Food Poisoning. My first time ever. UPDATE

[cherokeeprogressive]

Last edited Mon Jan 6, 2014, 12:36 AM - Edit history (1)

Oh my fucking GOD please just kill me already. I had some seafood dish at a place called The Yard House. The crab claws were really mushy and fishy-smelling but I was a Trooper. The vomiting and runs started about two a.m. and have not stopped since. I ache all over. Send a hit squad or SOMETHING, just put me out of this.

Went to the ER. My normally low blood pressure spiked to 160 and my pulse was weak and fast at 150.

Saline IV, antibiotics, and a few bottles of water. The hospital is contacting the Health Department and the restaurant. I'm hungry and exhausted. Not eating though!!

THANKS for all the good advice and support. This place is the BEST.

[zappaman]

1. It's brutal, but the worst part is...

It will take you some time before you can even smell crab claws without feeling sick.

[PowerToThePeople]

2. I feel for you.

Drink liquids so you don't get dehydrated.

[Siwsan]

3. Been there, done that and I feel your pain

The most difficult part is to KEEP HYDRATED. Which is so difficult. I remember brushing my teeth, after throwing up, swallowing a tiny bit of water, and immediately throwing up, again. But hydrating will also help with headache and cramping.

Keep a bucket by where every you are reclining, and one by the toilet - sometimes both ends explode at once (sorry, had to be graphic). When you can eat, I recommend trying to eat apricot, banana or potato, to get your potassium levels back up. Then tea and toast. Build slowly back to eating.

[Ms. Toad]

5. And use chucks -

or adult diapers to protect your bed. Explosions can be unpredictable & may not wake you in time. The voice of experience, speaking.

[Siwsan]

9. I spent a whole lot of with my tush on the throne and head in a bucket

I remember wishing the bath tub was closer. When I was down to bile, I thought I was going to just die. Ghaaaaaa. I have been ultra careful of food, ever since.

[Ms. Toad]

49. I managed to be able to sleep toward the end of it on day 2

(Actually, I was just too exhausted to stay awake any longer). I wouldn't have thought there could be anything left . . .

[LeftyMom]

24. The bathroom wastebasket lined with a grocery bag works well.

That way nobody has to clean it, they can just throw the bag away.

[Eleanors38]

188. When I had it, I got into the bathtub and just exploded. Use the showrer when

You stop shaking, get out, shake some Draino into the mess to flush the bigger chunks, then sleep 10 hours.

[etherealtruth]

4. Oh god

is someone with you? To make sure you are OK?

[Kingofalldems]

6. The restaurant needs to pay for this.

And you are most likely not alone.

[TeeYiYi]

7. You were "a trooper"...

re: "The crab claws were really mushy and fishy-smelling but I was a Trooper."

Mushy and fishy-smelling but you were a trooper? Sorry to ask while you're feeling so horrible but why did you eat them if they were mushy and fishy-smelling? That's not being a trooper.

TYY

[Common Sense Party]

207. Blaming the victim. 15-yard penalty. nt

[TeeYiYi]

209. Perhaps, however...

...'being a trooper; implies peer pressure and you could never guilt me into eating mushy, fishy smelling crab.

TYY

[Common Sense Party]

210. I wouldn't eat crab at all.

To me, it's all mushy and fishy-smelling.

I wouldn't have eaten something if I had my doubts about it.

I had food poisoning once, long ago, and it was no picnic.

[LittleBlue]

8. Been there, done that

Meatball sandwich. Then vomiting every 5 minutes from 10 PM to morning.


It will stop but it won't be fun. I feel for ya

[JaneyVee]

10. Happened to me once with clams. Didn't even swallow it and I got sick.

As soon as I put it in my mouth I took it right back out and spent 4 days totally sick. And this was at an expensive restaurant in little Italy in manhattan about 8 years ago. Horrifyingly sick. Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

[Locut0s]

129. Funny thing is from my experience...

It's often the place you least expect it that gets you. When you go travelling a good rule of thumb is to eat where the locals do and stay away from the hotel buffet.

[GP6971]

11. I know what you are going through

and I don't wish it on anyone. Sorry, but it took me almost 3 days before I got close to some semblance of feeling better. I coped with citrus drinks, dry toast and later, Pepto started having some effect......mostly for the stomach cramps (gas).

[Warpy]

12. Go to an ER

Food poisoning can be lethal and you need to be checked out. That restaurant also needs to be reported for selling iffy seafood, something the hospital will do.

You probably will need fluids and antibiotics if it's bacterial. You'll need shots if it's a nasty virus like Hepatitis A.

This is nothing to tough out. Get some treatment, please.

[katsy]

47. Ditto that

Especially seafood

Report the restaurant

[pangaia]

54. Ditto There is a drug ER docs can give you to stop the vomiting and runs.

[thecrow]

102. REGLAN get some of this if you can.

I had this... two days of runs and then the retching. I rode an ambulance which smelled horrible, like diesel fuel.... it was a really bad thing. If you go to the hospital in an ambulance, they have to take you in right away. Don't even think about walking in to an ER because you could be waiting for hours.
I feel for you. Get help!

[bluestate10]

13. If you have a Clinic near, go there. If not, go to the hospital. BTW, fresh seafood, even crab,

shouldn't smell fishy.

[Gormy Cuss]

91. +1. If it smells fishy it's old and possibly bad.

I also agree with Warpy and others : food poisoning that makes you that violently ill calls for a doctor visit and it needs to be reported because it was based on restaurant food. Goodness knows how many other people have gotten sick or will get sick from this bad seafood.

[NutmegYankee]

14. I've been there also.

Are you at least able to get fluids in? I couldn't drink anything for nearly 24 hours. I was concerned I'd have to go to a hospital for an IV.

