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How long should my food poisoning symptoms last.

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10 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Levofloxicin 

No exercise while taking and for a month after, no running, jogging, hiking, football, twisting or turning.

Else you risk tearing your Achilles tendons.

Levofloxicin is bad news for me.  I recommend you find a substitute.

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  • Dr's never miss an opportunity to give a load of unnecessary meds, antibiotics was the only plausible one but who knows if it was the correct one. BTW food poisoning usually lasts a few days.  

  • If we're talking about food poisoning there would have been a good idea to take some charcoal tablets. And drink electrolytes.  Now, after 2 weeks all described symptoms are not connected to your

  • Usually charcoal capsules do the trick, only a few bht near anywhere........... 🤗

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18 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

No, cipro is harmless.

All depends.  For me Cipro in Thailand, no side effects.  Cipro in U.S., tendonitis.  Don't know why.

4 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

All depends.  For me Cipro in Thailand, no side effects.  Cipro in U.S., tendonitis.  Don't know why.

what and where tendonitis did you get?

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

what and where tendonitis did you get?

Achilles tendon in my right leg.  So bad I could barely walk. 

47 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

Achilles tendon in my right leg.  So bad I could barely walk. 

Correction.  Severe tendonitis is from Levofloxicin while only slight to moderate symptoms from Ciprofloxicin. 

  • Popular Post

The picture of "worms" indeed does not look at all like worms.

 

I am not sure you ever had food poisoning -- there are other causes of vomiting including some viruses -- but if you did, it is most likley long gone and unrelated to what is going on now.

 

As near as I can tell from what you report doctors telling you, you have or had constipation (seemingly of long standing since mentioned in the initial  treatment  from the village doctor?) mild bonchitis and GERD. And you may or may not have had some sort of GI bug initially, perhaps viral.

 

None of this would normally call for antibiotic treatment, and overuse of antibiotics is unfortunately very widespread here.  I also question the use of not one but 2 antihistamines when the only chest finding was "mild" bronchitis. 

 

You are on 2 drugs for the GERD. I suggest you also look into the various lifestyle measures that can help with this (elevating head of bed, eating smaller amounts at a time, weight loss, not lying down for at elast 2 hours after eating).

Not exactly same has you. Had sickness and diarrhea for 3 days, girlfriend took me to local doctors (most work in hospitals before/after their surgery) gave me a few tablets to take and injection in my bum, everything ok after 24 hours

You always go to the emergency room and request painkiller if you still in pain. I had food poisoning many times and painkiller was 100 % working.

On 12/28/2025 at 4:11 PM, Captain Disorderly said:

 

So I had lunch ( rice and chicken ) at a Thai restaurant that I had never been to before, I ate nothing more all that day. That same evening around 9 PM , I started to vomit , which lasted for about an hour. The next day I felt un well and now had a persistent cough and a feeling of a lump in my throat , so I went to a local village doctor who prescribed the following drugs …….

 

Antibiotic - Co-amoxiclav  
Headache – Etoricoxib   
Cough + Lung - Acetylcysteine  
Coughing – D Coate - Dextromethorphan  
Bloating – Simethicone 
Constipation - Magnesium hydroxide  
Lump in throat ( Omeprazole )

 

The local doctor also took an X ray of my chest area and said that there was some inflammation spots showing on my lungs.

 



I took the above local doctor prescribed medication for 6 days , but my symptoms did not get any better . So I then decided to go to a branch of Bangkok hospital and see what the doctors there said about my symptoms ( Symptoms shown below ) 

 

1. Continuous  constipation                                      
2. Headache                                             
3 Cough                                                   
4. Bilious feeling in the stomach           
4. Lump in throat                                   
5. Runny nose                                         
6. Itchy Skin

 

 

At the Bangkok hospital I first talked to a GP doctor about my current symptoms and the drugs that I had been prescribed my local doctor , and how even after taking the drugs the local doctor had prescribed ( after 7 days ) I was still feeling no better and still suffering from bad constipation .

 

Altering listening to my symptoms the GP doctor at the Bangkok hospital , said I should go and see the ENT doctor. 

 

After hearing my symptoms, the ENT doctor said that he needed to see some X rays to get a better insight related to my symptoms .

 

So I had had several mouth / neck / chest X rays taken , and returned back to the original ENT doctor , to hear his findings , now he had looked at my X rays. 

 

The ENT doctor said that there were no apparent problems in my mouth and neck area , apart from my voice box area being inflamed due to Acid Reflux .

 

The chest X ray showed some small signs of bronchitis and bloating . The ENT doctor prescribes a range of drugs for the bronchitis .

 

I had brought with me to the Bangkok hospital a stool sample , so armed with that  stool sample I went to see a Gastroenterologist doctor who after reviewing all the X  rays and hearing about my recent food poisoning episode and the past drugs that the local doctor had prescribed , the doctor had my stool sample analyzed . The stool sample results came back as negative ( clear ) .

