To go to GP after my 5th tummy bug in 2018

[Notagainagainagain]

So I would never go for just a tummy bug. But it’s the cumulative effect. I’m starting to worry about missing work.

Disclaimer I have two kids in nursery. But when they hit the house I always get them and it’s hit and miss for the others. Also sometimes I manage them all on my tod.

Also if I do go do I wait til I’m better? Or when actually Ill.

I suspect I am being U but I’m fed up.

If it's your fifth one this year then yes go and get yourself checked out. In the meantime, start a course of high grade probiotics from the health food shop. You need to build up your stomach bacteria.

Also, fully disinfect your entire house to kill lingering bacteria so reinfection doesn't occur.

Thanks. I think I will do that. There has at least not been a flurry of outrage at my thought here. So for AIBU I assume I’m not being totally out of order. I just hate going to the GP. Hate it!

Buy a decent disinfectant and use it on handles and doors stair rails etc any where grimy kids touch

Make sure you use gloves and clean the toilet or sink wherever to stop it spreading.

Makes sure everyone washes their hands.

My husband is more prone to sick bugs than I am .....

It's not pleasant but hopefully should easy as the kids get older

DH suffered similar and it turned out he needed antibiotics for a week. You might have to provide a stool sample (DH had to).

I would go is it's reoccurring yes

I agree with others - go to the GP as you may need antibiotics to clear up a bug that’s in your system. And up the housework!

Thanks everyone. And to be honest maybe the house work could do with upping. Sigh.

Last question would you go whilst in the throes or wait til better to explain the problem without risk of infecting anyone?

I have found that if you get one then you tend to get more. I think it strips your stomach lining / good bacteria if it's a nasty one then you're more susceptible to another and it becomes a vicious circle.

It's really hard to avoid it if your kids are ill but I'd stock up on probiotic pills, bio yoghurt, kefir drinks etc and also eat prebiotic foods

Definitely don’t go whilst in the throes as you will be contagious and lots of elderly and very young patients could be infected. Wait til you are better and then go.

Next time it hits make sure you’re unbelievably vigorous about hand washing and disinfectant.

Wash all your clothes, bedding, towels (everything) at at least 60 degrees.

You will need to improve your hygiene. Wash your hands before touching food. Get your DC to wash their hands before every meal. Don’t share towels. Hot wash bedding and towels. Change your toothbrushes after every incident of infection. Use boiling water on your cutlery, plates and cups etc. Keep your work surfaces clear and regularly disinfect. Don’t rinse any meat in your sink. Wash fruit before eating. Throw away your tea towels and any washing up cloths. Use kitchen roll or air dry your dishes. Use scourers and washing up sponges to do your dishes. Rinse and disinfect after each use. Phew.

I had this last year, several bouts of sickness and diarrhoea in a short space of time. I went to the GP and had some blood tests which showed that I had developed an intolerance to gluten. Since I stopped eating gluten, I've never had any problems again, so it's definitely worth getting checked out.

Hi I had similar and extreme heartburn and got fobbed off at the doctor for years until a locum tested for h.pylori.

Phone the docz even if it's to get stool tested.

At you properly cleaning the house afterwards.. Door handles, remotes, taps, light switches, changing toothbrushes? We're not immune to stomach bugs for very long after having one. Also practise hygiene. Everyone washes hands with soap when coming in the house, before meals, after toilet visits etc.

yes go. that sounds a lot, even for little children in childcare.

in the meantime look at hygiene (hand washing!)
and food safety.

also, has your boiler been checked? co poisoning can have similar symptoms to d&v m/food poisoning.

good luck

Is it vomiting and diarrhoea, or just the diarrhoea?
If it's diarrhoea only, it could be lots of things other than an infection.

Im not sure what you expect a GP to do.
Improved infection prevention and control in the home is the key.
Proper hand washing for all family members ( not just a quick splash) after using lavatory- even for a wee; before eating anything or preparing food; after clearing up any body fluids; after making beds or doing laundry.
Then don’t share towels or have a hand towel in the lavatory when anyone has a bug. Hot wash all towels daily during illness.
Dishwasher all crockery and cutlery on a hot wash.
Any plastic items that can’t dishwash should go in Milton solution.
Antibacterial wipes for doorhandles., lavatory seats and flushes etc.

Children do get bugs but they really shouldn’t necessarily spread through household. Hand washing is the most important factor.

Hello, thanks for replies and good luck wishes.

I feel I’ve given the impression we’re living in filth as I said housework could be better! We aren’t that bad but there is room for improvement. So will do that.

cherry Re what expect GP to do - well i guess see if there was an underlying cause.

Anyway realising I don’t have tummy bug but a really bad cold & fever was made me sick. Still feel rubbish but bad cold rubbish vs tummy bug rubbish so that’s something! Helpful to have a place to moan & get some advice. So thanks all again.