Diarrhea after Stomach Flu stmptoms are gone

[GJS1983]

I have been poz and undetectable for 2 years now, and i am on Truvada, Reyataz, and norvir. LAst week i threw up in the middle of the night, followed by a fever and aches for about 3-4 days after. I feel much better generally, but i still have some diarrhea. The nurse keeps telling be to wait until it lasts for 14 days to get a stool sample and get checked out.

Has anyone else experienced this? my Norvir changed 2 weeks ago to a gel cap instead of the tablet im used to, and i wonder if its that...im new to this and dont have many poz friends.....any ideas to help me? Has anyone ever had mild to moderate diarrhea for longer than a week before?

[Ann]

Welcome to the forums, GJS.

I've moved your thread into the Living forum, which is the more appropriate place for it and you'll receive more responses here. The other option was the Treatment forum, but your questions are only partly about treatment, so Living it is.

It sounds like you've had the Winter Vomiting Virus (aka norovirus) and it's not uncommon to have lingering diarrhea for a week or so after the main symptoms have dissipated.

The gel-cap Norvir may be adding to this, and it's also possible (depending on how severe your diarrhea is) that it's the sole cause. However, as you've just gotten over the stomach bug, my money is on the bug rather than the med.

I'd go with what the nurse suggested - if this persists for more than two weeks, get a stool sample done.

In the meantime, Immodium is your friend. (obviously run this past your doctor first, but it's what most people use for diarrhea and is available over-the-counter)

Also, make sure you stay hydrated while this is going on.

You may find the BRATT diet helpful. This is discussed in the Sick to Your Stomach Lesson, particularly the section on Managing Diarrhea.

Good luck. Hope you feel better soon!

Ann

[LiveWithIt]

I think Norvir gelcaps are supposed to be kept in the fridge, but I never did.  A lot of times diarrhea comes from what you eat or drink.   I know coffee goes right thru me.  Also if you've taken antibioitcs they can cause diarrhea for a few months afterwards.  Sometimes eating something lite like a slice of bread with your meds can help.

This is why I take my meds at night before sleep, that way I won't have a bad reaction that will ruin my day.  Somehow while I'm sleeping I don't get an upset stomach, if I do it won't wake me from my sleep and I just use the bathroom in the morning. 

[GJS1983]

Thanks Ann,

Its been about 10 days not with the diarrhea, which is much less now. I did already go ahead and submit a stool sample yesterday, just to be sure. I am on the bratt diet from now on until this stops...The scary thing is i have no other symptoms. IM down about 5-6 lbs over the last 10 days but seem to be stabilizing in weight because the diarrhea is less in volume.

thanks again for moving this to the right place...anyone elses input would be greatly appreciated.

[weasel]

       Hi   GJS1983 ,

                          I am on the same   Meds you are . Have been for 7 years .

        My belly  KILLS me   

       Every morning is about the same , Once in a while I get a reprieve from

       PAIN   & Diarrhea .  This morning is NOT one of those days . 

       I will spend most of the morning in the bathe'  ,   Reading ............

      No sense  in leaving the bowl if I have to keep running back to it 

     I take   Loperamide  with breakfast .   It does help .   

     My I.D. Doctor says I will never really ever have a normal  Gastric system 

      You are not alone . I hope your  feeling good soon !

    Not all people have the same  reactions to the meds . Some will say they

    have no side effects .  That is great , But I know how it feels to live life

    around the bowels of hell 

                                                    Be well ,   Weasel   

    P.S.  My friends call me Carl