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:

• Eat a low-fiber diet. Your healthcare provider may advise a liquid diet. This gives your bowel a chance to rest so that it can recover.

• Foods to include: flake cereal, mashed potatoes, pancakes, waffles, pasta, white bread, rice, applesauce, bananas, eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, and well-cooked vegetables

• Take your medicines as directed. Do not stop taking the medicines, even if you feel better.

• Monitor your temperature and report any rising temperature to your healthcare provider.

• Take antibiotics exactly as directed. Do not miss any and keep taking them even if you feel better. 

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless directed otherwise.

• Use a heating pad or hot water bottle to reduce abdominal cramping or pain.

Preventing diverticulitis in the future

Tips for prevention include:

• Eat a high-fiber diet. Fiber adds bulk to the stool so that it passes through the large intestine more easily.

• Keep drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless directed otherwise.

• Begin an exercise program. Ask your healthcare provider how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.

• Treat diarrhea with a bland diet. Start with liquids only, then slowly add fiber over time.

• Watch for changes in your bowel movements (constipation to diarrhea).

• Avoid constipation with fiber and add a stool softener if needed. 

• Get plenty of rest and sleep.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.