[TwilightGardener]

15. I once ate a cheeseburger at 1:00 am from a hospital cafeteria.

I was midway thru my shift, hadn't had dinner the evening before, and the grill was still open--made to order! I felt lucky! For about three hours. Then I was barely holding it together, had two sick birds to care for in ICU but couldn't stop running to the bathroom. And I mean RUNNING. Good God, that was an awful night, and a long drive home. Hope you feel better soon.

[Eleanors38]

189. Had the same thing eating at Jack in the Crack.

[CherokeeDem]

16. Bless you...

I have had food poisoning from tainted crab, delicious little crab sandwiches served at a wedding reception. Needless to say, everyone at the reception, including the bride and groom became horrendously ill. The only person who didn't eat because he had an emergency... our doctor. He was busy doing house calls for the next week. Thankfully, we lived in a small town at the time, so he went from house to house checking on everyone. My ex-husband was downstairs in the guest room, I was upstairs in the master bedroom. Sickest I have ever been in my life.

The bride and groom were driving to Kiawah Island in South Carolina. She got sick about an hour from Charleston, he got sick just after they got there. The hotel got them a doctor and took care of them until they were well enough to drive home. The hotel also comp'ed them the stay and gave them a free week. The manager told them no one should suffer that badly.

I wish you well, just ride it out is the best thing and if you are really dehydrated and can get to the ER. You might want to go and get IV fluids. That's what our doctor did for us... house by house.

So sorry... so very sorry....

[LibDemAlways]

21. Spent a portion of my honeymoon in similar

circumstances. My husband and I were both horribly sick for 3 days. We abandoned our plans for a long drive and pulled into the first motel we found. The manager saw the "just married" sign on the car and insisted we take the honeymoon suite. Little did he know there was absolutely no honeymooning going on in there. Can laugh about it now, but at the time it was beyond awful.

[brewens]

17. Been there. Mine was a lot like The Sopranos episode where Tony got it. I spent

a whole day "driving the porcelain bus". I kept forcing myself to chug water to prevent dry heaves. Probably got a bad mussel. At least that's what I blamed it on. Everyone else at some of all the same stuff but I was the only one that got sick.

[spanone]

18. ugh....quick recovery...

[malaise]

19. Never be a trooper with seafood

Get well soon - drink lots of water - add half a teaspoon of honey in the water if you have some.

[2naSalit]

20. I am sure that

I will get endless flames for this but I'll tell you this because I have been there too and this is how I dealt with it and was in good shape in about a day.

Fluids!!

First priority is to stop vomiting... make some tea (black or plain green tea would be best) AND add about 1/8 tsp of thyme to it and sip it until at least half gone (based on 1 cup), no sweeteners of any kind. Thyme can be right out of the herb cabinet/spice rack.

Next, get or have someone bring you - some ginger ale or Sprite, 7up and drink some of that over the evening. Sipping is best. Edited to add, regular Gatorade. I hate the stuff but it helps after vomiting events... electrolytes.

Melons, cucumber, cantaloup, watermelon if you are experiencing fever.

And water, tea is still good at any time... the thyme is to stop the vomiting (anti-emetic properties at work there).

Get some sleep and stay away from dairy products for at least 24 hrs. Try eating something with phosphates like banana, potatoes (mashed would be good) or avocado. Keep it simple. And don't watch TeeVee while feeling ill, the light is not good for your eyes during this phase - computers too.

Good luck and hope you get better quickly.

And next time you think you want seafood, think again or take a Tsp of cider vinegar about 1/2 an hour before you eat. And if it doesn't look first rate, send it back and eat something else instead.

[darkangel218]

27. Good advice all around, 2nasalit

Hypokalemia ( low potassium) its a major concern when vomiting.

[2naSalit]

46. Thanks.

I have been food poisoned several times, being an over-the-road trucker leaves you vulnerable to this, and I have learned over time what to do to get back to normal asap. That and flu as well.

I learned about thyme from studying herbal remedies but what really brought it home for me was when I had a bad case of I don't know what hit me and was vomiting almost constantly for hours. I couldn't even keep fresh water down for ten minutes.

I called my mentor, who lived close by at the time, and issued an "I'm gonna DIE!" emergency call to her between rounds. She showed up and started boiling some water and watching me. She went out in the yard, it was summer, and gathered some dandelion roots and some thyme from the garden and made me some black tea with these ingredients steeped in with it. I sipped at it a few times and after a couple more minutes I was no longer running to the bathroom and was able to lie down and start to recover. I've had that as my main remedy for vomiting since then.

And potassium is crucial whether you're ill or just trying to stay healthy. It is said by some that potassium phosphate is also good for depression and stress but I'll leave that to another place in life to discuss. I do know that it is crucial for recovery from vomiting though.

Cheers.

2na.

[VanillaRhapsody]

22. I have always told people....when you have actually had a case of food poisoning

you will never again say "I think it might have been food poisoning" because you KNOW it when you have it. It's THAT bad...

You will literally wonder if you are even going to live....no joke!

[HipChick]

25. yep..you will always know..got some food poisoning from corned beef

and rice a few years back...one of my fav dishes...to this date, I cannot stand the smell or come anywhere close to it

[pinboy3niner]

30. A friend nearly died from it

Another friend checked on him and rushed him to the hospital, where the doctors said he WOULD have died if our friend had not gotten him to the hospital when he did.

[VanillaRhapsody]

35. When I had it...I WAS all alone with no contact to the outside world

I quite literally feared for my life....but what worried me more was my friends small children also ate something similar to what I ate only a different dish. I was worried sick the whole time that they were as sick as I was and I couldn't go to my friends aid.

[pinboy3niner]

43. My friend was on the floor, unable to even crawl to the phone

His not answering calls is what prompted our other friend to drive over and check on him.