 

 The Gastroenterologist doctor said that they would prescribe a range of drugs as shown below ……

 

1. Sennosides   (  Laxative )
2. Levofloxacin 500mg  ( broad-spectrum antibiotic )
3. Gasmotin 5mg ( used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms )
4. Sinufen 4 mg  ( to treat cough and runny nose caused by infections )
5. Ropect 10 mg  ( to reduce coughing and loosen mucus )
6. Bilaxten 20 mg ( antihistamine )
7. Vocinti 20 mg  ( to treat acid related stomach conditions )
8. Acetylcysteine 600 mg ( treat bronchitis )

 

So from the original bout of food poisoning now 13 days ago , I’m still not yet feeling really any better and still feel constipated  , I did ask the Bangkok hospital Gastroenterologist doctor , how long would it be before I started to feel much better, and their answer was , If I don’t feel any better after taking the prescribed drugs , just  go back to the hospital. 

 

So I’m now wondering if I’m expecting things to get back to normal far too quickly and may be worrying a bit to much 

 

 

Thanks


 

Recently I have read several US news items about doctors currently over prescribing pharmas and over diagnosing illnesses which together continue driving the cost of health insurance through the roof in the US. I am not qualifies medically whatsoever so couldn't determine from the complaints of this forum user but it sure seems like the doctors are missing something IMHO.

  • Popular Post

I've had food poisoning a number of times over the years both here and in my travels usually from seafood but bad meat can be a culprit too, the cure is to rest for a couple of days, and just let the symptoms dissipate, which they will on their own. Drink a lot of water, avoid eating if you can, and take some charcoal or some probiotics if you've been vomiting a lot, and just be more careful in your selection of food.

I don't believe antibiotics will help one iota and they do nothing but help your system to develop an immunity to them. I take them only when absolutely necessary.

Always remember most doctors are just simply prescription writing humanoid, and always second guess the medications that they prescribe, I usually ignore most of them.

anti biotics.. a sure fire "you're going to be constipated" .... your microbiome just got trashed

street food and community bowl sharing( spoons and fingers in the pot)

guess you haven't learned yet

get some "WHOLE MILK KEFIR that should restore your intestinal fortitudehttps://d19oj5aeuefgv.cloudfront.net/0188734

I had some Italian food in Pattaya and a few hours later started vomiting with the back door trots. I went to a hospital, where they put me in a bed with a drip ( hydration) and gave me an injection. I was able to leave in the morning and travel to Bangkok for my scheduled flight.

Doesn't sound like food poisoning to me.

On 12/28/2025 at 4:16 PM, scubascuba3 said:

Dr's never miss an opportunity to give a load of unnecessary meds, antibiotics was the only plausible one but who knows if it was the correct one. BTW food poisoning usually lasts a few days.

 

I see you already posted this on facebook a few days ago, no decent advice there?

Food poisoning usually gives you the squitters. Not constipation. A few days & it would be all sorted out.

It's unbelievable how and to what extent they overmedicate in this part of the world.

Most of what they prescribe does more harm than good.

Like killing a cockroach with a couple of hand grenades.

I have had food poisoning many times, and the runs, not constipation, is the main symptom. Always clears up after a day or two.

On 12/27/2025 at 11:30 PM, newbee2022 said:

If we're talking about food poisoning there would have been a good idea to take some charcoal tablets. And drink electrolytes. 

Now, after 2 weeks all described symptoms are not connected to your chicken anymore.

But you might have other issues. And those are now treated, even a possible Heliobacter Pyloris.

Drink a lot of water and eat light food, no pork, meat, sausages, aso. Not too many citrus fruits (Acid, sugar).

I'm optimistic you wouldn't need a further treatment.

H-pylori is no joke. I had to take two weeks of full antibiotics to get rid of it. It ultimately results in Anemia if not treated

  • Author
On 12/30/2025 at 3:53 PM, Sheryl said:

The picture of "worms" indeed does not look at all like worms.

 

I am not sure you ever had food poisoning -- there are other causes of vomiting including some viruses -- but if you did, it is most likley long gone and unrelated to what is going on now.

 

As near as I can tell from what you report doctors telling you, you have or had constipation (seemingly of long standing since mentioned in the initial  treatment  from the village doctor?) mild bonchitis and GERD. And you may or may not have had some sort of GI bug initially, perhaps viral.

 

None of this would normally call for antibiotic treatment, and overuse of antibiotics is unfortunately very widespread here.  I also question the use of not one but 2 antihistamines when the only chest finding was "mild" bronchitis. 

 

You are on 2 drugs for the GERD. I suggest you also look into the various lifestyle measures that can help with this (elevating head of bed, eating smaller amounts at a time, weight loss, not lying down for at elast 2 hours after eating).

On 12/30/2025 at 3:53 PM, Sheryl said:

The picture of "worms" indeed does not look at all like worms.

