Is It the Flu?

have you tried a couple days of clear liquid diet? sometimes this is all it takes to get rid of the problem . Then advance slowly with a BRAT diet, bananas, rice , apple juice tea or toast. Flu isn't really an intestinal bug, most often these things are a viral thing or a touch of food poisoning.

My sister went through the same thing! It seemed to go on forever. The doctors finally did the scope and saw something wrong with her intestines, They have given her some medication and she is fine today. The cause was stress.......

Flu
My husband had it last month

He had tests done

Doctor said nothing found - water, soft diet

I think he may have drank some gatoraide or pedialite

If I were you, I'd go get a culture done on your stool (gross as it sounds) to make sure you don't have an intestinal bug. If you were on any antibiotics, you could have developed c. dificile which is when all the good bugs get killed by the antibiotics and the bad ones are still there to proliferate. I used to be an ER RN and we saw this frequently. Good luck. Hope you feel better soon!

i am an rn in an er. i would go and at least get a second opinion because what you have symptom wise sounds like a parasite or bacterial infection. if it was viral, it would likely to have already spread to your nursing child (fyi, kudos for nursing!!!!). go to the er or another doctor and insist on at least a urine analysis and a stool sample, and i would also recommend blood tests to check for metabolic problems. good luck.

Hi there.. I had this a couple of weeks ago and it was so terrible!! Just about every child in my daughter's kindergarten class got it and then the parents, it's really going around I hear and can last 3 wks or so! I still get a little icky tummy 1 - 2x a day but for the most part am fine... I hope you feel better soon too. The kids don't seem to be affected very bad by it, which is good for your baby girl.
All the best, M. in Redondo Beach

Dear LH,

We went through this with my son. He was two at the time. But if I remember right, it only lasted one week. So, I have a few things to say, but really no advice:
1. "Influenza" is a respiratory disease, not gastro-intestinal, though we all say we have the flu when we have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. So while it may be a virus, it is not the flu. I usually qualify it by calling it a "stomach flu"
2. If it is a virus, I don't believe there is anything they can do, it just must run it's course - though I have heard of anti-virals in recent years. And honestly, if you've had n/v/d for two weeks and have only lost seven pounds, that doesn't sound too bad (the weight loss over that period of time - I do understand that you are miserable)
3. Two weeks does sound like a really long time. If it is not improving yet, I would probably call your doctor's office again (it has now been 4-5 days more) and explain that it's been two weeks and there is no improvement, ask what to expect from this virus, ask about an anti-viral - and if they say it's not appropriate, ask why not. . . and if you are not satisfied with their response, then call another doctor. Check with your insurance, they may not cover a visit to another doctor, or you may have to stay within a certain group . . .

Good luck!
B.

Any chance that you could be pregnant? I know lots of women who got pregnant while still nursing.

And by all means, get a second opinion. You know your body better than any doctor. So if something feels off, get another opinion.

S.

I so hope you feel better soon. PLEASE go see the doctor again. There was a 12 year old girl who died from complications due to the flu. I don't want to be an alarmist, but please go get checked out again. This flu going around is an awful thing and though I doubt anything horrible would happen to you, it's better to be safe than sorry.

You definitely need to see your doctor or go to another doctor. The flu test is easily done...swabbing inside your nose. And they can give you that answer almost right away. I am worried that your doctor isn't listening to you. It doesn't seem like a run of the mill virus by what you are saying. Please see someone ASAP.

It probably is the flu. I had similar symptoms that lasted for 3 weeks (I was about 6.5 months pregnant and couldnt take any drugs to help the nausea). I lost 8 pounds while I was sick. It was miserable. I have NEVER been that sick in my whole life and the doctor just sent me home to drink fluid and rest. I am finally feeling better; hang in there, it is just a very bad strain of the flu virus (that the flu shot did not cover), you will get better it will just take some time.

Do you feel like eating? If you don't grouping with the other symptoms it sounds like you may have gastroenteritis. I'm no doc but I've had it enough

It never hurts to get a second opinion!! Don't worry about upsetting your doctor...people get second opinions all the time:)

Take over the counter diarrhea mediation form your pharmacy. Drink fluids in small amounts until you don't feel nauseous anymore. If it's a virus it has to go away on it's own, there no medication that will "kill it." Get plenty of rest!

