Diverticulosis

[geisha]

Hi, I was diagnosed with diverticulosis just before leaving home for Thailand. The printed diet my specialist gave me has all European foods on it. Of course, they do not correspondd to what and how we eat in Thailand.so I do not know what I can and cannot eat here. For example, well cooked vegetables, where here it's all stir fried.Now I have become constipated and am not allowed to use laxatives. I am also on a 3 month course of Flagyl for the inflammation. I've seen this illness mentioned lately in the news as the King suffers from it. Does anyone know where I can get information here, I'm near Pattaya, or does anyone have this same illness and can give me advice. Thanking you in advance.

[cheshiremusicman]

Hello Geisha,

I had the same problem some 18 or so years ago and was told there was no 'Real Treatment' for it by the specialist and started to do my own research on it. After months of hunting on the internet I found a vague reference to the use of the leaf of the 'Neem' tree. and traced a supplier in the UK called (surprisingly) 'The Neem Company'. I sent off for some of their capsules, which was very inexpensive, about 6 UK pounds for 40 capsules and took them religiously for some 8 months. As it was stated that there were NO side effects known from taking this herb I decided to take 4 times the recommended dose for the 2 months - so this equated to taking to taking 8 capsules a day. I then reduced it month by month until I was only taking 2 a day. At the end of the 8 months the terrible pain that his causes had almost ceased and I continued taking the capsules for another 4 or so months afterwards. I am happy to say that I have not had ANY further problems since then.

I was due for a checkup with the 'Specialist' at the end of 9 months and when I went I informed him of what had happened - Guess what? He didn't want to know. I offered to have another test to confirm that I was now cured, but he just ridiculed my request.

NOW, here's the really good news if you trust me? This 'Neem' tree also grows in profusion here in Thailand and is called the 'Sadoa or Sadao' tree. Go and get some of the leaves and let them dry naturally and then use them to make a 'Tea' with hot water. Take this infusion three times a day and I am sure that you will find the results remarkable. I wish you luck and good health. The 'Tea' has a very bitter taste, but what the hell.

P.S. This 'Neem' has been used in India and China for thousands of years - just Google it and have a read.

[Sheryl]

For a low-fiber diet, the prominence of white rice in the Thai diet is perfect. You will need to avoid the various "yam" (salads) and also stir fried dishes with lots of vegetables. I think the curries would usually be fine, also the soups, as both of these are well cooked. Ditto the variations of "khao tum" (rice soup") often eaten at breakfast. The various noodle dishes would usually be OK, just omit the uncooked garnishes.

Most fish dishes will be fine as well as the broiled chicken found in all the markets, assuming you are not in an acute pahse needing no fiber (these are low fiber).

Eggs, omelets ditto.

This condition is much less prevalent in Thailand than it is in the West. Should you need medical care with it while here, recommend:

1. Dr. Chucheep Sahakitrungruang at Chulalonghorn Hosp and also available at Bumrungrad Hospital and Bangkok Christian Hospital

2. Dr. Varut Lohsiriwat at Siriraj Hospital

[geisha]

For a low-fiber diet, the prominence of white rice in the Thai diet is perfect. You will need to avoid the various "yam" (salads) and also stir fried dishes with lots of vegetables. I think the curries would usually be fine, also the soups, as both of these are well cooked. Ditto the variations of "khao tum" (rice soup") often eaten at breakfast. The various noodle dishes would usually be OK, just omit the uncooked garnishes.

Most fish dishes will be fine as well as the broiled chicken found in all the markets, assuming you are not in an acute pahse needing no fiber (these are low fiber).

Eggs, omelets ditto.

This condition is much less prevalent in Thailand than it is in the West. Should you need medical care with it while here, recommend:

1. Dr. Chucheep Sahakitrungruang at Chulalonghorn Hosp and also available at Bumrungrad Hospital and Bangkok Christian Hospital

2. Dr. Varut Lohsiriwat at Siriraj Hospital

[geisha]

Thanks for this advice. It's good to have the name of a good doctor on hand too.

