Day 16 after diverticulitis with microperforation — still having symptoms. Is this normal?

Hi everyone, I’m on Day 16 after a flare-up of acute diverticulitis with a microperforation (no abscess). I was admitted to the hospital on Nov 21st, stayed one night, got IV antibiotics, and they sent me home the next day with oral antibiotics. The doctors said surgery wasn’t needed and that the microperforation should heal on its own.

I finished my antibiotics as prescribed, but I’m still dealing with a few symptoms that are freaking me out a bit. I have: • Diarrhea • Painful gas pains • Occasional mild LLQ tenderness • Random stinging sensations on the left when I move or use the bathroom

What’s messing with me mentally is that even though the doctors told me this was a “non-surgical” situation and should improve with meds, my anxiety is through the roof. I have pretty severe health anxiety, and every little cramp or gas pain makes me think something is wrong or that I’m having a setback.

I also notice that when my anxiety spikes, the abdominal sensations get worse — almost like the nerves in that healing area become extra sensitive.

I haven’t had fevers, vomiting, or severe/worsening pain — just the diarrhea and painful gas, plus the anxiety swirling in my head.

If anyone else went through a microperforation without surgery: Is it normal to still feel these weird gas pains and diarrhea around day 16? How long did it take for your bowel movements to stabilize and for that area to stop feeling irritated?

Any reassurance or shared experiences would really help me right now. Thank you ❤️