What to Ask Your GI Doctor After a Diverticulitis Flare + Questions to Dig Deeper into Root Causes

Understanding Your First GI Appointment After a Diverticulitis Flare

If you've recently experienced a diverticulitis flare and are preparing for your first appointment with a GI specialist, you may feel unsure about what to ask and what information to bring. While conventional medicine provides essential diagnostic tools, true healing goes beyond monitoring and symptom management. Addressing the root causes of diverticulitis can help you make informed decisions about your gut health.

This guide will help you make the most of your GI visit by outlining:

• Key questions to ask your doctor in a conventional setting

• Additional questions that focus on a functional medicine approach

• What to bring to your appointment to ensure a productive discussion

By the end of this post, you'll have a comprehensive list of questions and insights to help you advocate for your health and explore deeper solutions for gut healing.

Conventional GI Questions: What to Ask Your Doctor

When you meet with a gastroenterologist after a diverticulitis flare, the focus will typically be on diagnosing the severity of your condition, managing symptoms, and reducing future risks. These conventional questions will help you gather useful medical insights.

What do you believe triggered my flare?

Understanding what may have contributed to your diverticulitis episode can guide future dietary or lifestyle changes.

Are there any structural issues (like strictures or fistulas) that I should be aware of?

Diverticulitis can sometimes cause narrowing (strictures) or abnormal connections (fistulas) in the intestines. Identifying these issues early is important.

Do I have any lingering inflammation or infection?

Even if symptoms have improved, your colon may still have underlying inflammation that needs attention.

Is there a recommended follow-up schedule for monitoring my colon health?

Regular check-ins with your GI doctor may be necessary, depending on your history of flare-ups.

Are there foods I should avoid or include to support my gut health?

Your doctor may recommend a high-fiber diet, but not all fiber is beneficial for every individual. Ask for specifics.

What are the treatment options if I have another flare?

Understanding treatment plans in advance—whether that includes antibiotics, diet modifications, or medications—can help you feel more prepared.

Do I need to go straight to the ER or can I call you if I feel a flare coming on?

Knowing the best course of action if symptoms return can help you make informed decisions about when to seek medical care.

Do I need to take fiber supplements, and if so, what type do you recommend?

Fiber can be beneficial, but certain types of fiber (like insoluble fiber) may be harder to tolerate. Ask if fiber supplementation is necessary and what kind is best.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

A list of symptoms you’ve had since the flare (any lingering bloating, pain, or bowel changes)

A food journal if you’ve noticed any foods triggering symptoms

A list of supplements or medications you are currently taking

A history of past flares or GI issues to help your doctor see patterns over time

Questions to Dig Deeper into Root Causes (A Functional Approach)

If you're wondering why your diverticulitis happened in the first place and how to support your gut health long-term, consider asking questions that explore root causes and healing strategies.

Gut & Microbiome Health

Can we test my gut microbiome for imbalances (bacteria, yeast, parasites) using a comprehensive stool test?

Your gut bacteria play a significant role in inflammation and digestion. GI-MAP testing can provide insights into your microbiome health.

Could chronic infections or past antibiotic use be impacting my gut?

Frequent antibiotic use can alter gut flora, increasing the risk of future flares.

How does my gut health impact inflammation and immune response?

Chronic inflammation can contribute to diverticulitis. Understanding gut permeability (leaky gut) and immune function can be key to healing.

Digestion & Motility

Instead of just using Miralax, how can we address why I have constipation?

Rather than relying on laxatives, a functional approach focuses on why motility issues are occurring in the first place. Possible causes include:

• Low stomach acid

• Poor bile flow

• Gut dysbiosis (imbalance of good and bad bacteria)

• Nerve dysfunction affecting digestion

What tests can help determine if I’m digesting food properly?

Functional testing can help assess enzyme production, bile flow, and stomach acid levels.

Could low stomach acid, bile flow, or digestive enzyme issues be affecting my gut?

Stomach acid and bile are essential for breaking down food and preventing bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.

Inflammation & Triggers

What role does stress play in gut inflammation and motility?

Chronic stress affects vagal nerve function, digestion, and gut permeability. Techniques like breath work and mindfulness can be helpful.

Could food sensitivities be contributing to my flares?

Testing for immune reactions to foods (not just allergies but sensitivities) can reveal hidden inflammatory triggers.

How does mold, toxin exposure, or past trauma impact gut health?

Environmental and emotional factors can play a bigger role in gut health than most people realize.

Long-Term Gut Support

How can I support my gut lining and overall digestion?

• Bone broth, collagen, and gut-healing nutrients (L-glutamine, zinc, quercetin) may help.

• Anti-inflammatory foods and targeted supplementation can provide additional support.

What lifestyle habits (beyond diet) can help with gut health?

Factors like movement, hydration, stress management, and sleep are just as important as diet.

Are there natural options (instead of long-term meds) to manage my gut health?

Instead of relying on antibiotics or laxatives, functional medicine looks at herbal antimicrobials, probiotics, and lifestyle changes to promote long-term gut balance.

Final Thoughts: Taking Charge of Your Gut Health

Most GI appointments focus on managing diverticulitis, not addressing the root cause. While conventional treatments can be helpful, true gut healing often requires a deeper look at digestion, inflammation, and microbiome health.

If you've been searching for a natural, root-cause approach to your gut issues, I work with clients experiencing diverticulitis, IBS, and chronic digestive problems to help them go beyond symptom management. If you’re ready to explore a different way of healing, send me a message!