My Diverticulitis Story: From Diagnosis to Managing Daily Life

That morning started like any other. I was preparing for a business meeting when the pain hit—sharp, persistent, and terrifying on my lower left side. Within hours, I was in the emergency room, bewildered and scared. The diagnosis came shortly after: acute diverticulitis. I had never heard of it before, but it would soon change everything about how I lived.

I'm sharing my story not because it's unique, but because I know how isolating this condition can feel when you're first diagnosed. If you're reading this while lying in a hospital bed or recovering from your first flare, know that you're not alone. There is a path forward.

The Day Everything Changed

The pain began gradually. For several days, I'd felt bloated and constipated, with mild cramping that I attributed to stress or something I ate. I'd been working long hours, eating poorly, and ignoring my body's signals that something wasn't right.

When the severe pain started, it was localized to my lower left abdomen—a classic symptom of diverticulitis, though I didn't know it then. By afternoon, I had a fever of 101°F. My primary care physician advised me to go to the emergency room immediately.

The ER doctor ordered blood tests and a CT scan. The results showed inflammation and infection in the diverticula (small pouches) that had formed in my colon. I was diagnosed with acute diverticulitis and admitted to the hospital.

"You have these small pouches that have formed in your colon wall," the doctor explained. "One or more of them have become infected and inflamed. We need to treat this aggressively with antibiotics and bowel rest."

I spent five days in the hospital on intravenous antibiotics and a clear liquid diet. The experience was humbling, frightening, and the beginning of a journey I never expected to take.

The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis

The psychological impact of the diagnosis hit me harder than the physical pain. At 42, I considered myself relatively healthy. I exercised occasionally, ate what I thought was a varied diet, and had no major health concerns.

Learning that I had a chronic condition that would require lifelong management sent me into a tailspin of anxiety and depression. Questions flooded my mind: Would I ever eat normally again? Would I end up needing surgery? How would this affect my career, my relationships, my quality of life?

The fear of another painful attack loomed constantly. For months after my diagnosis, I lived in a state of hypervigilance, scrutinizing every twinge or discomfort in my abdomen. This anxiety about my health began affecting my sleep, my work, and my relationships.

Learning and Adapting

After my hospital discharge, I became obsessed with understanding my condition. I read medical journals, joined online support groups, and consulted multiple gastroenterologists. The learning curve was steep, but knowledge became my most powerful tool against fear.

I discovered that diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula) is extremely common, especially as we age. By age 60, about half of people in Western countries have diverticulosis. However, only about 15-25% of those people will ever develop diverticulitis—when those pouches become inflamed or infected.

Understanding the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis was my first breakthrough. It helped me realize that having diverticula didn't doom me to constant flare-ups. With proper management, many people go years or even decades without a recurrence.

The Dietary Journey

The most challenging adjustment was changing my diet. Initially, I received conflicting advice:

• "Avoid seeds, nuts, and popcorn at all costs."
• "Eat all the fiber you can."
• "Seeds and nuts are fine; the old restrictions were based on outdated thinking."

Through trial and error, and working with a registered dietitian, I discovered what worked for my body. The old prohibition against seeds and nuts has indeed been debunked by research. However, I did need to dramatically increase my fiber intake—gradually, to avoid digestive discomfort.

I developed a personalized nutrition plan that included:

1. High-fiber foods: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes became staples in my diet.
2. Adequate hydration: At least 8-10 glasses of water daily to help fiber do its job.
3. Regular meals: Eating at consistent times helped regulate my digestive system.
4. Food journal: Tracking what I ate and how I felt afterward helped identify potential triggers.

I discovered that stress, dehydration, and certain processed foods were my personal triggers, while many foods I'd initially feared (like tomatoes and strawberries) caused no problems at all.

Developing My Management Strategy

Beyond diet, I needed a comprehensive approach to managing my condition. My strategy evolved to include:

Medical Management

I established a strong relationship with a gastroenterologist I trusted. We created a monitoring plan with regular check-ups and clear guidelines for when to seek emergency care.