[VanillaRhapsody]

51. Yep same for me...crawling on hands and knees...

"exploding" in all directions on the way...It was horrifying.

[GoneFishin]

66. ROFL. Because you are so right.

[PeaceNikki]

212. Indeed. I was traveling alone for the first time ever.

I was at a hotel in Providence, RI. Awoke violently ill around 11:00 PM and wanted to die the rest of the night. I ended up in the ER there. It was awful.

[darkangel218]

23. Im so sorry!! i had the same happen to me after i ate at Red Lobster!!

Make sure you drink plentyb of fluids!! If you don't have Gatorade, send someone to get you some!! If you keep feeling like this, go to the ER, you may need IV fluids!

I'm so sorry!!

[LibDemAlways]

26. Please let the Yard House manager know ASAP. You

Can save others a whole lot of misery. Hope you feel better soon.

[cherokeeprogressive]

28. See this is why I love DU.

When people feel bad WITH you, it's easier to live with. I wish I felt good enough earlier to post because I do feel better now. You guys are like no one else!

[uppityperson]

141. Let the restaurant know, call Stl Public Health Dept also to report it as they need to follow, see i

if it was just you or more people. Hope you feel better soon.

[Aerows]

29. I just got bitten by a raccoon.

Join the club.

[cherokeeprogressive]

32. You and those raccoons! n/t

[darkangel218]

34. What?? when??

You need rabies shots ASAP!!!!!

What the hell..

[Aerows]

36. I was on the porch, and it ran up to me. I tried to brush it away, but it bit me. n/t

[darkangel218]

40. You need to go to ER now!!

I'm being serious, rabies is not something you play with!! Most racoons carry rabies!! Please go to the hospital!

[Aerows]

42. I washed with soap and water

then doused it with hydrogen peroxide and then I put antibiotic ointment on it. It's still bleeding a little, but I think it will be okay.

[darkangel218]

44. ...

Your choice.

[Aerows]

48. How do I know if I have it?

I cleaned it well.

[GoneFishin]

61. The fact that it approached you instead of shying away is a potential sign that it is ill.

You don't get a 2nd chance to figure it out with rabies. Call somebody.

[Retrograde]

109. +a very big number

Unless you can trap the animal and have it tested, I don't think you'll notice any symptoms for a while. Here on the west coast rabies and other diseases are common in the local wildlife, and it's recommended that if you get bitten to start a course of treatment immediately. Having recently been through a bad infection from a bite by a housecat I'm leery of any and all animal bites.

[Samantha]

181. I am wondering if you would mind telling me why

the house cat bit you. Was it just simply a bad moment for the cat or something you inadvertently did? I have four and that is why I ask.

Sam

[Retrograde]

185. I was teasing him

wiggling my fingers in front of him like they were a prey animal. He's been very sweet and affectionate since (aside from confusing me for a tree and trying to climb me, and getting underfoot and in the way most of the time: he likes to "help" me sew).

[Samantha]

211. Thanks

I will be very sure not to do that!

Sam

[Cirque du So-What]

63. You probably have it if you start making a list

of people you're going to bite.

[Aerows]

67. I had that list beforehand n/t

[Cirque du So-What]

78. Good for you!

But seriously, you need to see a doctor ASAP. By the time symptoms of rabies present, the survival rate is practically nil. Please, don't take the chance!

[GoneFishin]

64. Is this a pet or a wild raccoon?

[Aerows]

65. Not a pet.

It just comes by occasionally to eat.

[darkangel218]

68. Please go to the hospital!!

[Aerows]

69. Maybe my mom will take me.

I told her about it, but she seems to think it can wait.

[darkangel218]

70. ?

Why do you depend on your mom?

Its your life we are talking about. You're an adult, right? ( no offence, I just don't know your age )

[Aerows]

74. I am indeed an adult

But Mom has my car at present. I lent it to her, and now I have no ride.

[darkangel218]

77. Call an ambulance then.

Like others have said, once the symptoms onset, its too late. Rabies is deadly.

[GoneFishin]

76. You may want to google "rabies" now.

[Aerows]

82. Holy Crap. That's bad.

That's really bad.

[GoneFishin]

87. It would not be unreasonable to call a doctor and ask a neighbor for a lift to the ER.

[Aerows]

88. It's still seeping blood.

My word, how do I get into these situations.

[GoneFishin]

100. We all ask ourselves that from time to time, at least I do. Just take one step at a time and do

what you have to do.

[darkangel218]

90. Youre from UK arent you?

I used to live in Wales. I miss Wales

[Aerows]

93. I wish I was

I could just go to the hospital and not worry that my financial future would be in jeopardy because a fucking nuisance bit me on the hand.

[darkangel218]

96. I was replying to another poster ( gone fishin )But seriously Aerows

The financial aspect should be the least of your worries. You need those shots. Theyre painless, in your arm. Please go. Please!!! You don't have time to wait!! The longer you wait, the less efective the shots will be!!

[GoneFishin]

103. Not myself. But I have family there.

[darkangel218]

104. Gotcha ;)

[Laffy Kat]

169. The further from your brain the bite is, the longer the incubation period.

You do not need to take an ambulance to the ER, but go to the doctor tomorrow!! The shots are not as bad as they used to be.

[Nay]

170. Yes. You will be dead if that raccoon had rabies and you do not get

the shots. The fact that it ran up and bit you is a huge red flag for a rabid animal -- rabid animals often do that exact thing.

The shots you should get used to be painful, but they aren't anymore. They cannot test the raccoon, so you must get the shots. Washing the wound will not wash out the rabies -- it's in the animal's saliva, and when it bit you it delivered that saliva right into your bloodstream.

