Need some pixie dust please

[dolphinmickey9170]

Hello everyone. I just got home from the hospital Friday evening. Since Thursday, the 8th, I have been suffering with left lower quadrant pain. Not knowing what was wrong, I just went about my business as usuall, working Thurs, Fri and Sat 12 hour shifts. I didn't feel like eating or drinking much and by Sunday, I had lost 5 pounds. When I arrived at work Sunday morning, one of doc (I work in an ER) asked me what was wrong as she could see the pain in my face. I really didn't want to discuss it, seems silly now, but I was embarrassed at the time. Once I explained to her my symptoms, she grabbed my shoulders and directed me to a room, started an IV, pain meds, nausea meds, and ordered a lot of blood work, 3 xrays and a cat scan. After all that, the cat scan showed I have diverticulitis (outpocketing in my colon). These outpockets were inflamed and infected causing my pain. Not ever having this before, I was at a loss. I told my mom and she explained to me that her mom had it as well and died from complications from it. Her mother had let things go and she perforated her bowel and was septic. When she finally went to the ER, it was too late. This was 37 years ago and I know times have changed, but it still freaks me out.

After being in the hospital for a week on pain meds and heavy antibiotics, I can't seem to shake the nausea.

I was given a strict diet to follow for the first week after discharge and then another diet after that. This will be a new way of life for me as I love all the things I can no longer have. Also, having a WDW vacation in 24 days, I am afraid of what will be available for me to eat. We have the dining plan and I don't want to waste a bunch of money on food I can't eat.

Please send prayers and pixie dust.......and any thoughts regarding treatments, diets, dos and don'ts that may have worked for you or your loved one. Also, any ideas about our upcoming trip.

Thanks for listening.
Kristen

[ElenitaB]

Kristen, I was so sad to see you posting to ask for pixie dust.

I'm glad that one of your colleagues "tied you up" and got you to run some tests. Diverticulitis is very painful so I can only imagine what you were going through.

I've had run-ins with lots of heavy-duty antibiotics (IV and oral as well) and, yes, they most certainly will nauseate you. Keep your meals small and light, and it will help some. I never had to do the Saltine routine when pregnant but I did so last year when I was on antibiotics for at least two months. Tea and teensy portions became my "best friends." I found ginger tea to be helpful but ginger ale not so much. Flat Coke (put a little water in it) and old fashioned cola syrup also helped some.

You might rethink using the DDP (though I did when we went in May 06... just as I was coming out of my 5+ week antibiotic funk). Also remember that the chefs will work with you. Call ahead of time to make them aware of your special needs and bring copies of your dietary regimen with you.

Here's some anti-emetic

Hope you're feeling better before you know it!

[SBETigg]

Kristen, and best wishes. I don't know much about the condition except that my grandmother was hospitalized with it about ten years ago and she's doing very well now. Sorry you're going through pain. I hope it works out for you soon.

[Dsnygirl]

Kristin, I'm sending you some right away that everything goes fine w/ this transition to new foods, new diet, etc... and that you don't have another flare-up anytime soon!! And especially that everything goes well on your trip -- I don't know a lot about diverticulitis, but I know a few people that have it, and after they got used to the prescribed changes and things to watch out for, they've done great -- and actually feel better than they did before!! Good luck to you!!

[mickey&missy]

Lots of sent to you Kristen! I'm glad the dr took care of you and that your doing better now! I hope the nausea goes away soon.

My Grandmother had diverticulitis. I remember that she wasn't suposed to eat anything that had seeds because the seeds could get caught. She wasn't very good at following that though.

I hope everything works out ok and you a wonderful vacation!

[merlinmagic4]

Wow, you are tough!! to you and I hope you feel much, much better for your trip. I think the Disney chefs will work with you but, if you feel you can't do all the food, you could ask if you could cancel the dining plan part. I hope you have a wonderful trip! Let us know how you are feeling!

[IloveJack]

I don't know much about this condition other than what you've just posted, but I do know about following strict diets, and I have to say as frustrating as they are in the beginning, you will adjust, and soon you'll forget about what you're missing. I feel so much better when I stick to my diet, that I don't care to eat those other things. I do hope the Disney chefs will work with you, and that you won't feel you've wasted your money with the DDP. Have a great trip!

[DisneyWhirled]

As I said in my e-mail, I hope that you are feeling better real soon! Rest and take care, and hopefully by WDW time, you will feel better!

Keep us posted!

Prayers and pixie dust on its way....

[kakn7294]

Hey Kristen! I hope you're feeling better! You've been in my thoughts and prayers since you told me what was going on a few days ago. I don't know much about the disease since I do cardiology but most people that I know with the disease really only have to avoid foods such as nuts, seeds, and corn and try to stick to a high fiber content in their diet although during flare-ups, we usually feed them a liquid or really bland diet with a low fiber content. The good news for your trip is that Dole Whips should be fine on your diet!!! I don't know which restaurants you and Ben have lined up for your trip, but you could look at the menus now and make some decisions about what you can eat well before you even get there. Don't forget, you can also make special requests based on your medical needs! I hope you're feeling better by then but if not, tell Ben I can make that huge sacrifice and go in your place - I'd do that for you guys. on a speedy recovery!

[dolphinmickey9170]

Thank you all for the well wishes, thoughts and prayers. Today seems to be a better one as the nausea only lasted about an hour this morning. Geesh, I'd swear, if I didn't know any better, it was morning sickness all over........NO NOT POSSIBLE!! Only a few more days on this Levaquin and then hopefully the sickies will go away. I start back to work on Thursday, at least I don't have to cook turkey day, Katy is taking care of that for me. So far, everything I have eaten has been okay, just taking it small and slow.

Kathy, while I appreciate the thought, I don't care if I'm the worst pain of my life, I just can't let this trip go by.

Karen, thank you so much. I'll keep you all informed as to the progress. And thanks again for setting up our ressies. I can't wait. Even Katy is getting excited.

[PirateLover]

to you and good luck with the diet! While none of my issues are as serious as yours, I am also supposed to follow a fairly strict diet. It is HARD!!! I'm glad you're OK now though, hopefully you'll still have a marvelous time on your vacation.

[ElenitaB]

Originally Posted by dolphinmickey9170

Thank you all for the well wishes, thoughts and prayers. Today seems to be a better one as the nausea only lasted about an hour this morning. Geesh, I'd swear, if I didn't know any better, it was morning sickness all over........NO NOT POSSIBLE!! Only a few more days on this Levaquin and then hopefully the sickies will go away.

Levaquin? Just the name is enough to make me want to

Feel better soon! Here's more that you're feeling 100% in time for your trip!

[disneydeb]

and to insure a healthy trip coming your way! Good luck and enjoy your trip!

[faline]

as you continue to recover!

[RedheadWriter]

to you. I hope that everythign will turn out fine for you!
Rachel

[MsMin]

Sending and well wishes. I had trouble when I was finishing my thesis and the doc said it could develop into diverticulitis but luckily I haven't had any more problems. It's amazing how much stress can effect your colon.
I would be afraid of the ddp too; but, if you can find anything to eat you might as well be on the plan and maybe they can help you with your diet.
Have a wonderful trip, try not to worry.....

[mrsgaribaldi]

I hope you're feeling better soon. Here's some for a quick recovery and a great trip