Get a second opinion, but don't go to the ER unless you really need it. The ER is for emergencies and if you are not an emergency, you will wait behind the emergencies. Go to urgent care or request another doctor for you from your insurance company or see another doctor from the group. Doctors see a lot of people (especially now during flu season) and they make mistakes...so get a fresh opinion.

Definitely take care of it asap so you don't get worse! The flu season is horrible. I got the 12 hour flu bug (luckily!) which was bad enough. Now I have the 2 week bronchitus thing. It's just a bad season right now, ugh!

GOOD LUCK!

Go to a different doctor. You have to remember, they are just human and look at every patient through the perspective of their experience and past. I would recommend a second opinion...from a PA or NP that will not put you into an easy diagnosis. They tend to explore more options and make sure you are not suffering from something more than just the flu...expecially after two weeks of the symptoms.

Good luck!

I would think they should at least do some blood work on you. I am 70 years old & have found through the years that if the doctor isn't suffering it is too easy to dismiss the problem and you more than likely didn't even get to talk to the doctor when you called. If it was me, I would make another appointment and then push even if I had to follow it all with plenty of tears until he decides to look into it a little further. Remember what I was always told..."The squeeky wheel gets the grease!"

God Bless you .You poor thing, If the Nausia is subsided Eat Bananas and it will help with your diarriea. Here is some good news you must go back to the doctors because 13 days of throwing up and bowl problem is life threating. You are at risk for dehidration, which will dry up your good breast milk for the baby, not to mention all those nutients that you need to be healthy are being robbed from your body. because of bowls . if your bottom hurts use witchhazel it will sooth the outer ring so too speak , that is what they told me to do in the hospital.
When you can eat," eat only what will give your body good vitamins ".( smoothies) Berries, bananas ,mangos add v8 splash,
continue if you can with prenatal vitamins, The flu has to runs its course and it will, but you can rebuild your weak body while it is doing that stay away from salt till you feel better. This again is not a doctors advice it is one wife ,mother and grandmothers advice to another . God Loves you Child be well . Sister L.

Dear lh, we have all had this bug at our house too and seem to keep passing it back and forth. Its definetely a virus that is hanging on. But we have been drinking chicken broth and eating chicken flavor top ramen and having yogurt and drinking tea and honey. It seems to help some especially with the nausea. Also oatmeal seems to be o.k. And we have been using theraflu and motrin. I hope you get some relief soon. Km

Go back to the doctor and ask him to test for parasites. You may have picked up some kind of intestinal parasite that could cause those symptoms. Make sure you tell him how much weight you have lost. If that doctor doesn't help you, find a different one. A sensitive, caring doctor should be concerned, especially since it has been going on for two weeks. Good luck!

Hi,
Medical advice is out of my realm of expertise, but my father was a doctor. i had something similar and it was Irritable Bowel syndrome. In any event, I would get a referral either to a specialist or to another general practioner to run more tests. Perhaps you need a test to check the esophagus
(I have a hiatial hernia so i am prone to heartburn, stomache upset and the like)

In any event,Your body is telling you something and I wouldnt stop until you find out what it is. The ER might not be your best bet, but i think a good doctor who would work with you would be. Good luck to you-as a Mom this must be extremely stressful and uncomfortable.

Definetly fire your doctor and get help! You poor thing! 7 lbs is a lot and a virus doesn't last that long. The more dehydrated you get, the more sick you feel. You have to stop the cycle. I suggest going to the ER they will run tests and it forces someone to do something about it.

Yes, you should go to another Dr. immediatly. This has gone on too long. A competent Dr. will do tests. If not, then you need to demand them. If you can't get in to see a Dr. today, then head to ER. This could be something simple to fix but you need to first find out what the cause is. Good luck to you.

It sounds like you need to go to another doctor or the emergency room. You are on your way to becoming dehydrated and there is a terrible flu going around. Please go see another doctor asap, 13 days is way to long and losing 7lb. is something to be concerned about.

