This has been the most difficult experience of my life, and it’s been going on for the past four months. It all started when I went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with an inner ear infection causing vertigo and migraines. Unfortunately, after visiting the ER, I became even more ill, developing bronchitis, tonsillitis, and a back infection from the plastic covering on the ER bed. I also experienced other serious symptoms that went ignored by the ER staff and doctors, including sweats, chills, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and later, constipation. I felt like I was losing my mind, and even my vision started to blur.
In desperation, I called an ambulance, but they insisted my vitals were fine and didn’t want to take me to the ER, instead suggesting urgent care. After being discharged, one doctor even referred to me as a “difficult historian.” Just two days later, I went to urgent care, where they refused to treat me, saying I likely had a life-threatening condition and that I needed to go back to the ER. At that point, I was exhausted and frustrated, so I told the ER staff that I wasn’t leaving until they figured out what was actually wrong with me. I made it clear I was seriously ill and had been repeatedly told there was nothing wrong. Finally, I was admitted and spent two days in the ER hallway next to homeless individuals seeking shelter from the rain and other very sick people.
Eventually, I was told I might need emergency surgery, but it turned out I had a perforated abscess and peritonitis, a condition that could’ve killed me. Fortunately, I responded to antibiotics, but I was sent home too early with insufficient medication. Three weeks later, I went out for a blood test and MRI, but I had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance after feeling very ill again. Thankfully, I was admitted to a much better hospital and stayed for another six days.
While I’m feeling much better now, I’ve been bedridden for months, and recovery will take time. On top of everything, I now need to be tested for cognitive issues, which may have been caused by the infection. I was 63 when all of this started, and I turned 64 the day I was discharged from the hospital for the second time. It was only then that doctors finally listened to me. I now have to get a colonoscopy, and a CT scan revealed cysts on my liver and kidneys, which may or may not be a concern.
This entire ordeal has been overwhelming, and it’s unclear whether I will need colon surgery. I live in California, and sadly, many of the doctors I saw seemed uneducated about my condition. Diverticulosis, which affects a small percentage of people, should’ve been treated right away, but instead, I suffered through two diverticulitis attacks. For two months, I was only able to eat milk and toast before experiencing severe stomach pain and constipation.
One doctor advised me to stay on a low-fiber diet for four weeks, but I know I need higher fiber to prevent more constipation. After two weeks, I’ll start increasing my fiber intake. I now recognize the signs to watch for—vomiting, constipation, stomach cramps, headaches, chills, sweats, and nausea—and am determined to avoid this happening again. I’ve always tried to eat well, but certain foods are hard for me to tolerate. The low-fiber diet has worked for me, but I’ll need to gradually add more fiber.
I suspect I have lactose intolerance, but I’ve been advised to avoid dairy altogether, which isn’t healthy for me. I’ve started tolerating small amounts and my new doctor suggested I try eliminating dairy for three days to see if it improves my symptoms, which is much easier than cutting it out entirely.
In short, this has been a nightmare I feel compelled to share, especially to warn the elderly that these kinds of health issues can affect anyone. There are no clear causes for these attacks—diet is not the primary issue, but constipation plays a major role. If you’re researching this online, make sure you’re reading scholarly articles that are up-to-date. For example, nuts and corn, which I was once told to avoid, are now considered safe in moderation. Still, I’m terrified to eat certain foods.
Please take care of your digestive health and stay informed.