Saturday, November 17, 2007

Mom Had Another Diverticulitis Attack

My mom never says anything when she is hurting. I can tell when something isn't right by her mannerisms. She sleeps a lot more than usual. I realized she is taking more pain pills. They always make her sleep. She doesn't want to eat . I notice her sitting in her chair with her legs drawn up. All of these things tell me she's having a direrticulitis attack. She didn't have to go to the hospital this time.

Reasons that brought on this attack:

* eating powdered donuts every morning for breakfast (process food)
* not drinking enough water
* not eating enough fiber
* not eating enough fruit and vegetables
* not enough exercise

Since I haven't had luck getting her to change her habits...I'm working on a compromise. Changes I've made in her diet:

* added a serving of fruit to her breakfast and limited her donuts to
2 days a week.
* introduced oatmeal and farina and a serving of fruit to the
mornings.
* added a serving of jello with fruit to her lunch.
* added a salad to supper every evening.
* added dried fruit to her snacks she eats during the day.
* added a jello with fruit to her evening snack.

She's starting to feel better. So far, she's been receptive to the changes I'm making in her diet. When these have all become a way of life, I'll make more changes. We are walking together down to the mailbox every day. (it's a start)

My mom is almost 80 years old. My goal is to keep her from having these diverticulitis attacks by gradually making diet/exercise changes she will accept. I want her to be healthy and happy.

Continuing this jouney.....one day at a time.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Explanation of Diverticula....Diverticulosis....Diverticulitis

It is not unusual for people over the age of 55/60 to have diverticula....better known as small bulging pouches. They are usually are located in the digestive tract. This is called diverticulosis. When they become infected or inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.


Diverticula:
* These are the small pouches that develop when weak spots give way to
pressure.
* The pouches are small at first and grow larger over time.

Diverticulosis:
* Normally occur in large intestines.
* Can form anywhere. Includes esphogus, stomach and small intestines.
* These pouches normally don't cause any problems, you won't know you have
them.

Diverticulitis:
* The inflammation or infection of the pouches normally located in large
intestines.
* The pain from an attack normally is severe and comes on quickly. It
normally feels like appendicitis, except the pain is on the left side.
* Sometimes a person will have mild pain which will get worse over time.
* Person may also have abdominal tenderness, fever, nausea, and constipation
or diarrhea.