Upset stomach help

[Sue4983]

Hi everyone

Just wondered if anyone on Methotrexate had any experience of this ?

I’ve had diarrhoea with a lot of wind and loss of appetite since Wednesday last week which has improved slightly but just won’t go away.

I had to work on Friday so took some Imodium which helped but I haven’t taken any since as I have read if it is a bug it can prolong things .

Since then I have rested drank lots of water and ginger tea and although I don’t feel hungry I have had soup ,toast scrambled egg and plain fish but nothings really changed .

I didn’t take my Methotrexate on Saturday but my daughter was asking if I have Synprove which is a probiotic which she thought could help things before Christmas.

I have emailed my Rheumatology nurse but she only answered about taking the Methotrexate not about the probiotics.

Looking online it doesn’t like look we can use probiotics although I’m obviously not taking Methotrexate at the moment .

I was just wondering if anyone has had this situation as I have never had any stomach issues before after over twenty years on Methotrexate.

Would really appreciate any help .

[Amnesiac3637]

Sounds like you’ve probably picked up one of the many stomach bugs doing the rounds. You’re best to carry on as you are, eating bland light meals if you’re hungry and just drinking fluids if not. I’d leave off probiotics and any supplements and hope that you can enjoy your Christmas dinner on Wednesday if you feel up to eating it!

Viral stomach/gut bugs can easily last a week but suggest, if it carries on, you contact your GP after the holiday and send in a stool sample if necessary just un case you’re cooking something up. Do hope you feel better soon!

[Sue4983 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thank you for your reply . I’m trying apple sauce now Getting a bit desperate now as it’s so near Christmas . Bit worried about seeing elderly relatives as well as I’m not sure what it is either !

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to Sue4983]

Yes, difficult especially if you’ve got vulnerable people to avoid! Has anyone else caught it in the family since Wednesday? I guess you’ve just got to make a decision as to whether you cancel visitors. It always happens at Christmas……………😢

[Sue4983 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

No which makes me wonder if it was something I ate . I did have a pub lunch the day before but all seemed O K .

[JenniferW]

After five days of diarrhoea I think you should contact the doctor as it could be one of the nastier forms of food poisoning like campylobacter. It might still be possible to get a test done before Christmas and then you would know if you would be safe to visit the elderly

I take probiotics with methotrexate or at least the day after, I wouldn't recommend starting them in the middle of a stomach upset.

[Sue4983 in reply to JenniferW]

Thank you for your reply . I don’t think there’s enough time now as even if I got a doctors appointment tomorrow the test wouldn’t come back the same day .

I suppose I will have to make a decision on whether Christmas is cancelled or not !

[JenniferW in reply to Sue4983]

That's a shame,, perhaps you could copy the Scots and do the visiting at New Year instead. Look after yourself.

[Sue4983]

Yes that’s true might have to do that .

[welsh12]

Has others said lots of stomach bugs around mine was acute for week but put me off food for weeks after. As I am stable with RA I have taken a two week break from methotrexate as stomach just getting back to normal and I was feeling sick. But check with GP when you can.

[Sue4983]

Thank you for your reply . Did you take anything for it or see your doctor ?

[welsh12 in reply to Sue4983]

Had stool sample was OK just ate little dry stuff gradually got better. My partner had it too worse than me. Hope it clears soon.

[Sue4983 in reply to welsh12]

Glad it cleared up for you Thanks

[Runrig01]

Your doing the right thing avoiding Imodium, it shouldn’t be taken if there’s a potential infection, otherwise the bacteria or virus will multiply.

My rheumatologist akways says probiotics should be avoided, when we’re immunosuppressed, as the microorganisms may behave differently. Hope it settles soon, and that you enjoy Christmas 🤗🎄

[Sue4983 in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you for your reply Yeah I thought that about probiotics It’s a shame really cos they seem to help in a lot of people.

[Florida1959]

There are so many stomach bugs doing the rounds. Carry on as you are, eating light meals if and plenty of fluids Take care x

[Sue4983 in reply to Florida1959]

Thank you for your reply Fingers crossed !

[Florida1959 in reply to Sue4983]

Take care Sue xxxz

[Sue4983]

Thank you I’ve just had a reply from Guys rheumatology to say I can take probiotics Maybe they mean while I’m not taking the Methotrexate? Bit confused now .

[weymouth321]

Silicolgel ~ buy it in light blue and white box .

Bit pricey but works immediately - Boots sell it.

[welsh12 in reply to weymouth321]

I quite like that too just coats your stomach but you have to leave gap between taking it and meds

[Sue4983 in reply to welsh12]

I’ve just started taking it so fingers crossed !

[Sue4983]

Thanks for your reply Great minds think alike I just bought some this morning !