Request for Antibiotics Due to Severe Food Poisoning
Age: 37, Gender: Male, Location: Tennessee. I'm currently experiencing extreme food poisoning. I visited a local emergency room, but they incorrectly accused me of being under the influence of narcotics without any proof and then refused to provide treatment when I asked for help with my food poisoning. Additionally, I've been dealing with a long-standing dental cavity. The staff there were quite unsympathetic. Despite having insurance, it feels useless as they won’t accept me for care. The atmosphere at this ER resembles more of a police precinct than a healthcare facility. They enforce a policy allowing them to deny treatment for almost any reason, and they even have law enforcement present to remove patients from the premises, regardless of the severity of their condition—such as dizziness or vomiting, which I experienced at the time. I urgently need someone to prescribe antibiotics to help combat the bacteria that I ingested. I have no alternative means of reaching another ER, and this one was the closest to me. Furthermore, I really don't feel well; however, there is a 24-hour Walgreens nearby. At 3 AM, my options are limited to either this ER or waiting weeks for an appointment with a general physician. If you need more information, feel free to message me. I contacted poison control, and they advised me to go to the ER, but it’s clear that they aren’t equipped to assist me properly. I came across an article that discusses this situation. I would be willing to accept amoxicillin if it’s possible, as I understand it's effective for general bacterial infections. I've been suffering from frequent vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps in my stomach.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 7:50:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing severe food poisoning symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, and that you’ve had a frustrating experience at the emergency room. It’s crucial to focus on managing your symptoms effectively given your situation.
Main Points:
- Symptoms of food poisoning can often resolve without antibiotics, but you need to prioritize hydration and symptom management.
- Antibiotics are not typically prescribed for food poisoning unless a specific bacterial infection is confirmed.
- Stay hydrated and consider over-the-counter options for symptom relief.
Explanation:
Food poisoning is usually caused by viruses or bacteria, and while it can be quite uncomfortable, many cases do not require antibiotics. Instead, the body often clears the infection on its own. However, staying hydrated is essential as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is serious.
Next Steps:
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Hydrate: Focus on sipping small amounts of clear liquids (like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions) to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, as they can worsen symptoms.
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Rest: Give your body time to recover; lying down in a comfortable position can help alleviate some discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If you start experiencing severe signs such as blood in your stool, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration (dizziness, excessive thirst), you may need to seek medical care urgently, even if it requires finding a different facility.
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Over-the-Counter Relief: Consider using over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) for diarrhea, but only do this if your symptoms are mild and you’re not experiencing blood in your stools or high fever.
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Dental Concerns: For your dental pain, once you feel better, prioritize finding a dentist who can assist you with the dental cavity, as ignoring it could lead to further issues.
If your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or worsen, revisit the need for medical attention, even if it means seeking another ER or urgent care center.
Take care, and I hope you start feeling better soon! If you need further clarification or assistance, feel free to ask.
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