 

I am not sure you ever had food poisoning -- there are other causes of vomiting including some viruses -- but if you did, it is most likley long gone and unrelated to what is going on now.

 

As near as I can tell from what you report doctors telling you, you have or had constipation (seemingly of long standing since mentioned in the initial  treatment  from the village doctor?) mild bonchitis and GERD. And you may or may not have had some sort of GI bug initially, perhaps viral.

 

None of this would normally call for antibiotic treatment, and overuse of antibiotics is unfortunately very widespread here.  I also question the use of not one but 2 antihistamines when the only chest finding was "mild" bronchitis. 

 

You are on 2 drugs for the GERD. I suggest you also look into the various lifestyle measures that can help with this (elevating head of bed, eating smaller amounts at a time, weight loss, not lying down for at elast 2 hours after eating).

Hi Sheryl

I thought I would wait and see if my symptoms changed or altered in any way before posting this reply .

Its now been 22 days since I originally ate a meal at a Thai restaurant and then on the same evening at home I became violently sick , including vomiting . The symptoms of food poisoning were then diagnosed by a local village doctor and a GP doctor along with a Gastroenterologist doctor , both at Bangkok hospital .

A stool test I had done at Bangkok hospital showed no signs of a parasitic worm infection.

I proceeded to take the drugs and medication as prescribed by the doctors at the Bangkok hospital. But over the following week , I felt that the drugs that had been prescribed from the Bangkok hospital, were not improving my symptoms , and also taking so many drugs were in my view making me feel even more un well.

So I stopped taking all the drugs and medication that were prescribed by the doctors at the Bangkok hospital. Within a few days of stopping all the prescribed drugs, I stated to feel much better. The original headaches have disappeared and the coughing became far less , and the itchy skin went away.

So after 22 days and now looking back , I have a feeling that the doctors original diagnoses of food poisoning , may have been in some way incorrect and more likely to have been some sort of viral infection, which generally over time tends to clear up on its own.

One area where I’m still concerned , is that even after the 22 days , although all the other original symptoms have now gone away , I am still suffering from daily bouts of both constipation and some times diarrhea , for which Ive been taking both a laxative for my constipation and Imodium for the diarrhea.

I have internet searched my current symptoms of having both constipation and diarrhea at the same time. And the search results said …..........

Yes, you can have both diarrhea and constipation at the same time, often called paradoxical diarrhea or overflow diarrhea, where watery stool leaks around a blockage of hard, impacted feces in the lower bowel. This can also happen with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-M), where symptoms alternate, or due to temporary issues like a stomach bug, certain medications, or severe constipation.

Currently I have no other symptoms apart from the constipation and diarrhea at the same time , and my apatite has returned and I no longer have a feeling of nausea , I still have some reflux acid symptoms , but I’m taking the drug omeprazole to treat that .

Hopefully I can come up with a solution to stop the constipation and diarrhea at the same , and finally get back to normal .

5 hours ago, Captain Disorderly said:

Hi Sheryl

I thought I would wait and see if my symptoms changed or altered in any way before posting this reply .

Its now been 22 days since I originally ate a meal at a Thai restaurant and then on the same evening at home I became violently sick , including vomiting . The symptoms of food poisoning were then diagnosed by a local village doctor and a GP doctor along with a Gastroenterologist doctor , both at Bangkok hospital .

A stool test I had done at Bangkok hospital showed no signs of a parasitic worm infection.

I proceeded to take the drugs and medication as prescribed by the doctors at the Bangkok hospital. But over the following week , I felt that the drugs that had been prescribed from the Bangkok hospital, were not improving my symptoms , and also taking so many drugs were in my view making me feel even more un well.

So I stopped taking all the drugs and medication that were prescribed by the doctors at the Bangkok hospital. Within a few days of stopping all the prescribed drugs, I stated to feel much better. The original headaches have disappeared and the coughing became far less , and the itchy skin went away.

So after 22 days and now looking back , I have a feeling that the doctors original diagnoses of food poisoning , may have been in some way incorrect and more likely to have been some sort of viral infection, which generally over time tends to clear up on its own.

One area where I’m still concerned , is that even after the 22 days , although all the other original symptoms have now gone away , I am still suffering from daily bouts of both constipation and some times diarrhea , for which Ive been taking both a laxative for my constipation and Imodium for the diarrhea.

I have internet searched my current symptoms of having both constipation and diarrhea at the same time. And the search results said …..........

Yes, you can have both diarrhea and constipation at the same time, often called paradoxical diarrhea or overflow diarrhea, where watery stool leaks around a blockage of hard, impacted feces in the lower bowel. This can also happen with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-M), where symptoms alternate, or due to temporary issues like a stomach bug, certain medications, or severe constipation.

Currently I have no other symptoms apart from the constipation and diarrhea at the same time , and my apatite has returned and I no longer have a feeling of nausea , I still have some reflux acid symptoms , but I’m taking the drug omeprazole to treat that .

