Stomach Virus for a Month?

That's so rough, I'm sorry to hear that. :( today I felt nauseous after eating, yet again. Wonderful. Is this ever going to end? My word it just keeps going.

I agree with your gut/brain inter-connectedness comments, and here is why:

First off, let me say that I am not an anxious person nor do I not suffer from anxiety. In the past, I might feel more than a twinge of anxiety if I had to speak professionally in front of a group or if I'm concerned about missing a work deadline but that's about it.

The last 3 weeks have been especially rough due to mental aspects that I believe were triggered by the stomach virus. I googled the brain/gut connection early on in my journey and my symptoms were in line with the typical anxiety symptoms consisting of (1) insomnia (2) constant weird head pressure/heavy head, (3) zombie brain fog, (4) muddled thinking/lack of ability to focus (5) dizzy, (6) feeling waves of anxiety (7) feeling out of sorts, etc. which basically left me incapacitated, especially when taking into consideration the nausea, lack of appetite and pain and discomfort simultaneously going on in the gut.

Last night I slowly ate some salmon and veggies and 5 minutes later my body was coursing with anxiety. WTF?! I'm not sure if I was mistaking my body's physical reaction to the food as anxiety or if the physical reaction triggered anxiety. Sounds melodramatic, but It was incredibly uncomfortable and overwhelming.

Good news is that today I am finally feeling some GI relief. This morning I was really in a bad way, but this afternoon was a different story. I won't gross you out with the details, but shortly after the bm relief the zombie brain curtain lifted quite a bit. This morning I was really suffering (in the gut and mentally) and this afternoon it feels like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the first time in 3 weeks that I can sit at my desk and focus on my work and not feel mentally impaired or overwhelmed. My gut felt relief for the first time in weeks and my zombie brain receded. The timing can't be a coincidence.

I don't know if I'm out of the woods 100% yet because my head is still a bit heavy (probably due to lack of food and sleep, fingers crossed), my gut is still gurgling, I still don't have an appetite, and I don't know yet if the insomnia/early waking is over. No matter, I will be happy if zombie brain and anxiety stays at bay.

Hi Wisconsin:

So sorry to hear! Are you eating normal size meals yet?

Since nothing in my fridge or pantry sounded even remotely appetizing , I thought I would trick my brain into eating by going to Panera after a doctor appointment this morning. I ordered the oatmeal and a whole wheat bagel. I was able to eat half the bagel and only a few spoonfuls of oatmeal (even though it tasted sooo good). I was so disappointed because I want to eat more food in order to get my mind and body strong again. I have it in my head that once I start to eat normally everything else will fall into place.

I had a bit of a break through today. You can see my response to NY1 (above) if you are interested in the deets.

I was able to eat somewhat normally at the beginning of this misadventure and now I am the BRAT diet almost exclusively due to nausea unrelenting. My sister suggested starting with a saltine to get it going and that works for me. I find salty crackers to be a lifesaver. LOL! - I almost bought a bagel today too - as the idea seemed appealing. I was out for my daily short walk but got so overwhelmed and sick feeling that I had to go home. I stand in front of the fridge and look in there but can't see anything I can bear to eat. Smells bother me too - sometimes even the smell of chicken soup turns my stomach. It really cheers me up to hear that some of you are feeling a bit better. I get dips in the day where I just cry. I don't see any improvement at all. Yesterday was a bit better and today was worse again. I was disappointed that no test results came but then when I think about it, I get angry at the doctors because no one is trying to do any creative problem solving on this, nor can I get any comfort or support from them. Does anyone have a doctor that has any common sense or been supportive - words of wisdom? Does anyone have a strategy for the nausea and headaches?? I have some old Zophran but it gives me a headache, dizzy and weird sticky BM's (sorry!). If I am really desperate, I take one and lie down. Has anyone found any homeopathic or home remedies? Just want to add: Thank you for posting, you all are my bright stars in the darkness - one day we will be past this and normal again, right - what a concept - HA!!!!!
-NY1

Hey I'm very comforted by you all, as well! I hate that we are all suffering, but one of my worst fears was it being so.ething serious. My tests were fine as well. NY1, Have you given a stool sample yet?

The only thing that seems to help my nausea is peppermint tea. This week was great for me until today when I was hit with nausea yet again. I agree with the Guest above...Brain gut connection is strong indeed. I am only encouraged that flu tracking sites and a Facebook search of "stomach virus" bring up a whole lot of results. I've found a decent number of people online who have been sick for 3-4 weeks as well. Sigh. I'm ready to be done.