Any more advice welcome, fruits I can eat here's?

[Sheryl]

Thanks for this advice. It's good to have the name of a good doctor on hand too.

Any more advice welcome, fruits I can eat here's?

Only cooked or canned fruits would be allowed on a low fiber diet...pretty much all raw fruits contain significant amounts of fiber.

I'm assuming your doctors have placed you on a low fiber diet because there was some inflammation (diverticulitis) as well as the diverticulosis (osis = the pouches, itis= they are inflamed) and your bowel needs a chance to rest. Because for diverticulosis alone, with no inflammation, the preferred diet is high fiber (which is also the best way to prevent the condition).

This is a good overview of the condition http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/diverticular-disease/Pages/facts.aspx#eating

[geisha]

Thanks for this advice. It's good to have the name of a good doctor on hand too.

Any more advice welcome, fruits I can eat here's?

Only cooked or canned fruits would be allowed on a low fiber diet...pretty much all raw fruits contain significant amounts of fiber.

I'm assuming your doctors have placed you on a low fiber diet because there was some inflammation (diverticulitis) as well as the diverticulosis (osis = the pouches, itis= they are inflamed) and your bowel needs a chance to rest. Because for diverticulosis alone, with no inflammation, the preferred diet is high fiber (which is also the best way to prevent the condition).

This is a good overview of the condition http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/diverticular-disease/Pages/facts.aspx#eating

[geisha]

Thank you Sheryl, just one more question. Low fiber diets lead to constipation, and I'm on my way there fast. I have been completely regular up till lately. What can I do about this, as I read that laxatives are not advisable.? It's awful having such tiny and spaced out BM.thanks again.

[Sheryl]

You need to check with your physician but often pysillium based laxatives (like Metamucil) are used since these give some bulk while keeping it soft. Hard stools are definitely to be avoided but so are strong laxatives.

[Kitsune]

You are right geisha, low fiber diet leads to constipation, and constipation is really what you should avoid.

Eating a High fiber diet should help you.

Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis)

Herniation through the muscle wall is caused by increased pressures upon the colon that are necessary to move the small hard fecal mass that is the usual consequence of the American low-fiber diet. Laws of physics explain that constricting pressures in a hollow organ are higher when the diameter of the organ is small. The few hard fecal pellets left in your gut by hamburgers and fiber-less white bread fail to fill the colon to a capacity that allows for easy, low pressure flow of the residue.

Contrary to what was once popular opinion, the addition of fibers in the form of brans or high fiber foods has relieved symptoms in 90% of cases of severe colon disease, even with recurrent pain and bleeding. A high fiber diet will also decrease the likelihood of developing new diverticuli.

https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/health-science/common-health-problems/diverticular-disease-diverticulosis-diverticulitis/

[geisha]

Hi kitsune , unfortunately, I have an inflammation of the diverticula so all high fiber food is to be avoided . In France I usually eat lots of fiber, fresh veg, fruits , cereals etc, and was never constipated. So as long as I'm on this low fiber diet given to me by the specialist, im afraid im going to continue to be constipated. Which is why I would like to know which laxative is safe to take for someone suffering from diverticulitis disease. As soon as I am allowed, I will be back on a high fiber diet. I will be calling my Dr today to ask if I can take Metaucil , or Fybogel, which are bulk forming laxatives and seemingly ok to take with my problem.

Further help welcomed ! Thanks.

[geisha]

Hi all, phoned my doctor 2 days ago and he advised a laxative called Lactulose or Microgol. I got the Thai equivalent of Lactulose from Boots, called Duphalac, oral solution . I bought three sachets. I took one the first night, and the next morning had a half normal bowel movement, of which I was very glad. The second morning was a bit more difficult without taking a second Duphalac, so I might try another one tonight. I do not want to become dependant on them.

My Doctor also said I could slowly introduce fiber back into my food, so I'm starting that. Hopefully it will all work out.