. Went to emergency and they did a CT scan and told me I have diverticulitis. How did it not show up on the colonoscopy? I’ve read colonoscopy can cause diverticula. How do I know for sure why I have it now?
It happened to me colonoscopy than short time later ended up with diverticulitis my primary care thinks the procedure brought it on but we need them to check for cancer what are you going to do that's life@@groovetunes
Dr Mark, what type of diet should you eat during that six weeks? High fiber ? Low fiber? I really don’t know whats best
No antibiotics. if i didnt have them I would be here
Sounds like you had a severe case which would be prescribed antibiotics. Mild cases don’t usually need antibiotics and by their name, mild cases aren’t severe and don’t cause big problems.
I had an MRI about 7 years ago where the doctor notified I had diverticulosis. At the time I only had symptoms which they referred as IBS. And gallbladder attack. (Gallbladder was removed). A couple years ago, I believe I was having a flare up- left lower abdomen. The hospital gave me a CT scan with iodine(?) The doctor on staff that night said he didn’t even see diverticulosis. I was bloated, and throwing up bile. I’m 55, female. Wondering how it was seen on MRI and not CT scan. ? I noticed that while I was on antibiotics for my tooth, the pain subsided in my lower left abdomen.
I was in hospital two years ago for two weeks. Did not have a bowel movement in 14 days so set a record at the hospital. I was on morphine which at first I refused to take. However the pain was so great that I gave in. At some point I was told I have to have surgery. But so far I am okay. Also people I know have had surgery and still have diverticulitis. I am not a heavy set person. My mother had it as well. So I am thinking of taking MCT oil do you think this can help? Also interested in any new treatment.
I'm sure that was like passing a mahogany chair leg!!!
@@rangerwhite5165LOL!
Thanks for sharing this information. I was diagnosed with uncoplicated diverticulitis last month and I had repeated soft flare up 2weeks after i finished antibiotics. The pain is manageble but i have severe GERD in mean time. What the best medicines for GERD in this cases? I am 37 is pretty depressing.Thank you!
SAD … standard American diet is behind this.
Good summary.
Great information here! I’ve had my colostomy for a while now after having a very bad case of diverticulitis that had me hospitalized for almost a month. You brought up a very good point with the pain medication and antibiotics that I now have a question about. Prior to my surgery and hospitalization I had been treated for what I was told was only a hernia at the time. I had previously had a small case of diverticulitis that had gone away entirely and I wasn’t having issues. Months later I’m dealing with the hernia situation and my doctor put me on traumadol for the hernia and that alone. I ended up back a short time later feeling more pain than before and this time with a fever. Not long after that I was hospitalized at a different hospital. My question is could the traumadol have made things worse?
I was diagnosed with mild diverticulitis after my colonoscopy at age 61. I was in shock. I eat healthy meals, eat high-fiber diets, exercise daily, and hike up high-altitude peaks. My BM is regular. Sometimes twice a day. Sometimes I will have very mild BM discomfort before using the bathroom. How on earth did I get diverticulitis? It could be stress or eating seeds.
It’s neither. It’s genetic. Which means your good living wasn’t going to prevent it but likely has helped it to remain a mild case. Blame your great great great…grandparents.
I'm the same. Train every day, good diet, plenty of water, normal weight. Had discomfort in lower left side (sigmoid) and diverticulitis was confirmed after a colonoscopy last week. It's one of those things.
By some comments I read online maybe it has to do with the time of day you eat, like if you have food sitting in your intestine overnight or something? Just putting it out there as a potential factor. I'm just starting to learn about all this
Pain relief and PPI’ (proton pump inhibitors) ? I was having a lot of neck pain and sick migraines took such meds for couple of years…… Colonoscopy ten years ago fine now moderate to severe DD on CT Scan…….
Painful
It almost KILLED ME ❤
We are glad it did not. If I may ask - Did you have a perforation or abscess? Did you have a drain or resection? Hope you continue to mend. Thanks for watching.
@@MarkCooperMD I had a perforation from a abscess...had sepsis had a drain...now have colostomy bag.This happened Christmas day of last year..hope to have a better Christmas this year?I was told I am lucky to be alive..I am forever grateful to the surgeon/nurses/god and all the wonderful people that saved my life...god bless 🙏♥️
I got this and colostomy bag put in there but after 5/month lick what they fistula meaning they need to cut opened my belly again cause need to cleaned found out is 3/liter and cause this I got blood infection/septisis , I almost dying
I eat fiber every night. Eat tons of whole foods nothing processed. Had popcorn the other night flared up
I eat steaks like crazy no issues
Been scared a 100 times it feels like. Im glad they can do it different now
Does any food activate the diverticulitis what can you do to prevent it from hurting all the time cramping up is there certain foods you can eat or certain foods you can’t eat
Oh wow you're on a Mediterranean Diet & still ended up with diverticulitis?
Easiest and cheapest way to improve health is more clean aqua
Im surprised they don't use targeted lasers to just remove the little spit instead of removing section of the colon.
Sharks with lasers. Dr. Evil tried that. Doesn’t work.
Can somebody tell me what to eat that wont make me bleed? They only told me the seeds and nuts thing.
Great video since I landed in the ER with my 3rd attack in 20 yrs. I feel I’ve done a good job with diet and lifestyle but during my CT scan it showed a AAA. I have a f/u with my PCP, but wondering if I should ask for a referral to address the AAA??
All depends on the size of the AAA which your pcp will know. Often they can simply be monitored. You appear young so having a AAA suggests possible connective tissues disease for the aorta to balloon early in life.
Scar tissue can also form on a surgical area after years later diverticulitis could be dangerous
Great video! You did tell is that bacteria and/or viruses can get in to the little pouches and thus cause diverticulitis. You did not talk about what causes the pouches in the first place. I have seen other videos that say it's mainly from straining on the toilet. Do you agree with this?
What meds relieve cramps and gas,??;
I was eating plant based vegan foods but they were high in sodium when my second attack happened. It makes me wonder if high sodium could be the cause? I can't figure out what I did wrong to have a 2nd attack only 2 months after the first one.
I agree. High sodium does seem to correlate. Whether that’s because of sodium itself or that these same foods are more highly processed isn’t clear.
Can you cite research I can obtain to share with my doctor when they say that a cat scan is THE ONLY way to diagnose diverticulitis? 3:59
If they say it’s the only way they diagnose it then a paper won’t change that fact. For most places CT remains the standard. Some ER docs use diagnostic imaging at the point of care.