NY1-

I relate to so much in your post!

I had to discontinue the Zofran for the same reasons...I couldn't tolerate the headaches and constipation. I think it was making things worse, cause the Zofran meddles with seratonin. I chucked my pills.

I don't know if any of the following helped or not to quicken my recovery, but I took digestive enzymes and probiotics. I started the probiotics 3 weeks ago and the digestive enzymes last week. Nothing curbed the nausea, but it was more tolerable this week while other symptoms took the forefront.

I was on the BRAT until last Friday. When I started the digestive enzyme I changed my diet away from BRAT and started eating more protein and less carbs. I started eating salmon everyday for the omega 3 and tried to eat more fruit and veggies and more healthy overall. It was very difficult because I found food very unappealing and I always suffered nausea or pains after eating. I did continue with the cinnamon flavored apple sauce though, because I was never put off by it and it was kind of a nice treat.

Doctors don't know about us outliers. Hell, I spent HOURS researching prolonged stomach flu/prolonged recovery from stomach flu and found plenty of anecdotal evidence, but it took effort. We represent a small % of population. Thank goodness for the internet to keep us sane! A few days ago I was really sufferering and and asked my doctor for a GI specialist. She recommended I get an ultrasound first, which I knew I didn't need but did today out of desperation.

Ironically, I had my first good window this afternoon of feeling better and the zombie brain eased up and I had clarity for the first time in weeks. I was able to eat dinner and not suffer during or afterwards. I still have slight headache, heavy head, and stomach gurgling, but It's much improved from the relentless suffering I've endured these past 3 weeks. I'm hoping that this good window stays permanently open and I continue to progress, but know my progress may not be as linear as I would like and the window may close for a bit...two steps forward one step back. I say this while I'm in bed typing on my iPad wide awake, instead of sleeping...not a good sign for a good nights sleep for me. Looks like I have more healing to do.

Lov4k9s

Oh man, I experienced waking up in panic and adrenaline rushes the first couple of weeks. It was awful! That eased up for me this past week, even though I still woke up at 3am every day.

I hope my sleep cycle returns to normal soon.

Lov4k9s

Good morning Lov4k9s! Thanks for your encouragement and posts last night! It really does sound like you are are the mend! I am so glad!!! Just stay on that path!!! I do take a probiotic every day and I have recently doubled it up to two pills (at breakfast and then before bed). I read that taking a probiotic before bed helps you sleep (yay!!!!) and also works better because it stays in the digestive track longer while you, and your gut are "sleeping" (LOL!). I realized after going to the doctor that she completely dismissed this as a stomach flu in her mind. You are totally right about being an outlier - others in my family have had weird things happen to them and been treated this way by doctors. It's really sad how much time and effort we have to spend to do the research for our selves! I have also spent hours on this trying to gleen some information from the internet and a few wise friends. FYI: I have been taking the probiotic made by Jarrow called "Ultra Jarro-Dophilus" It is in the refrigerator at the health food store - it is non dairy and has 10 probiotic strains with 50 billion per capsule. Which enzyme do you take?

OMG! Yes! I wake up at 3am every morning like clockwork - so weird!! I think it's anxiety associated with this. When I feel myself panicking as I wake up, I try to focus on my breathing and tell myself that I am ok. It's really torture, I know! It feels like you are waking up to an emergency. I've figured out that when I have a fever, everything cascades downward - including my emotions. I have decided to try to treat the fever with tylenol.

Are you taking anything like Zantac? The lining of my stomach must be inflamed because when she pressed on it, it hurt in a dull way. Also, I've noticed that it get these "knots" in my stomach that I can massage out - are they bubbles of air or muscle contractions? Do you have that?

I'm wondering what the ultrasound showed? Did they do it on your stomach? My doctor did not mention that - she's hell bent on an endoscopy and a colonoscopy as "soon as I'm up for it".
Honestly, I can't imagine successfully completing a colon cleanse and then recovering from that body assault!....as an estimate - another month to recover???? I'll get right on that! LOL!!!

So hopeful to hear that you are able to do some fruits and veges! I am normally a fruit addict and this has been a really hard part to deal with. When I can, I do eat overcooked veges and I seem ok with that. Yesterday was bad and I couldn't do it. I'm hoping today might be better.
Let me know how you are today, ok???
Hang in there!!! I'm here too!
-NY1

Hi NY1.

