GI bug or something more serious?

[flc1965]

Early Monday morning (1am) I woke with a horrible headache and violent diarrhea.  As the morning progressed, I continued to have some diarrhea and the headache persisted.  I also experienced joint pain.  I had no nausea/vomiting.  72+ hours later, I feel much better but am still experiencing diarrhea (although only 1-2xday) that still really has no form/shape and seems to be slightly tinged w/ pink as well as slight cramping and more gas than is 'normal' for me.  Should I be concerned or is this a case of GI tract not having completely settled down from earlier issue?

[LivingInHope]

Probiotics increase the good bacteria in your body and I know they can help prevent the diarrhea that can come when a person takes antibiotics that kill off not only the bad but the good bacteria as well.  

Still, though you plan to try probiotics as your friend suggests, I think if you are not eating red jello, taking Ampicillin, Phenophthalein, Diazepam syrup, Viprynium or Dioralyteoral rehydration solution, you should consult a GI doctor about the pink tinge in your stool to try to identify the source, because as whisperwolf mentioned, the pink tinge may mean blood.

[flc1965]

Thank you for your input.  As an FYI, I spoke with a friend who is also a physician.  He said he has seen some GI bugs lately that have been harder for folks to shake.  He recommended probiotics to see if that will put things in check.  If that doesn't clear things up, I will seek further medical help.

[whisperwolf]

I agree with Livinginhope. You should see a doctor ASAP. I wonder if you might have food poisoning. The pinkish tinge to your stool may indicate the presence of blood. Be sure you drink fluids that will give you electrolytes such as pedialyte or gatorade because you are probably dehydrated.

[LivingInHope]

Usually, a stomach virus should have passed by now and I'm concerned about the pinkish tinge in your diarrhea.  You should see your physician ASAP.