I also prepared a home treatment protocol for mild flares, with my doctor's approval. This included:

• A clear liquid diet for 2-3 days
• Rest and heat therapy for pain
• Prescribed antibiotics to keep on hand
• A timeline for when to escalate to medical care

Stress Management

I came to understand that stress was a significant trigger for my symptoms. Research has established clear connections between psychological stress and gut inflammation. I implemented several stress-reduction techniques:

• Daily meditation practice
• Regular gentle exercise, particularly yoga
• Therapy sessions focused on chronic illness acceptance
• Setting boundaries at work and in personal relationships

Physical Activity

Finding appropriate exercise was challenging. Intense workouts sometimes triggered discomfort, but remaining sedentary made symptoms worse over time. Through experimentation, I found that regular, moderate exercise actually improved my digestive health:

• Walking 30 minutes daily
• Swimming twice weekly
• Gentle yoga focusing on abdominal relaxation
• Avoiding heavy lifting during sensitive periods

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Living with a chronic condition isn't just a physical challenge—it's an emotional journey with distinct stages similar to grief:

1. Denial: Initially, I hoped my diagnosis was a mistake or a one-time event.
2. Anger: I felt resentment toward my body for "betraying" me and toward others who could eat and live without these concerns.
3. Bargaining: I tried to negotiate with reality, thinking if I just found the perfect diet or remedy, I could make the condition disappear.
4. Depression: As the permanence of my condition set in, I experienced periods of profound sadness.
5. Acceptance: Gradually, I came to accept diverticulitis as part of my life—not defining me, but requiring respect and accommodation.

This emotional journey wasn't linear. Even years later, a flare-up can temporarily send me back to anger or depression. The difference now is that I recognize these emotional responses and have tools to work through them more quickly.

Creating Community and Purpose

One of the most healing aspects of my journey has been connecting with others who understand. Initially, I felt isolated—few of my friends had heard of diverticulitis, and those who had often confused it with irritable bowel syndrome or other conditions.

Finding online support groups was transformative. Sharing experiences with others who truly understood provided validation and practical advice that even the best medical professionals couldn't offer.

This sense of community inspired me to create Diverticulitis.life. I wanted to build the resource I wished I'd had when first diagnosed—combining medically accurate information with the real, lived experiences of people managing this condition daily.

Lessons Learned

Seven years into my diverticulitis journey, these are the most valuable lessons I've learned:

1. Listen to your body: Minor symptoms can provide early warning of a potential flare. Addressing these promptly often prevents a full-blown attack.

2. Personalize your approach: What works for one person with diverticulitis may not work for another. Your management plan should be as individual as you are.

3. Build a support team: This includes medical professionals, understanding friends and family, and connections with others who have the condition.

4. Prepare for setbacks: Even with excellent management, flares may occur. Having a plan reduces fear and enables quick response.

5. Balance vigilance with living: While awareness is essential, hyper-focusing on the condition can diminish quality of life. I've learned to be mindful without being controlled by fear.

6. Share your needs: Clear communication with family, friends, and colleagues about your condition helps them support you appropriately.

7. Find meaning: Using my experience to help others has transformed something painful into something purposeful.

Looking Forward

Diverticulitis has changed my life in profound ways—some challenging, but many unexpectedly positive. I'm more attuned to my body's signals, more disciplined about self-care, and more empathetic toward others facing invisible health challenges.

I no longer see diverticulitis as the enemy, but as a part of my health that requires respect and attention. Like many chronic conditions, it's not something to "beat" but to manage and live alongside as gracefully as possible.

If you're early in your diverticulitis journey, know that the overwhelming feelings of fear and restriction typically ease with time. You'll develop your own relationship with this condition, find what works for your unique body, and discover that while diverticulitis may limit certain aspects of your life, it need not define your entire existence.

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This personal story reflects my individual experience with diverticulitis. Your symptoms, triggers, and effective management strategies may differ. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice tailored to your specific situation.

Have you been diagnosed with diverticulitis? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Or, share how you've developed your own personal management plan.