Today was not as good as yesterday. No appetite, heavy head, headache, and malaise. I think I'm may be weak from lack of food and proper sleep. Even though I've been eating healthier this past week, I really was unable to consume many calories. I did sleep better last night, but did not feel rested this morning.

That said, the GI stuff is improving (besides the appetite) and I'm doing better than last week and I'm grateful for that, but disappointed at the same time because I feel like c**p and I want my life back. I will give you a more detailed update when I'm feeling better.

How are you? How much are you able to sleep? How are you functioning at work?

Lov4k9s

Hi Lov4k9s,
How are you today? So weird - yesterday was really good for me and today is not so good again. I woke up several times last night and early this morning - ahhhhh!
Hey, have you been tested for H Pylori? The symptoms seem very close to what we have been experiencing? I haven't gotten any test results back yet - hoping for something tomorrow (Monday). I don't know if they tested me for that but I'll find out. Anxiety, sweating, rapid heart beat, nausea, diarrhea, etc. all seem to be major symptoms of this. Just curious...
I'm TOTALLY FED UP with feeling like c**p - let me know how you are doing and hope today is a bit better for you.
-NY1

Hi NY1:

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So sorry to hear that today is not as good as yesterday (I know how that goes). Please tell me what your good day was like for you.

Here are my responses to your questions from your two most recent posts:

FROM YOUR FRIDAY POST:

* The digestive enzyme I take are from a local compounding pharmacy.

* My doctor wanted me to take Zantac or Prilosec OTC. I researched the side effects on other sites and learned that frequent adverse side effects included anxiety, depression, and insomnia. I really debated taking them because I wanted the suffering to stop, but ultimately decided NOPE!

* My stomach lining felt inflamed, but during my doctor's exam I did not feel any additional pain when she pressed on my tummy. I think she might have been looking for ulcers? I should have asked her.

* I do not recall "knots" or muscle contractions. I did experience some spasms during bm's a couple of times after taking Zofran, but don't know if Zofran was the cause.

* I had the ultrasound on Friday and expect I will hear back from doctor on Monday. I believe the doctor wanted to look at gallbladder and pancreas to rule stuff out. During the ultrasound they looked at my entire belly area. * I asked for H Pylori test, but doctor wanted to start with ultra sound.

* I was forcing myself to eat more fruits and veggies, but could only eat a little at a time. Maybe a handful or berries and a couple of carrots at a time. It was rough muscling my way through force feeding and was starting to stress out about it. I finally had to tell myself to just listen to my body and not worry so much about the lack of nutrition.


FROM YOUR SUNDAY POST:

* Last night I woke at 2am and every two hours. However, I felt extreme disappointment, but did not feel any anxiety. At this point I'm thinking my sleep cycle is just f'd up. At least I'm hoping that is the case.

* I've only been up for a bit, but so far today seems better than yesterday.

* I have not been tested for H Pylori. I asked my doctor, but she didn't seem to think that was my problem. She thought I have gastritis as a result of a nasty stomach virus and wanted me to get an ultrasound to rule out other issues. I was having a really bad day when I asked for the test. Things have improved for me since then. Remaining symptoms:

- nausea is minimal - still have low/no appetite. Friday evening I could eat, yesterday not so much.

- anxiety levels have dropped significantly. Almost nonexistent.

- minor headache - sleep disruption - it is so strange, cause I never feel sleepy. WTF?!


- I feel dull, heavy headed, out of sorts, and general malaise. Even with that said, the intensity level is better than yesterday. I'm disappointed because my GI symptoms are much improved, but I still don't feel 100%.

At this point I'm thinking the gastritis is healing or healed because I no longer feel the GI burning nor am I suffering after eating like I was last week. Nausea is almost nonexistent, but still no appetite. I don't have diarrhea, and my bm's seem to be getting back to normal (hard to tell for sure, cause I don't each much food).

I think perhaps the lingering crappy feelings are the result of feeling extremely ill for 3 weeks. I don't know how it was for you or Wisconsin, but it was intense and relentless for me and really hard on my body (and mind), as such I may need to be patient and give my body the time it needs to recover and for me to get my joy back.

Lov4k9s

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Hi Wisconsin:

Just checking in to see how you are doing.

Lov4k9s

Hi lov4k9s,

Agreed, the illness was unrelenting, non stop, unlike anything ive ever had. I have only recently begun to FEEL tired. It was a major adrenaline and anxiety rush before. Yes, our bodies seem to have really been put through the ringer wit this. Wouldn't wish it on anyone.

