Sunday night i may have eaten a bit too much. Before bed i was still burping and i guess the food didnt digest too good. Monday morning when i woke up i felt pain in my stomach. When i went to the bathroom it was normal. But when i got to work the pain was worse. I had diahrrea. I went home and tried to rest. It hasnt gotten better. Ive been on the brat diet very bland food. Drank ginger ale but its not really helping. When i lie down my stomach feels very sore almost like i worked out like crazy. This morning my stool was dark and loose. Sorry for being so graphic. But what are some things i can do to help?! I have no health insurance. And i have a slight fever sore throat and runny nose may have caught cold over the weekend. But im sure the two are not related. Thank you so much.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Not only is there a lot of flu (respiratory influenza) going around right now, there is also a lot of norovirus (intestinal flu) out there, and many people are getting norovirus in combination with a cold or influenza. Even though you're not vomiting, it is very possible that what you're describing is norovirus. The bad news is that you may have to wait this out for a few days and be feeling pretty crummy for much of that time. The good news is that if you can stay well hydrated and keep from developing a complication such as pneumonia (which you might suspect you have if you get a fever that starts jumping up and down), there is no reason to have to the doctor. In fact a doctor can't really do anything to make you feel better if this is what you have. You can read more about norovirus, including symptoms and treatment by clicking this link here:
http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html
Be sure to keep washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly if you have other people sharing your home with you. Be sure to keep drinking plenty of liquids.
If the dark stools continue for more than 10 days, you should get it checked by a doctor. But my guess is that this is just a temporary symptom of a virus.
Wishing you better luck and better health.