Reply #21: I've had it for years...

[brook]

and agree that information is scarce. Partly, imo, because they don't know much about it. My first attack, I collapsed and was hospitalized (in two different hospitals)for 3 weeks while they tried test after test to figure out what was going on. I wasn't allowed any food by mouth. In the end, there was no definitive diagnosis but peritonitis was mentioned. But it was a hell of a diet - lost about 35 lbs.

Five years later, another attack found me hospitalized in Canada. They immediately treated me with antibiotics and morphine and 4 days later I was back at work. At 1/5th the cost, I might add.

Two years ago, I went to the ER. (4 hours=$8200). I told them what was wrong and what treatment was called for. They still did a Cat-scan - but after they started the IV and the morphine. The Flagyl made me very sick - and I persuaded them to discontinue it 24 hrs. later. Cipro is adequate, I think.

I have found that oatmeal is a good neutral food - it'll clean you out if needed and not, if not needed. I'm not a big eater and spoke with my Nurse Practitioner who agreed that it was not necessary to eat for the sake of eating. When I feel like trouble's ahead, I try to listen to what my body's telling me and have avoided hospitalization many times over the past 30 years

Good luck to you. I really empathize!