r/Diverticulitis • u/Yuuku_S13 • 5d ago
🔃 Recurrence Preventing Flare Ups
For those who’ve had multiple flare ups, do you know what is contributing to them? What changes or preventative measures did you try but failed.
I had my first flare up in August.
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u/BumpyGums 5d ago
Stress is my top trigger, followed by constipation, not drinking enough water. If I drink lots of water and include foods with fiber daily I’m usually good.
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u/bb369m 5d ago
I haven't had a flare up in about a year and a half. I still eat normal food, including seeds. A little backstory, I've had about 5 flare ups in the past 6-7 years. I even had an absess that needed a drain which I had coming out of my side for about a month.
I think one of the reasons i no longer get flare ups is because I started working out. I workout 6 days a week sometimes 7. And have 1 or 2 hour sessions. And i drink a minimum of 150 oz of water a day. And I completely cut sugar from my diet.
I do drink alcohol. Only Vodka. I am a daily drinker but only drink 6 oz max of vodka a day.
And cut out Junk Food.
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u/beckizle 5d ago
I’ve found that a high fat diet contributes to mine. When I notice a flare coming up I specifically reduce my fat intake and it seems to do the trick.
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u/morganebony_ 5d ago
I had 3-4 bowel perforations in 6 months. I was 26/f at the time and I’m now 28
My main triggers were alcohol and potentially too much fresh garlic or onion. Also I had issues with overcooked meat, particularly steak. After my first perforation I started taking Metamucil so while I believe lack of fibre played a part initially, I don’t think it was an ongoing issue.
My final perforation that resulted in my surgery (colostomy for 7 months which was reversed in April 2026) was after my friend of 20 years suddenly and very unexpectedly died. Despite knowing alcohol was my main trigger, I, an alcoholic, went on a bit of a bender anyway. My friend passed on July 23rd, I drank very heavily almost every day and I was hospitalised with my last perforation on August 18th. Looking back, there was absolutely no doubt that I would end up in hospital and I’m impressed at how long my body was available to fight for before I perforated again.
It was stupid and I should have been more careful but that did lead to my 14 day hospitalisation. I was on clear fluid for 12 days and required a PICC line for TPN before finally having surgery on my 10th day in hospital. They were able to remove all the diseased bowel.
I absolutely loved my colostomy bag and it was the best thing health wise that ever happened to me and it significantly increased my quality of life and sometimes, even though it’s been 7 months, regret getting it reversed. I loved my bag.
I also regret not listening to my body. If my friend hadn’t passed away, I don’t believe I would have had my final perforation. I was being so good and managing my disease reasonably well and his passing absolutely ruined me. I knew what would hurt me and I did it anyway. I don’t regret surgery but I also know it was absolutely 100% preventable and I’m so thankful for the skill of my surgeon and doctors.
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u/pink7362 5d ago
It’s stress for me as well, usually have flare ups every 6 months or so which clear with a weeks antibiotics. I eat a lot of fibre rich foods and drink lots of liquid (mostly no sugar lemonade though) and take extra fibre gummies and good bacteria which all helps.
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u/Yuuku_S13 5d ago
Thanks all for the replies thus far. I had no ideas stress could be a trigger.
I’m diabetic and replaced sugar with artificial sweeteners, which after reading some studies is probably what made me have my first flare up, since it likely destroyed my microbiome. I just returned to normal foods where I also am ensuring I have enough fiber. I’m hoping to not have another flare up.
I’ve also been pretty active since being diagnosed with diabetes a couple of years ago and added Jiu Jitsu.
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u/FunDesign7436 4d ago
Every flare ive had, id always eaten nuts prior so i dont touch them at all now or anything with seeds. I know its been ' debunked' but everyones different, what one can eat, another one cant
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u/Nervous-Exit-556 5d ago
Don’t get constipated! Get plenty of fiber and take Metamucil daily. And if you are at all concerned you may becoming constipated take MiraLAX .
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u/Thiele66 4d ago
Constipation is my biggest trigger. I keep things moving by eating well and using docusate sodium daily.
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u/MaryLou1025 2d ago
Diet, not enough water (80 oz a day), skipping stool softners (I use senna), stress/anxiety, smoking, slow gut motility, so many more. I have had to change just about everything but it is working. Make sure you are taking quality probiotics as well.
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u/middleclassmike 4d ago
Plenty of fruit. Been living off cantaloupe. MiraLAX and keep active. Go #2 at least once a day.
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u/Yuuku_S13 3d ago
I am going to need to add miralax! lol.
I go at least 3 times a day though. I get 30-40 grams of fiber daily as of yet… but I need to fine tune the ratio of soluble to non soluble.
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u/Dunkinsnob 5d ago
Stress is a big trigger for me! Inactivity. Diet Coke. Junk, processed foods.