1. < Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19

Does anyone have this particular GI symptoms post COVID?

Posted by bescarti @bescarti, Apr 10, 2023

Hi - I had COVID in June 22 and been having lots of issues since: dizziness, fatigue, brain fog... but the most bothersome has been lingering GI symptoms. They have been getting better over time but I still get these episodes- they used to be every 2 weeks, now its more every two months - of severe abdominal pain it used to be my stomach but now it is more my intestines - like pain, gas, inflammation and nausea, but no diarrea and no vomiting. I also feel very weak, almost dizzy and the second or third day I develop a severe headache. About three to four days aftetr I am back to "normal" which is not exactly normal but I can function. I am on probiotics, pantoprazole (these two help) and excluding gluten, dairy and eggs from diet - not sure if this is helping, though, as is based on one of those non-evidence based IGG "intolerance" tests, but I was willing to try anything I guess. Does anyone has similar episodic GI symptoms? Drs dont say much, they just want to do colonoscopy to rule out other things, but I dont see the point as it seems no one with long COVID shows anything wrong in these tests so why take the risk...

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bescarti | @bescarti | Apr 17, 2023
In reply to @tnik22 "Look into the ileocecal valve. I've read on a fb page that I am on for..." + (show)
@tnik22

Look into the ileocecal valve. I've read on a fb page that I am on for long covid that some people are having problems with. I have been since last June, getting better since digestive enzymes and massage the area. I've been to er 3 times.

Jump to this post

Never heard of this - I will check- thanks so much

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covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Apr 17, 2023
In reply to @bescarti "Thanks for your response - yes it seems like the symptoms are very similar to IBS...." + (show)
@bescarti

Thanks for your response - yes it seems like the symptoms are very similar to IBS. My Drs just prescribed probiotics and pantoprazole and insist on endoscopy / colonoscopy - to rule out other stuff I guess but I am very reluctant to undergo the tests as I am sure they will come back normal as all blood , stool, echographic, and CT Scan tests have come back ok... what helps you with IBS symptoms?

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IBS is hard to diagnose and they do other tests to rule out ulcers, etc., first. Anything you can do to reduce your stress level helps with IBS. Certain foods will cause a flareup. You have to keep a diary as to which feeds bother you. I personally could tell no difference with the FODMAP diet. I have the IBS-C and take Linzess every night 72mcg for it. Drink lots of water, dairy bothers me, especially milkshakes. Even though doctors want you to increase fiber, I can't tolerate a lot of fiber such as fibercon. Miralax was hit or miss in that you have to play with the dosage so much to get the right one. Cereals that are high in fiber help me most. Oatmeal helps greatly. I have been on Bentyl (prescription) for pain, but I am no longer having to take that since my gut has calmed down. A lot of people take Levsin (prescription) but although it worked, it caused blurred vision and I had to stop taking it. Anything that helps you to relax...helps your gut. A good probiotic. I hope this helps. IBS is very tiring and painful. Sometimes you can go from diarrhea to constipation with it and vice versa for no reason. It's a process. God Bless You!

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1 reply
makusan | @makusan | Apr 17, 2023

The doctors do NOT know anything. They have no idea how to detect or deal with the changes this virus is causing in the GI tract. My doctors also attempted to sell me on a colonoscopy...TOTAL BS! Don't do it! They need to keep up their treatment billable service hours! It's about $$$, not your wellbeing.
Here is another post which will show how much BS the AMA doctors are. This is the same BS HCP I have. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-covid-gastrointestinal-issues
mikekwiatkowski | @mikekwiatkowski | 5 days ago

This forum is the closest to my symptoms but I can't find any info on what exactly happened to me. Been dealing with this for a year now with zero improvement. In May 2022 I got COVID with strong vomiting and diarrhea. Couldn't eat, and lost 10 lbs (180 to 170) in less than a week. Right in the middle of this I woke up and my abdomen was distended. My size 34 pants were 3-4 inches from closing. I've mostly recovered from other COVID symptoms but the GI issue remains. Had lots of tests (MRI, x-rays, 2 Colonoscopies, endoscopy, done at Kaiser with no findings. Was prescribed a antibiotic for the gut bacteria. I'm on my 2nd GI and neither are able to help me. Now I've been referred to a dietitian and I'm a week into the FODMAP program now ( 4-10-2023). I've now developed a new symptom of lightheaded and hard to concentrate. I get more concerned every day now. I'm really at a loss and don't know what to do.

REPLY
bescarti | @bescarti | Apr 17, 2023
In reply to @covidstinks2023 "IBS is hard to diagnose and they do other tests to rule out ulcers, etc., first...." + (show)
@covidstinks2023

IBS is hard to diagnose and they do other tests to rule out ulcers, etc., first. Anything you can do to reduce your stress level helps with IBS. Certain foods will cause a flareup. You have to keep a diary as to which feeds bother you. I personally could tell no difference with the FODMAP diet. I have the IBS-C and take Linzess every night 72mcg for it. Drink lots of water, dairy bothers me, especially milkshakes. Even though doctors want you to increase fiber, I can't tolerate a lot of fiber such as fibercon. Miralax was hit or miss in that you have to play with the dosage so much to get the right one. Cereals that are high in fiber help me most. Oatmeal helps greatly. I have been on Bentyl (prescription) for pain, but I am no longer having to take that since my gut has calmed down. A lot of people take Levsin (prescription) but although it worked, it caused blurred vision and I had to stop taking it. Anything that helps you to relax...helps your gut. A good probiotic. I hope this helps. IBS is very tiring and painful. Sometimes you can go from diarrhea to constipation with it and vice versa for no reason. It's a process. God Bless You!

