I've got Diverticulosis AND a hiatus hernia and if one isn't playing up it's the other.

Currently its the hiatus hernia and I feel like shit!

Anyone got any good tips?

My sympathies.
So sorry, but I have not got any real tips for your conditions.

I had bowel problems getting worse all the time, and they almost went away when I switched to a GF diet.

Do you think changing the diet a bit might help? Might reduce gas. Other than that, less stress, don't lift heavy objects, don't get constipated, don't bend over, elevate the head of your bed a little and try not to get a cough/cold.

Have you tried Metamucil? I was recommended it by an ex-colleague years ago and it worked a treat for down-there problems. Teaspoon and a half each morning keeps me very regular - might help with the diverticulosis.

Cool, thanks. Next time I go to the Drs for my blood test I'll ask for the gluten intolerance one.

Thanks Wol. Yes I do have that sometimes before bed if I think I haven't had enough fibre. Maybe I'll try it every day, when I take my fish oil in the morning.

I have a hiatus hernia which used to give me no end of problems - had acupuncture and never had a problem since

Mate, i've had bad guts all my adult life. Not sure whether to be proud.
i've been known to clear a bathroom in double time.

Cool, thanks. I'll try anything!

I have a friend who's a gastroenterologist. I'm currently letting him beat me at Words With Friends, so he owes me a favour. You need an appointment?

Never thought I would say this but can you get yourself tested for food intolerances in general - not just the gluten intolerance test (and if you do that one, you really have to load up with gluten based products before you do the test). I was very sceptical when my chiropractor advised me to get a blood test done for a wide range of foods - the research was ambivalent at best- but once I dropped all the things they pin pointed (drop them for about 3 months then gradually reintroduce) the weight fell off (as it needed to!), I no longer needed shares in Zantac or buscopan and, bonus, I stopped snoring and having sleep apnoea events almost overnight. Haven't had any indigestion, reflux, diverticulitis issues since and that was nearly 3 yrs ago. I have reintroduced a whole lot of my intolerant foods for occasional consumption but the one I still always know when I have eaten it is beef - my guts still don't like it! It's a blood test you have to pay for but what have you got to lose? My husband actually brought back my report from Aus yesterday - I had my test done by Allergy Services, Tanilba Bay 2319 - no affiliation etc etc but they worked for me

That's very kind. Thanks, I might take you up. I'll see how this latest flare up goes.

Thanks very much for that. I'm going to have to get this sorted out. It's definitely getting worse.

Yep mine is far too big I blame middle age spread. Nothing that a bacon slicer can't cure though

To prevent diverticulitis avoid foods that can get stuck. ie sweetcorn, things with edible pips, nuts (unless very well chewed.)

Antibiotics can help and be sure to always drink lots of water.

Good luck with it all.

You need to take a good quality probiotic. Try avoiding milk or use lactose free milk (Liddels long life), rice milk, almond milk. Avoid soy products unless you want man-boobs.

Eat a fresh as possible and avoid packaged foods where possible so that you aren't eating additives & preservatives.

Drink lots of water.

Excercise is very important for good gut function.

Get a good zinc supplement - go to a health shop they are very knowledgeable about gut issues.