Please take this seriously. Get the shots.

[Aerows]

176. I know

I'm in deep trouble here with this mess.

[CreekDog]

174. well there's a slight possibility that we should all relax

but that's equal to the chance that you're trolling us to get a laugh.

[Aerows]

175. I have another post

including a picture of the bite. This isn't a troll. I wish the hell it was. I'm looking at $2000 worth of medical treatment if I'm lucky.

[CreekDog]

191. when did you lose your insurance?

i remember you talking about some issue and you had insurance recently.

[Aerows]

192. I didn't

I just really hate going to the hospital and them charging a shitload LOL.

[CreekDog]

194. yeah but you made it sound like it would cost you $2000 out of pocket

ok.

[Aerows]

195. I see

Yeah, but I really dislike that it costs that much out of principal. No, I'm okay. In fact, probably homeowners will cover it since it was an accident at home. I'm totally covered. It hurts like a bear today.

[CreekDog]

196. I'm glad you're covered. And lucky for you, you got bitten during a food poisoning thread

where you got medical advice to get treated.

[Aerows]

198. I love animals

and it really freaked me out to get bitten.

[GoneFishin]

72. That might explain why it didn't run away, but you don't get two chances to figure out. If

you wait for symptoms it's 100% too late.

[Aerows]

84. How long do I have before vaccine won't be effective?

I'm scared, now.

[athena]

94. You have some time, but don't wait too long.

According to this page:

http://www.halton.ca/cms/one.aspx?pageId=10218#Q7

it takes weeks for symptoms to develop, but it can be as early as nine days. In any case, I think the sooner you get the vaccine, the better.

Please don't panic, but get the vaccine. Years later, you'll look back on this and be glad you got the vaccine.

[GoneFishin]

95. You need to call a medical professional. But I had an incident in the middle of the night and could

not get help until the next morning. But you should call a medical professional now. I am not one.

I don't think you need to be scared. You can't wait days to deal with it. Don't procrastinate. Make some phone calls and ask people who actually know.

[Aerows]

98. I looked it up

It's going to be a battery of shots, and will be costly. I get to gamble, pay or pray it gets better. That's the reality of the US health care system. I could turn rabid and infect the town, and pretty much no one will give a fuck.

[darkangel218]

99. Aerows..

I hope you're jk. Please go to the hospital!!!

Jesus..

[athena]

106. You're young. Don't gamble.

It's your life. A bankruptcy is better than losing your life, and this won't bankrupt you. I'm sure your family will agree.

This page is very good:

http://www.rabiesvaccinecost.com/

How quickly do I need to get the vaccine after I’ve been bitten?

The incubation for the rabies virus varies but immunization and treatment is recommended for at least up to 14 days after exposure. The sooner you seek treatment the better. If you get treatment before the virus is able to reach your central nervous system and start showing systems, recovery is almost certain. However, once the virus starts to show symptoms, there is no known effective treatment and it is almost 100% fatal. If the animal that bit you is domestic and animal control is able to capture it, you can postpone treatment till further determination of the animal’s infection status is reached. If the animal was wild and unable to be submitted for testing, it is recommended you proceed as if the animal was infected.

[Aerows]

108. That's just it

I was bitten by a wild animal .

[athena]

113. When did it happen?

Just get the vaccine tomorrow. The cost will be somewhere between $2000 and $6000 according to http://www.rabiesvaccinecost.com/. Your life is worth much more than that. And the modern vaccine isn't painful like the original one.

Take care, and good luck!

[Aerows]

125. Oh holy shit

I hope it isn't that much.

[FloridaJudy]

132. My health department gave rabies vaccine for free

Since rabies is a reportable disease, and a known Public Health risk. You may not even need to wait until they're open. The health department I worked for had an epidemiology nurse on call nights and weekends to investigate possible disease outbreaks. Those nurses have the keys to vaccine storage. Many times they were asked to fetch the vials for local ERs.

Call. You have nothing to lose by doing so.

[Locut0s]

144. Wow :(...

Not to add to Aero's predicament, I agree with you she should go. I just shake my head every time I see these kind of stats. Being Canadian it's not something we even give a second thought.

I sliced my thumb open some years back and the dr who stitched it up nonchalantly suggested I might want to get a tetanus shot while I was there just in case, never occurred to me why I wouldn't

Got bit by a dog a a long time back and while the dr didn't recommend a rabies vaccine then it would have been the same thing if he had, the cost doesn't even enter into the discussion, it's your health.

Same when my father had a pacemaker installed.

I feel so bad for you guys in the states who have to face these decisions hopefully with the ACA things start to slowly improve.

[countryjake]

112. Aerows, was that coon out in broad daylight?

They are nocturnal and unless it was a very grey, overcast or foggy day, there's not much reason for a coon to be awake during the daytime. That's the part of your story that would make me nervous. Did you get bitten very early morning or at dusk? Was there food put out nearby, in the area where you were bitten? That could cause a healthy coon to bite, if he is used to snacking in a certain place (you say that you're mother feeds it) and you interrupted his supper.

You do need to contact your local health department to report that a raccoon has bitten you. There are other things to worry about, besides your own risk of getting rabies. Myself, I'd wait til morning and then consult a doc, and be sure to tell the authorities about that coon, so that if it does turn out to be sick, other people and pets can be forewarned.

You're in Mississippi, right? Try googling your local papers to see if there have been any other reports of rabies in that vicinity.

[Aerows]

122. Actually, they are kind of crepuscular in nature

and this was at about 6 o'clock. It wasn't broad daylight, thank god, that would have scare the heck out of me because I know their natures.

That's a good point about contacting the local health department that I got bitten. If it bit me, it can bite somebody else, too. I didn't think of that, so thank you.

