Questions about diahorrea- yes tmi

[mrsflux]

Ds has gad a d and v bug since thurs. We've got the v under control I think but his poops are still very runny.

Does v runny = diahorrea?

Can I do anything to firm them up?

I'm really sorry for such a gross post but i really need to get back to work and nursery say 48h free from d and v. He's otherwise fine in himself. (if he wasn't I wouldn't feel so anxious about work)

Nothing you can do to my knowledge (have extensive d&v experience with DCs). I think it just has to pass through. And beware the v: it may return when you think it has gone!! One of my DCs ended up hospitalised with dehydration (rotavirus). When they discharged her, they said she'd probably have runny poo for another week or so - and that the v might be unpredictable. Sure enough, she went for two days with no v - then v'd spectacularly all over the inside of the car. Runny poo is slightly different from actual tap-water diarrhoea, but it's still full of whatever bugs your DS has, and it would be highly contagious. If I were you, I'd expect to sit it out for a while yet (and don't be tempted to ignore the 48 hour rule - they have it for a good reason!)

thanks twinkster. i wouldn't dream of breaking the 48h rule - as a teacher i get fed up of catching things from kids who are sent back to school with whatever it is still in their system. i am just sick of explosive nappies and the washing machine is on constantly!

just wish i could make it STOP!

You can try the BRAT diet - Bananas Rice(white) Apples(cooked/stewed) and Toast. Which may help a bit, won't do any harm at least. Avoid too much sugar as it can aggravate diarrhea. DS just has similar since last Monday and only had a normal poo today. Like you described, not watery but v sloppy and vile.

just started the BRAT after googling. (honestly the things i now google as a mummy...)
he is quite happy to eat a bit- as long as it's not breakfast time. i'm hoping the next one is less disgusting for all our sakes!