Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery

Gastrointestinal discomfort

In the early hours of Saturday, around 2-4 AM, I vomited five times (stomach acid) and had two bowel movements (one normal and one small but somewhat loose).
Early Sunday morning, around 8:30 AM, I saw a doctor and received an injection.
The doctor advised me not to eat anything as I would just vomit it out, and I also had no appetite.
After the injection and medication, I did not vomit or have diarrhea.
By the evening, my temperature was 37.9°C, and I took antipyretics.
Throughout the day, I barely managed to eat a bowl of porridge, only about 2-3 bites.

In the early hours of Monday, I was awakened by pain and couldn't bear it, so I went to the emergency room around 1:40 AM.
I had an X-ray and received two injections.
The doctor mentioned that there was decaying food in my gastrointestinal tract and that I had bloating, which is common in gastroenteritis.
By Monday morning, my temperature rose to 38.9°C.
After taking antipyretics and finishing my medication, I could only sleep for about half an hour before being awakened by pain.
I could only continue to lie down and sleep, waking up to drink some water and then going back to sleep.
On Monday night, around 9 PM, the pain became unbearable again, so I went to another doctor for another injection, which suddenly made me feel much better, but I still had trouble sleeping.
In the early hours of Tuesday, my temperature was again at 37.8°C.
Since the doctor did not prescribe any antipyretics, I could only take paracetamol.
I had bowel movements at around 5 AM and 10 AM, but the amounts were not significant.
By the afternoon, my temperature rose to 38°C again, and I could only continue taking paracetamol.
My temperature kept fluctuating between high fever and then subsiding.
My stomach and abdomen continued to hurt, and I experienced pain during bowel movements.
From Wednesday to Friday, my condition remained similar; I was mostly in bed, sleeping, eating, and using the bathroom.
However, sometimes I felt the urge to defecate even when I didn't need to, and my stomach was still cramping.
I went to work on Thursday but it was very painful.
My arms and legs felt weak, and I was only able to eat porridge, occasionally having some toast.

On Saturday, about 2-3 hours after eating, I felt hungry again.
By the evening, I felt much better and thought I was recovering, but on Sunday morning, I woke up with stomach pain again.
I still felt weak all over and soft, and my stomach would occasionally cramp painfully.

I would like to ask if this indicates that there is still decaying food in my gastrointestinal tract? Additionally, how much longer will it take for me to recover to normal? Could it be due to receiving too many injections or eating too little that I feel weak?

Tòngkǔ zhī rén, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/17

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine

Hello! As you mentioned, the symptoms you are experiencing are indeed common manifestations of gastroenteritis.
Typically, discomfort lasts about three days to a week, depending on the severity.
If you felt improvement on Saturday along with a reduction in fever, it is likely that you are in the recovery phase.
Regarding the pain on Sunday, it may depend on whether you consumed any irritating foods after feeling better on Saturday.
Generally, in severe cases of gastroenteritis, fever and abdominal pain may improve first, while diarrhea can persist for several days before gradually returning to normal.
Consuming more irritating or osmotically active foods (such as milk or greasy foods) during this time can often lead to noticeable diarrhea.
It is recommended to start with a sports drink mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio, and once your stomach feels better, you can try plain rice porridge.
You should gradually return to normal this week.
As for the weakness, it is usually caused by diarrhea leading to electrolyte imbalance, and eating less can also contribute to feelings of weakness.
This should improve as your appetite gradually returns, so there is no need to worry too much.
If you continue to experience fever or worsening abdominal pain in the next few days, it is advisable to consult an infectious disease specialist or a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Dr.
Lin Wu-Fu, Infectious Disease Specialist.

Reply Date: 2018/06/17

More Info

Gastrointestinal distress can be a complex issue, often influenced by various factors including stress, diet, and underlying medical conditions. Based on the symptoms you've described, it appears that you may be experiencing a combination of acute gastroenteritis and possibly some post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional gastrointestinal disorder.

Symptoms and Initial Assessment
Your symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever suggest an acute gastrointestinal infection, which is commonly referred to as gastroenteritis. This condition can be caused by viral infections (like norovirus or rotavirus), bacterial infections (such as Salmonella or E. coli), or even food poisoning from contaminated food. The presence of "decayed food" in your gastrointestinal tract, as mentioned by your doctor, could indicate that your body is struggling to process certain foods, leading to discomfort and symptoms like bloating and pain.

Stress and Gastrointestinal Health
It's also important to consider the role of stress in gastrointestinal health. Stress can exacerbate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, leading to increased sensitivity and discomfort. The gut-brain axis is a well-documented phenomenon where psychological stress can lead to physical symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract. This means that even after the initial infection has resolved, stress and anxiety can continue to affect your gut health, potentially leading to ongoing symptoms.

Recovery and Management
1. Dietary Adjustments: After experiencing gastroenteritis, it's crucial to reintroduce foods gradually. Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Avoid dairy, fatty foods, and high-fiber foods until your symptoms fully resolve. Staying hydrated is also essential, especially if you've experienced vomiting and diarrhea.

2. Medications: While medications can help manage symptoms, it's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding their use. Over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) can help with diarrhea, but they should be used cautiously and not in cases of bacterial infections where the body needs to expel the pathogens.

3. Rest and Recovery: Your body needs time to recover after an illness. Fatigue and weakness can be common post-illness symptoms, especially if your food intake has been low. Ensure you get plenty of rest and gradually increase your activity level as you feel better.

4. Follow-Up Care: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's crucial to seek further medical evaluation. Persistent abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by fever or changes in bowel habits, may require additional diagnostic tests, such as imaging or endoscopy, to rule out other conditions.

5. Managing Stress: Since stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, consider incorporating stress management techniques into your routine. This could include mindfulness practices, yoga, or even talking to a mental health professional if you feel overwhelmed.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms are likely related to a combination of acute gastroenteritis and possibly stress-induced gastrointestinal sensitivity. Recovery can take time, and it's important to listen to your body, adjust your diet, and manage stress effectively. If symptoms persist, don't hesitate to seek further medical advice to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed. Remember, your health is a priority, and taking proactive steps can lead to a quicker recovery.

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