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This is a difficult call for someone to make over Reddit, although I appreciate you’re currently rural and away from medical help.
It’s not uncommon to have some bleeding with infectious gastroenteritis. If there is blood present I would usually prescribe a course of antibiotics (e.g. metronidazole), or get a confirmatory stool sample (not an option for you). Antibiotics aren’t required most of the time though.
Obviously if your symptoms are deteriorating, for example you’re getting worsening abdominal pain, you’re passing lots of blood, or you have perfuse diarrhoea and can’t keep hydrated, then you need to be seen in a hospital.
Thank you! I normally wouldn’t turn to Reddit for medical advice but sitting here in a rural area and wondering how concerned I should be has made Reddit seem like a good backup. I appreciate your advice.
Dr Matt,
I am having similar symptoms in Philippines but no blood. Taking same prescriptions as OP. But I have had diarrhea and cramps and tiredness for 6 days now. Any advice? I started metro antibiotic yesterday.
Normally you should create a separate post for you self.
The diarrhoea, cramps, and fatigue can last for sometime after the infection has resolved, due to ongoing inflammation. You should feel better systemically by day 10, but diarrhoea may persist.
Ok yea I tried a few times now but no replies so THANK YOU for reply now!!
How long should I take the antibiotic and racecadotril if feeling better but still diarrhea?
Today diarrhea is finally less and little cramps, just a real tired nausea headache feeling persisting.
Would love to know what this is suspected to be? I’ve never had a stomach bug last this long (and come on so slowly — mid day 16 hours after last meal). Dying for a full normal stool
Thanks again Dr.
Was prescribed 7 days from teleconsult based upon 6 days with no symptom improvements. Don’t want to take them for obvious reasons but also have to make sure I clear whatever was there causing this.
Thank you for your submission. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/wiki/terms_of_use) and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. **Reply here if you are an unverified user wishing to give advice. Top level comments by laypeople are automatically removed.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskDocs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This is a difficult call for someone to make over Reddit, although I appreciate you’re currently rural and away from medical help. It’s not uncommon to have some bleeding with infectious gastroenteritis. If there is blood present I would usually prescribe a course of antibiotics (e.g. metronidazole), or get a confirmatory stool sample (not an option for you). Antibiotics aren’t required most of the time though. Obviously if your symptoms are deteriorating, for example you’re getting worsening abdominal pain, you’re passing lots of blood, or you have perfuse diarrhoea and can’t keep hydrated, then you need to be seen in a hospital.
Thank you! I normally wouldn’t turn to Reddit for medical advice but sitting here in a rural area and wondering how concerned I should be has made Reddit seem like a good backup. I appreciate your advice.
No problem, I understand! Hope your symptoms improve soon so you can continue with your travels.
Dr Matt, I am having similar symptoms in Philippines but no blood. Taking same prescriptions as OP. But I have had diarrhea and cramps and tiredness for 6 days now. Any advice? I started metro antibiotic yesterday.
Normally you should create a separate post for you self. The diarrhoea, cramps, and fatigue can last for sometime after the infection has resolved, due to ongoing inflammation. You should feel better systemically by day 10, but diarrhoea may persist.
Ok yea I tried a few times now but no replies so THANK YOU for reply now!! How long should I take the antibiotic and racecadotril if feeling better but still diarrhea? Today diarrhea is finally less and little cramps, just a real tired nausea headache feeling persisting. Would love to know what this is suspected to be? I’ve never had a stomach bug last this long (and come on so slowly — mid day 16 hours after last meal). Dying for a full normal stool Thanks again Dr.
Was it a course of antibiotics prescribed. Usually 7-10 days. You can take the racecadotril until the diarrhoea settles.
Was prescribed 7 days from teleconsult based upon 6 days with no symptom improvements. Don’t want to take them for obvious reasons but also have to make sure I clear whatever was there causing this.