Hopefully I can come up with a solution to stop the constipation and diarrhea at the same , and finally get back to normal .

Taking imodium is a bad idea, people only take when travelling. Looks like to me you take too many drugs. charcoal capsules from 7 eleven are good short term for diarrhea symptoms and no i don't need to see a photo

  • 3 weeks later...
  • Author
On 1/6/2026 at 2:09 PM, Sheryl said:

Taking both immodium and a laxative makes no sense.

I suggest uou stop both and eat a high fiber diet and see what happens.

Hi Sheryl

I took your advice and stopped taking any laxatives and immodium and changed my current diet to include high fiber . So its now been 16 days since I started my new diet ( more fiber ) over those 16 days , there has not really been any major changes in my symptoms ( still bad constipation ).

So I decided to go to another hospital ( a Thai government teaching hospital ) and talk to a doctor there.

The doctor at that hospital spoke excellent English so I was able to outline my symptoms and explain my situation. The doctor examined my stomach and then said the long duration that Ive had any symptoms ( 38 days ) may not point to point to ‘’ food poisoning ‘’ as being the cause , because generally speaking food poisoning symptoms clear up after far less time.

The doctor then said that he would prescribe 6 x Sodium Chloride enema’s , to be used once a day, and if after the 6 days of using the Sodium Chloride enema’s there was no improvement in my symptoms, I should go back and see him. The doctor did mention that if the prescribed Sodium Chloride enema’s were unsuccessful , then the next stage would be for me to undergo a CT scan.

The doctor who I talked to was a GP doctor, and he said that if I needed to consult with a Gastroenterologist at that hospital , there would be a 2 month waiting list.

Personally I’m leaning towards the theory that my continuing symptoms are due to some thing else , apart from my original food poisoning assumption .

As I stopped taking any laxatives, now when sitting on the toilet , it feels like there is some sort of '' pipe '' blockage in my stomach , stopping any stools from coming out . I will soon be returning to the same hospital , to let the doctor know the the 6 Sodium Chloride enema’s , have made no difference. I'm not sure what to expect .

44 minutes ago, Captain Disorderly said:

Hi Sheryl

I took your advice and stopped taking any laxatives and immodium and changed my current diet to include high fiber . So its now been 16 days since I started my new diet ( more fiber ) over those 16 days , there has not really been any major changes in my symptoms ( still bad constipation ).

So I decided to go to another hospital ( a Thai government teaching hospital ) and talk to a doctor there.

The doctor at that hospital spoke excellent English so I was able to outline my symptoms and explain my situation. The doctor examined my stomach and then said the long duration that Ive had any symptoms ( 38 days ) may not point to point to ‘’ food poisoning ‘’ as being the cause , because generally speaking food poisoning symptoms clear up after far less time.

The doctor then said that he would prescribe 6 x Sodium Chloride enema’s , to be used once a day, and if after the 6 days of using the Sodium Chloride enema’s there was no improvement in my symptoms, I should go back and see him. The doctor did mention that if the prescribed Sodium Chloride enema’s were unsuccessful , then the next stage would be for me to undergo a CT scan.

The doctor who I talked to was a GP doctor, and he said that if I needed to consult with a Gastroenterologist at that hospital , there would be a 2 month waiting list.

Personally I’m leaning towards the theory that my continuing symptoms are due to some thing else , apart from my original food poisoning assumption .

As I stopped taking any laxatives, now when sitting on the toilet , it feels like there is some sort of '' pipe '' blockage in my stomach , stopping any stools from coming out . I will soon be returning to the same hospital , to let the doctor know the the 6 Sodium Chloride enema’s , have made no difference. I'm not sure what to expect .

Of the innumerable medications you were previously prescribed, are you still taking any of them? If so, which?

Exactly how long is it since you had any sort of bowel movement?

Where are you located/ Which government teaching hospital was this?

  • Author
44 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Of the innumerable medications you were previously prescribed, are you still taking any of them? If so, which?

Exactly how long is it since you had any sort of bowel movement?

Where are you located/ Which government teaching hospital was this?

The drug I last took a few days ago ( a stool softener ) was called Bisacodyl .

The last bowel movement I had was after taking the Bisacodyl , a few days ago

The hospital is called The Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, located in Nakhon Ratchasima ( Korat )

I'm located in Nakhon Ratchasima ( Korat ) .

21 hours ago, Captain Disorderly said:

The drug I last took a few days ago ( a stool softener ) was called Bisacodyl .

The last bowel movement I had was after taking the Bisacodyl , a few days ago

The hospital is called The Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, located in Nakhon Ratchasima ( Korat )

I'm located in Nakhon Ratchasima ( Korat ) .

A bowel movement a few days ago is a very difftent scenario than you seemed to be describing (and likely described to the doctor).

Can you explain why you believe you are constipated -- is it just less frequent bowel movements than you were used to? Is the stool rock hard and difficult to pass, or normal but just less frequent?