Have you taken a pregnancy test?

Where do you live and have you gone camping? There is something called giardia (not sure that is the correst spelling) but it has the same symptoms. Call your Dr back and if he doesn't want to do anything find a new Dr.

Find a homeopathic that matches your symptoms. They truly work wonders, you can find them at your local health food store. Oscillococcinum is the standard homeopathic for flu but they have remedies for unique symptoms as well.

My mother always gave us 1 part Apple cider vinegar mixed with 5 parts water and enough honey to sweeten it whenever we had flu-like symptoms. It changes your Ph and virus cannot live in that extreme environment. Colloidal silver also would be helpful as well as eating a range of anti-viral foods and drinking copious amounts of water.
Google antiviral foods for more info. Blue-green algae is always a plus in one's diet.

The only problem with doctors is that they have two answers: surgery or pills. Neither solve the problem. Though they are useful for diagnosis so you can self heal. (That is if they have any clue what they're talking about)

Hope you feel better soon!

LH, I am not a doctor so I can only suggest that you go see another doctor. Perhaps a Gastroenterologist. With health insurance the way it is today, that may require a referral from your primary doctor

Get a second opinion FOR SURE!! Especially if you are nursing, as you could pass on whatever virus or other issues your body is carrying. Feel better soon!! :)
PS Could you be pregnant?

I'd absolutely get a second opinion, goodness, 7lbs. is alot and you could be getting dehydrated which is not good when you are nursing at all.....I'm surprised they are allowing you to nurse considering you are feeling the way you do.....I would definitely get a second opinion, or go to the ER ( you know at the ER they will definitely run some tests ) I hope you feel better soon.....

You have to eat for your own well being and because you are nursing....GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

I am a strong believer that the patient knows more than the doctor. If you feel that you aren't well seek a second opinion ASAP. Your precious family needs a healthy mom.

H. Morsy

if you are concerned that something is wrong, you need to advocate for yourself. go back to your doctor and say this is serious, or go see another doctor who will be more proactive.

doctors see hundreds of patients a day with "run of the mill" symptoms like nausea and diarhea. they spend 5 minutes with you and then say "next!" the only way they know if those run of the mill symptoms are something serious is if you let them know it is -- by your words and actions.

if it was your child who was sick like that you wouldn't take no for an answer - you would have been at the pediatrician's office three times already. be at least as nurturing to yourself.

Are you taking any new medication for a chronic condition? If not, then you need to see another doctor. FAST! This could be E coli. If you have a fever, go immediately to the ER. If just gastrointestinal symptoms, find another doctor. Sometimes, male doctors don't listen to women, but just dismiss us "whiney" or "wimpy". Try a woman doctor. A woman's health center. Get this checked out pronto and let us know the outcome.

LH-
That certainly does not sound like a simple "flu".
I would go to the ER - if you have insurance - but hell yes,
get yourself to another Doctor right away-without delay!!

I am a Professional Patient, disabled 83 surgical procedures,
and been exposed for well over a year to over-applications of pesticides-that gave me pulmonary hypertention, so I have extensive medical experiences.
I hope you will go to the ER!
Good Luck, And I sure hope you will be feeling better soon!
C. S

Yes, you should get a doctor to run tests. In fact you could have some form of colitis, an issue with your colon, the diarrhea and weight loss is a sign of that. Dr. Mark Takemura in Torrance CA, on earl Street would be a good doctor to call. They will run some tests first to see if it's not a bacterial infection.

