Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ucfvgirl]

In my case there is no blood, no fever, and no vomiting. That's why I wasn't too concerned about it at first. But after reading all of your posts and hearing my mom in the back of my mind saying "go see a doctor", I guess I will take all of your advice and go tomorrow. I appreciate all of your concern and thoughts. Thank you.

[Gatsby]

Parasites are a possibility. Giaridia can be picked up from water, even municipal water supplies in the U.S., after heavy rainfall that results in flooding of the water source. Your body generally clears itself of parasites like giardia after a month or more, but not always. See Power Healing by Leo Galland. A solid carbon block water filter will remove parasites.

As to problems like IBS and Crohn's, an approach that many have had success with, beyond what most doctors would say is possible without drugs, is presented in Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet, by Elaine Gloria Gottschall. You can find people who have used this approach in online support groups. They key is temporarily eliminating complex sugars, while eating yogurt, to heal the digestive tract.

Another look at the issue is provided by Dr. James Braly in his books, such as Food Allergy Relief. He talks about problems caused by grains, such as wheat, and other IeE food allergies, as well as Crohn's.

A good general treatment for diarrhea is psyllium husks, sold commonly as Metamucil. It helps slow things down, while absorbing the bad stuff in your colon that may be causing problems.

Charcoal capsules also absorb bad stuff and slow down diarrhea, but can go too far and cause constipation. It is a sort of natural Immodium.

The one thing you don't want to do when you have severe diarrhea is take antibiotics. This can lead to kidney damage by putting too much stress on the kidneys, clogging them with all sorts of bits of dead cells they can't clean out.

This is especially a problem with e-coli H017, a cause of severe diarrhea. You can get this from eating raw vegetables or fruit that has been exposed in the field to cow dung with the bacteria. It can remain a problem weeks after being exposed.

As to tar-like stools, this is a classic description of what remains of blood from internal bleeding, or even a hemorrhage. See a doctor.

Pain killers such as aspirin or NSAIDs such as Advil are a common cause of internal bleeding. Do not take more than the recommended amount; they are not as safe as you might think. Gastroenterologists say they can see signs of internal bleeding with a fiber optic scope after only a couple of days of NSAID use in many people.

As to the general problem and symptoms, a good place to start is to Google "NIH diarrhea."






Food Allergy Relief by James Braly and Jim Thompson

[Gatsby]

One other possibility: Taking acid reducers such as Pepcid, or just antacids like Tums, can increase your risk of getting food poisoning or picking up parasites. You see, stomach acid, HCL, is your body's first line of defense for killing off bad bacteria and parasites. As one doctor told me, dogs don't get food poisoning, despite eating out of garbage cans. The reason: They produce lots of stomach acid.

The NIH website used to have a warning for travelers overseas about the risks of using products like Pepcid for increasing the risks of food poisoning or problems from the local water. The warning, however, disappeared shortly after George Bush got elected.

[aphong420]

Unless you're steadfast on becoming a hypochondriac - I would not be on a message board asking about medical concerns....

Go to a doctor.

[Chillin' Villain]

I know you're probably not taking creatine, but if you are and you're taking it at the wrong times, that can make ya poop rivers.

[caniff]

Put a cork in it. Really. And I mean that on both levels.

[SuperFly]

[caniff]

She needs to call the embassy and be air-lifted out immediately!!

[JeJuJitsu]

Parasites. Too bad many Koreans think having parasites is a good thing, that they help your digestion and help control weight. They usually add the parasite larvae to non-fermented side dishes.

[venus]

[discostar23]

Hey there,

Have you been washing your veggies with tap water? It is a strong possiblity it is this. I know when I got to thailand I can't even brush my teeth with the water.

Also if it is IBS, there will be certain foods that trigger it. For example I can't eat a lot of raw veggies. Stress factors in highly! More stress more bathroom breaks. Sounds horrible but keep track of what you eat and when you go to the toliet. Then you should be able to find your trigger foods. IBS is very common

[MissSeoul]

[tesseract]

The best advice I can give you is go to a doctor, explain all your symptoms, and answer all the embarrassing questions you will be asked. I was diagnosed with IBS last year after I finally got tired of being miserable and talked to a doctor. I'm on medication now which I absolutely love because it's made such a huge difference in my life. None of us can tell you what you have, but it's worth going to a doctor to find out. Why be miserable if you don't have to be?

[venus]

My friend once had bad gigestion / indigestion problems. Started going to the gym 3 times a week and said they totally cleared up...

[Futooomsh]