When you say that the 6 enemas did not work what exactly do you mean? Did just clear enema solution come back out, or was there also any stool? It is not expected that after 6 enemas you would resume dalily BMs since they would usually, have cleaned out whatever was in your colon.

Please describe your high fiber diet

How long have you lived in Thailand? How old are you? Have you ever had a colonoscopy?

I ask all this as I am not sure there is really a problem vs just the effects of polypharmacy, diet and (previously) immodium use.

Lastly aside ftom GI matters do you take any medicstion or use drugs recreationalky? Opiods (including Tramadol) are a frequent cause of constipation.

If you do need a GI specialist there are several options in your area but please reply on these points first.

  • Author
1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

A bowel movement a few days ago is a very difftent scenario than you seemed to be describing (and likely described to the doctor).

Can you explain why you believe you are constipated -- is it just less frequent bowel movements than you were used to? Is the stool rock hard and difficult to pass, or normal but just less frequent?

When you say that the 6 enemas did not work what exactly do you mean? Did just clear enema solution come back out, or was there also any stool? It is not expected that after 6 enemas you would resume dalily BMs since they would usually, have cleaned out whatever was in your colon.

Please describe your high fiber diet

How long have you lived in Thailand? How old are you? Have you ever had a colonoscopy?

I ask all this as I am not sure there is really a problem vs just the effects of polypharmacy, diet and (previously) immodium use.

Lastly aside ftom GI matters do you take any medicstion or use drugs recreationalky? Opiods (including Tramadol) are a frequent cause of constipation.

If you do need a GI specialist there are several options in your area but please reply on these points first.

As its been so long now since my symptoms first appeared ( 15th of December 2025 ) overall what has occurred in that time period is difficult to exactly recall .

If I do nothing in the way of taking any drugs like a stool softener and just carry on as normal eating my meals the end result is always that my stomach starts to feel bloated and full , but I have no stomach pain and when I try to have a bowl movement sitting on the toilet , no matter how much I try to strain , nothing at all will come out ( neither hard or soft feces ) So I would call this a feeling of constipation .

If I take a stool softener ( 3 x 5mg tablets of Bisacodyl ) before I go to bed in the evening , when I wake up in the morning , my stomach normally makes a rumbling noise and I have to quickly go to the toilet , once sitting on the toilet there is a rush of watery brown diarrhea along with an amount of soft looking feces ( looks like brown ice cream ) . After that has finished , for the rest of the day , I have a continuous dull stomach pain , the only way I can stop that dull stomach pain is by starting to eat some thing again . Once Ive started to eat something again , and begin to feel full , the stomach pain slowly goes away , but the constipation feeling soon returns.

The doctor at the University hospital ( a GP doctor ) prescribed 6 Sodium Chloride enema’s , when I inserted an enema in my rectum , and squeeze the plastic container, emptying all the contents , as recommended I just left the enema inserted in my rectum , for as long as possible , to try and allow the sodium chloride to work better . After a few minuets I removed the enema and straight away there would be a rush of water out of my rectum , accompanied by a large amount of flatulence, but no sign of any feces .

My high fiber diet consists of , broccoli , brussel sprouts and carrots. ( I still have a good appetite )

I have lived in Thailand for around 19 years and I am 72 years old , and never had a colonoscopy.

I have been taking the drug Lipostat ( Atorvastatin ) to reduce my cholesterol numbers , but as soon as my ‘’ food poising symptoms ‘’ started I stopped taking the Lipostat , and Ive not yet restarted taking that drug.

Its strange that my continuing symptoms , all began on the day I though that I had contracted ‘’ food poisoning ‘’ , but may be that assumption is just a coincidence , and some thing else has come into play and that is causing my symptoms , and that symptom causing other possibility may have a simple explanation .

I am aware that I have some sort of issue relating to my bowel movements , but just looking at all the possible causes of my symptoms , it seems that there are many different medical conditions that can cause my exact symptoms.

Thank you for your input, its really appreciated .

On 12/28/2025 at 4:11 PM, Captain Disorderly said:

 

So I had lunch ( rice and chicken ) at a Thai restaurant that I had never been to before, I ate nothing more all that day. That same evening around 9 PM , I started to vomit , which lasted for about an hour. The next day I felt un well and now had a persistent cough and a feeling of a lump in my throat , so I went to a local village doctor who prescribed the following drugs …….

 

Antibiotic - Co-amoxiclav  
Headache – Etoricoxib   
Cough + Lung - Acetylcysteine  
Coughing – D Coate - Dextromethorphan  
Bloating – Simethicone 
Constipation - Magnesium hydroxide  
Lump in throat ( Omeprazole )

 

The local doctor also took an X ray of my chest area and said that there was some inflammation spots showing on my lungs.

