Traveler's "Stomach" - Page 3

Keith R · #21 07-31-2003, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by palmas
Peter and Alex are right!

Actually, I mentioned the use of yoghurt first, but who's keeping track?

sliverghost · #22 07-31-2003, 04:11 PM

I just returned from POP and stayed at an A-I resort. I ventured out quite a bit and had no problems.

I met a Doctor at my resort and he recommended always taking a precription of Cipro along. This medicine will fight the bacteria and you will be fine in 2-3 days. He also said any form of penicillin is not adquequate as it is desisigned to fight other types of infections. My first trip to Costa Rica my doctor precribed Cipro for me so I tend to belive this doctor that I had met. He says he and his Family always take it along.

Better safe than sorry.

The over the counter medicines will only work for the normal over eating, heartburn,and diahreah symptoms.

Good Luck!

Keith R · #23 07-31-2003, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sliverghost
I just returned from POP and stayed at an A-I resort. I ventured out quite a bit and had no problems.

I met a Doctor at my resort and he recommended always taking a precription of Cipro along. This medicine will fight the bacteria and you will be fine in 2-3 days. He also said any form of penicillin is not adquequate as it is desisigned to fight other types of infections. My first trip to Costa Rica my doctor precribed Cipro for me so I tend to belive this doctor that I had met. He says he and his Family always take it along.

Better safe than sorry.

The over the counter medicines will only work for the normal over eating, heartburn,and diahreah symptoms.

Good Luck!

Yeah, well, Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride ("Cipro") may work but it is often not necessary -- in most cases, if Pepto Bismol doesn't do the job, Immodium will. Just because a doctor (and its manufacturer, Bayer) recommended for it does not mean that it's the prefered treatment. Cipro is a broad-spectrum antibiotic still effective at killing far more serious bacteria (such as anthrax, typhoid fever and gonorrhea, and sometimes is used to treat TB), but its over-prescription for things like less-than-acute digestive problems will rapidly render this good drug ineffective. Even the manufacturer warns that

[quote]Continued or prolonged use of this drug may result in a growth of bacteria that do not respond to this medication and can cause a secondary infection. Therefore, it is important that your doctor monitor your condition on a regular basis. [quote]

Also, Cipro sometimes causes diarrhoea by killing beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract.

So, frankly, the doctors you spoke to are not being entirely responsible.

Regards,
Keith

sliverghost · #24 08-01-2003, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Cipro is a broad-spectrum antibiotic still effective at killing far more serious bacteria

I was not suggesting using Cipro as a cure-all. But, as a last resort for serious conditions only and under Doctors' care. For minor stomach/diahreah problems a strong antiacid or immodium AD will usually work.

Keith, I am glad to are well informed on this subject and always glad to see the people on this forum to be of great help. Thanks!

Thanks To a lot of you on this forum, I had a successfull, very enjoyable trip to the DR. Can't wait to return.

MaryS · #25 08-02-2003, 10:16 AM

We just returned after 2 weeks in DR. For one of those weeks, I stayed close to the potty. After visiting the doctor yesterday, found out I had a parasite. Nasty little buggers! I tried pepto, immodium and other "cures" while there, but nothing helped. Finally feel better today after starting the meds he prescribed.

FYI... Flagyl is the wonder drug... no alcohol while taking it though.

Chirimoya · #26 08-02-2003, 05:49 PM

Don't take any of these things unless you have to travel or do not have easy access to a toilet. Drink loads of water with some salt and sugar for rehydration and let your body get rid of everything the natural way. Phase in some gentle solid food little by little.

If symptoms persist then you need to be checked out for amoebic dysentry, giardia or other nasties and the doctor will prescribe the appropriate remedy.

One natural remedy I have been told is excellent is papaya (lechoza) including the seeds!

Dr Chiri

Peter & Alex · #27 08-02-2003, 10:37 PM

As Cabarete "locals" we follow the housemaid and gardener's advice and dutifully take a 6 monthly anti parasite pill - seems to work? All chemists, sorry Pharmacies(!) seem to stock them.

babbs · #28 01-10-2005, 03:27 PM

My husband and I just returned from Sunscape the Beach in Punta Cana. While I know not to drink the water in Mexico, I didn't think about it here and drank the table water at breakfast and dinner. About a day before leaving, I started getting periodic sharp pains in my stomach. The day after I got home the fun started. As one person put it, I had to stay close to a bathroom! It's been a week now and I'm still battling that problem along with burning and sharp pains. Although Immodium delays the problem it's not going away. After reading one entry about "parasites," I think I'll be going to the doctor! It's a great place, just don't drink the water!

canajungirl · #29 01-10-2005, 06:39 PM

Sorry to hear you got sick but it probably wasn't from the water served in the restaurants as they would be purified.It might have been when you brushed your teeth or showered and got water in your mouth or if you had a coffee maker in the room and used tap water to brew it.Your tour rep should have told you the precautions with the water situation.Definitely go see your doctor and hope it is nothing to serious.Let us know!