Stomach ache?

So, I'm still in El Salvador, its wednesday morning and its my last day. I've been very careful about what I eat, like washing fruit well, not drinking from the tap and not eating unknown stuff. Well, I guess I missed something and now I'm in pain.

(WARNING: TMI)

I have diarrhea, my tummy hurts, I'm really nauseous and I feel like throwing up, but I'm scared too. (I haven't really thrown up since surgery. I've spit food back up that got stuck and had the foamies, but never this). I'm laying in bed curled up in pain. I feel gassy too.

I'm worried that this will continue on the plane, which is this afternoon. So I really, really need some advice on what to take. Before I'd take alka seltzer or pepto bismol. But now? I have no clue! Help!

Well my dear. Sorry that you are suffering. I traveled to Egypt once and was advised to stay away from fruits and salads (as they are often washed with tap water). You didn't wash your fruit with tap water did you? Was also advised to use bottled water to brush your teeth with. To only drink boiling hot teas. Avoid ice cubes like the plague. Stay away from ice cream. And to only eat food that comes out piping hot. If you've violated any of the above....BAM that' may be the cause for your suffering.

Even though I followed all of the above directions to the tee....I ended up with diarrhea. Since I was pre op, I took Pepto (it is my understanding that you should not take pepto as a post op). But the loose bowels continued, so I graduated to Immodium AD, and the loose bowels slowed down, but eventually continued. So luckily I planned ahead and brought a prescription with me for Cipro (antibiotic), and the loose bowels slowed down, but did not stop. I think had I stayed a day longer, I would have had to ask for a "special medication" that most reputable tour guides are in possession of for Americans with "fussy" stomachs. 

What concerns me is that you are in pain. I'm not sure what's going to happen tomorrow. If you are in pain, there's advice out there NOT to stop up your digestive tract with any sort of medication, as your body could be trying to rid itself of parasites. And I seriously dont mean to scare you, but my next door neighbor visited El Salvador (her home) about 5 years ago, and she ended up with parasites which the larvae traveled to her brains. She has had 2 brain surgeries thus far to remove larvae. So my dear, I tell you that dreadful story so that you can be careful on how you consider treating your current condition. If I were you, first thing in the morning, I would head to the doctor in El Salvador. Let them know that you are an American, and see what they say. Best wishes and please keep us up to date. 

How long have you been there?

That's kinda scary! Well the pain has subsided a bit, I still have diarrhea. Sucks. They're gonna call a doctor over to give me something. When you mentioned the fruit being washed, I realized I didn't wash the last ones I ate, my aunt did, with guess what? Tap water! I had been so careful to only use bottled water. Oh well. I'll be on a flight home in less than 6 hours. I'm just gonna hang in there.

awwww I'm so sorry *****y one!!! That sucks to be sick on your last day visiting your family. It sucks to be sick anytime but it is especially bad when you are on vacation.  I have no advise for you other than rest and try to relax. And maybe some Imeodium AD if you can get it there.   I'll be praying for your speedy recovery and that your flight home is comfortable.

No bueno!  Hope you feel better...positive side is you have probably dropped a few pounds...literally lol!

take care and let us know how you are when you get home.