[countryjake]

128. LOL, googling "crepuscular"!

There's one point in your favor that he had just crawled out of his hole or tree and was looking for supper!

Was there food nearby?

[libodem]

203. I call Ralphie

The crepuscular creature since 6 am and 6 pm are the times she campaigns for wet cat food. It's a regular Crepuscular Creature Campaign.

[countryjake]

208. Ours are all over our compost, every evening at dusk...

as is the occasional bear. I never go back there during twilight (it's a ways into our woods) and if I ever do need to dump something after it's totally dark, I begin making crazy wild noise as soon as I start down the path, to let any critters know that I'm coming.

I spent time back East in Ohio this year and I could set the clock by the coons crawling up and down from their tree-holes there.

I never knew that there was a specific term like "crepuscular" to describe such behavior but I've known all of my life about that specific behavior, ha!

[libodem]

218. Dusk

And dawn.

[countryjake]

133. I've been bit by a coon before, & that's standard procedure.

Also, the questions I've asked are the same ones that my health department asked me.

[elleng]

115. WE will pay for you.

GO!

[Aerows]

119. I'll make sure I see my family doctor

He's connected with a hospital here in town, and I think he might be able to get whatever vaccine I need.

[elleng]

121. Good.

Contact him FIRST THING in the morning.

[Aerows]

126. I will

I didn't realize this was as big of a disaster as it turned out to be.

[elleng]

139. Not a disaster yet,

but COULD be if untreated (and if it IS rabies.)

[Locut0s]

146. As Ellen said not a disaster yet...

Good thing you mentioned it here in time. So long as you take the precautions mentioned above don't panic overly, nothing you can do more than that and the odds are still greatly in your favour.

[NutmegYankee]

111. 100% fatal once symptoms start.

You seek medical care ASAP after a bite.

[Aerows]

117. If I go to my family doctor tomorrow

Do you think he can give me the necessary vaccine?

[NutmegYankee]

120. Do they have someone on call for questions?

You can call them and they may even set up a quick appt for you.

[Aerows]

124. He's connected to a large hospital

So I'm pretty sure that when I see him, he can take care of it. I'm probably not the first person in the sticks to have gotten bitten by a wild creature.

[NutmegYankee]

131. Nope, and you won't be the last.

Best bite I ever had was a snake. Now that's some paperwork! They really want to know how you joined the other 900 dumbasses that year in getting bitten by a snake. Luckily, they are cold blooded (no rabies), so the only booster needed is a tetanus shot.

[Aerows]

134. I joined the other dumbasses, alright

<--- idiot

[NutmegYankee]

136. The 900 was just snake bites.

The animal control guy listed that statistic when I was bitten back in 1994.

[uppityperson]

142. If you start roaming GD foaming at the mouth and snapping at other posters.

I hope you heal well and it is nothing but it is worthwhile checking with your regular doctor tomorrow or local public health clinic in case it wasn't just you getting bit.

[CreekDog]

173. if you know you have it, start making funeral plans

otherwise figure out how to make sure you will not have it.

you don't have to be your own doctor, but you also don't have to be your own quack.

[longship]

180. By the time you know it, it's too late. You are going to die.

If you have been bitten, you need to get Rabies vaccination NOW!

Because once the symptoms show up, it is too late. It's nearly 100% fatal, BTW.

[2naSalit]

53. Woa!!

Darkangel is right... get thee to an ER asap!! Peroxide isn't going to do it, and besides rabies, you could get blood poisoning. if two red lines start to appear along your arm, get to the ER. Might look okay to you but. I have never dealt with rabies or blood poisoning but I know of some folks who have and it's not pretty or anything to be brave about... unless you're ready to "opt out" permanently by choice.

[GoneFishin]

58. That's not going to do it. Don't ignore it. n/t

[wercal]

60. Aerows, we have had our disagreements in the past, but I have to say - Get to a Doctor!

I was once bitten by an opossum, and I had the same attitude that you did. I thought that if I felt sick, etc. I would then go to the doctor....

...until somebody at work the next day informed me that rabies is 100% fatal after symptoms emerge. I didn't believe him...but I looked it up and became a believer - he was right.

But the kicker - the doctor told me it was very rare for opossums in my area to have rabies....however, he made sure to tell me that the raccoons in my area had a very high rate of rabies!

If a wild animal, completely unprovoked came up and bit you....see the doctor right away.

[WinkyDink]

71. Uh....rabies isn't washed away. And it is FATAL if you wait too long to get the shots.

[NutmegYankee]

105. If bit by a wild animal, you go to the hospital.

Animal control needs to know and they will start you on oral, not shots, of anti-rabies vaccine. Don't fuck around with that - if you develop rabies symptoms, it's a 100% fatality rate in human adults.

[Aerows]

110. It was wild

I'm shocked it bit me so hard as to draw blood.

[Aerows]

114. It was wild

I'm shocked it bit me so hard as to draw blood.

[NutmegYankee]

127. I've had my cat do that

A 6 month-old kitten, fully vaccinated so no risk of rabies, but still has this issue with thinking my hand is a chew toy. It's usually when I'm in bed. Twice she's chomped and drawn a little blood (very tiny wound).

So far I've quickly cleaned them out and not had infections, but I've heard horror stories on cat bites.

[Aerows]

130. The raccoon got me in between my ring finger

and my middle finger. It finally quit bleeding, but I doused the heck out of it with Hydrogen Peroxide and antibiotic ointment.

[PlanetaryOrbit]

164. Rabies is almost always fatal.

You had better go get a rabies shot VERY SOON.

[CreekDog]

172. well waiting and seeing is about the dumbest thing one can do

but obviously you're too intelligent to listen to anybody here.