if your doctor shooed you away after you explained your sickness and how it had been going on for that long, you should go get a SECOND OPINION for sure.
i had something that sounds like this last year in february. i had just quit using the birth control patch Ortho Evra (which im not sure if it had anything to do with it, but still...) I got sick and my kids were sick with the 24 hour flu a few days before so naturally i assumed it would go away, but when i didnt stop throwing up and having nausea and diarrhea after a week (i didnt have a fever either) i was very concerneed and went to the doctor. right away she told me it was definitely not the flu, or any other virus. so she did a few tests and NOTHING was wrong with me. she checked for gull stones and other things that could be wrong internally, nothing. so she prescribed me some prilosec because the only other thing she could think of was that it could be a stomach ulcer. from STRESS! i was not surprised, i just stopped breastfeed my almost two year old and was in school full time taking my two kids to preschool/daycare everyday and picking them up as well as having to clean the house and do the laundry (my husband at the time was finishing up undergrad and worried about not getting into grad school and "didnt have the time" to help me out. I told the doctor about this and she had me bring him in to talk to him and basically told him to step up or i would die from stress. after two weeks of this my mom finally took the kids for a week so i could recuperate and the diarrhea immediately went away, i was still sick from not being able to eat and i had lost 20 pounds! (although i was 40 pounds overweight to begin with so the weight loss wasnt that bad)
i was MUCH better after getting some time to relax.

(just for the record, my hubby has been helping 100% more ever since and also got into grad school!)

Who knows if it's the flu. If you are not much better NOW, call your doc back and get in ASAP. If he/she doesn't do something--walk out of there and to the nearest walk in clinic or ER. Geez. L.B.

I am so sorry. You must feel awful. I would go back to the doctor, or find another one. There must be something wrong as this is lasting to long. I would think you are dehydrated for sure. You can question your Dr. They might not like it but I would insist they pay attention.

Have you tried drinking coca cola? Drink it warm or cold. Either or. They will tell you to drink sprite, 7up. It does not work!

Drink Coca Cola, eat bananas, and rice with no butter, and drink tea. But make sure to drink coke. It is a life saver. Almost everyone I have told to drink coke it works on. It usually will take about a couple of hours to work. Sometimes it works instantly.

Also, if you go to emergency they might give you lomatil which stops severe diarhea.

By all means, get a second opinion and do it now! The chances are it is just a bug, flu, or something else you will eventually get over. But you can't take that chance. I had a lunp in my throat with sore throats for about a year. The doctors at Kaiser kept giving me antibiotics and telling me I had strept and other such ailments. One day I refused to leave the office, actually staged a "sit-in," until I saw another specialist. Later that day I was told I needed my tonsils out. Before I left they did a biopsy. The day I went for the pre op I found out I had cancer of the tonsil, stage 4. Luckily chemo and 34 radiation radiation worked though I almost didn't make it through the treatment but am ok now after 16 months. The point is, don't just accept one doctor's opinion. I will pray for you.

Call and talk with your Dr. one more time and tell him that you would like to have more test done because you feel soemthing is wrong. You are in charge, no one knows your body better than yourself. If you feel something is wrong then demand that you have some test done. If he wont do anything then go to another Dr. or an ER. Having Diarea for that long is no good. I would call your babies Dr. and let him know what is going on and ask if there is anything you should be doing for your baby because youa re nursing.
Stay hydrated please!!
God Bless

Gee, do you think he would be alarmed if he lost 7 lbs... Of course you should do something!!! Go get some probiotics at the nearest healthfood store or market, and take them, along with a pressure point bracelet for the nausea and find someone who will teach you where to wear it if you cannot find the spot on your wrist to make it work, even the internet may have a diagram!!! If nothing changes, the diarrhea, then take yourself to the emergency room if you have insurance or another doctor. Do not wait anylonger. You are not nuts, believe me!
Regards, E. H

If you have all those symptoms for 7 days you need to go back to the doctor or go to ER. You could have something very serious. I would definately change doctors though!

I am an medical assistant and thier are very many different illnesses going around now. Some last over a month. Get Blood work done and a urine test. Hope you feel better soon.

Are you sure it is not that Rotavirus that poeple talk about? I think it is a form of the stomach flu. 13 days is too long.

Maybe you can get the Dr to give you a shot of Composene, and you may need IV fluid if you can't hold anything down for a prolonged period of time.

My mother in law had flu like symptoms, went to her doctor who thought it was to flu, she suffered another week, went to the e.r. they did tests, admitted her to the hospital with a leak in her bowel. She had emergency surgery. Go have it checked out especially since you are not a doctor and sometimes it takes someone else to diagnose a problem.