Need Advice with Diveticulitis

Hello there I would always say go straight to the NHS Choices website rather than other internet websites as what you read there will be the advice that her GP is giving- better to take a consistent approach.

I was diagnosed with this (well, I already had it, but it has apparently got worse) after a recent colonoscopy. I don't think there is a diet, as such. The printed information they gave me centred on the importance of keeping the stools soft and bulky and eating a mixture of high fibre foods like fruit and veg, nuts, wholewheat bread and pasta and cereals. You should aim to have one high fibre food with each meal and drink 8-10 cups of fluid a day. It is stressed that some people respond differently to fibre in the diet than others and there is an "element of trial and error" in it, as fibre can make some people's symptoms worse, apparently. I wish your mother in law well. Above all, tell her not to worry too much about it.

Opinions do vary. Some recommend a high fibre diet, others say too much fibre will make it worse. It seems to be a case of seeing what works for you. DH has had it for the last 6 years at least but it doesn't seem to cause much trouble. The only problem was when he was on massive doses of steroids which caused peritonitis. I think if your MIL eats sensibly and listens to her GP she shouldn't have too much trouble.