diverticulitis Archives - Granite Peaks Gastroenterology of Utah

Diverticulosis is defined as the presence of diverticula (pouch-like protrusions) in the wall of the large intestine. Diverticulosis affects approximately 60% of the U.S. population by age 60. It affects men and women equally, and it may run in families. Once diverticula form, they do not go away. Diverticulosis may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The most common presentation of symptomatic diverticulosis is a condition called diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis occurs when a diverticulum becomes inflamed and/or infected. Approximately 5% of people with diverticulosis develop diverticulitis during their lifetime, and the incidence increases with age. The pain of diverticulitis is constant and is usually located in the left lower abdomen. A low-grade fever, nausea and altered bowel habits are common symptoms. Complications affect 15-25% of patients and may include bowel perforation, abscess formation, peritonitis and bowel obstruction. The diagnosis of diverticulitis is best accomplished with a CT scan.

Most patients who develop diverticulitis can be treated at home and for these patients, a 10 day course of antibiotics is very effective. Typically this consists of a course of Ciprofloxacin and Flagyl. Alternatively, in some cases, Augmentin may also be used. Many patients benefit from a clear liquid diet for the first few days until they are feeling better. Generally, the elderly, those who are immunocompromised, those with other significant medical problems and those with high fevers should be hospitalized.

It is generally recommended to undergo a colonoscopy 6 weeks after recovery from diverticulitis. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to assess the extent and severity of the diverticulosis and to rule out underlying polyps and cancer. However, this may not be necessary if a colonoscopy was recently done.

Up to 50% of people have recurrent bouts of diverticulitis. Subsequent episodes are NOT associated with higher rates of complications, unlike previously thought.

Surgery to remove the affected section of large intestine may be considered for those who fail medical management, those with recurrent bouts of diverticulitis and those with complications such as peritonitis or obstruction. Surgery may also be considered for patients who have low immune systems and for those under the age of 40. If surgery is required, it is usually done laparoscopically.

There are many ways to try to prevent diverticulitis. Patients should increase fiber consumption to 15-30 grams per day. This can be done through diet by consuming such things as fresh fruits and vegetables, bran and whole wheat bread. Constipation should be avoided and a daily fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, can be helpful in accomplishing this objective. Additionally, there may also be benefit from physical activity, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Finally, contrary to popular belief, nuts and seeds are NOT associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis.

The physicians at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology would be happy to answer questions you may have about diverticulitis or any other GI conditions.

“I miss his hands. He had these really strong, loving hands that always made me feel safe. When I see others with similar hands, I always think of my dad,” reflects Jenny Chavez, who lost her dad, Joe, to colon cancer four years ago. “He really should still be here. We still need him,” adds Jenny, who regrets that they were not more aware of this kind of cancer and how easy it is to prevent.

Joe was the loving patriarch of a family that included six kids and a plethora of grandchildren as well as stepchildren and step grandchildren. He babysat his grandchildren and surprised them with mini-adventures. Jenny’s son, Cameron, was always close to his grandfather’s side. “Dad called Cameron his little sidekick,” recalls Jenny, pointing out her dad’s enthusiasm for family road trips and adventures hiking or riding snowmobiles or four-wheelers. “He embraced life and loved his life,” says Jenny. “He worked hard and played hard always including his family.”

Despite Joe’s enthusiasm for life, he was stubborn about going to doctors. “He was a tough guy and always had the attitude of ‘I’m fine, I can handle this,’” admits Jenny. She attributes some of his hesitancy to seeking out medical care to being self-employed and scarce health insurance options. Joe was an electrical contractor. It was only when Jenny found him at home, feverish and sick and barely being able to walk, that she got him to the hospital. He was diagnosed with diverticulitis and an infection had formed; when the doctors went to drain the abscess they found a tumor. He had Stage 4 colon cancer and passed away four years later at 60.

“If he had gone in for a colonoscopy at 50, which would have been six years prior to the diagnosis, I honestly believe that it would have saved his life or at least caught the cancer earlier allowing for a better prognosis.” Jenny laments that she knew so little about the importance of colon cancer screenings yet was well-educated and diligent regarding screenings for breast cancer. No one in her family had ever had colon cancer before.

“I would have really pressed my dad to get screened if I had been more educated,” says Jenny, who now reminds her brothers regularly to get screened as they approach 40 (the age appropriated to those with a family history). She herself has had three colonoscopies as a result of other conditions. “It’s so easy, especially considering the alternative. Watching my dad die was painful.” Jenny talks openly now with her children and other family members about the screenings and being more educated about the risks of colon cancer in their family. “My kids know as they get older that this is just something we do—it is part of the routine of how we take care of ourselves,” explains Jenny.

When Jenny misses her father—especially on his birthday or Father’s Day—she visits his grave or re-visits memories or meditates to be with him again. Grateful for what he modeled, Jenny has learned to live life in a similar way. Joe was a fair and honest man who put a high value on integrity and put 100% into everything. Jenny adds, “he showed up unconditionally for others; always available as a support system for others.”

“Taking care of yourself is not only about you; it is about everyone that surrounds you,” stresses Jenny. “If you were to be gone, how is that going to affect the people that love you?”

Let My Heartache be Your Wake-up Call is part of a Centers for Disease Control Campaign to build awareness about the importance of colon cancer screenings.

Tag: diverticulitis

Diverticulitis – What You Need To Know

Let My Heartache Be Your Wake-Up Call