nytraveler

If it's really food poisoning Imodium is the last thing you want to take. It's bottling all the poisons up inside your body. That's OK for a little tourist tummy (from differences in water etc) but if you're majorly ill you should just let things take their natural course- but be sure you remain hydrated and don't let you electrolytes get too far out of balance. All countries have the equivalent of pedialyte (to balance electrolytes in babies) and it works fine for adults too.

If he's not better soon do go to the pharmacy - or go to an ER. He may need IV fluids to rehydrate properly - or he could be ill for days.

azzure

So sorry - this happened to my husband in Italy. Fortunately we were traveling with a pharmacist, who gave us some Lomotil. It worked pretty quickly, although my husband was so worn out that he still slept through most of the next day. We carry Immodium with us on our travels now.

suze

Good point above. True "food poisoning" and "turista" are two very different things. It is hard to know which it is at the start. What you describe for your husband sounds more like turista (bacteria) to me. Did he throw up or run a fever?

Christina

You shouldn't be self-medicating by using something for simple diarrhea (which is often just caused by bad diet for a day or two, such as too much fat, or your system being off) if you really think you have food poisoning. Ask the hotel to call SAMU or something (doctors who do house calls), if it's really bad.

It may not really be food poisoning, could just be a 24-hr virus. I've had one of those where I was vomiting every few hours for about 12 hours after a meal (which I don't think was food poisoning, as it was too sudden an onset, and yours could be, also), even when I had nothing left in my stomach. It was really bad for about 12 hours, but then did kind of go away and I just felt weak. However, even with that virus, I did not have bad stomach cramps.

I would definitely make sure he is hydrated, but I wouldn't self-treat as the symptoms don't sound like some simple thing you take Immodium for (and it can be hard on your stomach, also, I prefer other drugs).

willit

Bacterial food poisoning normally takes far longer to develop than people think - usually at least 12 hours, and often 36 - 72 after infection, so it is not always the most obvious source.

kerouac

I have known a lot of people who have "psychological" food poisoning. I'm not saying that this is the case, but it's amazing how sick certain people can get even by just imagining that they have eaten something bad. This is particularly apparent when others have eaten the same item with no ill effects.

Sally30

I had a very bad stomach flu in Paris a few years ago. I couldn't find ginger ale there but I drank a lot of coke which helped me. I think it is supposed to help with the diarrea too (maybe a wives tale) and plenty of plain baguettes but just the soft middle (I couldn't handle the scratchy crusts on my throat sore from throwing up). They also sell plain toast like crackers in the stores which helped.

That is unfortunate but don't feel too picked on. It happens to lots of us. I'm now on antibiotics from some other bug I picked up last week in Costa Rica!

LoveItaly

Hello nbbrown, now that it is late evening in Paris I hope your husband is resting and that he is feeling better. If he is still ill during the night I would get him medical help just as soon as possible tomorrow morning without fail.

I have had food poisoning a few times (once on a trip) but it didn't last longer than 24 hours. I was quite weak after I recovered of course.

But about three years ago I got real ill one morning after I woke up. I could not stop vomiting. I got so weak I couldn't really walk. Long story short my daughter called 911 and I ended up in the ER. I was given two batches of IV fluids as I was so dehyderated. The ER doctor told my daughter that calling 911 and consequently my ending up in the ER was the absolutely right thing to do.

I am not saying your husband needs an ambulance but again if he is still ill all night in my opinion he will need proper medical care.

I am so sorry that this has happened and send good wishes that everything will be all right for your poor husband. And what a shame that you are not being able to enjoy Paris. I hope you will be able to return in the near future.

Let us know how things are nbbrown.

josephina

Billie: Do tell us if your husband is doing better. The area where that restaurant is located (Rue de la Hutchette/Severin/Harpe) is sometimes termed "Ruelle de la Bacterie" (Bacteria Alley), and it is quite possible that your husband does have food poisoning.

Anyway, our prayers are with you. And while I feel so bad you've lost a day in Paris, I'm delighted your D-Day part went well.

annhig

Hi Billie,

what awful bad luck.

teh advice about getting a Dr./gonig to ER if it's more than simple "paris tummy" is good. I also understand why you wouldn't want to spend hours away fron your husband looking for a pharmacy what may or may not be able to help [they probably wil though - they are highly trained in France and very reliable].

as a stop-gap, anything like lemonade [sprite] or coke [preferably flat, it's easier to drink] wil do.

if it goes on for more than 24 hours or your see blood, call a medic.

hope he's already feelnig better,

regards, ann

JJ127

As others have already said, you need to get him to a doctor.

