divericular disease

[shady241967]

i suffer from diverticular disease n recently had diverticulitis for the last 15 years my abdomen has been distended can diverticular disease cause this as all docs ive seen blame it on ibs

[boron]

When stool sticks in diverticula, bacteria may overgrow there, produce gas, and thus cause distension of abdomen. Diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics. Before that, you need a stool culture test.

[shady241967]

been treated for the diverticulitis n better now but suffer from diverticular disease guess that must be the cause of my distended abdomen n abdominal discomfort

[boron]

There may be (normal) bacteria in other parts of intestine (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), which produce gas. You may have a breath test to check that.

Other common cause of bloating is lactose intolerance. You may have a 3 days trial with lactose-free diet (NO dairy); if lactose intolerance is the cause, you should be better in this time.

[Padro46]

Boron,

Have a appointment with a gastro next week.  Have been sufering from EBV for about six months now, Stomach issues have been minor left/center pain, naesue have a family history of diver and my brother is currently being treated for liver canser.   What test do you think the gastro may order.  Do not want to just being doing something to be doing it?  Bear in mind I am 46 so ins. will not pay for a colonscopy.  Thanks

[boron]

1. Stool culture test, I guess
2. Blood test for EBV antibodies and signs of inflammation (white blood cells)
3. First test for diverticulitis is x-ray with barium enema.

[shady241967]

ive had the distention constantly for 15 years now

[zinobia16]

Boron is right.  I recently had issue with stomach distention and had a mirad of expensive x-rays and tests done (and I don't have insurance!).  Come to find out, I'm lactose intolerant.  I emptied the pantry and fridge of all lactose induced stuff, which by the way, includes whey, casein and bread...  I'm doing the lactose free diet and doing a detox-colon cleanse and man, I can't tell you how much better I feel.  I can't believe it was right in my face all this time -- of course, this comes $4,000 later.

[Padro46]

Thanks,  I know this is not the EBV forum but do you think my stomach issues could be due to that and possible side effects from taking Prevacid/Nexium,  Just dont want to leave the Colon Cansar stone unturned,but again dont want to do it unless necc.

[boron]

So, this pain and nausea are new symptoms,or they started with EBV infection? Or after Prevacid/Nexium? Why are you taking them - for GERD? Nausea and pain are side effects of Prevacid and also Nexium:
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/prevacid.html

Have you had a breath test for H. pylori done?

46 is early for colorectal cancer, nausea is not a typical symptom. If pain was from cancer, you'd probably bleed from the intestine. Maybe it's good if you have a hemmocult test for hidden blood in the stool.

[Padro46]

Pain and Nausea started about the same time as the EBV,  Took Prevacid a few years back after heart checks and the Doc said I had acid reflux.  Started taking it again Dec after chest pains.  Took it for six months straight now.  I think I had a blood test for H. pylori if there is a such thing about a month ago alond with Hep Panel all negative. My family doc has also sent the card home with me for the blood fecal test (negative) even though I think I see blood sometimes.   Well anyway hopefully I will have a good consult Tomm.  any other advise would be appreciated  Thanks

[boron]

Hemmocult may be negative (and it oftenis), when you give stool when you don't bleed. So you should have this test when you think, you bleed.

The first test for colonic cancer is rectal digital examination in doctor's office, you may expect this. Colonoscopy is the only investigation to exclude/confirm polyps/cancer. With sigmoidoscopy the last 30 cm of colon is checked, I guess this is cheaper. From what you've described, there's nothing what speaks for colonic cancer, except this blood - you should solve this, and if you can't get rid of worries, get a colonoscopy, you'll find money somewhere.

Nausea and pain are obviously from EBV, but EBV normally heals in 1-2 months, so you can ask infectologist about your situation and eventual tests.

[Padro46]

Thanks,  Had the rectal at my dr. office last week no problem there,  PSA normal.  Hve been told it sometimes takes (6) months to get over EBV   Thanks

[shady241967]

is there any reason my post has been hijacked

[Padro46]

Sorry,  just trying to get gastro info for appointment did not mean to hijack your post.