Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Health & Fitness => Topic started by: juliet on 28 May, 2008, 09:58:39 am

Title: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 28 May, 2008, 09:58:39 am
I've been feeling nauseous, a bit wobbly, and headachey for the last 3 days.  Day 1 I put down to an unusually unpleasant/long-lasting hangover (usually even if I'm hungover enough to be upchucking I'm in recovery by dinnertime); yesterday & today I think I'm entitled to assume that I'm Actually Ill.

Mostly I just want to whinge ;) but does anyone have any suggested remedies for nausea?  I haven't actually thrown up since Monday lunchtime, but my stomach is uncomfortable/slightly bloated & I've got a bit of wind.  And I'm not hungry which is practically unheard of for me.  About to have a peppermint tea which may help, any other suggestions?  Also suggestions for cheering oneself up as I am feeling v miserable/down on myself.

(And I'm at work - wasn't yesterday & wouldn't have been today except that I had a dentist's appt.  On the upside, my teeth are in splendid nick & even the one I took a chip out of face-planting on the BCM is nothing to worry about.)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Charlotte on 28 May, 2008, 10:15:32 am
I wouldn't be surprised if it was the after effects of the BCM still catching up with you.  When Teethgrinder says that it can take a month to fully recover from a 600, he's not exaggerating.

If it's any consolation, I'm not at 100% yet, either.  I've been feeling slightly asthmatic and a bit under-powered and I'm still eating weirdly (not hungry one day, ravenous the next).

If it's no better by the end of the week, I'd say go and have a check up at the doc's.  Cant hurt  :)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: rogerzilla on 28 May, 2008, 10:19:16 am
Or giardiasis.  Have you drunk any potentially contaminated water?  Do you have (ahem) explosive yellow poo?
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 28 May, 2008, 10:24:35 am
Only water I've drunk any time recently is the stuff that comes out of taps in the UK, which I'm assuming is monumentally unlikely to contain anything nasty.  I ate away from home on Sunday, but at a v posh hotel, & being vegan makes food poisoning harder to come by.

No explosive poo :) 

Marna suggested that it might be the BCM after-effects still (my knees aren't at full whack either yet :-\ ) - aggravated by what I fully accept was overindulgence at my friends' wedding on Sunday :)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: bikenerd on 28 May, 2008, 10:28:38 am
The best dicky tummy medicine I've taken is Zantac.  Just a little pill to swallow and really works.  The worst is Gaviscon liquid which is just vile :sick:
Something like Immodium might also help and something to replace your salts like energy drink.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Chris S on 28 May, 2008, 10:30:28 am
FWIW, my SiL came to stay once, and partook of a lock-in at the local. This was Saturday night/Sunday morning.

She still intermittently had her head down the loo the following Wednesday. Longest hangover I have ever witnessed.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: little miss mac on 28 May, 2008, 10:45:21 am
Ginger is meant to be good for settling tums, if you're looking for something natural.
Get well soon!
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Elleigh on 28 May, 2008, 11:26:32 am
Ginger is meant to be good for settling tums, if you're looking for something natural.
Get well soon!

I agree with LMM, ginger is wonderful for sickness.  Ginger biscuits may give you a bit of energy as you must be feeling pretty low in energy by now too.

There is a sickness bug going around here (West Mids) that is making people feel headachy, nauseous and weak.  You could have a mixture of this and BC after effects.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Julian on 28 May, 2008, 11:41:49 am
Probably BC after-effects.  My knees are still not enjoying cycling, and I'm still feeling a bit tired and prone to a slightly wobbly stomach (which I never get - I usually have an iron constitution!).

The only thing to do is to pamper yourself with plenty of rest and a packet of ginger biscuits. :D
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 28 May, 2008, 11:43:58 am
I was going to say ginger too. I have a massive bag of crystallized ginger for the rare occasions I find myself in a bus or car, I get travel sick even more now that I'm not used to them. It really works.

I should take my own advice and take some crystallized ginger on my next FNRttC considering how nauseous I got at one stage.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: annie on 28 May, 2008, 11:44:48 am
Some Acidophollus tablets, I have some if you can't get hold of any, help to normalise the bacteria in the gut.  Drink plenty of fluids, rest, make sure you see the doc if your symptoms persist.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Maladict on 28 May, 2008, 11:45:08 am
I reckon I'm still suffering the after-effects too.  I had my bad stomach problems last week though and then did a 200 at the weekend.  Now I just feel tired.

