diverticulitis

[Cornburglar]

Went to the hospital with LLquadrant pain. CAT scan reveals diverticulitis. I'm assuming my poor diet, inactive lifestyle and inclination for the opiates caused the constipation which caused this disease. I'm wondering though, given an increase in activity, upping my fiber/improving my diet and using colace, can i continue to dabble with some opiates?

[candy]

I imagine you could. Did the doc tell you that is what caused your diverticulitis?

[candy]

Bulk on fiber! But from foods, not from Metamucil and the such! Increase your water intake tenfold! And Colace is important for those on opiates!
I imagine your constipation is caused by the opiates and a stool softener will help. Opiates slow down the gut, so fiber won't necessarily do the job!

Increase your activity as well!

[Cornburglar]

I imagine you could. Did the doc tell you that is what caused your diverticulitis?


It was an ED diagnosis. I've been to see my primary doc but I think I want to see a specialist. I had a fistulotomy a few years ago so I'm on record with a colon-rectal surgeon. I didn't disclose my opiate use to my doc. Of note, I'm pretty young (36) to be getting all diverticular up in here so I imagine the combination of opiate abuse (pills & pods) inactive lifestyle, pretty low fiber diet, previous fissures (I lost 70 lbs on a low carb diet and wrecked-um my rectum a few years back) have probably lead to the diverticulae. What I want to do is avoid further problems so I spose if I'm going to play, I have to pay; meaning exercise and eat right.... oh well, we can't all be young and beautiful forever. Like my 76 year old grandmother says... getting old isn't for pussies!

[Cornburglar]

Bulk on fiber! But from foods, not from Metamucil and the such! Increase your water intake tenfold! And Colace is important for those on opiates!
I imagine your constipation is caused by the opiates and a stool softener will help. Opiates slow down the gut, so fiber won't necessarily do the job!

Increase your activity as well!

So colace isn't necessarily the same as a laxative? I have some but use it intermittently because I was afraid of becoming laxative dependent. If I can take it automatically qd without that risk, I will.

[exitwound]

It was an ED diagnosis. I've been to see my primary doc but I think I want to see a specialist. I had a fistulotomy a few years ago so I'm on record with a colon-rectal surgeon. I didn't disclose my opiate use to my doc. Of note, I'm pretty young (36) to be getting all diverticular up in here so I imagine the combination of opiate abuse (pills & pods) inactive lifestyle, pretty low fiber diet, previous fissures (I lost 70 lbs on a low carb diet and wrecked-um my rectum a few years back) have probably lead to the diverticulae. What I want to do is avoid further problems so I spose if I'm going to play, I have to pay; meaning exercise and eat right.... oh well, we can't all be young and beautiful forever. Like my 76 year old grandmother says... getting old isn't for pussies!

That's for damn sure.

Fiber, docusate sodium (stool softener), a good laxative, the right kinds of antacids for special occasions, and other beneficial supplements including:

*Bromelain
*Multi-strain probiotic (just acidophilus isn't nearly enough)
*Turmeric
*Ginger
*Holy Basil
*A zillion others targeted at digestive irritation, inflammation and other symptoms

.....add it all up and exercise, while very important, will not be the #1 most critical thing to change. These supplements and diet changes are probably #1 with exercise and general better self-treatment being a close second.

[candy]

I agree with the Colace daily. You want to avoid laxatives altogether. I don't recommend Fiber supplements, especially those such as Metamucil or Citracel. I did work in a GI clinic for a few years before I left the hospital and saw what can happen with those types of fiber supplements. They are really not recommended for anyone who has a decrease in the motility of the gut.
Increasing your fluid intake is important and yes exercise...Exercise increases the motility in your GI tract and not only will it help in decreasing your constipation, but in your overall health. Believe me I am not out there everyday myself for a jog, but a brisk walk even for 20 mins a day is a great way to start and it will help to decrease your constipation.
Try to bulk up on fiber through foods if possible. Not that I am against herbal supplements in anyway, I just encourage the use of foods to get the things we need.

I imagine the diverticuli is due to your opiate use. Chronic constipation causes those pouches in the colon from the pressure the bowel exerts to move those hard stool through. Well, I am sure it can be explained in more technical terms, but you get the picture and yes, I would go back and see my GI doc.

Constipation is more common in women than men. Not sure what gender you are, but it is often seen as a common complaint of women.

Avoid foods with seeds as they can get caught in those pouches and cause the diverticulitis.

[exitwound]

Yeah, seeds are a key problem. As are tough meats like steak (I'm a vegetarian, lol).

One of the best laxatives out there is Senna, a plant extract.

[katomic]

So is this a risk to all users? It sounds scary so is eating more fiber the key?

Cornburglar hope you don’t mind me asking but how did you wreck your rectum? Opiates? Just im a little scary

[Cornburglar]

So is this a risk to all users? It sounds scary so is eating more fiber the key?

Cornburglar hope you don’t mind me asking but how did you wreck your rectum? Opiates? Just im a little scary

Low carb - high meat diet. That's one sure fire way to do it.

[exitwound]

So is this a risk to all users? It sounds scary so is eating more fiber the key?

Cornburglar hope you don’t mind me asking but how did you wreck your rectum? Opiates? Just im a little scary

Opiate use does carry some additional risk of GI damage over time if you don't manage your constipation.

Eat well, get plenty of fiber, take laxatives and stool softeners regularly, and drink TONS of water! Opiates are also dehydrating.

[katomic]

Ok thanks guys from now on its wholemeal everthing. and more shit pills, and ginger it helps with the high too

[exitwound]

Ok thanks guys from now on its wholemeal everthing. and more shit pills, and ginger it helps with the high too

definitely!