 



I took the above local doctor prescribed medication for 6 days , but my symptoms did not get any better . So I then decided to go to a branch of Bangkok hospital and see what the doctors there said about my symptoms ( Symptoms shown below ) 

 

1. Continuous  constipation                                      
2. Headache                                             
3 Cough                                                   
4. Bilious feeling in the stomach           
4. Lump in throat                                   
5. Runny nose                                         
6. Itchy Skin

 

 

At the Bangkok hospital I first talked to a GP doctor about my current symptoms and the drugs that I had been prescribed my local doctor , and how even after taking the drugs the local doctor had prescribed ( after 7 days ) I was still feeling no better and still suffering from bad constipation .

 

Altering listening to my symptoms the GP doctor at the Bangkok hospital , said I should go and see the ENT doctor. 

 

After hearing my symptoms, the ENT doctor said that he needed to see some X rays to get a better insight related to my symptoms .

 

So I had had several mouth / neck / chest X rays taken , and returned back to the original ENT doctor , to hear his findings , now he had looked at my X rays. 

 

The ENT doctor said that there were no apparent problems in my mouth and neck area , apart from my voice box area being inflamed due to Acid Reflux .

 

The chest X ray showed some small signs of bronchitis and bloating . The ENT doctor prescribes a range of drugs for the bronchitis .

 

I had brought with me to the Bangkok hospital a stool sample , so armed with that  stool sample I went to see a Gastroenterologist doctor who after reviewing all the X  rays and hearing about my recent food poisoning episode and the past drugs that the local doctor had prescribed , the doctor had my stool sample analyzed . The stool sample results came back as negative ( clear ) .

 

 The Gastroenterologist doctor said that they would prescribe a range of drugs as shown below ……

 

1. Sennosides   (  Laxative )
2. Levofloxacin 500mg  ( broad-spectrum antibiotic )
3. Gasmotin 5mg ( used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms )
4. Sinufen 4 mg  ( to treat cough and runny nose caused by infections )
5. Ropect 10 mg  ( to reduce coughing and loosen mucus )
6. Bilaxten 20 mg ( antihistamine )
7. Vocinti 20 mg  ( to treat acid related stomach conditions )
8. Acetylcysteine 600 mg ( treat bronchitis )

 

So from the original bout of food poisoning now 13 days ago , I’m still not yet feeling really any better and still feel constipated  , I did ask the Bangkok hospital Gastroenterologist doctor , how long would it be before I started to feel much better, and their answer was , If I don’t feel any better after taking the prescribed drugs , just  go back to the hospital. 

 

So I’m now wondering if I’m expecting things to get back to normal far too quickly and may be worrying a bit to much 

 

 

Thanks


 

That doesn't sound like food poisoning at all.

  • Author
8 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

That doesn't sound like food poisoning at all.

The thought about having food poisoning , only first came to my mind after eating only One meal in that day at the restaurant . When I returned home on that same day I had only that One meal , in the evening I started to vomit . So I just put Two and Two together and thought food poisoning .

Just out of curiosity I put this question into an AI search - I have the symptoms of food poisoning , what else could it be .

The AI answer came back ….

I'm sorry you're feeling unwell—symptoms like those of food poisoning (typically nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps/pain, and sometimes fever or headache) can be really miserable. While food poisoning (foodborne illness from bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, toxins from Staph or Bacillus cereus, etc.) is a very common cause, especially if symptoms started suddenly after eating something questionable, several other conditions can cause very similar symptoms.

Here are some of the most common alternatives or overlaps that people often mistake for food poisoning:

Viral gastroenteritis (often called "stomach flu" or "stomach bug"): Usually caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. This is actually one of the most frequent mimics—it's highly contagious (spread person-to-person, not just from food), symptoms are very similar (nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, cramps), but it often includes more prominent low-grade fever, headache, body aches, or fatigue. Onset can be 12–48 hours after exposure, and it tends to spread in households or communities.

Other infections (non-foodborne): Bacterial or parasitic gut infections from water, travel, or contact (e.g., traveler's diarrhea). These can look almost identical.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) flare-up — or other chronic gut issues like inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) — can sometimes cause acute worsening with cramps, diarrhea, and nausea, especially triggered by food, stress, or other factors. These are usually longer-term/recurrent rather than a one-off sudden event.

Medication side effects or reactions: Certain antibiotics, painkillers, or other drugs can irritate the gut and cause sudden nausea/diarrhea/vomiting.

Food intolerance or sensitivity (e.g., lactose intolerance, gluten issues): If triggered by a specific meal, it can cause rapid bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and nausea—though usually less vomiting than true poisoning.

Less common but more serious possibilities that can present similarly (and need prompt medical attention) include:

Appendicitis (pain often starts around the belly button then moves to lower right side, with fever/nausea)

Gallbladder issues (e.g., gallstones, especially after fatty meals)

Pancreatitis

Intestinal blockage

Certain types of poisoning (chemical/non-food)

Early pregnancy (in some cases)

What to Do Next

Most cases of food poisoning or viral stomach bugs are self-limiting and improve within 1–3 days with rest, hydration (small sips of oral rehydration solutions, water, clear broths—avoid dairy/caffeine/sugary drinks), and bland foods once vomiting stops (BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

20 hours ago, Captain Disorderly said:

As its been so long now since my symptoms first appeared ( 15th of December 2025 ) overall what has occurred in that time period is difficult to exactly recall .

