My sensitive stomach

[Crankin]

Some of you may recall the medical odyssey I went on, about 10 years ago, with a variety of symptoms, mostly GI and others, just too diffuse to write about here. MY rheumatologist said I had fibromyalgia, but I still do not totally believe it, as I never had any of the "brain fog," or total exhaustion that goes with it. Really hard exercise sometimes does set off a weird intense exhaustion, but it does not happen consistently enough for me to do anything but take extra rest days.
So, in the course of this whole thing I saw a gastroenterologist on and off between 2005 and 2007. I had lots of tests, but basically, he told me it was stress... this with a family history of colitis. On one of my visits to the ER (where I am sure they called me a frequent flyer), a nurse told me it sounds like diverticulitis. The doctor sort of mentioned this in passing, but was insisting it was stress or a "gynecological problem." I had all of the tests for that, too.
So on Monday, I started feeling really crappy at work. It wasn't just the usual stomach pain, which presents in weird places, but I felt a little nauseous, too, and weak, a bit dizzy. The pain got worse that night, but I got up yesterday and went to spin. Bad decision. I was thinking I had a UTI, but noticed I was feeling worse after eating, particularly certain foods. I got an appointment to see the doctor (they nicely told me they get anyone over 60 in that day, if they think it's a UTI) after work, which thankfully, I could leave earlier than usual. So, no UTI. I saw a different doctor, not my PCP. She was pretty thorough and looked at me and said I have classic diverticulitis. And gee, the a**hole specialist of yore never tried treating me for it. Yes, there's an established protocol of antibiotics and diet.
I am allergic to Penicillin and the 2nd line of treatment was Levaquin. I said a big no to that, with it causing achilles collapse in endurance athletes, so I am on Bactrin for 10 days. There's a second drug they usually give you with the other, but she said it causes a lot of side effects and I may not need it. The worst part now, is the low fiber diet. I can do this maybe one more day... there is not a morsel of white flour products in my house and I am about 80% vegetarian, so I eat tons of veggies, beans, fruit. I love spicy stuff, too. I broke down and bought some jasmine rice to go with my plain chicken and mashed butternut squash for tonight. But, tomorrow, I will start adding some of the things I normally eat back in, staying away from things like broccoli.
I feel better, not perfect, but 90% improved. I was starting to get really anxious this morning, so I went to yoga and then, since it was so warm out, I went for a 30 minute walk. Just really pissed that I have had this, pretty much since I was in my 20s and no one ever treated it.

[ny biker]

Wow. How frustrating, in more than one way. At least you are feeling better now. I hope your diet doesn't end up too restricted. I will say, having recently had to give up Diet Coke cold turkey due to a hiatal hernia, that it's easier to stop wanting formerly-favorite foods and beverages when those foods and beverages clearly make you feel sick.

[Crankin]

I agree, NY, but if I had to eat a low fiber diet forever, it would mean giving up *everything* I eat. Like all of the spelt bread, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, brown rice, beans, most fruit and just about every vegetable known to mankind. Salads and wine. Nooooo! She said I could start adding the stuff back in so I will probably stay away from the cruciferous veggies for awhile, as I know they bother me. She gave me a sheet with foods that are ok or not ok for the diet and sample meals. It looked like a menu from the 50s.

[Catrin]

Glad that you found there IS a treatment for it, and I hear you about the frustrations from having to change your diet for a bit. May it only be temporary and you can add some of your favorites back in once you figure out those veggies that your body accepts.

I remember when I realized I needed to give up all grains, psuedo-grains, and beans - but it made me feel SO much better so quickly that it wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be. Lo these 5 years later I can finally sneak in the occasional slice of sprouted bread (and it MUST be sprouted - my body will tell me if the label lies), or very small serving of white rice (brown is still verboten). I CAN eat most veggies however, and that's a different ballgame entirely. NOW I'm amazed when people tell me how restrictive my diet is - it's far from that.

[Pax]

Crankin, that just stinks. We eat similar to the way you do, when I saw and old coworkers approved food list for her diverticulitis all I could think was "I'd starve". Hope you heal up quick.

[Crankin]

Well, I had an orange with breakfast this morning and so far, so good. I wonder what they tell a 100% vegetarian with this issue? The diet didn't even mention tofu or soy products, that's how old fashioned it seemed. I don't eat a lot of bread at all, but I do have all whole wheat cous cous, pasta, etc. Yesterday I had a piece of matzah for a snack, as I was desperate. Thankfully, DH likes to eat it year round, so we have it in the house.
I am staying away from the crunchy veggies and fruits until I finish the meds, but adding in other stuff slowly.