I think the Irish Mail 400 may be a DNS.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Ian H on 28 May, 2008, 11:46:54 am
Booze in anything more than very moderate amounts does me no good after a long ride. Not that I always take notice.

Perhaps you need some animal protein [ducks and runs away].

Personally I'd always avoid casual use of the medicine cabinet.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: alan on 28 May, 2008, 11:51:45 am
Is it appropriate to start knitting little bootees?  ;D
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Chris S on 28 May, 2008, 11:52:35 am
Is it appropriate to start knitting little bootees?  ;D

LOL! Nice one  :thumbsup:.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 28 May, 2008, 11:52:58 am
Yeah, I'm not keen to medicate unless I really have to - have taken a couple of indigestion tablets on the grounds that calcium carbonate + peppermint can't do any harm, ditto peppermint tea / ginger biscuits!  I am still eating (although not sure I'm processing it correctly!) & haven't been ill in 48 hrs so nothing that dramatic is going on.

I v much doubt it's still hangover in any strict sense - I don't feel "right" for that (& my hangovers follow a known pattern!).  BCM aftereffects sound like the most likely scenario - & possibly also a mild bug of the sort that I'd normally shake off without noticing. 

Bah!  Nearly threw up in the lift at work just now so I am going to retire from duty for the day... 

Alan: it bloody well better not be!   :P
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: alan on 28 May, 2008, 11:59:41 am
Alan: it bloody well better not be!   :P

 It would give Marj something to do whilst she is R & R.She's a wizard with knitting needles ;)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: little miss mac on 28 May, 2008, 01:35:07 pm
Is it appropriate to start knitting little bootees?  ;D

is this a normal after-effect of the BCM?  :o
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Ian H on 28 May, 2008, 01:46:31 pm
Is it appropriate to start knitting little bootees?  ;D

is this a normal after-effect of the BCM?  :o

I've nearly finished mine.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: hellymedic on 28 May, 2008, 02:22:53 pm
I wonder if your liver has taken a beating and needs a rest.
Eat small, frequent light meals containing little fat.
Avoid alcohol for a month.
Livers usually recover completely unless repeatedly and persistently assaulted.[1]
Get well soon!

[1] Then large portions die, scar up and regenerate in little nodules, whose architecture bears little resemblance to the normal ordered structure of the liver. This is cirrhosis...
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: RichForrest on 28 May, 2008, 02:33:40 pm
Same here started feeling dodgy Monday bloated more wind than usual  :o. Yesterday complete lack of energy, lack of appetite and didn't finish my packed lunch at work.
Not eaten so far today and have to keep going to the toilet.
Had a slight cough since the BCM and put this down to a bug picked up since then.

Off to find some Imodiem.

Rich.

Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Maladict on 28 May, 2008, 02:37:13 pm
What a bunch of lightweights we are  ::-)

Actually still tempted to do the 400 this weekend though.  Next weekend is a rest weekend anyway before the next 400...
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Gattopardo on 28 May, 2008, 02:38:43 pm
Mass case of man flu?  Well know to be deadly than bird flu  ;D
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: LEE on 28 May, 2008, 02:50:40 pm
I don't usually discuss the activities of my stomach in public but here goes.

I just rode my first 600 and I was quite franky amazed at how much stuff I ate without the need to jettison anything out (I now reckon I could park a small family hatchback in my stomach and still have room for a BLT sandwich).

If you rode and ate like me then:

1) Your sleep pattern was totally messed up (early start, late finish)
2) You ate a lot of calories at unusual times of the day (all times of the day even)
3) You made incredible calorie demands of your body for 2 straight days
4) Your body temperature was probably too high, too cold, too high and so on depending on the terrain and the time of day.
5) You were bent over a bike for 2 straight days (walking and moving about normally is good for digestion)
6) You got back and had some booze.

When you write it down it seems normal that your disgestion may be messed up and you may feel 'off' for a while I reckon.

2 days pedalling a bike is very demanding.  Top long-distance athletes don't attempt many long-distance races per year, they know full well that it takes a long time to recover.

Even when you feel recovered (maybe after a week) I bet you truly aren't.

I've finished a 200km Audax in worse shape than I finished my first 600km but I felt recovered after a day or so.  I know that my body is still undergoing repairs after the 600 (my knees were almost locked solid the morning after) so I'll stay off the bike a few more days and then take it pretty easy.

Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: annie on 29 May, 2008, 06:18:17 pm
How are you feeling now Juliet?
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 29 May, 2008, 06:32:54 pm
Off work again today :-\  but on my mum's recommendation took Andrews Salts last night & this morning & am feeling a bit more the thing now.  Still a bit wobbly but that might be because I haven't eaten anything substantial for over 24 hrs!  Hopefully tomorrow I will be recovered.

(doop & Pete have both been very patient with me moping around feeling sorry for myself, bless them.)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: annie on 30 May, 2008, 07:08:36 am
Hope you are a little better today.

I sent Rich a PM as he has been very poorly.  I was wondering if at some stage you all shared a similar meal or drink?  I only ask because some types of food poisoning can take several days, well up to a week, to appear, such as Campylobacter.

Annie
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Ian H on 30 May, 2008, 09:18:11 am
...Andrews [liver] Salts...

Do they still make that? My mother used to swear by it.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 30 May, 2008, 09:29:57 am
Yep, they still make it - although it's now Andrews Original Salts rather than Andrews Liver Salts.  Presumably because it has FA to do with the liver ;)

Feeling significantly better today although still not intending to do anything dramatic like "go to work" (working from home, though).   Out of curiosity, I just stood on the bathroom scales and have lost *over half a stone* in the last week.  I mean, I know I haven't really eaten much, but still!  Obviously need to work on recovering my strength :)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Julian on 30 May, 2008, 05:00:46 pm
I've been off work yesterday and today with the same sort of thing.  Hadn't eaten anything (apart from a couple of grapes and a slice of malt loaf, which I threw up again) since Wednesday lunchtime, just got in the shower and discovered I'm practically concave.

Had a bread roll and a cup of tea and all seems okay so far...

I think it's a bug that's going round that we're all more prone to post-BC.  If it were food poisoning it would have gone by now. 

Weren't they called liver salts because feeling sick was called feeling 'liverish?'  Or have I completely made that up?
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 30 May, 2008, 07:00:36 pm
I think "liverish" was more of that hungover/headachey/upset stomach/generalick feeling, but yes. 

Thumbs crossed that you are recovering as well!  Yesterday I managed half a plate of pasta (took me two goes & a lie-down in the middle).  Today I am eating approx normally although *less* than average.  We'll see how the shepherds' pie that Pete & Marna are cooking goes...
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Elleigh on 02 June, 2008, 10:25:28 am
I think it is catching.  I've been sick all night and I feel pretty rank this morning.  I've even take a day off work, which is unknown for me.  In fact my boss rang me to make sure I wasn't dying (she assumed my absence must mean it was something very serious) and congratulated me for seeing the light when she realised I did only have a sickness bug!

I have been to the doctors to get my blood checked, usually coming down with a bug means my iron is low (I don't store iron, so I am chronically anaemic and this affects my immune system)  I went to open surgery and asked to see the doctor as the nurse refuses to take blood if it is the wrong time of the month.  I burst into tears on seeing him.  I have no idea why.  Luckily he is a kind man and was very understanding.  I think the tears are down to tiredness and stress.  He's taken my blood and told me to take fluids for the sickness.

Now I have babbled a whole load of rubbish, and I only meant to say the bug has caught me too!
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Julian on 02 June, 2008, 10:31:42 am
{{{{{{Elleigh}}}}}}

I am officially Better and scoffed vast quantities of potato salad yesterday. 

It's almost worth being ill for that "Wow, I feel SO MUCH BETTER" feeling you get when it finishes.  :D
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 02 June, 2008, 10:53:04 am
I thought I was better, & had a splendid Saturday catching up with a very old friend in Brighton.  (We were very close as teenagers, then fell out dramatically, & haven't been in touch for about 13 years.  We still get on really well :) ). 

Then yesterday I went out to Richmond Park for a picnic (31 miles all told), got a little dehydrated, ate some slightly over-oily food, got home, and threw up AGAIN.  Could only eat 3 small slices of pizza in the evening which for me is unheard of :(  This morning still feeling a little under the weather. 

Also I have lost my voice. 

Whinge whinge WHINGE WHINGE. 

Get well soon, Elleigh!

(Someone else I know has a similar thing, so perhaps it is going round atm.  Liz: I recommend avoiding anything over-greasy for a bit - seems to have triggered minor relapse in both me & my friend.)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 02 June, 2008, 10:59:30 am
I think bugs are transmissible via the internet.

