Ouch!!

Simply stated, you have to be paying attention, and take action when necessary. The pain in my lower abdomen was on the left side, so I knew it was not my appendix along with the comfort of knowing that it was removed when I was 15 years old. So when the pain escalated to a sharp stabbing pain that screamed, "You can not ignore this!" I went to the doctor. Naturally I assumed it couldn't be a simple matter. So when the doctor asked if I have ever had any colon issues, I replied that I am 'up to date' on my colonoscopies...[Thank you very much!!] And she immediately pulled up those results electronically. The word diverticulitis was there in black and white. I guess that since I did not have any overt flares, I must have not given it the proper respect. "Hop up on the table." Hop? What is she...nuts? I haven't hopped since playing hopscotch at ages 6-12.

She pressed in a couple of places and then ...

"Does it hurt here?"

Las Vegas bells, whistles, and neon lights all activated. ooph!!

"You have diverticulitis. I am pretty certain. I am going to give you two antibiotics, go very easy on what you eat...no nuts, seeds, popcorn, spicy food... liquids for the rest of today and if it doesn't start to immediately back down, we will go from there. Certainly, if it gets worse or a fever occurs, call me immediately."

Of course the bad news for me is that there will be no arthritis meds til the antibiotics are done.

Life is a series of trade offs. I'm not complaining...just stating facts.

That was Monday. This is Friday, and thankfully the pain has subsided. I am familiar with the dietary program of diverticulosis as my mom and brother have both had an issue or two with it, as well as several friends, too.

Bye bye strawberries. Bye bye nuts and seeds. Bye bye popcorn....WHAT?

I don't think so!!

Really, now. Enough is enough.