Bad stomach problems

[robert@fm]

I have on two separate occasions recently got a bad stomach upset (near the end of a renal dialysis session, but that may be coincidental), such that I could hardly bear to finish the session.

The most recent time was on Thursday 15th, and I had not only excruciating pain, but also nausea and vomiting (the latter being extremely rare for me). I had to ask the porter to take me to the transport in a wheelchair, although the distance to where he was parked is so short I usually manage to walk it.

The really worrying thing is, since Thursday night I have had no appetite -- at all. I couldn't face even a small amount of my supper on Thursday (and it was chicken and mushroom hotpot, my favourite of all the ready meals I buy for myself); I was served breakfast on Friday, Saturday and today, and supper on Friday and Saturday, but could only manage to eat about half of it before having to stop. Hence, at my request, my carer hasn't given me my supper this evening, so as to avoid further waste.

I have taken about 750ml of full-sugar 7-Up Cherry, in an effort to keep my energy levels up (I was feeling rather weak earlier), but am wondering what else I should do. My GP on Friday said that this sort of thing usually burns itself out very quickly, but it seems to me to be worse than that. Should I get further medical advice?

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hi Robert, please do call and ask for a 2nd opinion as A you are obviously unwell and B you are worried which makes things even worse than they need be. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[robert@fm]

I am now in my ninth day of this problem, which was thus officially confirmed by a SELDOC doctor last night as gastroenteritis. (Although I suspect that's just a fancy name for stomach upset.) I am also very dehydrated, which given my other symptoms and long-term health problems, is surely quite dangerous. But unless you're the Duke of Edinburgh, it seems that you have to be nearly dead before you get admitted to hospital. 😡

 

[Copepod]

Are you able to tolerate oral fluids, @robert@fm? Unless you need intravenous fluids, you're better at home. I believe that Duke of Edinburgh needed IV antibiotics, hence his admission to hospital.

 

[robert@fm]

I am suffering from bowel incontinence which isn't responding to loperamide, hence I suspect that I do need professional care; apart from anything else, the resulting dehydration could wipe out my remaining kidney function. I also don't have any rehydration salts or anyone to get them for me, and the dosage needs to be carefully balanced; I'm not sure if too little or too much would be worse.

 

[Amigo]

You may have already tried this Robert but ring 111 and explain your concerns. Sometimes we do have to fight too hard for essential health services (unlike some of course).
Sending best wishes.

 

[Ljc]

How awful for you Robert. I know it's the weekend but am thinking as you're dehydrated and putting it mildly probably it a bit of a pickle it would be best to try contacting the renal/dialysis dept or your out of hours gp service.
I hope it clears up soon.

 

[Ljc]

@robert@fm. How are you now.

 

[robert@fm]

Still feeling weak and queasy. Since I have no Dioralyte and nobody to get it for me (my carers are allowed to fill my prescriptions but not to procure over-the-counter medications for me, no matter how badly I need them; a daft rule, to my mind), I resorted to the next best thing; I made up a litre of Sodastream X-Stream sugar-free energy drink, and downed that. 😱 Far from ideal (way too much caffeine, it has added jitteriness to the nausea), but at least I now have some electrolytes in me. 🙄