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Covid Recovery: How can I manage GI issues?
It has been 5 weeks since my COVID symptoms began. I am well past the isolation date. I had nausea and diarrhea during COVID along with the usual symptoms of cough, fatigue, rapid heartbeat and sinus issues. I have felt like I was over this, but I began having GI pain in the last week. I feel as if my intestines are sore on the inside. I guess it is inflammation. Has anyone else had this and is there anything I can do to help it? Probiotics maybe?
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Thanks for your reply. I think I should also have tests to confirm if I also have SIBO. So, the doctor can prescribe whatever medication I will need
Hi..I asked for the Xifaxan , but they would not prescribe it for me. I was discharged from the hospital and still having the what I had before being admitted and while in the hospital. Did the Xifaxan help you? I am looking for a miracle. I was able to get an appointment with a GI doctor next friday. Sure hope you are feeling better. Kittyy2
Not all doctors treat SIBO. That sounds bizarre, but it's true. Ask the office if they do treat SIBO before making an appointment. After going to traditional doctors, we finally went to a functional medicine doctor for my daughter. I was hesitant at first, but it's a whole new refreshing perspective. She did the breath test and was found to be really high for both hydrogen and methane gases. He prescribed Xifaxan (some insurances cover it, some don't) and it did help. SIBO is hard to get rid of so we'll see how it goes. There are also natural antimicrobials that can help if you can't get the antibiotic. Look into Atantril. There's a lot of info online, but also try reading a book called Sibo Made Simple. It's like an encyclopedia for SIBO. Best wishes.
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1 ReactionAre you taking any NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin because I discovered I had an allergy to NSAIDs which caused diarrhea. My GI figured that one out fast. Take a bag and put everything you take like OTC meds, vitamins, pills, prescribed meds, herbal teas, etc and a list of what you eat and drink to that GI appointment. My father and my brother both MDs always had their patients do this. The GI may figure out your problem.
Hi..thanks for your reply..I quit taking IBU a long time ago..I just take tylenol for discomfort when I have it. I dont take aspirin either. I have another appointment this friday with a new GI physician and then then on september 20, I was lucky to get an appointment at Mayo which I am looking so forward to. I was advised to stay on the low residue , low fiber diet for now.. They said I could take Imodium up to 4 times a day and I sure have needed that. Thanks so much for your reply. It is much appreciated . Kitty2
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1 ReactionI had excruciating stomach pains beginning Mid June 2022. Went to gastroenterologist had endoscopy.All came back normal. Even spent time in hospital ER. Seems no one heard of Covid stomach. It’s been 2 months still experiencing stomach pain. My husband is suffering the same symptoms. His started 2 weeks after me. Primary doctors and gastroenterologist don’t have any suggestions. No diarrhea or vomiting lots of pain. No appetite , aversion to food, weight loss. Can anyone help?
Hi,
I have long Covid. I had headaches, anxiety, depression, GI issues with severe constipation, I smelted cigarette smoke for 5 months everyday, brain fog, and breathing issues but only when exercising. It’s been little over a year now and things have improved but now I’m dealing with malabsorption. I think I might have intestinal damage ? I’ve had IBS for over 20 years, I’m sure that doesn’t help this situation. My doctor doesn’t take me seriously at all, he just says take some Mira lax and eat more fiber. I get pretty bad cramps in my leg calves frequently and I am very low in magnesium and protein, I know this through tests. I had to go to the hospital because of the severity of the leg cramps, that how I found out about my low magnesium count. But I have been taking a daily multivitamin and magnesium, so how was I low? The doctors couldn’t give me an answer. Now, I just found out I’m low on protein also, but I eat protein sources. This is why I’m thinking this is effects from long Covid. My eye sight has diminished some, I used to have perfect vision, now I have to wear glasses for near and far sighted. I need direction on how to get better!
Welcome @blondie98418. You've come to the right place to learn and get tips from fellow longhaulers. I moved your message to this existing discussion since your primary issues are GI related:
– Covid Recovery: How can I manage GI issues? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-recovery-and-gi-pain/
I did this so you can read the past posts and connect easily with other members. I also suggest that you browse through the topics in the Post-COVID Recovery group to learn more about how others are managing the other symptoms you also experience, like headaches, anxiety, depression, etc.
Have you been to a post COVID care clinic that specialized in longhaul COVID?
No, I don’t know where there is one. I live in Tacoma, WA
I think you'll find this listing of post-COVID care clinics by Survivor Corps to be helpful https://www.survivorcorps.com/pccc