[cally]

50. seriously,,,get rabies shot

it's dangeroius

[athena]

57. darkangel is right, you need to go to the ER!!!

If a racoon is outside during the daytime or attacks you, it almost certainly has rabies. Please go and get those rabies shots. Your life is worth it!

ETA: No amount of cleaning the wound will prevent rabies. You need the vaccine.

As this page states, it's highly unusual for a healthy racoon to be aggressive toward a human:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/raccoons/tips/raccoon_health_concerns.html

[Aerows]

86. How long do I have to get there?

I don't have my car right now.

[athena]

97. It's an urgency but not an emergency.

According to the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/

It's important to remember that rabies is a medical urgency but not an emergency. Decisions should not be delayed.

Rabies immune globulin and the first dose of rabies vaccine should be given by your health care provider as soon as possible after exposure. Additional doses or rabies vaccine should be given on days 3, 7, and 14 after the first vaccination. Current vaccines are relatively painless and are given in your arm, like a flu or tetanus vaccine.

According to this:
http://www.immunizationinfo.org/vaccines/rabies

Vaccination after exposure (post-exposure) is recommended for all individuals who have had contact with an animal (e.g., bites or abrasions) that they believe may be, or which is proven to be, rabid. Vaccination should be initiated as soon after exposure as possible and should be accompanied by proper wound management and the administration of Rabies Immune Globulin, human (HRIG).

[athena]

101. I don't think it'll bankrupt you.

Vaccines are cheap, and this one has been around for centuries, I believe.

According to http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-animal-bites/basics/ART-20056591

If you suspect the bite was caused by an animal that might carry rabies — including any wild or domestic animal of unknown immunization status, particularly bats — see your doctor immediately.

so I think you can just see your regular doctor or go to an urgent-care clinic, but do so first thing tomorrow. That way you won't have to pay ER fees.

If anyone thinks it's risky to wait till tomorrow, please post saying so.

[darkangel218]

107. It wont be too late to wait till morning.

( no medical advice, just posting what I know/learned)

[Autumn]

118. You need to call animal control. NOW. They can trap the

raccoon and test it.

[Aerows]

145. It showed back up and nipped me on the foot

What the fuck do I do?

[Locut0s]

148. Call animal control ASAP!

If it showed up again they have a greater chance of catching it now!

[Aerows]

157. I can't believe people think I was making this shit up

I wish to GOD it was just a story.

[dionysus]

152. now you're just fucking with us. nt

[Aerows]

155. I seriously wish that I was. n/t

[dionysus]

158. then listen to us all and go to a hospital right now.

won't be our fault if you get all frothy.

[WinkyDink]

153. I'm starting to doubt, here. Both your story and your judgment.

[Aerows]

154. Would you like a picture?

I can produce one.

[WinkyDink]

161. Maybe you should produce yourself at a hospital and stop posting, then.

[dionysus]

162. +1000

[Bonobo]

171. Rabies is 100% fatal.

Unless you have a death wish, you need to get the rabies shot BEFORE it sets in.

Now or death. Seriously.

[elleng]

177. You saying the same one came back

for another bite???

GET ANIMAL CONTROL NOW!

[Aerows]

179. Yep

bit me on the foot like it owned the place.

[Vashta Nerada]

135. You should go get a rabies shot.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

bold mine
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/

[msanthrope]

140. Aerows, get your ass to the hospital....nt

[Beacool]

215. I don't know if you're trying to be cute and pull people's chain or not.

But in case you are being serious, follow everyone's advice and go to the hospital. You do not want to die from rabies, it is not a pleasant death. It would also be totally unnecessary, since you have a choice to receive treatment. They will give you a series of shots and will also try to capture the animal to prevent it from biting anyone else. If they find it, they will kill it and test for rabies.

Don't play with your life. It's bad enough when bad things happen that are unavoidable, don't tempt fate.

[hrmjustin]

31. I am so sorry you are goind through this. my prayers are ascending for you.

[Lint Head]

33. It scares me. I was hospitalized with Campylobacter. They had to give me quinine. I was within a day

or two of dying. Dehydrated as hell. Drink electrolytes and see your doc if it doesn't improve soon.

[cherokeeprogressive]

38. ER in the A.M. if I don't feel better. n/t

[WinkyDink]

79. Why wait? You might go now and STILL be there in the morning!

[SalviaBlue]

89. I had campylobacter too.

That was as sick as I have ever been. It took several days for the lab to identify it before I was prescribed an antibiotic.

[Lint Head]

138. I actually had a minister visit me in my room to pray. I thought I was toast but I kept a

positive attitude. Eventually by bathroom experiences became normal and they released me. I'll never forget that experience. It made me realize how people feel when they're in a hospital a everyone is looking at you wondering if you'll make it. I am more empathetic.

[Locut0s]

149. I'd be tempted to tell those ministers who do that to fuck off...

I know they do it out of their own devotion and in THEIR mind they are wishing to save your soul. But how is it they can't see it also as a horribly macabre and shocking act for many sufferers to witness!? Last thing you need when that sick is more stress and anxiety.

Seriously do I go up to dying Christians and ask if they have been touched by his noodle appendage!?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

37. You have to get better in order to die.

At least, that's the conclusion I came to when I got some such gastrointestinal affliction. I dragged a blanket and a pillow into the bathroom and slept right next to the toilet for about 24 hours, except when I was actually occupying it at approximately 15 minute intervals.

My sympathies.

[tenderfoot]

39. Feel better and have that restaurant shut down

[JustAnotherGen]

41. Bad quiche

In college. I've never eaten anyone's other than my mom's or my own in 21 years as a result of it. Take care of you. A very gentle .

[WinkyDink]

45. {{{cherokeeprogressive}}} Ate unpasteurized cheese in Portugal. Finally had to call for an

ambulance to take me and the husband to a hospital!

