going crazy... TMI vent

This all started when I ate a "hot" corned beef sandwich which I thought was OK because it was heated up, but when it came out, it was actually just barely warm corned beef. I listened to my husband and ate it anyway.

Well, that night, 5 nights ago, was my first episode of diarrhea. Since then, I've continued to have diarrhea, once a day, every day. I spoke to my OBGYN, who seems completely unconcerned, hasn't let me go in, isn't intending to do any blood work, and thinks it has something to do with my diet (which it doesn't).... I stopped my prenatals and I've been eating nothing but rice, bananas, and toast for 5 days, but I continue to have my daily bout of diarrhea.

I'm convinced I've developed the ever dreaded, Listeria, which is making me go out of my mind with worry. This is really beginning to drive me crazy. I've read diarrhea is normal during pregnancy, and I've read that it isn't, so I don't know what to believe.

I don't really know what the point of this post is, except to vent. I don't know what else to do. Anxiety and pregnancy don't go well together. this has been really hard for me.

Message edited 8/3/2012 12:32:10 PM.

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

pregnancy is full of anxiety!

but if your doctor isn't worried, you should try to relax. It is very rare to get listeria, it is probably just a natural thing and will go away soon.

going crazy... TMI vent

i had diarrhea once a day for my entire first trimester. i would get a stabbing pain in my belly, go, and that would be it for the day. i most definitely didn't have listeria. you're doctor isn't concerned and you have no other symptoms of anything. you're probably fine.

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

I once had listeria from bad brie cheese years ago and I was in so much pain for 2 days I was praying for god to end it. And I am not even joking. I was throwing up too. I think if you had listeria you'd go to the hospital.

Feel better!

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

It probably isn't listeria, but a stomach bug or just an upset stomach that goes along with pregnancy. I'm like you and pregnancy makes me so anxious, which in turn usually kills my stomach. Try to relax and remember that your doctor is a professional if they aren't concerned than try not to be either.

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

I can assure you that you'll be fine. Something similar happened to me to where I was on the bowl for three days straight and I lost 10 lbs! My OBGYN was not concerned at all. Stay hydrated, thats all.

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

I hope it passes soon, but I had 'rhea on a regular basis early on and still do sometimes.

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

I have has stomach issues every night after dinner for the past week and a half

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

That's completely normal in pregnancy - especially towards the end of the first trimester.

If you had listeria, you would be a lot worse off. Plus, listeria is really hard to get! Honestly? You probably need to be eating more than just the rice, toast and bananas and your body will go back to normal...whatever "normal" is in pregnancy.

Oh, also? Prenatals cause constipation, not diarrhea. I'd start taking them again b/c it doesn't sound like you're eating a balanced diet.

going crazy... TMI vent

I have had the same issues my entire first and part of the second trimester. Hope you feel better soon!

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

My story might make you feel better...

Two weeks ago I had a salami sandwich for lunch on a Friday (against my better judgement). I woke up Sunday morning with, let's just say, serious bathroom issues. By Sunday night I thought I was dying, I was so weak and achy and I couldn't keep anything down or in. I was convinced I had given myself Listeriosis from that dang salami sandwich. I literally couldn't even keep water down. By Monday night I went to the hospital and was treated for dehydration. I told them about the salami sandwich and asked several times to be tested for Listeriosis and was basically laughed at. I was told that I would be burning with fever and doubled over in pain if I had it (though that's not what Dr. Google said). Anyway, after giving me IV fluids, they diagnosed me with a gastrointestinal virus (without ever testing me for Listeriosis) and sent me home, telling me to try to keep hydrated.

It took several more days, but I did start to feel better.

I hope you feel better soon.

Message edited 8/3/2012 1:58:39 PM.

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and for your words of advice. I'm sorry for those of you who have experienced the same thing, but it does make me feel better to know that it's not just me. Thanks again!

Re: going crazy... TMI vent

Thanks. That's exactly where I am, end of the first trimester!. 12 weeks tomorrow, so that makes me feel much better.

As far as the rice, toast, and bananas, that's just because I was told to eat foods that are binding to help ease the diarrhea. But it doesn't seem to be affected by the foods i'm eating anyway so I plan to get back to my regular diet.

My OBGYN said that some prenatals have a laxative in them to combat the constipation often caused during pregnancy. She told me to stop for 5 days to see what happens, but I won't be off them long!

Thanks again!!

going crazy... TMI vent

I had diarrhea and it was jsut part of my MS. I don;t think your Dr is wrong.....I think what you have is normal and it just coincided with the sanwhich

going crazy... TMI vent

For one, don't eat bananas they make you go. Apples bind you. Try eating yogurt too.

going crazy... TMI vent

Not sure what the cause is but I CAN say that if it is listeria, you'd know it. You'd be extremely sick and vomiting, almost violently ill. I once had food poisoning - not sure if it was listeria - but I was dying. I vomited 11 times in one night and had so much diarrhea that it was just clear liquid coming out after a few hours (sorry TMI) that smelled like fish (I got poisoning from sushi). My muscles were aching so much bc I was incredibly dehydrated. I was done vomiting after 12 hours or so but still felt sick dayssss later. It was beyond awful.