Day 6... Thank you everyone for your positive thoughts and well wishes! Mom is aware that with diverticulosis, going forward she's will have to stay away from seeds, like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or any other kinds of seeds. It is also not recommended to have tomatoes because of the seeds. Strawberries, blueberries, and all those other berry fruits are out of the question, as well as popcorn.
In diverticulosis, the diverticuli or the little pockets along the intestine, will accumulate the seeds and inflammation sets in.
That said, her issues right now are not due to what she ate but rather the initial tear caused by the colonoscopy procedure. The problem now is that the seepage from the tear and the naturally occurring bacteria have now caused a secondary infection in one of the diverticuli. The doctors have told her the initial tear is fusing however this secondary infection is adding to her problem. They will continue to watch and see if the infection clears on its own... If not, they may have to try to drain it with a syringe procedure.
Today they began allowing her intake of water, apple juice, tea and jello... She's only taken in very little of this because besides being in pain she's afraid of eating! They've also put her on a nutritional IV solution of minerals and vitamins... Unfortunately this spiked her blood sugar levels and she had to be given an insulin injection. Mom's very good about getting up out of bed and walking as much and as far as possible within the halls of the hospital. Though painful, she's been told walking is beneficial to recovery and she's been fastidious in doing all she can to physically encourage the healing process.
I understand you may want to see her, but quite honestly she tires easily, saving her energy for her hallway laps ;-) If you wish to visit, please do but realize visits of short duration are best and the least draining on her... If you do make the trek to Kaiser Permanente Harbor City take advantage of the cool weather near the coast and visit Ports O'Call or explore Redondo, Hermosa or Manhattan Beach areas! You can also cross the bridges into Long Beach and explore all the south facing beach cities have to offer too!
I share everyone's positive messages and well wishes with her which she greatly appreciates!! She keeps the hospital phone (310-517-2215) and her cell phone close by (310-612-8197). She enjoys receiving text messages of well wishes and love... Contact from those close to her heart (YOU! ) is what's important, whether it be face to face or by phone or text message... Love, prayers and positive energy flows through no matter the venue! :-)
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