For many people, diverticulitis arrives without warning. One day life is normal. The next, you’re in hospital wondering what is happening.
That was exactly what happened to Bill Walker, who was diagnosed with diverticulitis at the age of 77 while living in southern Spain.
Although his first attack was frightening, Bill has gradually found ways to adapt without letting the condition take over his life.
A Sudden Trip To Hospital
Bill’s first symptoms appeared around two years ago.
“I had acute pain in my stomach and bowel, then I developed a fever.”
The combination of severe abdominal pain and a fever led doctors to admit him to hospital immediately. Over the next few days he underwent blood tests, an X-ray and a CT scan while receiving intravenous fluids and being monitored.
Once the fever had settled, he was discharged with a 10-day course of antibiotics and instructions to follow a temporary diet of water and clear soup.
Like many people, Bill had never imagined he would end up in hospital because of diverticulitis.
Recovery Was Not The End Of The Story
Following his hospital stay, life gradually returned to normal.
“I’ve had a few niggles since then.”
Those occasional symptoms were manageable, but recently Bill experienced another significant flare.
His latest episode came during an exceptionally hot spell in southern Spain, where temperatures stayed above 35°C throughout much of May and June.
Bill cannot say whether the heat contributed to his flare, but it is one of the factors he remembers from that period. Many members of Diverticulitis Club have also wondered whether dehydration or prolonged hot weather affects their symptoms, although experiences vary considerably from person to person.
Other Health Conditions Add Another Layer
Diverticulitis is not Bill’s only health challenge.
He also lives with Type 2 diabetes and leukaemia.
Despite this, he describes himself as active. He does not smoke, enjoys a glass of red wine and walks his dog five times every day.
His experience is a reminder that diverticulitis often exists alongside other medical conditions, making treatment decisions and symptom management more individual.
Learning As He Goes
Bill says neither he nor his family knew anything about diverticulitis before his diagnosis.
After leaving hospital, there was no ongoing treatment or follow-up.
Instead, he has gradually made his own adjustments.
The biggest changes have been:
- Eating smaller portions.
- Cutting back on very spicy foods.
These changes seem to suit him, although he recognises that what helps one person may not help someone else.
That uncertainty is something many members of our community recognise. There is rarely a single diet or routine that works for everybody.
His Advice To Others
When asked what he would say to someone newly diagnosed with diverticulitis, Bill keeps it simple.
“Try and live your life. I know it can be hard.”
It is a message many people need to hear.
Living with diverticulitis often means making sensible adjustments rather than giving up everything you enjoy. There may be setbacks, periods of uncertainty and times when symptoms return unexpectedly, but many people find a balance that allows them to continue doing the things that matter to them.
What We Can Learn From Bill’s Experience
Bill’s story reflects several experiences that regularly appear within the Diverticulitis Club community:
- A first attack can come completely out of the blue.
- Fever alongside severe abdominal pain often leads to emergency hospital assessment.
- Some people recover well but continue to experience occasional flare-ups.
- Small dietary adjustments may be more sustainable than dramatic restrictions.
- Living with other health conditions can make diverticulitis feel more complicated.
- Many people receive little follow-up after leaving hospital and end up learning through experience.
Every person’s journey is different, but sharing real stories helps all of us feel a little less alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Some people experience only one episode, while others have occasional flare-ups over the years. The frequency and severity vary from person to person.
There is currently no clear evidence that hot weather directly causes diverticulitis. However, some members have noticed flare-ups during periods of extreme heat and wonder whether dehydration may play a part. Staying well hydrated is generally sensible, especially in hot weather.
Not necessarily. Bill found that eating smaller meals and reducing spicy food suited him. Other people identify different triggers, while some find they can return to eating most foods once they have recovered. Diet is often highly individual.
Have You Had A Similar Experience?
Did your first attack come out of nowhere? Have you noticed symptoms during hot weather, or found small changes that make life easier?
Share your story in the Diverticulitis Club forum or send us your story. Every personal experience helps build a clearer picture of how people really live with this condition, and your story might reassure someone who has just been diagnosed.
