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Diverticulosis Discharge Instructions

. This may happen when the stool is hard. Then, pushing during a bowel movement raises the pressure in the bowel. The pressure can cause pouches or bulges to form. Most often, they do not cause a problem unless they become infected. This is called diverticulitis. When both bleeding and an infection happen, this is diverticular disease. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Do not wait to have a bowel movement. Go as soon as you have the urge.
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Talk to your doctor if you are drinking less fluids due to a health problem.
  • Get regular exercise.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


Most often with diverticulosis you will not need to take any drugs. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


When you are in pain, you may need to rest in bed. To ease the pain, use a heat compress on your belly. This should last only for a few days. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Talk to your doctor about any changes you need to make to your diet. ‚  
  • You do not need to avoid seeds, nuts, corn, or other similar foods.
  • You will need to eat food rich in fiber and drink more water.
    • Eat 5 or more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
    • Eat 6 or more servings of whole-wheat grain breads and cereals.
    • Try to get 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day. Read the labels to learn how much fiber is in foods.
  • Do not drink coffee, tea, or beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).

What problems could happen?


You may develop diverticulitis, which may cause: ‚  
  • Pockets or pouches in your bowel may be infected or filled with pus.
  • Hole or tear in your bowel
  • Part of your bowel to become narrow
  • You to need surgery

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


The best way to keep from having diverticulosis is to keep your bowel movements soft and normal. To keep more pouches from forming: ‚  
  • Eat more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day.
  • Work out often.
  • Talk with your doctor about adding an over-the-counter (OTC) fiber product to keep your stools soft.
  • Overuse of some pain drugs can cause hard stools; talk with your doctor.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Mild pain or cramping in the lower part of the belly
  • A feeling of bloating in the belly
  • Belly pain that gets worse
  • Blood in your stool
  • Upset stomach or throwing up
  • Stools get too loose or too hard
  • Long-term hard stools
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have pain or cramping in my lower belly or I have more belly pain.

Where can I learn more?


American College of Gastroenterology ‚  
http://patients.gi.org/topics/diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis/ ‚  
FamilyDoctor.org ‚  
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/diverticular-disease.html ‚  
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚  
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diverticulosis/index.aspx ‚  
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/464/viewAbstract ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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