currently I am 3weeks into a 5 week holiday in Tenerife. Not sure if I have a bug or an IBS flare up.
On last Saturday night I had 3 episodes of diarrhea . Next day felt nauseous with gurgling tum . After taking Imodium , felt fine on Monday and during Tuesday but on Tuesday evening another sudden attack of D and all day today ( Wednesday) again no poo problems but again horrible nausea and gurgling tum. The sickly feeling is horrible and although no other symptoms just feel rotten.
I am wondering if there is a gastrointestinal bug going around in this area but as we are in rented apartment I just don’t know .
Is there anyone with any good advice , maybe experienced something similar, or perhaps even recognise these symptoms as perhaps holiday diarrhea.
Just grabbing at straws really
Will1234
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Will1234
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I don't know as I've never had holiday diarrhoea as I never go on holiday!
But holidays can result in....eating unusual foods and eating in places where their reputation could be anywhere from 0, getting the gut with tap water when brushing teeth or even in the shower, salads washed in tap water, tiredness, stress, crowds at airports, close contact with random people on a plane, in-flight food, the hygiene standards of the people who run whatever rental apartment or hotel, even face towels that haven't been put through a hot wash....etc.
Yes, I sound like a real "holiday downer person". You can't take me anywhere! lol
Mostly (unless a tummy bug is or gets very serious) an IBS flare up, mild food reaction, or even a mild bug can be treated exactly the same way. Bottled water, preferably something with electrolytes, sipped frequently until the tummy starts to calm a bit.
Electrolyte drinks can be full of things that aren't friendly to IBS. Some are pure, but many aren't. But a bottled mineral water should contain all the electrolytes needed. You can even add a pinch of salt or some plain sugar or honey to the water for a bit of energy sustenance while fasting.
If that starts to help in 24 hours, then try plain boiled white rice with a sprinkle of salt. See how that goes. If there's appetite and hunger, transition to plain grilled or simmered chicken breast or fish with the rice. Keep that boring thing going until there's improvement, and then go onto a very light diet gradually returning bit by bit to what you could eat before.
That might help. But I'd say if it doesn't get better, or if it gets worse, get some help either from a doctor or at least a pharmacist, then see the GP when you get home. I hope you start to feel better and get to enjoy some of your holiday.
I used to get diarrheoa on holiday due to eating things that I wouldn't normally eat. It can either be that, a bug or a flare.
You can try just eating white Jasmine rice for a day or two, then possibly add in some lean protein, beyond that some easily digested veg such as cooked carrots. The rice and later, lean protein will be digested in the small intestine with no residue for the colon. Loperamide (Imodium) will also help. Can you get your hands on any probiotics or do you have some with you? Alflorex has worked best for me and has a strain which is good at kicking bad bugs into touch. I've just done a google search and you can get them in Tenerife:
I HATE holidays but for my husband sake I go somewhere in this country (no flying) I used to like flying . I always get ill on holiday. Despite going self catering and sticking to the same routine and foods as much as possible. I still get ill. I do Not travel well.
Thanks for your reply - sort of same situation here. My wife wanted this holiday so much and to be fair , it has done her a lot of good as she had not been feeling great over the last few months. So like you , sort of the the same for me . We rented an apartment with the idea of more living abroad in the sun for this period as opposed to a normal hotel holiday.
It is small and cooking is restricted as only two induction heat rings and a microwave ,no proper oven . Also with only smallish supermarkets nearby it is often difficult to get the foods we would normally have at home .
For me it has been IBS alternative C and D possibly due to Imodium taken to stop D. A few things have gone wrong in the apartment, things not working and getting these sorted has been a bit stressful too. Like tradesman in working when you need to be on the loo and not feeling too well , just wishing they would finish and go.
We have done this over winter for quite a few years but I think this will be last time . Both getting old and travelling is becoming too much of a chore . Weather has not been as good as expected either .
Sorry to be going on a bit but this break has also become boring , so writing has passed some time . Still too weeks to go and I can’t wait to go home , when not feeling well your own home is best .
I recommend Country cottages uk. You can hire them just for a long weekend or up to 2 weeks. They are well equipped to a good standard. People seem to forget just how beautiful this country is. We have had some loverly holidays in them and able to pleas ourselves. From the rugged coast of Cornwall to the Highlands of Scotland All at our own pace. When I'm feeling too weak we can just tour around in our own car.
It's probably a bit of stress, plus eating some foods that may not suit you, plus the rebound thing from Imodium. These major disruptions of normal routine and patterns can get to us.
It's nice that you are thinking of your wife though, and I do hope you can feel a bit better to enjoy what's left of your holiday together. Banana, rice and toast is SO boring but sounds just right for the occasion. I hope your weather improves for your last 2 weeks. Take care and wishing you better days ahead!
Sorry your wife also has some tummy problems. Even just travelling can cause or make worse, things like that. I remember when I was a kid and we went on holiday (just in Britain), my parents would say they had suddenly got constipated. "The change of water" was what they usually blamed it on. It might have been that, but it might have also been different routines, some mild stress, or different foods. My parents didn't have IBS either.
I think as we get older we get to dislike too many drastic changes, even when that's meant to be a holiday for pleasure. I am much better off in my own environment, But I am very lucky as I do live in a beautiful place in the countryside. People actually come to this location for holidays and weekend breaks!
The trouble is, winter can be so bleak and cold in the UK, and the idea of going to a warmer place seems like a great idea.
Yes , the idea was just to escape some winter weather. I think you are probably right about changes as we get older.
Still got about 10 days to go here and although weather has now improved to lovely sunny and warm , it is also getting very boring !! Looking forward to going home really .
I hear you about it getting boring! You are probably better at home with things to do? I always have routines, and different projects and tasks here at home, and even just going to stay with a friend for a weekend makes me feel a bit at a loose end, Must be workaholic!
I hope you and your wife do get to enjoy your last few days with beautiful weather. It sounds a wee bit warmer there than it is in the UK with this north east wind.
Thanks for your email. Weather here has been warmer than back home but not always that good for here , also for some reason much more windy than normal.
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