Thank you for your reply Dr. You mentioned drinking probiotics, is yakult ok? Although Yakult is made from cultured milk and we are supposed to lay off dairy when we are suffering from GI problems isn't it?
Also I have been eating normally, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, except citrus fruits and spicy, sour foods
Hi!
I can appreciate your concerns since the symptoms have been persisting for nine days. However, at times, the gut infection persists for several days. I suggest you take the medications prescribed by the last doctor, except chlordiazepoxide (take it if you are really anxious and pass stool out of anxiety; this drug is optional, you can take it also for a short period). Along with that take probiotics (lactobacillus preparations) and curd and yoghurt. Eat light frequent meals about 5-6 times a day such that the stomach is not empty for long. Take toast, porridge, banana, apple without peel, papaya, smoothies, curd, crackers etc. Drink plenty of water, clear soups, lemonade etc. Cut down on green leafy vegetables and fruits like grapes, pomegranate, orange etc as they aggravate diarrhea. Avoid alcohol for these days. If you do not feel better after 3-4 days, do the following:
1. Stop all medications. After about 72 hours, give stool for testing (parasites, amoebiasis, giardiasis etc).
2. Give stool for culture.
3. Give blood to test for diabetes, liver and pancreatic enzymes, and serum electrolytes. At times liver or pancreatic infection causes indigestion like symptoms.
4. Consult a GI specialist.
I sincerely hope you will find this information useful. Hope you get well soon! Good Luck and take care!