Kristen and Bailey *Family Photo 12/22*

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kristen, I'm so sorry to hear you've been so unwell. You certainly do need a holiday that is not spent in the Hospital. I hope you are well on the mend.

That is a lovely photo of you, Craig and Bailey.

[Phyrie]

Kristen, I'm very sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I got a very weird feeling while reading your post as, amongst other things, my doctor told me during my last visit with him that my CT scan showed diverticulitis AND an ovarian cyst! I don't even know what diverticulitis IS, but apparently I have it! I don't think it's an issue for me though, at least we certainly didn't discuss it at all. But I thought it was really strange that we BOTH were told we have the same things! Are we sisters from other misters, too?! LOL!

I'm happy to hear that Bailey is doing well, not that I had any doubts. That little guy is one of the most cheerful creatures I've ever "met"! Happy Anniversary to you and Craig, and have a great, no-more-hospital-included holiday!

[princelover]

Kristen, I am very sorry to hear that you have been so sick during this holiday season. Hurry and get better.
I loved your old photos, especially of your parents. They are both handsome people but I sat in shock at the picture of your mother. She could be an identical twin of my late daughter. Very eerie.
Give Bailey and Craig a big hearty Merry Christmas from me. Hugs.

[Kristen&Bailey]

Phyrie, I'm surprised that your doctor didn't talk much about the diverticulitis. Diverticulosis is when a little pouch forms in the wall of your colon. Diverticulitis is the inflammation/infection of that pouch. Once the diverticulitis heals up, you still will always have diverticulosis and will be at risk for diverticulitis in the future or for more diverticula (the pouch) forming. From what I have gathered from my research and from my doctors is that diverticulitis, is that is it pretty common in older people. It is pretty rare for someone my age to develop this condition. I have been advised to change my eating habits and be sure to be on a high fiber diet. The high fiber diet is believed to help reduce pressure on the walls of the colon and prevent more diverticula to form. There are a lot of people who believe certain foods contribute to diverticulitis such as small seeds/nuts that can get stuck in the pouches and then get infected, however the jury is still out on whether that is actually a factor. Diverticulitis can be a very serious condition if it is not taken care of and more diverticula form, sometimes required surgery to cut and repair your colon.

The ruptured cyst was less of a big deal for me. While I have been told that they are very painful when rupturing, I have no clue when it actually ruptured. I had my period last week so it is possible that it ruptured then and I mistook that pain for usual cramps (which are normally very bad for me). I was experiencing a lot of bloating and discomfort in my abdomen for a few days and I had 2 severe episodes of chills/fever/vomiting in the past week, one which occurred on Wednesday. Those are all possible symptom of another diverticulitis flare up so I assumed it was that, but the CT scan showed a ruptured cyst and excess fluids in my pelvic area which was what was causing my bloating discomfort. Apparently the chills/fever/vomiting are also symptoms of a ruptured cyst and upon my research online, the symptoms of the 2 are often similar and confused. Since it was only fluid and not internal bleeding from the cyst, they basically just sent me home with pain killers (which I don't need) and nausea medicine, and it is a waiting game for my body to absorb the excess fluid to get rid of the bloating feeling I suppose.

That is quite eerie that we were both diagnosed with the same things recently though! I'm glad that your diverticulitis didn't prove to be as much of a problem for you, if your doctor didn't even talk about it. When I had it over Thanksgiving, the pains that I was getting from it were some of the worst pain that I had ever experienced. I'm talking scream out loud, double over onto the ground, break out in tears pain. Not fun.

[Deerie me]

Oh Kristen, you poor thing. We never know what is going on when a forum family member goes quiet. I'm sorry to hear you have been suffering. I'm sure Craig is doing a good job of looking after you and it sounds like Bailey is being the best Bailey he can be. What a good puppy. I hope Christmas is less eventful in the health department. I hope you and Craig have a happy one.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Kristen, that sounds extremely painful. The symptoms also sound similar to appendicitis from what I remember. I had mine out at age 15 on the 18th of December and spent 5 days in the Hospital.

I foolishly thought you were wrapped up in Wedding Plans, as well as Holiday Plans. I hope the change in diet is helpful to you. Is Diverticulitis something that runs in families? You are quite young to have such a thing. No wonder you thought the cyst was another flare up of the Diverticulitis, and thank goodness your Doctor had the good sense to make sure.

I do hope you are well on the mend.

[Kristen&Bailey]

When I was first having my abdominal pains, I thought it was possibly appendicitis. I always forget which side the appendix is on, but google reminded me that it is your right side. Pains associated with diverticulitis are in your lower left abdomen. I am sure the pain is similar though.

I do not know if it is something that runs in families. As far as I know, it is not something that is common in mine. Unfortunately, I am not a very healthy eater... at all. This was a rude awakening for me that I need to change my habits and re-train my taste buds.

Thanks for all your concerns.