Battling Illness After a Resort Getaway
I’ll keep this brief. I'm a 38-year-old woman currently nursing, and recently, I took my family for a vacation in Mexico where we stayed exclusively within a resort. We enjoyed all-inclusive dining and drinks, yet, surprisingly, no one else fell ill. However, when I returned home, I quickly experienced intense fatigue coupled with bouts of nausea that lasted for six days. On July 4th, the nausea intensified to the point that I lost my appetite completely. I then started to struggle with severe diarrhea, which would hit me anywhere from every 30 seconds to every ten minutes for extended periods over the course of a couple of weeks. Alongside this, I faced unexplained shortness of breath along with a gnawing hunger that I was unable to satisfy, and even now, I still can’t handle food well. In an attempt to endure these troubling symptoms, I eventually found myself in the emergency room, where my condition was assessed. The tests revealed that I was positive for Giardia, Cyclospora, and E. Coli infections. The medical team prescribed a rigorous treatment involving Azithromycin, Sulfamethoxazole, Flagyl, and Zofran. Fortunately, after about five days on this demanding treatment plan, I began to see some improvement, although I still felt unwell. However, not long after, my health deteriorated once again, particularly in relation to my ability to eat. Whenever I attempt to eat, I feel extremely nauseous, and it seems as though my stomach is in distress, yearning to be empty. If I manage to keep food down, I often end up feeling horrific and excessively tired, as if I can barely keep my eyes open. This ongoing struggle makes it really challenging to care for my children; some days, I feel as if I'm facing a slow decline. Currently, I’ve started a new medication regimen that includes sucralfate, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and Gaviscon, alongside Milk of Magnesia to aid with constipation. I’m uncertain whether I’m still dealing with an ongoing infection, if something has been overlooked, or if I’m facing an entirely new issue. I’ve inquired about testing for H. pylori but haven’t received any updates yet. I also have a referral to a gastroenterologist but have to wait until Monday to book that appointment. Coincidentally, I have my annual physical on the same day, and I'm hopeful that somebody may have tips for self-care or suggestions to discuss with my doctor. I appreciate any assistance offered!
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 4:20:57 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a very challenging experience with your recent illnesses, and it's understandable to feel frustrated and uncertain regarding your recovery. Here are some key points and steps to help you navigate this situation as you prepare for your upcoming appointments.
Main Points
- Current Symptoms: You are experiencing ongoing nausea, fatigue, and difficulty eating, which is significantly impacting your quality of life.
- Medications: You are on a regimen that includes sucralfate, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), Gaviscon, and Milk of Magnesia, which are intended to manage symptoms and promote healing.
- Upcoming Appointments: You have a gastroenterology referral and an annual physical to discuss your concerns.
Explanation
Your symptoms could continue to be influenced by the gastrointestinal infections you've experienced or may suggest a combination of side effects from the medications you’re taking. It's also worth considering potential complications from the infections, such as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroparesis, or even complications from the medications themselves. It's good that you are taking proactive steps by seeking further evaluation and testing.
Next Steps
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Symptom Journal: Start keeping a detailed symptom journal. Note when you feel nauseous, what you’ve eaten, and any other symptoms that arise. This information can be very helpful for your healthcare provider.
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Hydration: Focus on staying well-hydrated, especially since diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Consider clear broths, herbal teas, or oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, which can help replenish lost electrolytes.
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Diet Adjustments: Try to introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods gradually, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid greasy, spicy, or highly acidic foods that could aggravate your stomach.
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Medication Review: Discuss with your doctor the effects of your current medications and whether they could be contributing to nausea or gastrointestinal distress. Also, ask about the timeline for testing for H. pylori, as this could be a factor in your symptoms.
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Prepare for Appointments: Make a list of your current medications, symptoms, and any questions or concerns you have, especially regarding your ongoing feelings of fatigue and difficulty eating. Discuss these thoroughly during your upcoming physical and gastroenterology appointments.
Support and Empathy
It’s admirable that you are trying to manage your health while caring for your children. Seek support from family or friends when needed, as managing your health can be taxing and it’s okay to ask for help. Change can be slow, but with the right approach and care, you will be able to find relief.
If there’s anything else you’d like to discuss or clarify, feel free to reach out. Your health is important, and you are taking the right steps toward recovery.
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