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Diverticulitis Pain. Anyone else?


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Last September, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis (then a 30-year-old).  The odd thing about my diagnosis, at the time I had my attack, I was working out very regularly, drinking ton of water, and eating healthy-ish. It was quite surprising. I digress.  I did a Whole30 almost 3 years ago, and after many failed repeats, I didn't ever get back on the wagon. Judge me. Point the finger. It is what it is.  I do fervently believe following this diet and lifestyle is the way to eat to maintain optimal health

 

Currently, I'm day 5 of a Whole 30, and I'm having increasing diverticulitis pain. My doctor just wants me to take Miralax to avoid constpiation, but my body responds to Miralax unfavorably. I tried an organic tea (which I still use occasionally) but the doctor told me that the tea could cause me to develop a dependency on the root in the tea. I should only use it occasionally.

 

Simply put, at 5 days in, my stomach is not happy with me with the increase in fiber. I'm not eating any raw food since the sudden change to high fiber is already given me issues, but I'm still having increasing amounts of pain.

 

Anyone else have any experience with this? What did you do? How do you avoid constipation? Does it get better?!  My first Whole30 was pre-diverticulitis, and I need this diet now more than ever.

 

Thanks

 

-Crystal-

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Also give us a run down on what you are eating.  Give details on portion sizes, what types of veggies, etc. There are some veggies that are notoriously hard on digestive systems and it may help for you to remove these items temporarily to help with healing.

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I've had regular Whole30 portion sizes of protein and veggies. Aside from the fruit, everything has been cooked, except one meal with spinach. In the last 5 days, I've a mix of the following:

 

Pears

Hard Boiled Eggs

Butternut Squash

Red Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Spinach (Cooked and once raw)

Sauerkraut

Onion

Local wild duck and pork sausage

Nitrate free Chicken sausage (several times for lunches)

Steamed broccoli

Mushrooms

Salsa

Avocado

Diced tomatoes (twice)

Green Apples

Grapes

Brocolini cooked down in chicken broth

Chicken

Sauteed green and red pepper

Ground Beef

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Hmmm - Have you ever heard a group of foods called FODMAPs?  It is not uncommon for us to uncover certain food sensitivities after a 2nd or 3rd whole 30.

 

I have highlighted the items that fall under the FODMAP category.  What is recommended is that you eliminate or limit exposure to these foods.  Very often we can eat these foods again once they are cut out for a while.  I also know that stress will exacerbate symptoms - so if you are super stressed right now - that is probably not helping your plight.

 

If you want to know more about FODMAPs read this article http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/08/modifying-paleo-for-fodmap-intolerance.html

 

 

I've had regular Whole30 portion sizes of protein and veggies. Aside from the fruit, everything has been cooked, except one meal with spinach. In the last 5 days, I've a mix of the following:

 

Pears

Hard Boiled Eggs

Butternut Squash

Red Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Spinach (Cooked and once raw)

Sauerkraut

Onion

Local wild duck and pork sausage

Nitrate free Chicken sausage (several times for lunches)

Steamed broccoli

Mushrooms

Salsa

Avocado

Diced tomatoes (twice)

Green Apples

Grapes - provided that you eat more than 10 at a time

Brocolini cooked down in chicken broth

Chicken

Sauteed green and red pepper

Ground Beef

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Were/are you eating seeds or nuts, including tiny seeds in tomatoes, grapes, berries, blackberries, raspberries, poppy, sesame, chia, shredded coconuts...any of those small seeds or nuts.   Were you told by your doctor to avoid these?

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Hi MeadowLily:

 

I was not eating the seeds nor any of the foods you listed (except cashews); however, I was told by my GI specialist that there is no known link between seeds and small nuts to diverticulitis pain. In addition, I was encouraged to eat them for nutritional value. The latest diverticulitis research is stating they are fine. Being that little is know about the cause of the disease, and little official ruling on the treatment, I'll take everything with a grain of salt. 

 

Were/are you eating seeds or nuts, including tiny seeds in tomatoes, grapes, berries, blackberries, raspberries, poppy, sesame, chia, shredded coconuts...any of those small seeds or nuts.   Were you told by your doctor to avoid these?

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Hi Carlaccini:

 

I am somewhat familiar with nightshades which can provide GI issues. I haven't eliminated them yet from my diet as I was hoping that a few weeks on Whole30 would help eliminate most of my symptoms. If I do not improve, then I will have to explore the other options. I will definitely research more of what you provided.

 

I appreciate you taking the time to give me so thorough an answer!  I'm on a path to getting healthy, and I hope to get off all medication and decrease my symptoms of disease.

 

 

Hmmm - Have you ever heard a group of foods called FODMAPs?  It is not uncommon for us to uncover certain food sensitivities after a 2nd or 3rd whole 30.

 

I have highlighted the items that fall under the FODMAP category.  What is recommended is that you eliminate or limit exposure to these foods.  Very often we can eat these foods again once they are cut out for a while.  I also know that stress will exacerbate symptoms - so if you are super stressed right now - that is probably not helping your plight.

 

If you want to know more about FODMAPs read this article http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/08/modifying-paleo-for-fodmap-intolerance.html

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Back in 2006 I suffered from Helicobacter Pylori and it was the worst pain I had ever suffered. I actually thought I was having a heart attack. It took a really great ER doctor to even ask for a stool sample in order to diagnose the bacteria. I was put on Losec RelicoPak. 

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