How can I get a stronger stomach so stomach bugs don't floor me? And why do I react so horrifically to them anyway?

[IHeartKingThistle]

I mean long term.

9 years ago we all had noro. Everyone recovered within 2 days except me. My stomach has never been the same since. I dropped a horrible amount of weight and was medicated for 3 years, was able to eat normally again after 4 years. It's left me with gastritis that flares up every so often which I control with omeprazole when I need to.

After years of trying very hard to avoid it, last week we all got noro again. Everyone recovered quickly except me. After lying on the toilet floor for 5 hours with no control I realised I couldn't get up. Ambulance took me to hospital where I had lots of anti emetics and 5 bags of fluids. Low blood pressure, high heart rate. I've been referred for more heart monitoring because of how long it took to come down. I'm still very wobbly but I'm eating now. Hopefully I won't have to give up cheese for 4 years again - I'm trying to look after myself better this time.

But why do I not recover like everyone else? And what can I do/take/eat to give myself a stronger stomach? I'm only 39 - what happens when I'm older if I can't cope now? I eat healthily and exercise and do all those things. Any magic tips? I'm honestly really concerned about the future and I've been down the health anxiety road once and have no desire to do it again. I need positive action!

I’m no medic but the only thing I would suggest is a really good probiotic. You can get super high strength ones and medium ones - but do research because some are better than others.

I’d also try to improve but health through diet - things like fermented food (once you’re better).

I had an awful gastro bug years ago and still had loose poo after every meal for weeks afterwards but I got a super strong pro biotic and it totally cleared it up and I’ve taken them ever since.

Thanks Ozgirl. So stronger than Actimel I'm assuming?! I've never really looked into it as my issues have all been stomach not bowel related. But I guess probiotics help the whole system? Will have a google.

I would ask your GP for a gastro referral. There could be underlying issues as to why you continue to struggle. Probiotics is a good place to start though.

Yeah, it sound like your gut microbiome is probably affected by the illness.

Definitely a strong probiotic.

Thank you. I think just doing something positive will go some way to stopping that awful feeling of not being in control of what happens. Sounds like probiotics is a good place to start.

I’m trying prebiotics after some stomach problems: www.bimuno.com/what-is-bimuno

Yes to probiotics. Suggest BioKult as one of the better brands. Or a course of Symprove.
I take a BioKult every morning with a small glass of kefir. Works really well. When I travel, I double the BioKult dose.

Yes Symprove. It's ace.

Kefir, preferably chuckling goat goats milk kefir. Significantly improved dhs stomach which had never recovered after food poisoning and an appendectomy and iliac resection. Also helped my mother who had had awful acidity for 15 years. Worth a try.

No advice but that sounds horrible and scary so I hope you figure something out that works.

Grow your own Kefir and try Linseed tea which is great for your gut.

My dad started making Linseed tea and making Kefir when diagnosed with cancer, and specifically his gut is really functioning well now, but also he feels more focused. I'm now going to try it for all our family.

Thanks so much everybody. I've never heard of any of this stuff!

Tesco's Kefir every morning (white bottles, green lids) in a bowl with cornflakes. I swear by it, and I could eat it the whole time. Tastes a bit like natural yoghurt but with a bit more of a sour kick, if you like sour cream and creme fraiche you will love it.

As pp said, please ask you GP to refer you for tests to rule out a gastrointestinal condition.

Definitely see the GP. I was constantly floored with chest infection, throat infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis - I have a theory some people have a weak spot and mine is throat/chest but I do have a stomach of steel!!
Turned out I'm neutropenic and have no bloody immune system which then explained everything 8 years to be diagnosed
Weirdly my health anxiety went as I wasn't questioning why I was always ill - it wasn't anxiety as such, I was!

Following for ideas