I was tired all last week, although I'd had a very busy weekend so wasn't too suprised. By Friday night I was exhausted and felt a bit like I was coming down with a cold. Saturday I got up around 8am, had to go into town for a couple of things, was home by half eleven, in my bed by midday and slept till 4. I was at a party on Saturday night and could only manage a couple of hours and one glass of wine, came home, went to bed. Was in a lot of pain from period pain - abdominal cramp and lower back cramps. Yesterday I was out all afternoon, still in a lot of pain, still feeling like I was coming down with a cold, a bit headachey, a bit throaty, a bit of ear pain, very very thirsty. Last night the period pain was so bad I started to wonder if it was appendicitis. This morning the pain is gone, but my head feels funny, I feel very dizzy and I'm not focussing properly. I got the bus to work rather than cycle in but came home after half an hour when I realised not being able to focus properly and not being able to stand up without holding on wasn't conducive to work. I'm going to go back to bed in a minute but I just wanted to share my woes.

This has taken me about 10 minutes to type because I can't see properly. It's very strange.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: marna on 02 June, 2008, 11:04:23 am
Then yesterday I went out to Richmond Park for a picnic (31 miles all told), got a little dehydrated, ate some slightly over-oily food, got home, and threw up AGAIN.  Could only eat 3 small slices of pizza in the evening which for me is unheard of :(  This morning still feeling a little under the weather. 

Oh, I have just remembered that there was no silken tofu about, so I ended up chucking a bunch of tahini into the pate instead, to make it creamy, and that will have made it a bunch greasier, as well.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 02 June, 2008, 11:07:46 am
It was v tasty though!  which is prob why I ate a bit much of it... 
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: bikenerd on 02 June, 2008, 11:10:39 am
I think it's probably about time you went to the doctor!  ;)
Something like giardia or salmonella could linger for this long and won't get better without any medicine.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 02 June, 2008, 11:15:14 am
Meh, I don't think I'm ill enough for that.  I felt A-OK on Saturday; and I'm eating again today, just not *quite* at full strength, as it were.  I think I just overdid it yesterday. 

It should be borne in mind that "eating at full strength" for me is enough to sustain at least 1.5 regular people.  I am pretty much always hungry unless I've actually just put my fork down; which is why Not Feeling Hungry is a bit disturbing. 

I have to see the nurse tomorrow anyway so will mention it in passing & see what she says.  I've just checked & I'm back up a couple of pounds on Friday, so pretty sure I'm in recovery.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: hellymedic on 02 June, 2008, 11:18:33 am
Get well soon!
I refer the honorable lady to my reply #19 upthread...
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 02 June, 2008, 11:20:51 am
Yes, you may be right - I'm off the boozes atm anyway (though confess I did have a little wine on Saturday - over a long period, though, & with plenty of water/juice in between), so that should be straightforward.

Poor liver!  Maybe I should get some of that milk thistle extract or whatever, or is that Unscientific Nonsense?
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: annie on 02 June, 2008, 11:46:02 am
Sorry you aren't very well Kirst, have a hug, sleep well.

Juliet, I think you ought to see the doc now.  I had Giardia by the way but didn't vomit at all.

Take care
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Chris S on 02 June, 2008, 12:13:04 pm
We were up in the night for #2 son (he's 15). He's had a very intermittent cough for a few weeks - had a couple of trips to the docs (prescribed Codeine and a nasal spray), but gradually the cough has become more violent - almost to the point of throwing up, but not quite.

Last night he woke up in a panic, unable to get a decent breath in without making a horrible "Whoop" sound. This coincided with a nasty coughing fit. Eventually got him calm again and he went back to bed.

Back to the docs this morning as we (me more than Mrs S) were worried it might be Whooping cough, but doc says the pattern is wrong - Whooping cough goes "Cough cough cough cough cough woooooop... cough cough cough cough wooooop" and #2 son was more "Whoop whoop whoop cough cough... whoop whoop whoop cough cough cough...".

He's now on antihistamines and back to school. Kids... always a worry  ::-).
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Elleigh on 02 June, 2008, 09:21:30 pm
Thanks Liz and Juliet.  Kirst, I hope that you feel a bit better.

I think I that I have thrown up everything I have ever eaten today :-s  Not good.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: annie on 02 June, 2008, 09:22:28 pm
Thanks Liz and Juliet.  Kirst, I hope that you feel a bit better.

I think I that I have thrown up everything I have ever eaten today :-s  Not good.

