For over eight years now, I have lived with a medical problem that can be extremely uncomfortable if not monitored with a specific diet. Being the first in my family to be diagnosed with Diverticulosis, I assumed myself to be the least healthy as well as the most carefree when it comes to the pleasures of eating. I had always thought this was a genetic disorder, passed down and around to family members until my diagnosis at only thirty-eight years of age. However, after my sister was diagnosed with the same problem, and then quickly followed by both our parents’ diagnosis, I came to realize I caught mine at an earlier stage than they had. It is not genetic, unless you look at the human race as those who pass it on. After the age of forty, the chances for a person to be diagnosed with Diverticulosis increases every ten years. Half the population of people between the ages of sixty and eighty years old will suffer from this colon disorder. And almost everyone will be afflicted with Diverticulosis by the age of eighty and above.
Diverticulosis is a disorder that affects the inner layer of the colon due to no fault of the patient, yet it can be controlled with proper diet. When flare-ups reoccur, even the terminology changes, and Diverticulosis becomes Diverticulitis. Along the wall of the colon, polyps, or small growths, are formed. However, if diet is not balanced to keep the polyps from infection, it can soon become Diverticulitis as food particles get wedged in the polyps and they become swollen with infection. This is when the pain and fever take control.
The main symptom of Diverticulosis is the constant bowel irregularity. I know that when I am regular, everything in my system is acting as it should. Unfortunately this is a rare phenomenon for me as I go through long, excruciating periods of the discomfort of diarrhea after everything I eat. I find it very difficult at times to be very far from a restroom. During flare-ups, I find it necessary to see a doctor for antibiotics in order to knock out the infection and reduce the fever, but I try not to let this happen often.
The causes of flare-ups leading to Diverticulitis are found in very specific foods. Anything small in size such as tomato or cucumber seeds, spices that have not been ground to a fine powder, small grains, and the most difficult thing for me was to give up my sunflower seeds. The small particles of food can and will become trapped in the polyps of the Diverticulosis affected colon. When the particles of foods settle, the polyps become inflamed and eventually infected.
The only time I was able to keep my Diverticulosis from increasing to the “it is” condition was when I followed a strict high protein, low carb diet, minus the small food morsels from tomatoes, cucumbers, and sunflowers, along with other such foods. I found myself regular and without any discomfort from my bowel disorder. Unfortunately, my willpower weakens at times, and because of that, I find myself sitting on the “throne” with pain or making a run to the doctor for another dose of immune reducing antibiotics.
Besides proper diet, my only other choice to control the symptoms of Diverticulosis is to have the polyps surgically removed as both my parents had to go through. Or if they are very serious and cluttered in one area of the colon, then that portion of the large intestine must be removed for any relief. My sister went through the removal of a section of her colon. Thinking I was the only sufferer of Diverticulosis in my family turned out to be very wrong. I actually have suffered the least.
Diverticulosis is one of many colon problems that a person can experience in their lifetime. On the most severe end of the spectrum is Ulcerative Colitis. Not unlike Diverticulosis, ulcerated Colitis also affects the colon, however, it will also affect the rectum and can become very serious. After severe infection in the colon from symptoms of Diverticulitis, the cells begin to die and the polyps can become ulcers.
The most common symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis are, like Diverticuitis, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. More serious symptoms are anemia, fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite (I have never suffered from that…unfortunately), rectal bleeding, loss of body fluids and nutrients, skin lesions, joint pain, and growth failure in children.
Certain foods and stress is not the cause of Diverticulosis or Ulcerative Colitis, as the expert’s state, but they can trigger the symptoms. As a sufferer myself from a bowel and colon disorder, I do, however, suggest taking care when dining. Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis, and Ulcerative Colitis are not disorders you want to experience anytime soon. Procedures to endure when you are afflicted with colon problems are not a ride in the park.
The colonoscopy is the first of the extreme discomfort when searching for a diagnosis. After drinking what seems to be a few gallons of colon cleanse, you stay on the “pot” until water is the only thing flushing through you. You then have a mile-long tube inserted through the rectum. There is a small video device at the end of the tube so the doctors can study the scenery throughout your colon as the tube travels its way through you. Although you are somewhat sedated, this is not fun!
Next, you may have to go through surgery. As stated earlier, the removal of polyps or a section of colon may follow a severe case of Diverticulosis, however, if the affliction you have been diagnosed with is Ulcerative Colitis, the worst case scenario is to have the entire colon and rectum removed before going through the rest of your life with a “waste pouch” to clean out after passing your food through what digestive system you have left.
Diverticulosis can lead to Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative Colitis can lead to colon cancer. Diet and plenty of water can reduce the chances of one symptom or one disorder leading to another. Stay healthy because, according to the statistics, eventually you will have to endure the discomfort of at least one bowel disfunctioning disorder.
