any advice on what might help...seemed to start yesterday (had been away for few days so had generally eaten what i fancied and of course when you eat out you don't know how the food is cooked,whether its been in oil, etc) had severe diahorrea (sp), took 2 imodiums and thought it solved the problem. during the night I was up several times again diahorrea (not vomitting) & stomach cramp. Had a piece of dry toast mid morning, soon as I started to eat I had to go again, I have since taking more imodium which usually does the trick, but not helping this time (I have had 5 imodiums since yesterday). I am drinking plenty of water and herbal tea. Feeling cold (despite being wrapped up well)...so definitely a bug. any suggestions what else I can talke or best take nothing and just keep drinking plenty of fluid. thanks
As a general rule 24 hours without food and drink plenty of water. If after that you still have the bug, or you have a fever, see your GP.
HTH,
Myarka.
For what it's worth I have always understood that immodium does not 'cure' the problem but merely blocks things up while the bacteria continue their merry jaunt in your stomach. So as soon as you stop taking the immodium the problem will return. If you have what is delicately referred to as 'loose motions' then fasting for 24 hours will probably clear it up. Especially no sugar, no dairy, no fruit. Starving to death, then black tea and plain boiled potatoes and rice to ease your hunger pangs. However if you have stomach pains and really uncontrollable diarrhoea then you're best off getting something from your GP. In India I would buy ciprofloxacin over the counter (I'm afraid it's an antibiotic) but of course here you'll need a prescription. Hope you're better soon. IMO there's nothing worse than a really bad stomach. But also IMVHO immodium is not the way to go.
xxx
Generally speaking I believe that acute diarrhoea is the body's way of getting rid of something that is causing problems - so unless you absolutely need to take them, IMO immodium only slows and prolongs the process.
I'd keep food to a minimum and drink enough water/herbal tea to keep hydrated.
Hope you feel better soon.
I would agree about the immodium, it is for relief of symptoms and offers no actual health benefit.
Clearly your body is trying to expel something it doesn't want. Immodium paralyses the gut muscles, thus forcing your body to retain the toxins it is trying to get rid of. The next stage is the toxins must be dealt with some other way, perhaps stored somewhere, hence reactive arthritis is a distinct possibility from this form of suppression.
A healthy immune system will deal with a bug - that is what you are witnessing, immunity in action. No need to stop it for its own sake.
Your body is also not asking for food. Best to get absolute rest and keep drinking masses of water. The main danger is dehydration. You could mix a tiny amount of minerals (eg rehydration salts) with the water too, and perhaps drink diluted juice (not squash). Otherwise your body will tell you when it is done. As mentioned, if this persists or you start to get much weaker, or expell blood, or suffer any other symptoms that concern you, then no harm to call NHS direct.
Have you been away at all? The other main concern is perhaps if you have a parasite.
Totally agree with Heinz. My OH used Immodium for IBS and it did no real good at all except to stop the symptoms temporarily.
I use the homeopathic remedy Arsenicum 30c at the first sign of stomach bugs, especially if you think it may be food related. Some other good remedies are Nux Vomica, Lycopodium & Podophyllum depending on the symptoms. Live yoghurt and honey is good also and I give this to my kids and dog if there are any problems like this but, it may be better to stay away from solids for 24 hours and keep fluids up and seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or get worse.
Hope you feel better soon.
Grapefruit seed extract is good for killing some bugs that cause these symptoms. Won't hurt if it's not effective, but is a much more gentle and safe way of dealing with many stomach bugs than traditional medicines.