Ohhh gosh, sorry to hear this Elleigh, extra big hugs for you as well.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: peliroja on 02 June, 2008, 09:30:14 pm
Get well soon, everyone!

Why is it that people ride 600s again...? ???
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 June, 2008, 09:39:26 pm
Get well soon, everyone!

Why is it that people ride 600s again...? ???

So that they can take time off work... ;)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: peliroja on 02 June, 2008, 09:41:28 pm
Get well soon, everyone!

Why is it that people ride 600s again...? ???

So that they can take time off work... ;)
;D

I just feel for their poor knees... I must be middle-aged, I am starting to sound like my mum.  ;D
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 June, 2008, 09:44:40 pm
Get well soon, everyone!

Why is it that people ride 600s again...? ???

So that they can take time off work... ;)
;D

I just feel for their poor knees... I must be middle-aged, I am starting to sound like my mum.  ;D

Feeling for other people's knees can lead you into serious trouble young lady... but I'm game! :D
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Maladict on 02 June, 2008, 10:45:25 pm
I've had one day off sick that could be attributed to Audax, in 2 years...
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: hellymedic on 02 June, 2008, 11:54:30 pm
I've had one day off sick that could be attributed to Audax, in 2 years...


I never had any, ever, though I did have the Thursday before Windsor Chester Windsor off. I was puking big time. I *just* managed to hydrate sufficiently and had eaten only cornflakes when I cycled off to Marlow on the Friday...
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 June, 2008, 06:06:14 pm
Still poorly here - big glands, sore throat, sore ears, very thirsty, very sleepy and very dizzy.  :'(
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Elleigh on 03 June, 2008, 08:04:50 pm
Still poorly here - big glands, sore throat, sore ears, very thirsty, very sleepy and very dizzy.  :'(

Oooh that doesn't sound good.  I hope you feel better soon.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: peliroja on 03 June, 2008, 08:14:43 pm
Get well soon, everyone!

Why is it that people ride 600s again...? ???

So that they can take time off work... ;)
;D

I just feel for their poor knees... I must be middle-aged, I am starting to sound like my mum.  ;D

Feeling for other people's knees can lead you into serious trouble young lady... but I'm game! :D
Lead on!  :P
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 June, 2008, 11:56:10 am
Today I am mainly coughing till I puke.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Elleigh on 05 June, 2008, 01:00:28 pm
Today I am mainly coughing till I puke.

:( not good.  Yesterday I was mainly crying until I puked.  I'm a baby when I feel sick.  Today I am at work feeling a bit better, but not a lot.  I hope you start to feel better soon Kirst!
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 June, 2008, 01:19:32 pm
I hope so too but I fear it is unlikely. *looks pathetic* I'm going to the GP tonight, mainly because I won't be back at work this week unless a miracle occurs overnight, and I need a sick note for more than 4 days absence.

It drives me mad. I know it's just a cold/virus thing, I know the GP will say "it's a cold/virus thing, stay warm, drink lots of fluids," there is no reason at all for me to see the GP other than that I need a sick note. What a waste of an appointment.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: hellymedic on 05 June, 2008, 01:52:45 pm
I hope so too but I fear it is unlikely. *looks pathetic* I'm going to the GP tonight, mainly because I won't be back at work this week unless a miracle occurs overnight, and I need a sick note for more than 4 days absence.

It drives me mad. I know it's just a cold/virus thing, I know the GP will say "it's a cold/virus thing, stay warm, drink lots of fluids," there is no reason at all for me to see the GP other than that I need a sick note. What a waste of an appointment.

I thought you could/should self-certify for absences of up to seven days.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Elleigh on 05 June, 2008, 02:01:27 pm
I hope so too but I fear it is unlikely. *looks pathetic* I'm going to the GP tonight, mainly because I won't be back at work this week unless a miracle occurs overnight, and I need a sick note for more than 4 days absence.

It drives me mad. I know it's just a cold/virus thing, I know the GP will say "it's a cold/virus thing, stay warm, drink lots of fluids," there is no reason at all for me to see the GP other than that I need a sick note. What a waste of an appointment.

I thought you could/should self-certify for absences of up to seven days.

I think it depends on organisations.  I had a boss who used to insist on a doctors note for 3 or more days absence. 

