Improvement whilst on liquid diet

[calluna]

Just an observation here.

I've just had a bit of a run in with diverticulitis, and I'm still perforce on a liquid diet, the thought of eating anything solid is just - nope, not a good idea. I've been eating like this, or rather, not eating, for about a week now, and although other things are certainly hurting rather a lot, I've noticed a real improvement in the PN pain. I think it is because my bowels are basically doing nothing at all right now - empty, and staying that way.

Usually I wake with no pain, it starts after a BM, and stays with me through the day. But at the moment, no BMs - and much less pain. Yesterday I was actually thinking the PN had gone - today, it is definitely still with me. But much, much less than before.

Not that I'd recommend this, of course! - but I just thought it might be of interest.

[Celeste]

I believe you! One of my sisters once was about to get some testing for suspected endometriosis pelvic pain. She ended up on a liquid diet for another reason, and voila, her pain complaint was ended. It was good that she avoided an exploratory surgery.

I've always felt that there's so much going on in the pelvis and it can be really, really hard to tease out which sensations are caused by which system. I'm really glad that you got a piece of the puzzle figured out here.

Very sorry about the diverticulitis; that can't be fun.

[calluna]

Funny how it goes, isn't it. It did take a full week of the liquid diet for the pain to subside - right now I am just appreciating the break!

And no, diverticulitis is not fun at all, jolly painful actually, despite the tramadol. I've never had it before. Hopefully it will start to settle down soon and never trouble me again, fingers crossed. At least that's the plan.

[TracyB7777]

WOW!!! To have eased or no pain, I'd be willing to try a liquid diet. Trying to get some vacation time off in the next couple of weeks and may just give it a try. What do I have to loose at this point but some pain and maybe a few pounds.

[pianogal]

I believe you. I've been tempted to try all liquids cause I remember when I had diarrhea and had all liquids one day what a pain decrease. I definitely feel an increase in pain with constipation, so why not a decrease in pain if the bowels are practically empty.

Maybe if we all went on all liquid diets we could cure ourselves???? Prob not, but wishful thinking.

[calluna]

It hasn't stayed gone, unfortunately, so it isn't a cure. I am now starting to eat very small meals sometimes, pain has come right back. As Celeste says, another piece in the puzzle at least. And I have lost 8 pounds too!

[pianogal]

wow- do you think if you had stayed on all liquids you'd be pain free? Or did the pain return WHILE on all liquids? (or did it return when solids were introduced?)
Gives you info on how your rectum is near the problem or puts strain on the tensioned nerves.
I am almost curious to try it... except I do love food.

[calluna]

I wasn't completely pain-free - but much much less PN pain. It was a lovely break!

Hard to tell about whether it would have stayed like that if I'd stayed on a liquid diet, because the other factor that occurrs to me is that I've been basically on bed rest. The return of the PN pain has come with the re-introduction of solid food - but that in itself came alongside a gradual increase in activity as I have started to get back to normal again.

Edited to add : And I do love my food too! It is so nice to have an appetite again.

[Ray P.]

I did a 19 day water fast to see if things would get better. It did not short term or long term. Coming off the fast was a struggle concerning BM.

Ray

[AliPasha1]

Hi Ray,
The forum members would really like to kno how you are doing after your redo surgery with Dr. Hibner.Have you witness any improvements after your surgery with him?Was he able to reconstruct your Sacrotuberous ligament during the surgery.Was your nerve still entrappped in scar tissue when he operated upon you?

Kind Regards,
Ali