First had issues after being in hospital in 2021 with Pericarditis. I often had stomach and chest pains and was in hospital for 6 days. No mention of any other ailments but was heavily given Ibropufen as a pain killer. Ultrasound showed fatty liver and Pericarditis and scan also showed hernia at the appendix scar. I had been getting stomach issues for about 2 yers before this. But still no diagnosis and was discharged from hospital with no advice.
Over the next year or 2 until 2023 I suffered severe bouts of diarreah and stomach pains but got nowhere with my doctors other than given various PPI’s for acid reflux.
Gilbert
In July 2023 I saw one of our female doctors who examined me and quickly decided that I should have a faecal calprotectin test which came back as raised. This then led to referral for a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy. The Colonoscopy procedure was done in May 2024 and showed some diverticular issues in the sigmoid and some flat polyps which were removed for biopsy. Thankfully nothing was amiss on the polyps. The Endoscopy was done in September 2024 showing erosion in the stomach and slight erosion in the Duodenum. Possibly caused or at least not helped with the amount of Ibuprofen given in previous hospital stay. I heard nothing from my doctors regarding the results or the polyps until I asked 6 months later when I was due my annual blood tests. This is maybe how NHS Scotland is run by a Scottish Government that are clueless or it might be my doctors.
Past Medical History
In 2001, I contracted Lyme disease after a tick bite. Cleared with antibiotics. Various other times I was given PPI’s for acid reflux which was really a stress and anxiety problem due to work environment. I am an ex smoker who stopped in October 2022 and worked a shift pattern 5 on 2 off 5 on 2 off 5 on 7 off on early late and nightshifts. This in itself was not healthy and the job was very stressful .On the days off there was a tendency to sometimes overindulge in lager intake and more so on days when playing bowling club games. Alcohol now is very limited and often non existent. I am unfit and well aware of it , especially when working on my allotment but a lot of that is self inflicted due to lack of motivation to excercise or to set targets. I have also lost over 20Kg since 2022 but most of that was in the first 2 months without trying.
More Case Studies
Had you or friends and family any previous knowledge of diverticulitis?
No.
What treatment and follow up have you had?
No treatment or follow up as yet although was referred to a dietician and that took 8 months to get a telephone consultation. The dietician then decided my diet was good to reasonable and better than hers. She then decided to have a follow up 3 months later. It is now nearly 8 months after the proposed follow up date with still nothing.. The dietician also said she knew very little about Diverticulitis . Once again NHS Scotland failings.
Living with diverticulitis. How do you cope with it? Have you changed your diet?
Record what you eat, beware it might be 24 hours later you feel the affects. Start a food awareness diary. Remember you are not alone with this. Exercise where and when you can, even if it is only indoors. Importantly TRY AND REDUCE STRESS and stay clear of possible anxiety causing situations