(  :(  He also used to hold back to work integations.  He held me in his office for 45mins trying to get out of my why I was off once.  I had miscarried but didn't want anyone to know, so I told him I'd had gynae problems.  He said he wanted to know in detail what gynea problems meant.  In the end I burst into tears and told him.  He then ushered me out of his office, where his PA was left to put me back together.)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 05 June, 2008, 02:25:16 pm
My employer only allows self-certification up to 4 days absence.

I had a miscarriage several years ago and when I went back to work, one of the admin staff, who was responsible for the sick forms, saw me in the corridor and asked me why I'd been off so he could log it in his sickness recording system. I told him I wasn't prepared to discuss it with him in the corridor, and he could get it off my sick form once I had completed it. He insisted I tell him, I refused, we argued about it for a few minutes and then I walked away.

He was very apologetic once he'd got the completed form, but why don't people think?
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 06 June, 2008, 10:28:27 am
Hope you recover soon, Kirst!

(I am better now, hurrah, although still avoiding booze & oily things.)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Elleigh on 06 June, 2008, 10:35:01 am
I'm back on my feet again too.  I've just eaten a biscuit and drank tea without feeling sick.

I hope you are feeling better soon Kirst
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 06 June, 2008, 12:16:36 pm
I still feel awful, but better than I have been all week. I slept last night, which I think has helped. I'm at the point now where I can believe that I will be better one day...

*looks wistful, and a bit pathetic*
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: peliroja on 06 June, 2008, 03:32:15 pm
Poor you all :( Hope you're feeling better soon.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 June, 2008, 04:46:47 pm
Kirst & Elleigh excepted, there is a strong pattern in this thread of Brian Chapman participants and also others of us who stayed at the Kings Youth Hostel the following weekend. My daughter has been suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting since Tuesday, her husband since yesterday. I've had bad guts including griping pain, although have produced nothing out of the ordinary except belches that are even more prodigious than usual.

I point the finger at Kings because I know that their water supply was unreliable - their water source was in danger of drying up, and while we were there on quite a few occasions the taps were dry.

The last time I stayed anywhere with a water supply problem was at the New Dungeon Ghyll hotel, Langdale in 2004 and then I had the most violent attack of d & v I have ever suffered. Both these establishments take their water from local streams and treat it locally.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: RichForrest on 06 June, 2008, 05:14:48 pm
Didn't managed to get an appointment at the doc's  ::-) but did get a pot to poo in (how, god only knows  :o)
Will be taking it back and see what happens.

Rich.

Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 June, 2008, 05:16:50 pm
I think it's Dolgellau Bellau.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: mattc on 06 June, 2008, 05:26:41 pm
I point the finger at Kings because I know that their water supply was unreliable - their water source was in danger of drying up, and while we were there on quite a few occasions the taps were dry.
(This also explains why their showers are always so cr@p - would have been less effort to leave bag of wet-wipes in the drop-bag.)

If you'd seen the state of the loos at 8am on BCM Sunday ... PBP loo-seekers had it good.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 June, 2008, 05:42:55 pm
I point the finger at Kings because I know that their water supply was unreliable - their water source was in danger of drying up, and while we were there on quite a few occasions the taps were dry.
(This also explains why their showers are always so cr@p - would have been less effort to leave bag of wet-wipes in the drop-bag.)

If you'd seen the state of the loos at 8am on BCM Sunday ... PBP loo-seekers had it good.

We had this too. It was OK at times of low water usage, but at peak times if someone was using the water downstairs, upstairs didn't get any.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Maladict on 07 June, 2008, 04:02:57 pm
Well I'm now almost 4kg lighter than I was the day /after/ the BCM.  Should be nice and light for the Border Raid.  Not that it looks a hilly route.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 June, 2008, 06:21:59 pm
I feel about 4kg lighter than I was yesterday...  :-[
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 June, 2008, 05:25:38 pm
I think whatever it is I've got can vaporise food.

My intake has been a little less than normal, liquid output normal but other output of a non-gaseous nature next to nothing. Gaseous output: my personal contribution to climate change this week has been measurable on a global scale.

I've also lost a fair bit of weight.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 09 June, 2008, 10:02:05 am
Wow - that sounds similar to me.  Andrews Salts (two double doses, one in the evening, one next morning) restored non-liquid output, but don't stray too far from a loo in the morning...  Things improved after that.  I lost about half a stone.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Charlotte on 09 June, 2008, 10:04:59 am
We've all had some version or other of the Yellow Poo Horror it would seem.

Has anyone informed Kings or the YHA?

