MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has spoken about living with a painful stomach condition, noting that it can get so severe he “doubles up in pain”. The 60-year-old was diagnosed with diverticulitis in 2018 and has to be careful to avoid certain foods or face nasty consequences.
Despite his vigilance, Wallace admits he sometimes “forgets” which can result in significant discomfort. Currently on a break from presenting as he deals with allegations regarding his conduct, the TV chef finds that tasting dishes for the BBC can present a hazard due to his condition; eating something unsuitable could inflame the pouches within his intestine walls.
According to the NHS, in severe cases, diverticulitis can lead to a life-threatening infection or even cause a bowel perforation. Reflecting on his health, Wallace told the Mirror in 2019 about the times he’s neglected his dietary restrictions following a phase of losing weight, saying: “When they’re irritated, you’ve got to watch alcohol and spicy food. We were eating chilis yesterday. Before that I had a massive skinful of beer in Dublin –and it was already playing up.”
“At that point they can burst your intestine. I was almost doubled up in pain”. Gregg remarked: “I forgot, because I’d been so well. But yesterday I was ill. I’m turning into one of those old people who has things wrong with them.”
He’s not alone in his struggles; rock icon Eddie Van Halen required emergency surgery due to the same condition, and even Pope Francis and wrestler Brock Lesnar have faced it. The NHS describes diverticular disease and diverticulitis as conditions impacting the large intestine (bowel), often presenting with abdominal pain among other symptoms, linked to small bulges or pouches called diverticula in the intestinal walls.
The 60-year-old celebrity chef has been making headlines recently. On Monday he said: “It’s obvious to me I need to take some time out while this investigation is under way.”
Gregg has temporarily stepped down from his role on MasterChef amidst allegations from 13 women regarding inappropriate sexual comments. On Sunday, Gregg addressed the issue in an Instagram video, claiming the complaints were from a “handful of middle-class women of a certain age” – a comment for which he has since apologised. A BBC News inquiry has brought forward several claims of inappropriate behaviour and sexual comments, with the presenter’s legal team vehemently denying any sexually harassing conduct.
What are the signs and symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
The symptoms of diverticular disease include:
- blood in poo
- bloating
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- pain in the lower left side of your tummy (abdomen) – a small number of people get pain on the right side
- tummy pain that gets worse after you eat, and gets better after you poo or fart
If your intestine becomes infected or inflamed, it’s called diverticulitis. You may also have symptoms such as:
- high temperature
- bleeding or passing slime (mucus) from your bottom
severe, constant tummy pain
The NHS warn that the symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis are similar to those of other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), so if you have these, mention this to your doctor.
How do you treat diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
Treatments for these conditions can include painkillers like paracetamol, bulk-forming laxatives for constipation and diarrhoea symptoms, and antispasmodics for stomach cramps. If diverticulitis is caused by an infection, antibiotics will be used alongside painkillers.
How do I get diagnosed with diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
The GP will ask questions to help identify what could be causing your symptoms. You might be asked to do a blood test or to give a poo sample. If you need further tests, you could have a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscop. This is where a thin tube with a small camera on it is used to check inside your bowels. You may also be suggested to have a CT scan.
When should I call 111 or get an urgent GP appointment?
- you have a high temperature, or you feel hot or shivery
- there is blood or slime (mucus) in your poo
- you keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- you have diarrhoea for more than seven days or are being sick for more than two days
you have tummy pain that’s getting worse or does not go away
Should I call 999?
The health service further warns that if you or someone you care for has the following, call 999 immediately:
- is acting confused, has pale or blotchy skin, has a very high or low temperature, or is breathless or breathing rapidly – these could all be signs of sepsis
- has severe tummy pain and is either vomiting, has a swollen tummy, or cannot poo or fart
- is bleeding heavily from their bottom
NHS diverticular disease and diverticulitis warning
Don’t
The NHS conclude that you should not take NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) or opioid painkillers (such as codeine). This is because they can cause stomach problems or constipation. Not only that, but it can increase the risk of getting a hole (perforation) in your bowel.
Do
- stop smoking if you smoke
-
maintain a healthy weight
-
eat a healthy, balanced diet including whole grains, fruits and vegetables – there are no specific foods you need to avoid
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slowly increase how much fibre you eat if you do not eat much fibre – and make sure to also drink plenty of water