My husband had food poisoning last year and before we knew it he was in complete renal failure. He spent 8 days in the hospital and it was a frightening experience.

Good luck to you both.

Hans_Andersen

Sorry to hear that. I can fully empathize: I had the same problem, only in the good ole USA! I was in Monterey and stopped by one of those restaurants on the boardwalk. Being an oyster aficianado, I devoured a plate of the little suckers. The trouble started a few hours later on the way back to San Francisco. First, a bout of diarrhea, which then gave way to excruciating cramps that hit me every minute or so. I could barely fall asleep that night; I thought I was going to meet my maker. To make matters worse, for the first time in my life, I neglected to take traveler's insurance (coming from Canada), figuring I will be okay.

Nevertheless, I tried to be resilient, and I was up and running by the next day, despite the continuing cramps, "grin and bear it" kind of thing.

I was fine by the time I got back to Canada, but it did put a damper on the trip.

Best of luck to you!

Andersen

bettyk

If your husband doesn't get any worse and you can rule out food poisoning, eating coconut will help with the diarrhea. Either coconut by itself or in candy or cookie form like coconut macaroons. I know it sounds weird, but it does work for a lot of people, myself included. Pumpkin is also reported to help with diarrhea.

Good luck. I hope you husband is feeling better soon.

sglass

This message is hopefully not for poor nbbrown, who is also hopefully out now enjoying Paris with her husband who has made a complete recovery. For those others lucky enough to travel soon:

I take a ziplock sized emergency baggie even when traveling in the USA to care for myself and family if it's the middle of the night or a Sunday morning or- whatever. Most of what you need for a portable pharmacy isn't liquid. The only items I have to transfer from the other baggie at security is the remnants of my current tube of antibiotic cream as well as a roll-on itch reliever or spray...

I take a digital thermometer, various pain relievers, a blister kit and assorted bandaids and, yes, anti-diarrheal tablets (flattened from the box)as well as a couple packets of powdered flavored hydration mix. I throw in a small glasses fixing tube thingee, a dental emergency kit (tiny) and a mini roll of duct tape. It all fits in the aforementioned baggie.

Some trips I get lucky, and it never even comes out of the bottom of the suitcase. But it is reassuring to know it is there. One time the blister kit saved a relative at a family reunion and another time the duct tape held a broken zipper on a suitcase together.

Momliz

Billie, my son had to get shots while we were in Paris last year, and I found the doctors and associated staff to be wonderful!!! So, don't be afraid to go to a doctor or the hospital. There is even the American hospital if you are worried about your French. But, he's probably better by now. Tea, the white part of a baguette and clear soup will fix him right up.

Good luck!

bozama

Hope your hubby is getting better , but if not, please do not hesitant to ask hotel help with getting a doctor, or call a ca if hubby seems he could handle it) and take him to the American Hospital( any hospital would be fine, but at least at the American one they will likely have no langauge issues).
Medical care in France is excellant, and not outragueously expensive, so don't hesitate if hubby is still sick.

oakglen

Lomotil is what you want (Diphenoxylate/atrop); much stronger than Immodium. The weakness is caused by potassium deficiency. This can be serious. All Paris hotels have a doctor on call, in my experience. In Paris, they come to you, at little cost. Drug costs are about 1/3 US prices. Pharmacies dispense lots of drugs OTC that require perscriptions in the US. Professional healthcare in Paris is at least the equal of ours, more convenient and cheaper. Take advantage of it!

oakglen

If the hotel won't help; call sos medecins, the number is/was 01 47 07 77 77. Their web site is available in English as well. They are at 85 bd Port Royale. They will come to you. Lots of info also on bonjourparis.

PeaceOut

I'm sorry to hear your husband is sick in Paris! I agree it might not be a good idea to medicate with immodium or anything else like that.

Our pediatrician always recommended the BRAT diet for diarrhea: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

Good luck. I hope he's well already!

ecat

Billie,

As Oakglen said, "If the hotel won't help; call sos medecins, the number is/was 01 47 07 77 77"

They can prescribe medications if necessary.
Tél.: 08 20 33 24 24
Fax: 01 47 07 91 85
Mobile: 01 47 07 77 77
Email: [email protected]

In each arrondissement there is one pharmacy that is open 24 hours. There is a listing posted on each
pharmacy which tells you where the open pharmacy, I believe it changes

I used them last year when I was there and they were wonderful. I called and they were at our apartment within 30 minutes, the charge was 80 Euros. Highly, highly recommend you call them to help rather than having your husband suffer thorough this. Food poising is not fun.