If I do nothing in the way of taking any drugs like a stool softener and just carry on as normal eating my meals the end result is always that my stomach starts to feel bloated and full , but I have no stomach pain and when I try to have a bowl movement sitting on the toilet , no matter how much I try to strain , nothing at all will come out ( neither hard or soft feces ) So I would call this a feeling of constipation .

If I take a stool softener ( 3 x 5mg tablets of Bisacodyl ) before I go to bed in the evening , when I wake up in the morning , my stomach normally makes a rumbling noise and I have to quickly go to the toilet , once sitting on the toilet there is a rush of watery brown diarrhea along with an amount of soft looking feces ( looks like brown ice cream ) . After that has finished , for the rest of the day , I have a continuous dull stomach pain , the only way I can stop that dull stomach pain is by starting to eat some thing again . Once Ive started to eat something again , and begin to feel full , the stomach pain slowly goes away , but the constipation feeling soon returns.

The doctor at the University hospital ( a GP doctor ) prescribed 6 Sodium Chloride enema’s , when I inserted an enema in my rectum , and squeeze the plastic container, emptying all the contents , as recommended I just left the enema inserted in my rectum , for as long as possible , to try and allow the sodium chloride to work better . After a few minuets I removed the enema and straight away there would be a rush of water out of my rectum , accompanied by a large amount of flatulence, but no sign of any feces .

My high fiber diet consists of , broccoli , brussel sprouts and carrots. ( I still have a good appetite )

I have lived in Thailand for around 19 years and I am 72 years old , and never had a colonoscopy.

I have been taking the drug Lipostat ( Atorvastatin ) to reduce my cholesterol numbers , but as soon as my ‘’ food poising symptoms ‘’ started I stopped taking the Lipostat , and Ive not yet restarted taking that drug.

Its strange that my continuing symptoms , all began on the day I though that I had contracted ‘’ food poisoning ‘’ , but may be that assumption is just a coincidence , and some thing else has come into play and that is causing my symptoms , and that symptom causing other possibility may have a simple explanation .

I am aware that I have some sort of issue relating to my bowel movements , but just looking at all the possible causes of my symptoms , it seems that there are many different medical conditions that can cause my exact symptoms.

Thank you for your input, its really appreciated .

First of all - biscodyl is not a stool softener, It is a stimulant laxative meant only for short term use. And 15 mg is a maximal dose. Not surprising that you would have diarrhea after such a dosage and that then would normally be followed by a period of no bowel movements. While it may not be the sole cause of your issues, overuse of laxatives like this should be avoided.

it is possible what you thought was "food poisoning" was just the onset of the bowel symptoms that continue to this day (aggravated by, or at least not not helped by, use of laxatives, enemas and antidiarrheals).


All that said, at age 72 any change in bowel habits warrants a thorough work up as can be a sign of colon cancer. For which, colonoscopy is the gold standard. In addition, even if asymptomatic (which you are not), at age 72 you are far overdue for a colonoscopy.

If possible I recommend you go to the Special Medical Clinic at Khon Kaen university Hospital (Srindakarind). I realize it is a 2-3 hour drive but this is the best medical facility by far in Issan. https://www.smckku.com/smc-gastroenterology-clinic/

I can't find the link now but other members reported a nearby hotel. Have a Thai speaker call to ask about appoibtment scheduling and hotel, as I anticipate that once yo usee a GI specialist you'll be pretty promptly scheduled for a colonoscopy.

If it is impossible to travel that far, then given the reported long wait for a GI consult at Surranaree, you could try at the main government hospital in Korat city. (Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital). Go through the "after hours" clinic (clinic nawk wela), usually this starts from around 4 PM but get in the queue around 3. This way wait is less plus you see a more senior doctor. Specifically request a GI specialist.

Or if you find it just as easy to ocme ot Bangkok then see this doctor, best colon specialist in the country:

https://www.bch.in.th/find-doctor/72

He is also at Bumrungrad but more expensive there. And, also at Chulalonghorn but longer waits.

I do not recommend getting colonoscopy at a private hospital upcountry, as I have seen cases with tragic results. (e.g. ; symptomatic patient told results where normal when later review of the film clearly showed an obvious large tumor, which by then had spread).

When you see GI specialist please do not start with story about "food poisoning", will just confuse matters, and you likely never had food poisoning. Just explain, concisely, that for X months now you have been suffering from constipation with occasional diarrhea, have been treated with XX medications and enemas with no improvement, are 72 years old and have never had a colonoscopy.

Best not to delay.