*Appetite is mostly back, but nausea still here for me. Fortunately im able to eat a little more than before at mealtimes fortunately. I have an incredibly strong gag reflex...yay me, so I know this part of the illness will take time to subside.

*Tmi warning, my bowel movements are now normal, though the timing is not. Instead of going after breakfast like I used to, I go shortly after waking.

* Sleep disruption at about 3-5 am lingering....GRRRRR I need my sleep ypu know? How's a body supposed to recover without rest? My sleep will probably take a while to get back, but I have had several normal nights in the last week, finally. Also something to consider, once your body gets into a habit, it's hard to break it. I think that a lot of it is just "habit" from being sick.

*GI tract feels less "inflamed" and things in general seem less noisy and unhappy down there.

*I feel tired, heavy headed and still "sick" in general, though I also have a small cold and sleep is hard to come by.

I think it's important for us to remember our bodies have honestly been through hell and its going to take some time to get back to normal. I complained to my husband that I still don't feel 100% but that's what he told me and its probsbly true. I consider it to be the worst thing I've ever had. I would have rather been on the toilet non stop for 2 days like most people seem to be with this rampant stomach bug that's going around. The insane length of it all is truly mind boggling to me. And the fact we all have it leads me to believe it was indeed viral and for some reason it took its time with us.

Lov4k9s, be sure to update us on your test results. Hope everyone's continuing to improve. I give myself another 2 weeks of healing time, this has been intense.

Hi Wisconsin:

It's always so comforting to hear from you and NY1, as I feel a little less alone with this ordeal when your comments pop up.

I'm so happy for you that your appetite has come back! I think that is great news. I'm sorry you have lingering nausea, but I expect that will dissipate shortly. And yes, the sleep disruption is maddening!

Despite all of my progress over last week, today (and yesterday) has been a real bummer. I'm still having to muscle my way through eating. Took me over an hour to eat half a cantaloupe, some berries, and some crackers. I felt a little nausea and weirdness after eating, but nothing like last week. Last week the nausea was 24/7 and the suffering after eating was off the charts. So, I feel bad for complaining....but I still feel like complete c**p!

I've been trying to catch up on some work today, but I just sit at my desk and stare at the screen. The heavy head really makes me feel like a detached zombie and it is the bane of my existence. It was so nice on Friday when the zombie brain veil temporarily lifted. I wish I knew what I did or ate that helped lift that veil.

I have never experienced anything like this. I am normally sick for a few days then back on my feet shortly thereafter. Furthermore, I've never had zombie brain before. WTH! I feel like my life has been put on hold because of this stomach virus (or whatever this was). Sorry for my little rant.

I will definitely update with my ultrasound results,though I don't expect they will find anything.

Lov4k9s

Hey you guys!! So good to hear from you too!!! I've been feeling worse today and got depressed.
I did manage to have a small piece of Salmon for dinner with a few string beans and baked potato - OMG! That sounds pathetic that I'm reporting it!!! LOL!!! Anyway, I wasn't hungry at all but decided not to think about it and I was able to eat it. However, afterwards I got nauseous!
BTW: a great snack that I have discovered is UTZ sourdough pretzels!! They are great even with nausea and can stimulate a bit of an appetite. Somehow too, the sourdough is soothing to the stomach.
The wiped out/washed out feeling is really disturbing day after day. I find that the hard thing about trying to do any work is that everything feels too complicated and overwhelming. I agree that this is one of the most infuriating illnesses I have ever experienced. Lov4k9s: Please don't apologize for ranting!!! I am furious too! Don't know about you guys but do you have the experience with friends and family like they don't want to hear about it anymore and act as if you are just being melodramatic or pampering yourself? I've noticed that if I don't report that each day is a bit better, I get an impatient brush off. Even my mother and sister are doing this. I'd like to see them experience this for a few weeks solid, and see how it feels!!! Also, I can't think about doctors because I get really angry about them too, and their total lack of imagination or solutions.
I mean, REALLY!!!! Completely worthless!!! Have either of you actually been diagnosed with anything??? Sorry for ranting....anyway, you guys just really cheered me up a bit and I'll hope that none of us will wake up at 2am, 3am....5am....6am.... and no early bathroom runs or nauseous/panic attack "wake-up calls", ok? Sleep Good!...Till Tomorrow...
-NY1