I had a heart attack last July and was put on prasugrel (blood thinner) and daily low dose aspirin. By the end of September, I was having stomach issues which continued to worsen. By end of October, I started questioning the aspirin, as I knew it could be hard on the stomach, but my cardiologist said I had to have it. By November, I had a CT scan that showed diverticulitis. I also had an eczema outbreak at the same time.

I had IBS-D for years, but never did it go into diverticulitis. I tried a bland diet for months, but the flatulence, bloating and diarrhea continued. My general practitioner suggested a specialist and a colonoscopy (not available till this coming May).

About two weeks ago, I finally asked the cardiologist about quitting the aspirin and he said ok if I doubled the blood thinner. I started eating low salicylates, too. The flatulence and bloating are gone and the diarrhea is now maybe twice a week, treated with Imodium. I am hopeful that more time will allow my stomach to heal.

This also reminded me that my son and I have both had strange mouth reactions to certain foods, especially during high pollen seasons (bucket overflowing). I am allergic to eggs, confirmed by testing, and many pollens and mold. I have reacted to antibiotics and ibuprofen in the past, too. I also have chronic anxiety which I believe is related to all of this… Anyway, I definitely think the daily aspirin caused the diverticulitis and is a salicylate sensitivity – Michelle

Response: when I was in my 20s I had a slipped disc in my lower back and severe sciatica. The only treatment I was offered was large doses of Aspirin. I ended up with a ton of bruising all over my body, tinnitus and started with diverticulitis around the same time - June