diarrhea for over two weeks

[retoohs]

I've been up in the far north or Thailand where diarrhea started and hasn't gone away. I think it started with a dodgy meal but can't be certain. I ate this meal and thought I should not be but was very hungry. Next day I had a lot of stomach pain, felt like throwing up but didn't and stomach cramps and diarrhea. This lasted for two days and had no appetite and had to force fluids down. After two days I stopped feeling nauseous, had a little appetite back, less stomach cramps but the diarrhea continued. Now two weeks on I feel ok but diarrhea continues. Everything I eat just goes straight through me. I don't feel sick, aren't woken in the night by it but it continues. I would appreciate any help with this. One thing to add is I had my gall bladder taken out six months ago and had no great problems with this but being up north when this started I was eating a lot of very fatty meat. Thanks in advance for replies

[KC 71]

I think you are right -it only takes 1 dodgy meal !

Someone mentioned charcoal tablets are good

And of course the orange rehydrat saches are worth taking in order to replace bodily fluids.

I hope you will be feeling better soon.

[RabC]

Seriously go see a Doctor, the armchair surgeons on here will be of no true use.

[sawadee1947]

Well charcoal tablets might help. In this case take 5 at the same time. 3 times daily. Also take the mentioned electrolyte sachets. If it doesn't help you have to see a doctor

[dddave]

Sometimes the bacterial balance of your digestive system can be severely compromised by food poisoning. One suggestion I have seen often is to eat natural yogurt as it's bacteria can help replenish your system. Make sure to drink a lot of water and it also might not be a bad idea to buy some of the electrolyte powder sold in every pharmacy.

If it persists for much longer, then you really should seek professional medical advice as it is a possibility you've contacted parasites.

[sunnyjim5]

You need to seek medical help.

Ask for a stool sample to be sent to the lab for "microscopy, culture and sensitivity."

It is possible that you have contracted a parasite infection.

[DavidB4]

Well charcoal tablets might help. In this case take 5 at the same time. 3 times daily. Also take the mentioned electrolyte sachets. If it doesn't help you have to see a doctor

He's right, always start with the charcoal tablets they work well especially with mild diarrhea. Go to your pharmacist now they're great(one of the best things about Thailand) and why the hell have you waited so long?!

[retoohs]

Seriously go see a Doctor, the armchair surgeons on here will be of no true use.

I know what you are saying but as well as the armchair surgeons I knew there would be some informed replies. I'm close to going to a doctor but for me it is a last resort.

[retoohs]

Well charcoal tablets might help. In this case take 5 at the same time. 3 times daily. Also take the mentioned electrolyte sachets. If it doesn't help you have to see a doctor

My daughter was sick a couple of years back while in Thailand and she tried the charcoal, it had very limited effect but I will try it. Thanks

[retoohs]

Well charcoal tablets might help. In this case take 5 at the same time. 3 times daily. Also take the mentioned electrolyte sachets. If it doesn't help you have to see a doctor

He's right, always start with the charcoal tablets they work well especially with mild diarrhea. Go to your pharmacist now they're great(one of the best things about Thailand) and why the hell have you waited so long?!

Thanks David I will try them. Why have I waited so long? I presumed it would just clear my system like most dodgy meal sickness does. I've just emailed my insurance company so I imagine they will insist I see a doctor but for me they are never my first option. I've been misdiagnosed in the past a couple of times and it left me with permanent problems

Edited March 14, 2016 by retoohs

[Sheryl]

It is likely either a parasite such as giardia or related to your gall bladder removal. (Google "diarrhea after gall bladder removal" and also see http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/expert-answers/gallbladder-removal/faq-20058481).

Need to have stool exam, treat parasite if present otherwise it is likely the second (though should repeat the stool exam x 3 to be sure).

Either way, need to see a gastroenterologist

[ThaiKneeTim]

Avoid sugary food and drinks, the bacteria causing the diarrhoea thrives on sugar.

A couple of years ago when I had the same problem in Kuala Lumpur a Dr friend, who occasionally works for MSF, advised me to get Ciprofloxacin, it worked a treat, now I always carry some with me when I travel.

[andre47]

Well charcoal tablets might help. In this case take 5 at the same time. 3 times daily. Also take the mentioned electrolyte sachets. If it doesn't help you have to see a doctor

Don't eat any charcoal tablets. They can only cover the symtoms (diarrhea) but they cannot help you with the cause of it.

You might have a parasite infection. You should see a doctor asap.

[ThaiKneeTim]

Well charcoal tablets might help. In this case take 5 at the same time. 3 times daily. Also take the mentioned electrolyte sachets. If it doesn't help you have to see a doctor

He's right, always start with the charcoal tablets they work well especially with mild diarrhea. Go to your pharmacist now they're great(one of the best things about Thailand) and why the hell have you waited so long?!

Anything alkaline, chalky indigestion tablets or liquid, that should counter the acidity and settle your stomach a bit.

It's not a lot of fun when you can't go further than 10 steps away from a toilet, I know from bitter experience.

[newcomer01]

I often wonder about these topics? If you had diarrhea in your own country, What would you do? If it was your child what would you do? 2 weeks, why wait for so long. 3-4 days it can cause major problems.

Go to a chemist. They can dispense a lot of drugs that can relieve your problem.. If you are a bit wary go and see a doctor. Won't break the bank.

Imodium, lomotil are great for travelling but they just plug you up for traveling they do not cure you.

Please look after yourself and show some common sense. Keep hydrated.

Good luck

[Mojomor]

You need to avoid all food for 24 hours. This includes milk in your coffee or tea. When the bacteria has nothing to feed on, it dies. End of story.

Wishing you luck.

Mojo

[JHolmesJr]

2 weeks is serious and definitely not something u ate...that stuff clears up in coupla days.

Take a dose of Zentel...its a broad spectrum anti parasitic and available everywhere...2 tabs after a meal.

You can do zentel 3 days in a row....but after that its doctor time.

Eat lots of fibre during this time....soup, veggies etc.....avoid dairy

[sawadee1947]

You want him die? Rice water soup instead

[retoohs]

Ok everyone thanks for all the replies. I stopped food intake for 24 hours and took a large amount of painkillers I'm prescribed which have the side effect of constipation. I figured I initially felt sick for a couple of days with this then apart from the diarrhea have felt ok so my body is out of sync. Because I've had my gall bladder removed my digestive system has had to adapt and thought this,is part of the problem. Feeling ok at the moment, I will see what happens over the next 24 hours. If I can get over this without antibiotics great, I'm trying to avoid them as I've had massive amounts over the last couple of years. I appreciate all your replies. Thanks