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Diabetic With HBP And Diarrhea. Getting Headache After Taking Electrolyte Solution. Safe Remedy?
Question: This is the 4th day that I have had a stomach flu in which I have had watery diarrhea every day. I eat chicken, vegetables, meatloaf and it all comes out as watery diarrhea. I was really weak yesterday so I took a little electrolyte solution but they are full of sodium and sugar and gave me a headache, and I have diabetes and high blood pressure. I've increased on drinking fluids. This morning my hands are feeling numb and my feet feel a little numb and I do feel weak. What should I do? Do you think I've developed guillain Barre Syndrome where it is affecting my nervous system? I saw that on this website where someone had the flu and numbness came. The numbness feels like it is increasing in my feet. Thank you.
Hi XXXXXXX,
Welcome to XXXXXXX forum.
You are most likely suffering from acute viral gastroenteritis with electrolyte imbalances.
Presence of watery diarrhea and numbness in body suggests the diagnosis.
Diarrhea may also be a complications of diabetes and its medicines but this should be kept in mind when diarrhea is not improving after each & every efforts.
Do you have weakness in both lower limbs and weakness progressively upwards in your body?
Guillian Barre syndrome is clinically associated with weakness in lower limbs and which progressively involves upper limbs and may cause difficulty in respiration.
There is least chances of Guillian Barre syndrome as per mentioned symptoms.
You should maintain your hydration status.
Don't get worried about sugar and salt intake for maintaining your hydration.
As you are not able to take your proper diet; oral rehydration solution taken orally will also help in maintaining hydration, energy and electrolyte imbalances.
Avoid milk and milk related products like butter, cheese and yogurt.
These viral infection generally persist for 3-4 days and get self cured.
You should take complete antibiotic course, antispasmodic, probiotics.
You should consult with XXXXXXX medicine specialist and should go for thorough check up.
Hope that helps.
With wishes of speedy recovery.
Let me know if I can address any more concerns.
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
Welcome to XXXXXXX forum.
You are most likely suffering from acute viral gastroenteritis with electrolyte imbalances.
Presence of watery diarrhea and numbness in body suggests the diagnosis.
Diarrhea may also be a complications of diabetes and its medicines but this should be kept in mind when diarrhea is not improving after each & every efforts.
Do you have weakness in both lower limbs and weakness progressively upwards in your body?
Guillian Barre syndrome is clinically associated with weakness in lower limbs and which progressively involves upper limbs and may cause difficulty in respiration.
There is least chances of Guillian Barre syndrome as per mentioned symptoms.
You should maintain your hydration status.
Don't get worried about sugar and salt intake for maintaining your hydration.
As you are not able to take your proper diet; oral rehydration solution taken orally will also help in maintaining hydration, energy and electrolyte imbalances.
Avoid milk and milk related products like butter, cheese and yogurt.
These viral infection generally persist for 3-4 days and get self cured.
You should take complete antibiotic course, antispasmodic, probiotics.
You should consult with XXXXXXX medicine specialist and should go for thorough check up.
Hope that helps.
With wishes of speedy recovery.
Let me know if I can address any more concerns.
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The numbness seems to have moved up my calves and is still in my hands. But I also would like to know if it is okay for me to take Anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium or will that make it hard for my body to fight the virus. I would really like to try to stop the diarrhea. Aslo, sometimes I have shortness of breath. Yesterday my temperature was 98.9 (low grade) but it seems better today. If this does not end by tomorrow which will be the 5th day, what should I do?
Hi,
Still there is least possibility of Guillian Barre syndrome.
You should not take Imodium (Loperamide) as it decrease secretions in gastrointestinal tract while also inhibits escape of virus from gastrointestinal tract.
In such cases, intake of Imodium may be harmful.
You should consult with XXXXXXX medicine specialist and should go for proper treatment.
Best regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
Still there is least possibility of Guillian Barre syndrome.
You should not take Imodium (Loperamide) as it decrease secretions in gastrointestinal tract while also inhibits escape of virus from gastrointestinal tract.
In such cases, intake of Imodium may be harmful.
You should consult with XXXXXXX medicine specialist and should go for proper treatment.
Best regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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