Jump to this post

Thanks so much - I hope you continue to improve

REPLY
allie09 | @allie09 | May 11, 2023
In reply to @ritzgerb "I can identify with most everything you mention. Most helpful for me has been to take..." + (show)
@ritzgerb

I can identify with most everything you mention.
Most helpful for me has been to take a high quality probiotic, prebiotic and digestive enzyme. It will take at least 12 wks to notice a positive change. I have been instructed to drink a glass of water with either 1 tsp of lemon juice or Braggs vinegar first...take a couple bites of breakfast and then take enzyme. As you are down to a couple bites of breakfast then take probiotic and prebiotic.
Drink plenty of water throughout day. I deal with ongoing constipation so use Miralax daily and eat a very healthy diet. I am MUCH better than I was 6 months ago. My issues started after a second time of covid last July of 23.

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I am having the same symptoms after having Covid with GI and it’s horrible. Nauseous and tender stomach. Do you may sharing what probiotic, prebiotic and digestive enzyme you took?

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1 reply
allie09 | @allie09 | May 11, 2023
In reply to @tnik22 "Look into the ileocecal valve. I've read on a fb page that I am on for..." + (show)
@tnik22

Look into the ileocecal valve. I've read on a fb page that I am on for long covid that some people are having problems with. I have been since last June, getting better since digestive enzymes and massage the area. I've been to er 3 times.

Jump to this post

Thank you for the info. Having the same GI issues. What digestive enzymes do you recommend? Like brand name?
Thank you

REPLY
ritzgerb | @ritzgerb | May 11, 2023
In reply to @allie09 "I am having the same symptoms after having Covid with GI and it’s horrible. Nauseous and..." + (show)
@allie09

I am having the same symptoms after having Covid with GI and it’s horrible. Nauseous and tender stomach. Do you may sharing what probiotic, prebiotic and digestive enzyme you took?

Jump to this post

I use Klaire Labs and order them online...these were recommended by a medical person. I do just a little lemon juice in my water as I figured out over time that the vinegar or too much lemon juice bothered me. ... trial and error...it may be fine for you though.

REPLY
1 reply
allie09 | @allie09 | May 11, 2023
In reply to @ritzgerb "I use Klaire Labs and order them online...these were recommended by a medical person. I do..." + (show)
@ritzgerb

I use Klaire Labs and order them online...these were recommended by a medical person. I do just a little lemon juice in my water as I figured out over time that the vinegar or too much lemon juice bothered me. ... trial and error...it may be fine for you though.

Jump to this post

Okay I will check into that! Could you tell a difference in your stomach after? I have been so nauseous and sick with mine lately. I have noticed milk based products bother it the most. I have never had stomach problems until after Covid 🙁

REPLY
1 reply
ritzgerb | @ritzgerb | May 11, 2023
In reply to @allie09 "Okay I will check into that! Could you tell a difference in your stomach after? I..." + (show)
@allie09

Okay I will check into that! Could you tell a difference in your stomach after? I have been so nauseous and sick with mine lately. I have noticed milk based products bother it the most. I have never had stomach problems until after Covid 🙁

Jump to this post

I never had issues either. I stay away from dairy. I am religious about taking the supplements each morning. It takes 12 weeks to fully benefit from the supplements. My PCP said this too. It made a huge difference for me and I am now starting to tolerate a few foods that I couldn't even consider before.

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green2eyed2peach | @green2eyed2peach | May 16, 2023

My entire family is having gut health issues. And I'm having a multitude of inflammatory response symptoms along with memory loss, dizziness, no appetite or balance and I never had covid or vaccine and had back surgery last summer so have been stuck at home for the most part. Other than that the water quality and rain have been brutal to me and our garden and all the animals. Started researching 7 months ago when I saw 12 separate doctors who couldn't diagnose me. I then realized it's every water source around me. The plants are sick, both dogs going blind and multiple ppl in our complex constantly struggling with stomach issues. Put in water filtration system and boil out bacteria and viruses and it's been helping. Unfortunately having multiple skin issues as well and going again to doctor for strange white squiggles under my skin all over! I have a good idea of what it is, but lost faith in healthcare system when diagnosed with delusional parasitosis and pin worm at the same time. Talk about a walking, talking contradiction. Very strange stuff happening, but no one is paying enough attention! "A patient cured is a customer lost" - Tom McDonald (referring to big pharma) picture below is what showed itself after boiling then cooling back down. Been detoxing but nothing is helping.

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