[Boomer]

Originally Posted by Nucky

Blame It On The Bossa Nova! 2 or 3 lbs. I gain that just thinking about food. You should feel good about that number it's Nothing to sneeze at.

Mrs. Abby, sorry for the stones. Just observed a case of Diverticu-something last week here at the Casa. The pain is far from nothing. Both patients are ,

Originally Posted by Abby10

You know, funny you should bring that up, Nucky. We think the ER may have diagnosed my husband wrong and are thinking the diverticulosis thing as well. Hubby called the hospital today and will be going there tomorrow to pick up a copy of all his records from the ER so we can review them ourselves. The only reason we found out was because we decided to change up his meds (you know how pharmacists can be ) and lo and behold his pain went away.....if that ain't a bunch of NOTHING! Anyway, thanks for your concern.

Dear Abby10 and Nucky,

Please forgive me for “eavesdropping” and then sticking my nose into your conversation, but before I leave the house today, I must comment here because you are talking about divertic- and that got my attention.

I am not a medical person. But I have two close friends up north who have suffered from diverticulitis. One was hospitalized. Both friends got through without surgery and have done fine since by making sure fiber in the diet is a part of every day.

Diverticulosis basically means “conditions exist.” But when, and if, inflammation sets into those little intestinal pouches, that is when the diagnosis is diverticulitis. An attack of diverticulitis can be diagnosed with a scan. I saw one of the scan reports. It had the words “uncomplicated diverticulitis” — and she was sent home with very strict orders to stay on a bland diet until the attack had subsided. She was given 2 prescriptions. (I think they were Flagyl and Cipro — but please, please do not take me at my word on those meds. I am not a doctor or nurse or pharmacist or PA or NP or a receptionist in a medical office. I do not know what the meds should be or even if I am remembering correctly what she got.)

Though one of my friends was hospitalized, both got through the attacks without surgery. Each has managed, so far, to avoid another attack by making Metamucil, or some other fiber supplement, a part of their daily commitment along with a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber rich foods.

One of my friends was told about the fiber thing when she was in an earlier attack and took that to mean she should start the fiber immediately — WRONG. That doc had said nothing about the immediate need for a bland diet during an attack. (Geez) Anyway, that bland diet often includes broth. There is bone broth available now in those boxes in the broth section. I think Pacific is the brand she used. She said the protein in the bone broth seemed to help her not to feel like she was starving as she let her intestines recover by giving them a rest. After recovery is when she started being ever faithful to fiber in her diet.

I debated this morning about whether to stick my nose in here with unsolicited “medical” advice. But I know the potential seriousness of diverticulitis. It is nothing to mess with. A scan for the definitive diagnosis is done during an attack.

You can find more information on the internet. If you type in “diverticulitis” it will take you to responsible sites like Mayo, etc.

I feel a little ridiculous, babbling on here this morning. I have never met you and I feel like I am barging in in a most public way. But I know how serious things could have become for my two friends who wrestled this condition and will have to continue to stay ahead of it.

And now, I must move forward with my day — hanging out with friends I can actually see. I wish you all the best of health. And if diverticulitis is suspected, an immediate scan might be in order.