They may have a very serious problem.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Elleigh on 09 June, 2008, 10:16:19 am
I've got an upset tummy again.

Has anyone who had the bug without doing the BC, had a similar experience?
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 09 June, 2008, 10:25:54 am
I had something that sounded exactly the same back in February, it went round my team at work like wildfire and we all rang in sick one day. As a rule we are a bunch of 'drag yourself in even if you are dying' types here so it was very unusual.

I spent much time bent double and occasionally crying with the pain (couldn't take anything for the pain because nothing would stay put). If it had gone on much longer I would have gone to hospital because the lack of fluids was not good.

I couldn't eat properly for at least a week after the symptoms cleared up, which was most annoying, I just couldn't face food or have an appetite.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: RichForrest on 09 June, 2008, 10:41:50 am
We've all had some version or other of the Yellow Poo Horror it would seem.

Has anyone informed Kings or the YHA?

They may have a very serious problem.

I've taken a sample to the doc's and will see what it comes back as.
It does seem like Division of Parasitic Diseases - Giardiasis Fact Sheet (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/Giardiasis/factsht_giardia.htm) as this is from contaminated water, though it may be not.

I've also been in contact with Mark (BC org') via PM on here. He has the same and is interested in the results. The helpers who were not at Kings are all ok.
This would seem to point towards the YH as Wow and family got it a week later.

Rich.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Jezza on 09 June, 2008, 11:22:45 am
I was going to say - sounds a bit like giardia to me. Pretty unpleasant thing to have. Very common in NZ but I didn't know you got it in the UK.

Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 09 June, 2008, 11:47:44 am
I'm still a very little bit dodgy 3 weeks (?) post-BC & a week after the bug mostly cleared up.  Seems to be greasy/oily stuff that triggers minor nausea.  Nothing dramatic though & I feel fine now the vast majority of the time.

(Which I assume means there's no point in me going to the doctor?)

(edit: ok, the internets says that in a healthy adult, the body can defeat the infection by itself, usually.  So I'll leave it unless it recurs dramatically.  Interestingly, Wikipedia mentions lactose intolerance as a symptom - which given that I'm probably lactose intolerant *anyway* these days ...)
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: geraldc on 09 June, 2008, 11:55:48 am
I guess accidentally sleeping in bus shelters, and limiting my time at the YH, paid off.

Whilst there I did drink mainly tea so that was safe, bit I filled my bidon from the jugs on the table, I think that was the limit of my exposure to the water.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Ian H on 09 June, 2008, 01:33:05 pm
On the other hand I was there for nearly six hours, slept, ate, drank, etc., and no ill effects. I filled my bidons from the stop-go tap by the loos.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Chris N on 09 June, 2008, 01:45:12 pm
On the other hand I was there for nearly six hours, slept, ate, drank, etc., and no ill effects. I filled my bidons from the stop-go tap by the loos.

+1.  At least, I think I'm ok.  I did have a touch of sickness/gutache last week, but I'll put that down to fish and chips (fried in dripping :thumbsup:) and a surfeit of scones and clotted cream.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Maladict on 09 June, 2008, 01:52:07 pm

Quote
In humans, infection is symptomatic only about 50% of the time

Obviously, being somewhat run down post-BCM may increase that rate.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: juliet on 09 June, 2008, 05:29:20 pm
And presumably not everyone exposed to potential infection will actually get infected - depending on the concentration of beasties in the water.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 June, 2008, 05:33:38 pm
We've all had some version or other of the Yellow Poo Horror it would seem.

Has anyone informed Kings or the YHA?

They may have a very serious problem.

I thought about it but TBH, since the BC and Kings have such an intimate relationship, as an outsider I didn't want to rock any boats. I would have thought the organiser would be the one to make an approach.
Title: Re: Illness grumble
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 June, 2008, 12:08:11 am
I did email Kings and received this response:-

Dear Peter
Thanks for the email. Sorry if you did pick up some kind of bug but I would
have to say we have had no reports from other guests and most stay with us
longer than just the one night as you guys do . Also ths staff , including
myself and my nine month old kids live here and drink the water all the time
and we have been fine . Our water sytem is checked once a month by a
specialist company and they also have reported no problems .
Again , sorry to hear you have not been well and other than that I do hope
you enjoyed your ride .
best Regards
guy

So if anyone else want to email him as well, feel free. kings [at] yha.org

I am still suffering violently atm.  :-X