Discharge Instructions for Diverticulitis

You have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. This is a condition in which small pouches form in your colon (large intestine) and become inflamed or infected. Follow the guidelines below for home care.

As you recover

Tips for recovery include:

Eating a low-fiber diet at first while you recover. Your health care provider may advise a liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest so that it can recover.
Eating foods, such as flake cereal, mashed potatoes, pancakes, waffles, pasta, white bread, rice, applesauce, bananas, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, and well-cooked vegetables.
Taking your medicines as directed. Don't stop taking the medicines, even if you feel better.
Keeping track of your temperature and reporting any rise in temperature to your provider.
Taking any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed. Don't miss any and keep taking them even if you feel better.
Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.
Using a heating pad or hot water bottle to reduce abdominal cramping or pain.

Preventing diverticulitis in the future

Tips for prevention include:

Eating a high-fiber diet. Fiber adds bulk to the stool so that it passes through the large intestine more easily.
Continuing to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.
Starting an exercise program. Ask your health care provider how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities, such as walking or gardening.
Treating diarrhea with a bland diet. Start with liquids only, then slowly add fiber over time.
Watching for changes in your bowel movements (constipation to diarrhea).
Preventing constipation with fiber and adding a stool softener if needed.
Getting plenty of rest and sleep.
Avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, if possible. They increase the risk of diverticulitis.
Not smoking.