  • Author
38 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

First of all - biscodyl is not a stool softener, It is a stimulant laxative meant only for short term use. And 15 mg is a maximal dose. Not surprising that you would have diarrhea after such a dosage and that then would normally be followed by a period of no bowel movements. While it may not be the sole cause of your issues, overuse of laxatives like this should be avoided.

it is possible what you thought was "food poisoning" was just the onset of the bowel symptoms that continue to this day (aggravated by, or at least not not helped by, use of laxatives, enemas and antidiarrheals).


All that said, at age 72 any change in bowel habits warrants a thorough work up as can be a sign of colon cancer. For which, colonoscopy is the gold standard. In addition, even if asymptomatic (which you are not), at age 72 you are far overdue for a colonoscopy.

If possible I recommend you go to the Special Medical Clinic at Khon Kaen university Hospital (Srindakarind). I realize it is a 2-3 hour drive but this is the best medical facility by far in Issan. https://www.smckku.com/smc-gastroenterology-clinic/

I can't find the link now but other members reported a nearby hotel. Have a Thai speaker call to ask about appoibtment scheduling and hotel, as I anticipate that once yo usee a GI specialist you'll be pretty promptly scheduled for a colonoscopy.

If it is impossible to travel that far, then given the reported long wait for a GI consult at Surranaree, you could try at the main government hospital in Korat city. (Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital). Go through the "after hours" clinic (clinic nawk wela), usually this starts from around 4 PM but get in the queue around 3. This way wait is less plus you see a more senior doctor. Specifically request a GI specialist.

Or if you find it just as easy to ocme ot Bangkok then see this doctor, best colon specialist in the country:

https://www.bch.in.th/find-doctor/72

He is also at Bumrungrad but more expensive there. And, also at Chulalonghorn but longer waits.

I do not recommend getting colonoscopy at a private hospital upcountry, as I have seen cases with tragic results. (e.g. ; symptomatic patient told results where normal when later review of the film clearly showed an obvious large tumor, which by then had spread).

When you see GI specialist please do not start with story about "food poisoning", will just confuse matters, and you likely never had food poisoning. Just explain, concisely, that for X months now you have been suffering from constipation with occasional diarrhea, have been treated with XX medications and enemas with no improvement, are 72 years old and have never had a colonoscopy.

Best not to delay.

Thank you for your comment and advice , they are very much appreciated .

I all ready have an appointment booked for this coming Monday ( 26th ) at the Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, located in Nakhon Ratchasima ( Korat ) , to see a doctor in the imaging department , this appointment was made for me by the GP doctor I spoke to at the University hospital on my recent visit . I was thinking of attending that booked appointment on the 26th , just to see what happens. I was wondering if while at that Monday appointment , I could ask about receiving a colonoscopy , would you by chance know about receiving a colonoscopy / doctors name at the University hospital. In the mean time I am working out which one of the options you suggested , would be best for me.

22 minutes ago, Captain Disorderly said:

Thank you for your comment and advice , they are very much appreciated .

I all ready have an appointment booked for this coming Monday ( 26th ) at the Suranaree University of Technology Hospital, located in Nakhon Ratchasima ( Korat ) , to see a doctor in the imaging department , this appointment was made for me by the GP doctor I spoke to at the University hospital on my recent visit . I was thinking of attending that booked appointment on the 26th , just to see what happens. I was wondering if while at that Monday appointment , I could ask about receiving a colonoscopy , would you by chance know about receiving a colonoscopy / doctors name at the University hospital. In the mean time I am working out which one of the options you suggested , would be best for me.

I don't know the name of GI specialist at Suranaree (which is what you would need -- a GI specialist trained in endoscopy). It is a comparatively small place so I doubt there are many which may be why you were told a 2 month wait.

No harm in asking about how to schedule a colonoscopy when you go Monday though.

Sounds like they may do CT Monday?. If so, while less effective at spotting small cancers thsn colonoscopy, it can detect signs of larger ones.

  • Author
4 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

I don't know the name of GI specialist at Suranaree (which is what you would need -- a GI specialist trained in endoscopy). It is a comparatively small place so I doubt there are many which may be why you were told a 2 month wait.

No harm in asking about how to schedule a colonoscopy when you go Monday though.

Sounds like they may do CT Monday?. If so, while less effective at spotting small cancers thsn colonoscopy, it can detect signs of larger ones.

Thanks, I did not know it would be a GI doctor who would do an endoscopy , The appointment paper for Monday says - Imaging / Lab. I will post back the outcome , after asking about a colonoscopy and any CT scan results.

20 minutes ago, Captain Disorderly said:

Thanks, I did not know it would be a GI doctor who would do an endoscopy , The appointment paper for Monday says - Imaging / Lab. I will post back the outcome , after asking about a colonoscopy and any CT scan results.

If a CT is done request copy on DVD. Even if results negative...good to have in case you need furzher care elsewhere.

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