Topic: Is it better to let a fever "rage" or take Tylenol to cool it down? Stomach problems
dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749
posted
I've had stomach aches and a tender abdomen in various places on and off for weeks and therefore have not taken any abx for about 3 weeks as the stomach aches keep coming back just when I think it's all better.
As of last night, not only do I have a stomach ache and sore abdomen, but also a fever of 100.2, which is high for me.
Should I take Tylenol, or is it better to let the fever do it's job, whatever it's trying to kill?
*update - fever climbing, now 101.6, but stomach is much better no crampy or achy feeling or trips to bathroom......just a little tender if I press it.. I can't figure out what it can be with main sx fever now...no cough, no vomiting, no diarrhea, etc.
My main worry is C. Diff and I've just dropped off the first of three stool samples to GP (one more tomorrow and one the next day).
Also, it is better to make yourself eat if you don't feel hungry or just fast and drink water?
[ 16. April 2007, 08:36 AM: Message edited by: dontlikeliver ]
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posted
Personally, and I'm not a doctor, I prefer to let the fever do it's job, unless it's dangerously high.
I also only eat if I'm hungry ... I also feel a loss of appetite when ill like that is for a reason.
That's not entirely true, with my meds and babs, I'm NEVER hungry, but have to eat to take my meds and supplements!
Keep looking for what's making you ill! Your body may need help with whatever infection this is.
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dontlikeliver
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posted
Thanks for your reply.
Not able to eat and even water makes me want to puke at times.
My stomach's nto even really bothering me but fever persists without other sx.
Ended up taking some Tylenol an hour ago, couldn't cope anymre.
Not been on abx for about 3 week and then it was onlyh for about 2 weeks becaduse I'd keep having stomach aches really bad. But, even though stopped the abx the stomach aches, cramps and soreness have persisted on many days (except not bad today now even though fever).
I have to say I feel scared. Very reminiscent of an illness 15 years ago which almost ended up killing me after 2 weeks.
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
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posted
Hey DLL..
Just last night I was wondering how you were. Haven't seen your smiling face here lately and was getting concerned.
My opinion... go to the doctors. Fever for this long shouldn't be. Also other problems not good. Please let them check it out. This may not even be Lyme related.
As for comfort level... I would take whatever made me feel better at this point. It's not like you will become "addicted" to Tylenol.
dontlikeliver
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Member # 4749
posted
Thanks TC,
Been to GP this morning. Gave stool sample. Giving another 2 samples over next two days. Dr B used to say one has to do 3 samples as C Diff doesn't always show up on first two. So, HOpe that 3 samples will be sufficient.
Fever only started last night, but been high (high for me but maybe not by others standards) all day and i've been in a twilight zone/daze in bed.
Gave in to the Tylenol.
Can't eat though and water makes me want to puke sometimes.
Been reading about C Diff and virtually all sites say lots of watery diarrhea....this is one thing I DO NOT have. I have been having more BM's than normal maybe, but not diarrhea, so I get so confused and wonder if I might have an atypical case or if I'm worrying about nothing.
Apologies for repetition and typos, I am really not thinking clearly at all.
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The thing is, if this is an acute (vs. chronic, like Lyme) bacterial infection, you may require antibiotics to treat it.
Maybe IV or injections would work better for you. I do okay on the orals, but have to take a LOT of probiotics and be sure I eat enough.
Definately get checked out by a doctor. You might even mention the illness you had last time.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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randibear
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I'd say run it's course for a few days then off to the doctor.
By the way, my doctor said absolutely stay away from tylenol. He said it's the number one reason for liver failure in this country.
And with lymies being so sensitive, he said I can't tolerate it at all.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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dontlikeliver
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posted
IV just not available for Lyme in my part of the world, only for 30 days early, ELISA positive Lyme. Did Bicillin but got allergic to Penicillin. Not sure what other IM's there are. I have a feeling I am going to be trying out the Cowden Protoco, which my LLMD is pretty keen on. At this point, I guess I have nothing to lose.
I so want to get rid of this persisting stomach issue, I would take abx for it, sure. I guess it would be OK as long as not Biaxin or Zithromax or Ketek all of which my stomach can no longer handle. (at least not at the moment, causes intense pains).
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dontlikeliver
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Randibear,
What does your doc suggest instead of Tylenol then?
I used to take lots of Ibuprofen and can't take that anymore, or aspirin........can only take tylenol.
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randibear
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I really try to stay away from all products but occasionally I use ibuprofen.
For headaches my friend gave me something from a company called "deborah's collection".
It's called cineol lotion and you just put a dab on your temple.
I don't know why but it really works,sometimes in minutes.
I do NOT sell this stuff, heck, I usually don't recommend anything, but it works. I think you can just enter it on the web and you get a website and order it. Don't know the price. My friend sells it tho but at the same price as the web.
At this point, I'm afraid to take anything.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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dontlikeliver
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Randibear,
That might be similar to something I use also (in conjunction with Tylenol sometimes) called White Flower Oil...it's a common Chinese remedy and takes the edge off a bad headache. Still it doesn't work for fevers though.
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JimBoB
Unregistered
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I would avoid Tylenol like the plague. I take maybe a couple iboprofen about once or twice a month.
I suppose you could get drunk, then it wouldn't hurt so bad. Well, not till the next day.
Seriously, I try to stay away from all medicines if at all possible. Espeicially man concocted.
canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
You need to watch dehydration and make sure your doc checks K (potassium) levels.
Dehydration can be serious, and if your K level dips too low, your heart can stop. So just be on top of it in case, please.
Not being able to hold down water can also be a sign of dehydration, and you are having significant diarrhea. Also, check that you are urinating a "normal" amount. If you find you are only urinating a little at a time, be sure to go to emerg and get rehydrated w/ saline. Your doc should also check your BP.
With best wishes,
cbl.
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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dontlikeliver
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Update.
Just got a call from docs office. I have an infection in my gut, but probably not C Diff (result from stool test not back).
The secretary didn't know what infection only that my white blood cell count is high and the doc asked me to come in tomorrow to discuss results.
[ 18. April 2007, 06:13 AM: Message edited by: dontlikeliver ]
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canbravelyme
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OK. Thanks for the update; we're rooting for you. Please let us know what he says.
With best wishes for great health fast!
CBL.
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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dontlikeliver
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Member # 4749
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Thanks for your replies also JimBob and CBL..
Have been drinking lots (not booze unfortunately as that makes me very sick) and also rehydration fluids although as I don' thave diarrea I guess I am not losing so much water, only from fever.
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treepatrol
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Member # 4117
posted
Try and keep the brain cool I wet a towel and soak my head.
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