Gregg Wallace has said his condition can be so painful that it makes him ‘double up’
Gregg Wallace lives with a stomach condition that can be so bad he “doubles up in pain”. The 60-year old has diverticulitis – a condition that can be unpleasant, and one which is common among Brits who do not eat enough fibre.
He was diagnosed in 2018 and it means there are certain foods he needs to avoid. But when he forgets – as he admits he sometimes does – things can get nasty for him.
The MasterChef presenter – who has currently stepped away from presenting duties while he fights allegations over his behaviour – has to tuck into meals all day while on BBC duties. But his condition means that eating the wrong thing can be risky for his diverticula, which are pouches in the walls of his intestines.
And the NHS says that in rare cases, the condition can be serious and some sufferers need a colostomy. It can even lead to a hole in your bowel, which can cause a serious infection called peritonitis.
Speaking to the Mirror in 2019, he said: “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.”
He also said: “At that point they can burst your intestine. I was almost doubled up in pain.”
Speaking beside co-host John Torode during filming of MasterChef: The Professionals, Gregg said he had neglected his condition after launching a health kick. In 2013, he lost three stone amid concerns his cholesterol was too high.
Gregg said: “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.”
Gregg is far from the only celeb to suffer with it. Rock legend Eddie Van Halen had to have emergency surgery over the condition.
Pope Francis has also battled it. And so has wrestler Brock Lesnar.
The NHS says that “diverticular disease and diverticulitis are conditions that affect the large intestine (bowel), causing tummy (abdominal) pain and other symptoms. They’re caused by small bulges or pouches in the walls of the intestine called diverticula.”
The 60-year-old has been in the news for days. Today he announced “it’s obvious to me I need to take some time out while this investigation is under way.” He stepped back from presenting duties on MasterChef after 13 women raised allegations of inappropriate sexual comments.
On Sunday, Gregg said in an Instagram video the complaints had come from a “handful of middle-class women of a certain age” – a statement he today apologised for. A BBC News investigation spoke of a number of allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate behaviour against him. The MasterChef presenter’s lawyers strongly denying he engages in sexually harassing behaviour.
What are the signs and symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
The symptoms of diverticular disease include:
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- blood in your poo
- bloating
- tummy pain that gets worse after you eat, and gets better after you poo or fart
pain in the lower left side of your tummy (abdomen) – a small number of people get pain on the right side
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.
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 7 days or are being sick for more than 2 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
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 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.
How do you treat diverticular disease and diverticulitis?
There are some treatments that can help with the symptoms of diverticular disease such as painkillers such as paracetamol. Other medicines the NHS say could help are bulk-forming laxatives to help symptoms of constipation and diarrhoea whilst medicines designed to help stomach cramps (antispasmodics) may also work.
Diverticulitis is treated with antibiotics if the diverticulitis is caused by an infection as well as painkillers such as paracetamol.
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
-
slowly increase how much fibre you eat if you do not eat much fibre – and make sure to also drink plenty of water