Passing water

kta, any nausea? there's a really bad stomach bug making the rounds right now, i think i saw earlier its a norovirus...just getting over it myself and it was a doozy. Kathy Smith recommended Vitalyte to me for electrolyte replacement. I ordered same morning and received it the next day...am hooked on the stuff now, really like the taste of the grape and couldn't believe how much better I felt. My doctor has me on Ensure clear and i either must be desperate or something because I really like the taste...Blueberry and pomegranate. I plan on keeping both around a long time for days like you are having, so at least you won't get dehydrated too badly and can keep those electrolytes up. I think I've read somewhere where this virus hangs on, its not the normal 24 -48 hour deal...I think with us and our plumbing, it probably takes longer to get over stuff like this. feel better soon!

Val - thanks. Is the Vitalyte something I have to order or is it in stores?

I have had a tad bit of nausea, but very little.

kta - it's available at REI or you can order it online.

It could one of two things I think - some sort of stomach bug as Val mentioned or a partial obstruction. Is the cramping on a regular schedule? If so, that could indicate a partial obstruction. It's paristalsis and the cramping comes in waves.

If you start getting light-headed or start vomiting, take yourself to the ER. Try to keep yourself very hydrated if possible. You can make your own rehydration solution if you can't get out or you don't want to wait for something you order.

Here's a simple recipe:

sugar (table sugar): 8 level teaspoons (40 ml/40 g)
salt (table salt): 1 level teaspoon
clean drinking water: 1 liter).

Fructose (fruit sugar) or artificial sweeteners should not be substituted for the table sugar.

To add add potassium and to improve taste, you may add orange juice or banana. To each liter, add: A half cup of orange juice or
half of a mashed banana

If the diarrhea is not too severe, a reduced concentration oral rehydration solution may be preferred - but beware of salt loss if you're not getting replacement sodium from elsewhere.

kathy

Kta, i ordered the vitalyte directly from vitacost but Kathy noted to me that you can get it at REI as well. Since I was wanting to get it going quickly, I had them ship overnite...a little pricy but i got it the next day and was able to start it quickly. i drink at least 8 ounces a day of the stuff and have found I want more simply because I like the taste of it, especially the grape and feel good after a glass or 2 of the drink. If it is something other than a bug, pls do as Kathy mentioned and get yourself to the ER so it doesn't get any worse. Good luck and keep us posted as to how you are feeling.

if you are getting that dehydrated.. go get some Pedialyte. any grocery store or drug store will have it. It is the closest thing to the electrolyte balance that needs replacing.

Also do not hesitate to go to the ER. Those of us without colons can get dehydrated very quickly and oftentimes.. no matter how much water or electrolyte drink you chug.. cannot catch you up. IV hydration is sometimes required.

Thank you for all the replies. I am hopefully starting to feel better. I did go onto the Vitalyte website, but decided that since it was Sat. that it would be faster to get the Pedialyte. That stuff is disgusting! I got the unflavored because I tend to dislike phony flavorings, but next time I'll get the Vitalyte. I think I'll order some tomorrow because if this lasts 10 days like it did for Val, I will need it.I'm thickening up a bit and the cramps seem to have gone away. Kathy, that is good info. about how to tell the difference between a partial blockage and tummy cramps. I haven't actually had cramps like this since the pouch surgery and I think the fuzed together scar tissue makes things way different than a normal stomach. I had wondered about a blockage. These were definitely cramps. I feel a bit brighter and hope tomorrow will see more improvement.

I have Pedialyte pops in the freezer. I'll bet they've been there for over a decade.... I agree with you kta - it's vile. And when you're not feeling well, having to drink (or lick) something disgusting just doesn't work.

I'm glad you're feeling better.

kathy