Is Food Poisoning Improving or Getting Worse?
Greetings, everyone. I'm a 22-year-old female, and I wanted to share my experience with a recent health issue. Last Thursday night, as I was preparing to go to sleep, I suddenly experienced uncontrollable shivers and then woke up early Friday to vomit. Throughout Friday, I dealt with a significant fever reaching 38.7°C, along with diarrhea, intense body aches, and stiffness in my neck. By Friday night, I had no choice but to call for an ambulance. The medical team administered a shot that helped reduce my fever, allowing me to get some restful sleep. By Saturday, I had started to feel a bit better, but the diarrhea seemed to escalate, leading me to the bathroom every ten minutes. At one point, it was nearly just water. Due to signs of dehydration, I went to the emergency room where I received intravenous fluids. The doctor, from a clinic in the Southern Caucasus, prescribed me a regimen including smecta, brefovil sachets, and a probiotic, each in specified doses for a duration of five days. As I'm writing this on Tuesday, it's now been three days since I began taking these medications. On Sunday, I felt significantly improved, with all my symptoms subsided—I didn't need to visit the restroom at all that day. By Monday morning, my stool returned to normal, and once again, I was symptom-free. However, around 5 PM on Monday afternoon, the diarrhea returned, although not as severe as before; it was less watery and not occurring as frequently. This issue recurred around 1 AM today and has continued intermittently throughout the day since then. Is it common for diarrhea to return during recovery? I'm starting to worry because this past week has been emotionally draining, particularly with my family located in another country. The thought of reliving this ordeal alone is quite distressing for me. Financially, I've already spent a considerable amount on medical care and can’t afford another visit until payday in a few days, so I would greatly appreciate any advice or insight you could provide. For what it's worth, my diet has mainly consisted of rice, mashed potatoes, and baby food over the past few days.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 12:10:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a very challenging experience with food poisoning and are understandably concerned about your recovery. It's good to hear that you've had some improvement, but it's also common for symptoms like diarrhea to return during the recovery phase. Let’s break down your situation and discuss some practical steps moving forward.
Summary
- Recurrence of diarrhea can occur as your body adjusts after an intestinal infection.
- It's important to manage hydration and allow your digestive system to recover.
- Monitor your symptoms and take specific self-care steps to promote healing.
Explanation
Food poisoning can lead to prolonged symptoms as your gastrointestinal tract heals. After the initial phase of severe symptoms, it's possible for discomfort to return, especially diarrhea. This may happen due to residual effects of the infection or changes in your gut flora from the illness and medications.
Since you've experienced some improvement and then saw a return of diarrhea, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely but also recognize that this fluctuation can be part of the recovery process. However, if you notice any alarming symptoms like fever returning, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your stool, that would change the urgency of your situation.
Next Steps
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Hydration: Continue drinking clear fluids to stay hydrated. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can be helpful if you have access to them. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they can worsen dehydration.
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Watch Your Diet: Stick to bland foods like rice and bananas. Gradually reintroduce other soft foods as you feel ready, avoiding dairy, greasy, or spicy foods as they can irritate your stomach.
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Rest and Self-Care: Prioritize rest to allow your body to heal. Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness may help with emotional distress.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms. Note when diarrhea occurs, along with any other symptoms such as abdominal pain or changes in your appetite. This information will be useful for any future medical consultations if necessary.
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Plan for Follow-Up: If your diarrhea remains persistent or worsens over the next few days, it may warrant a follow-up after payday. Given your limited financial resources, preparing to seek help if symptoms do not resolve can reduce worry.
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially being away from family. If you can, consider reaching out to friends or support networks to share your concerns. Remember, recovery can take time, and it’s okay to reach out for help when you need it. You're doing your best in a tough situation, and I wish you a smooth and speedy recovery.
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