I keep getting sick! :(

[sweetasmeli]

I've stayed pretty quiet so far here about this cos I wasn't worried. But today I found myself throwing up AGAIN at work, for the fourth time in the past 2 weeks or so and having to come home early. The first time was while my family was here, the 2nd the day they left (that was both sickness and diahroea), the 3rd when I did the thread for Matty and now again today!

Just spoke with Ann on the phone. She mentioned something about having lymph glands around the stomach/intestines that make it harder for some to shift bugs as quickly as others. Does anyone know any more about that or any other ideas why I might keep getting this blasted thing?

I have a hospital appointment on the mainland Monday morning, so I'll be flying there tomorrow night. Seriously though, I'm now thinking what the hells going on??? I'm not on any meds and I hardly ever used to get sick, not even colds! Why am I not shaking this bug???

Melia
(who is tentatively nibbling on rice with lemon, docs orders...bleurgh!)  

[Ann]

Hi Melia,

Sorry I couldn't explain further on the phone last night, as you know I was in bed and not feeling well.

As you may remember, I have had "gut issues" for most of the time I've been hiv positive. Although some recent articles have made the discovery of the hiv/lymphatic system/gut connection out to be something recent, it's been known for some time now. I stumbled on articles about it when I was fairly recently diagnosed.

Although my gut problems have been given an informal and pretty much unsubstantiated IBS diagnosis, I think it's more to do with hiv in my GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) than anything else, and the Wizard of Poz agrees with me. The problem is, so far there do not seem to be any studies that focus on this specifically, that is to say the effects of hiv on the GALT/digestive system, without bringing HAART into the picture. So basically, while the Wizard and I both strongly suspect that hiv itself is what causes my gut problems, we have no concrete proof.

So, what I was thinking was this: You, like me, are not on hiv meds. This means hiv has a free reign in our GALT/digestive system. My guess is that the unfettered presence of hiv in our guts might make it more difficult for us to clear intestinal bugs that we may come across.

So for you in your current circumstances, I guess that boils down to ... boiled rice. LOL... I mean treating your digestive system with much care while it does its best to clear this bug you've picked up. You may find it beneficial to eat plenty of pro-biotic yogurt or pro-biotic drinks and bland, easily digestible food for a week or more - however long it takes. While I don't think it's anything to worry unduely about, it is something to be aware of. I know you'll be speaking with your doctor about it on Monday and if it continues to persist despite being very careful with your diet, they might want to check you out for the possibility that intestinal parasites may be involved. I wouldn't think this is the case though, because they tend to cause dire-rear more than nausea and vomiting.

As promised, here are links to some recent threads on the issue of GALT.

HIV HIDES FROM TREATMENT IN THE GUT

GALT 25 years on?

Article HIV hides out in peoples intestines.

Hope that helps. Let us know what the doc says when you return from Athens.

Hugs,
Ann

[Jeffreyj]

I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I hope you figure it soon!
With Love and Support,
Jeff

[Life]

Melia... Please get better soon honey..  You are so much a love..

[ndrew]

Hi Melia,

I am glad that you are actively addressing your health issue.  I hope you feel better soon!!

Hugs,
Andrew

[Christine]

Hi Melia,
I am so sorry about the belly issues, I have had some for the past year. I had food poisoning, then a reaction to some meds, then c-diff. It was pretty miserable, but they all cleared up with antibiotics.

Hang in there. Try to eat small, frequent meals. Don't get to the point where you are full. Make sure you are hydrated. Try to eat some bananas, sports drinks to keep your potassium balanced.

Ginger helps soothe the stomach. Fresh ginger made into a tea, candied ginger, or ginger ale.

Make sure the doctor checks for non-hiv things too. Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, IBS...with hiv, we tend to think of that first, but sometimes it can be unrealted to the hiv.

Good thoughts going out to you. Let us know how you are doing.
Christine

[LatinAlexander]

Ok. I have to put some humor here....

Think of it...you are absolutely gorgeus...The only thing you needed to become a super TopModel, was throwing up, and now you have it...(100% natural, should I say), So, get ready for your new Career!!! International Top Model!! :D:D

Ok, ok, perhaps not the best...but damn it, I had to try

Alex

[sweetasmeli]

Ann: Thanks for the info/advice hon, I read it on the plane.

Jeff/Andrew/Eric: Thanks for the get wells guys.

Christine: Thanks for the advice. I've been having a banana everyday and tried to get ginger today but couldn't find any. Will try other supermarket tomorrow...

Alex: Thanks for the laugh...needed it tonight!

OK well I've been and come back from the mainland. Bloods taken, results ready in about 3 weeks. Very tiring trip but glad I did it. Doc said not to worry about keeping on getting the stomach bug, that it's just harder for me to shift now that I have The Lovely Lurgy. I mentioned GALT but he didnt seem interested, just muttered something about it being one of many theories, blah blah blah...Not sure I'm happy with that - docs never fail to disappoint me nowadays - so am doing own research into dietary recommendations etc. When it comes to my diet I'm usually very good at self-diagnosing with what agrees with me and what doesn't.

I have to admit I've not been eating as healthily this past couple of months cos I've not been home much. I've not had my usual daily kefir/bio yoghurt and I've been very on/off with my royal jelly/spirulina. So I reckon that may well have contributed to my weakened guts. Am making the necessary changes back to Healthy Melia from now on though, starting with a week or 2 of gentle foods to help my digestive system recover and then onto a diet aimed at supporting/strengthening my immune system. I have many books, so it's just up to me to get focused again...

Melia