Open to suggestions - kicking a stomach virus

**apythia** · 12-16-2014 02:26 PM

For the last 12 days, I have not been able to keep food or most liquids down because of a stomach virus. I went to the hospital yesterday for hydration and nutrient transfusions. I am so freaking tired and pretty much useless. I barely make it through work and then I go home and sleep. Haven't worked out in 13 days.

Today I was actually about to drink 32 ounces of water, which is amazing. But the only food that doesn't make me rush for the bathroom are saltines, which as we know have no nutritional value, but they keep the nausea at bay. Yesterday, I had a whopping 120 calories.

The doc is adamant it is a virus and needs to run its course. I think it's something else. Otherwise this is the longest lasting bug I ever had.

So lay it on me. Any tip, trick, old wives tale, anything you know of that may possibly help me kick this stomach virus or help me get food/water to stay down. I am open to most anything. I can't keep going like this.

**Ann2** · 12-16-2014 02:40 PM

apythia, I can't help you. I wish I could, but I'm not prone to stomach viruses or any similar ailment that might have helped me lose weight in the past.

Respirational viruses--that's a whole other story though. When you get one of those, let me know, and I can help.

I would, however, suggest that your doctor tests you to make sure you don't have c.diff ...

C. diff: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

I've known WLS patients who contracted this 3-4 months post-op. "Kindle" who used to post here and still posts on www . bariatric pal . com (delete all the spaces to find that URL) contracted it, got some great medical treatment for it, and could surely counsel you if it turns out that's the source of your problem.

I hope you feel better very soon!

**Toopie2Seater** · 12-16-2014 05:05 PM

Follow your instincts. Stomach viruses have run their course way sooner than 12 days. Ann made an excellent suggestion. I hate to ask this of you, but if you describe the 'appearance' of things, I may be able to point you in a direction that you can speak to your doctor about. C-Diff has a very classic appearance and if you've seen it once, you'll always know what it is. And I've seen my fair share of it; it always looks the same way.

Btw: Was your stool cultured? Did they check your WBC count? Did they do blood cultures? Are you febrile? Did they suggest probiotics to help restore your natural gut and GI flora? Did they check you for H.Pylori?

**apythia** · 12-19-2014 04:52 PM

Thank you very much ladies. I ended up back in the hospital for another hydration therapy but today I am finally starting to feel better! I was able to keep some cream soup down and get in most of my water so far.

I didn't have most of the C-Diff symptoms. No fever or pain. No blood or pus. And no weight loss. Totally colorless, clear liquid BM several times a day. Vomiting every time I try to eat. Nausea. It is strange. If I don't eat, I am ok for the most part. But once I have water or food, it's off to the bathroom.

**Ann2** · 12-19-2014 06:59 PM

Glad to hear from you, apythia. Good to hear you are getting hydration. That must really help.

And I'm glad to hear you don't have c.diff.

**Joe Poppa** · 12-20-2014 08:34 AM

I'm sorry you are going through all this.

Could they run a culture to identify what you have and treat it with antibiotics (is applicable).
Maybe you can slowly start the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples ,toast) or things similar to this to slowly get yourself back to where you can hold down food? Keep sipping liquids to keep yourself hydrated. Maybe Pedialyte or a sports drink can help replace some of the electrolytes.

I hope you are better very soon.