[HockeyMom]

52. Think mine was from contaminated tomatoes or peppers

Don't know. I could not even drink water without vomiting it up. My husband literally picked me up and carried me to an Emergency Clinic. I was put on IV and given shots of CIPRO. The cure was almost worse since I nearly went blind from the meds. "They gave you WHAT dosage?" That was what another doctor said.

No, it is not fun, and there is no mistaking it. It does not go away on it's own.

[Shrike47]

85. Cipro and I have met. Lost a lot of hearing.

Edited to correct auto correct.

[reddread]

55. I will no longer eat- Taquitos, Breakfast Burritos and Hummus.

Damn shame I ate that stinky smelling hummus off the shelf of a supermarket fridge. I was starving.
I will starve to death before I touch a burrito with an egg in it.
Food poisoning is terrible.
Get well soon, and try to hold some fluids down!

[Auntie Bush]

56. Call the Dr...There are suppositories you can get to stop the vomiting..

Then you'll be able to drink some fluids.

[MindPilot]

59. Have you tried accupunture?

Seriously, go to the ER. You need to know exactly what is causing it and they can at least give you meds that will stop the GI distress. You probably will need IV fluids too.

Last time I had bad food poisoning I was on a ship in rough sea, so...it could be worse.

hope you feel better!

[GoneFishin]

62. That's food poisoning alright. When it doesn't kill you but you wish it would. nt

[Barack_America]

165. So true. First time in my life I thought I might die...and was ready to. Nt

[Glassunion]

73. Word to the wise

If you are unsure about the food, send it back. A mushy / fishy crab claw is no good.

[Skittles]

75. cherokeep, don't mess around

get ye to an ER; also, report that place to the health authorities - they may just kill someone

[DirkGently]

80. Been there. A prescription anti-nausea drug helped a lot.

I'm NOT a doctor, so I'm not suggesting you take anything without seeing one, but I got hit by some bad andouille sausage once on vacation, felt just like you're describing, and it knocked the misery level down by at least half (edit: and the vomiting stopped completely). Managed to load up the kayak and gear with the SO and get out of Cedar Key without falling over --- barely. Then I slept / hallucinated for about 12 hours and felt better.

Consider seeing a doctor either way -- could help, and as others have noted, food poisoning can be quite serious in cases.

(Crosses The Yard House off the list of possible future dining experiences).

Feel better.

[Sissyk]

81. ALERTING;

Whining about poo.

[Sissyk]

83. just kidding.

Been there. It is horrible. Hope you feel bettter soon.

[Shrike47]

92. So sorry for you. I had a corn dog once that gave me food poisoning. Last one I ever had.

[LiberalEsto]

116. I hope you're starting to feel a little better by now

from getting most of it out of your system.

My husband, two kids and myself came down with food poisoning while at Disney World many years ago. We were staying at a place near DW and stopped for breakfast at a cafe close to the amusement park. I suspect the eggs in their breakfast buffet were bad.

I was the first one affected. When I started whoopsing into one of Disney World's immaculately manicured flower beds, we decided to leave and head for our next destination, Clearwater. During the drive I was throwing up quietly into ziploc bags and tossing them out the window because if I'd kept them in the car it would have started the others throwing up. I felt so guilty about it since I hate littering.

By the time we checked into the motel in Clearwater, all 4 of us were sick and taking turns in the one bathroom. The kids were projectile vomiting, something I've never seen before or since.

Around 2 am we were all puked out when we heard the police radio from a police substation right next door. It was reporting that a tornado was coming and it was only a couple of streets away. We were too weak to move, so we lay on the bed, waiting for death.

Luckily for us, the tornado passed very close by but didn't hit the motel.

[Jamastiene]

200. Wow, that IS bad.

You KNOW it is bad when a tornado is coming and you are too sick and weak to move. I'm glad you survived and that the tornado missed you. Wow.

[Locut0s]

123. Be careful. If you can't stay hydrated don't be afraid to go to the hospital...

My father came down with a nasty case of food poisoning in China in the mid 90s that landed him in the hospital. The hospitals back then in China were not a nice place to be! But who knows if he would have made it through if he hadn't went!

Stay hydrated as much as possible, and keep those electrolytes up!

ohh great now I need to clean my shirt

[FloridaJudy]

137. Call the Health Department now!

They have nurses on call to investigate outbreaks. You could be saving someone else a world of misery, or even death. Food poisoning's no joke in the otherwise healthy, but it can be fatal to the elderly or those with immune problems.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

143. kandr

[quinnox]

147. The worst physical pain I have ever felt came from my stomach

I have a HIGH tolerance for physical pain too. Very high tolerance. But even I was brought to my knees (figuratively) when I ate something bad, and I noticed my stomach started bothering me. At first I ignored it, but then it kept getting worse. And worse, and worse.

This lasted for a WHOLE WEEK, 7 days. The pain got to be unbelievable. It was so intense. I could barely walk. I was seriously thinking about going to the emergency room at that point. Then finally, it started to get better, and eventually it went away. I guess whatever nasty thing or poison it was finally got beaten by my body's natural defenses, but damn, it was something I will never forget. Good luck!

[dionysus]

150. been there,you have my sympathy;i got mine at 3am the night before my first ever trip on an airplane

[fadedrose]

156. Heating pad on tummy, in addition to all the good suggestions above

It will ease the spasms, take a few drops of water, and off to the bathroom..back to the heating pad, few drops of water, and off to the bathroom - both ends will empty quicker with the heating pad . . .

[ChisolmTrailDem]

159. One time a couple of years ago about two hour after leaving a Red Lobster...yep, Hurl City.

Hope you feel better soon.

