I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago.

The doctor removed a couple of polyps and found a diverticulosis pouch. It was not considered anything to worry about.

I have had 3 flareups since. The first couple were about 6 months apart. The last one just 4 months from the previous one. Antibiotics have cleared it up pretty quickly each time. The family doctor is getting concerned they are happening more frequently.

I am pretty healthy otherwise for a 58 year old. I lift weights regularly, don't smoke or drink. Any of y'all have experience with this?

Both my mom and step father have had recurring diverticulitis issues the last 5 years. My step father is about in your same general age and physical fitness level, sounds like. He ended up having some of the problem area cut out at the end of last year since his flare ups were becoming only months apart. From everything I have heard it was a fairly simple recovery and he wishes he would have done it sooner.

Thanks for the reply!

3 flare ups over the course of about 16 months isn't terrible. New research even suggests that the vast majority don't need antibiotics or any treatment.

Surgery can be pretty benign. Don't laparoscopically. Just make 2-3 incisions, stick cameras, in, resect out the troublesome segment, and put it back together. Usually in the hospital for 1-3 days until you start pooping again.

There are dietary modifications that are recommended. I think there's some debate on how much they really do. But eating lots of fiber, ensuring you're never having hard stools, staying hydrated, and avoiding seedy things like seeds, popcorn, etc.

Thanks bigtruck!

I had a flare up the first time about 3 years ago. Thought it was gas or just something I ate. Pain continued to increase. Went to the Doc. & he figured it out quickly & stopped it with antibiotics & me cleaning up my diet.
Got it again a year later after 4-5 days of eating garbage during the holidays.

I've had a couple of minor flare ups since due to dehydration & crap food (lots of meat) but since I know what it feels like I've been able to handle without going to the Dr.

As soon as I get any pain in the area, I immediately go into fasting mode. Water & bone broth for 24-36 hours. Things usually subside pain wise at that point & then I add back in white bread & white rice for another day or two. Then I make sure I'm hydrated & getting plenty of fiber.

Thanks Apache! I have not tried fasting yet. I was out of town for a week before this started acting up and ate horribly.

Don't eat popcorn

BigOil said:

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Don't eat popcorn

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that's actually a misconception...

For me my biggest trigger food was nuts. Once I stopped eating them, I have only had one flare up in the last 2 years. I think that one was caused by eating a lot of fresh raspberries- all those little seeds. Hopefully you can figure out what causes your flare ups and cut out that food.

The two worst attacks I have had came from during eating like crap for the holidays or a vacation and being dehydrated during that same time since I was out of my routine and drinking less water and more alcohol. I have to avoid popcorn and okra in anything other than very small amounts and I sure as heck make sure I drink a ton of water if I eat those. Cherry tomatoes also tried to get me one time, but I managed to get that flare up under control quick as well. You just really have to pay attention to what is setting off the flare ups.