Would you go to A&E or wait it out?

[keycard]

Feel so unwell and not sure at what point I should seek medical help.

Background:

Food poisoning last weekend from prawn risotto. Was violently sick once only, but felt weak and sick for another 24 hours or so. Since then intermittent nausea seemingly triggered by certain food or drink.

Today - started feeling nauseous mid afternoon (in my tummy and lower back) which in the last hour has become so painful I’m in tears. It feels a bit like contraction cramps but they’re constant not coming and going. TMI but mildly constipated (am going but it’s pebbly) but feel like I need to so might be linked to that also?

Before it got really bad I tried gentle walk, ibuprofen, eating a banana and laying down with a hot water bottle none of which have helped. I’ve just taken some paracetamol to see if it helps (10 mins or so ago so no relief as of yet).

Not sure if related to food poisoning or not.

I want to wait it out and see but the pain is so bad and nothing is relieving it? What would you do?

How do you know it was food poisoning? Actual food poisoning is very rare and you would not have been sick only once. I would call the NHS non emergency line. They may get you an out of hours GP appointment.

NHS 24

Also ibuprofen is very hard kn your stomach and may make cramps worse. Paracetamol would be better.

Ring 111.

It sounds like you're experiencing the after affects of a nasty tummy bug. Why not phone GP or 111?

@saveforthat i was the only one in my family that ate the prawn risotto (and I knew by the texture the prawns seemed weird but continued to eat them anyway - silly mistake!)

Will try 111 thanks everyone x

Definitely call for advice.

Glad you’re calling. Please don’t take ibuprofen again until you’re fully recovered (possibly some weeks hence)

FWIW I had food poisoning that dragged on for a couple of weeks after dodgy prawns. All the dr could offer me was anti nausea but as others have said you may not have food poisoning at all

@Bananafofana sorry to hear that!

Id say I’m 95% sure it’s the prawns but aware it is possibly something else.

Ive had food poisoning from prawns before when travelling SE Asia when I was younger and that lasted 2-3 days of severe illness plus longer of recovery so that’s the only thing that’s making me unsure as it seemed to clear the ‘worst’ bit quite quickly

I had something very similar, OP. I thought it was food poisoning from rice, but it was appendicitis. I thought it was a nasty bout that would sort itself out. A week later I collapsed with sepsis, peritonitis and a ruptured appendix. Please get it checked. I spent a fortnight in hospital and very nearly died.

I have had similar and it was gastritis, although was upper back not lower. It went away on its own after a few hours but if you're not sure, call 111

Food poisoning is horrible OP and can linger for a while. You don’t need A&E, but definitely lay off the ibuprofen as it is very harsh on an already delicate stomach

Not a&e, but I'd ring the gp possibly. Not sure there's much they can do though other than advise you to keep hydrated and wait for it to pass. Also ibuprofen is not a good idea with a stomach bug

Lesson learnt about ibuprofen! I thought as it was anti inflammatory it might help with the cramps

@BeakyFlinders that sounds terrifying so glad you’re okay!

Have rang 111 and awaiting a call back from a doctor.

Currently laid on the sofa with a hot water bottle - pain still radiating across my mid to lower back and abdomen. Also feel a little ‘gassy’. I’m sure it’s just after affects of whatever I had but gosh it’s painful and it’s been over a week!

I think you need seeing urgently either via OOH GP or A+E. Abdominal pain with a sudden onset and bad enough to make you cry would make me think someone needs to assess you face to face and have a feel of your tummy. I wouldn't necessarily think one episode of vomiting a week ago is linked.

Pebble poo is constipation. You will be dehydrated from throwing up.
Do not eat bananas if you are constipated.
Lower back ache and cramps are symptoms of constipation.
I would drink some rehydration solution maybe take a laxido - a stool softener not a laxative.
Do not take ibuprofen with a dodgy tummy.