Gastroenteritis and IBS
#343015 - 03/09/09 12:57 AM
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Emily H.
Reged: 02/28/05
Posts: 83
Loc: Luxembourg, LU
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Hey everyone,
I did a forum search and couldn't find any relevant information, so here's a question. I've got IBS, obviously, have had it for about 5 years now. My IBS is constipation-predominant with a few instances of D following some specific triggers. It's been so good recently that I've more or less been able to ignore it.
However, on Friday (6th) I came down with a fever of 101.1F, shakes, chills, the works, as well as really horrible stomach pains that didn't seem to fit the IBS I know. I went to the doctor here in Luxembourg, and he diagnosed me with viral gastroenteritis, told me it was going around, and told me to go home. My two "prescriptions" were an anti-spasmodic (Buscopan) and tylenol.
I thought I was actually lucking out because even though I was a little more...productive...than usual on Friday and Saturday, I was able to eat foods like pasta, cereal with bananas and soy yogurt with no problem. Yesterday, though, I had some banana bread (Heather's recipe, so definitely safe!), and ever since I've had horrible diarrhea and I can't even tolerate liquids.
Anyone know if this is still the gastro or if my IBS has suddenly and malevolently switched to IBS-D? I haven't had a fever since Saturday morning. And I'm terrified of ending up with IBS-D - I don't know how you guys with it ever leave the house, I would be way too chicken!
Last, I promise, does anyone have a good strategy for getting back to stable from gastroenteritis? Am I looking at weeks of plain pasta? Even peppermint tea upset my stomach yesterday!
Thanks for all your help!!
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Even though the fever subsides within a couple of days gastroenteritis may last for up to two weeks depending on the virus you contracted. It may take a while for you to get back on track. You might consider taking a Lactobacillus probiotic particularly one containing Lactobacillus rhamnosum. Also, you might have to stay on a brat diet for a few more days. Pepto-Bismol or Imodium AD can be used to help with D.
Good luck 
--------------------
STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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Thanks! I'm sticking to the rice diet at the moment, with some homemade chicken broth as my only other option. Nothing else seems to go over very well. But the Immodium is helping - I was afraid to take it given what conventional wisdom says about clearing stomach bugs, but now that my doc gave me the go ahead I'm much happier. Ugh. Here I was hoping for a "don't worry, it'll be over tomorrow". I suppose as long as I do get back on track, I can't complain too too much about a couple weeks. Well, ok, I can, but I probably shouldn't.
What's the consensus on soy yogurt? I'm afraid to try anything since I have to go back to work today, but I don't tolerate lactobacillus, so I thought that might be a way to get some probiotic supplements - l. bulgaricus, s. thermophilus and Bifidobacterium.
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How long did it take for you to start feeling "normal" again? I am guessing I am on day 5 since I got sick. Feel like everything is okay and then wham I am miserable again.
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