The doctor said he would see Norris the next day. It wasn't until 5P.M when the consulting physician made a provisional diagnosis of diverticulitis, an inflammation of the large intestines. He ordered x-rays and administered painkillers intravenously. The x-ray, which were taken without contrast, showed nothing. The doctors stuck to their original diagnosis of diverticulitis and seemed not to be concerned about Norris's excruciating pain.
Diverticulitis pain is usually in the lower left quadrant.
Norris's pain was acute an seemed to have no precise focus. The painkillers made Norris groggy and may have helped to hide the real cause. On Tuesday morning, Norris's temperature was unchanged at 103 degrees. His white blood count continued to measure 36,000. A CAT scan was ordered.