[fadedrose]

160. Oh, I forgot..HAPPY NEW YEAR

[dionysus]

163. !

sorry

[Solly Mack]

166. I was 8. Can still remember how horrible it was.

42 years later and I still avoid the dish that got me so sick. (homemade beefaroni)

I feel for you.

[distantearlywarning]

167. Ugh, so sorry!

Had it a few times in my life, most recently a few years back. I think it was some improperly heated soup at a Qdoba.

Started feeling nauseated, and then, BOOM! Fever, hurling every 45 minutes for 10 hours straight, couldn't keep anything down, wanted to die. I eventually ended up in the ER with gastritis and dehydration. Definitely not an experience I ever want to repeat again. I wouldn't wish the food poisoning on my worst enemy.

Hope you feel better soon.

[polly7]

168. Food poisoning is awful!!!

Sorry you got hit with it.

I had it once from eating bad hamburgers after we played in a hocky tournament, we were so hungry we didn't care what they tasted like, and boy did we regret it later. It took days to start feeling better.

Take care of yourself!

[Snarkoleptic]

178. Hang in there and try to stay hydrated.

On a vacation to Maui, I contracted Leptospirosis during a brief swim/photo-op in a waterfall pool.
It was the sickest I've ever been and I still grimace when I see that photo.

Anyhow, I was getting dehydrated and couldn't keep anyting down until I tried Pedialyte freezer pops we had on hand.
This is a decent way to get some fluids in and may help you turn the corner.


http://pedialyte.com/products/freezerpops

[Warpy]

182. Well, take it slowly at first

Tea and toast is always my first post intestinal holocaust meal.

And thank you for getting treated. We need you here.

[catbyte]

183. I'm so sorry, cherokee! It is the only time in my life that death seemed like the more

desirable outcome. Believe it or not, this too shall pass & your will to live will return. Don't be surprised if it takes a couple of weeks for you to feel normal. Sending good vibes your way & I hope they can do something about that restaurant.

[catbyte]

184. One more thing, if you're able, get a can of canned blackberries. Once you think you're able, drink

the juice and, if that stays down, eat some berries. Blackberries are an old Ojibwe treatment for gastrointestinal problems. I keep a can in my pantry always. I hope you feel better soon!

[fadedrose]

186. canned pumpkin too, plain, nothing added for pie

[Le Taz Hot]

187. Ah, jeez!

Been there, done that. To this day I won't eat at a Wendy's. Suckers gave me food poisoning with their chicken nuggets. The topper is that I hardly ever eat fast food and I never eat nuggets. I don't know why I did that time but I'll never do it again. My husband had the same meal and all I can say is that it's a good thing there are two bathrooms in this house. We didn't have any insurance and just had to ride it out at home. It took about 3 days.

You have my deepest sympathies, CP.

[The Second Stone]

190. Repeated fluid loss can be fatal. Good thing you made it to an ER

I once handled a case where a guy tried to tough out some bad chicken salad poisoning and got on a flight home. He was very dehydrated and didn't know he had a heart defect and died. An ER visit would have saved his life. Getting dehydrated can cloud judgment and throw off body metabolism.

[etherealtruth]

193. I am really glad to hear you are OK!

[PasadenaTrudy]

197. Popsicles...

I time I had it I remember eating lots of popsicles....

[aikoaiko]

199. I thought about posting a pic of crab claws to see if pavlovian conditioning has set in yet

But I like you. Get well soon.

[cherokeeprogressive]

202. Just reading that made my stomach all rumbly.

Tomato soup doesn't sound too bad but once it's in front of me it'll be a different story I bet. I had a handful of Oyster Crackers this morning. That's it since Saturday.

Crab ain't on the horizon. Pity too, it's my favorite.

[get the red out]

201. Thoughts for you

I've had food poisoning twice in my life, the first time at age 7 and I still remember it VIVIDLY, the second time was about 18 years ago after eating at a particular Mexican Restaurant that eventually closed due to health violations. Awful!

Glad you got to the hospital. Good you are taking it easy on food right now. I hope you get well soon.

[Javaman]

204. I've had it 3 times in my life and the one with the bad Lox was the worst.

I go to a deli and pick up a prepackaged thing of lox, (this was back in 1983) I'm nom nom noming away when I notice the experation date on the package...2 weeks old! Crap!! I know was in for it.

it was 48 hours that I wish I didn't exist.

[libodem]

205. You have my every sympathy

I worked with a handsome and kind young man in 1976 at the state hospital. He had eaten a bad hamburger before work. That poor guy was sick just as you described. Another staff member had to drive him to the hospital. Food poisoning is brutal.

Feel better soon.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

206. ...

[PeaceNikki]

213. ugh, feel better!

Been there and the residual effects last for quite some time. It feels like it scars you. And you'll probably proceed with much caution for some time.

Get some rest and something mild and safe to eat!

[Samantha]

214. How are you doing today?

I hope better.

Sam

[cherokeeprogressive]

216. Still rumblin'... still with the diarrhea. Had a bowl of tomato soup.

Hard to believe that and a handful of Oyster Crackers are the only food I've eaten since Saturday afternoon. The soup is rumblin' too. Looks like I"m off solid food for a few more days.

Thanks for the good wishes!

Chris

[Samantha]

219. It is very important to keep yourself hydrated during this period

But how will you keep your energy up if you are not eating anything but the Oyster Crackers and soup. I am thinking you are not in the hospital now so you probably are not being feed intravenously. Just a little concerned here.

Sam

[davidpdx]

217. I had food poisoning about 6 years ago here in Korea

You must have had it much worse though. I had a bad stomach ache and lots of stuff coming out my backend. Had to eat bland food for several days and take medicine. It was uncomfortable though. Hope you are feeling better.