OK...this info may be a bit TMI (too much info) for some, so beware reading if you are squeamish!

Argh...I am so pissed at McDonalds. I've eaten the same thing there once every two weeks (my bi-weekly treat) for quite a while now, and have never once gotten ill from it...until 3 days ago, that is!

I had my usual treat, and in a few hours I began having diarrhea. Then nausea, stomach pains, and chills. I've been taking gravol so I can still eat and not throw up, and drinking fluids. But I still feel like crap.

Today is Day 3...can food poisoning last this long? I'm seriously tired of feeling the chills...it's that familiar feeling I get when I'm getting a fever.

Also, is it OK if I exercise with these symptoms...or should I avoid it?

Any input is appreciated, thanks! And just so you know, I'm DEFINITELY re-thinking my bi-weekly treat, McDonalds is losing its appeal!

My whole body is sore now...and I'm so, so cold.

[O-Dawg]

Hey Melissa,

It might not be food poisoning. It could be norovirus...
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/.../norovirus.htm

Food poisoning is caused by bad bacteria in your food. What did you eat at Mickey D's? Norovirus is what everyone calls the "stomach flu". It is a big misconception that the flu causes GI symptoms. Do you know of anyone you were around who was sick with the same thing?

To answer your other question, no, you should get rest. The longer you try to go on doing daily tasks (including exercising), the longer you will be sick.

Originally Posted by O-Dawg

Hey Melissa,

It might not be food poisoning. It could be norovirus...
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/.../norovirus.htm

Food poisoning is caused by bad bacteria in your food. What did you eat at Mickey D's? Norovirus is what everyone calls the "stomach flu". It is a big misconception that the flu causes GI symptoms. Do you know of anyone you were around who was sick with the same thing?

To answer your other question, no, you should get rest. The longer you try to go on doing daily tasks (including exercising), the longer you will be sick.

Thanks for the useful link. I had a Smarties McFlurry and a large fries. My brother also had fries, and didn't get sick...so I think it's connected to the McFlurry. My thinking was that the machine, the cup, the ice-cream, any of it, could have been contaminated with someone's illness. So I really do appreciate your reply.

[lynn P.]

Sorry to hear you're very sick ((Melissa)) - yes food poisoning could last this long or it could be what O- Dawg mentioned. I also agree you shouldn't exercise when you're sick - it just puts extra stress on your body. Have you taken your temperature?

http://www.aboutfoodpoisoning.com/ho...ning-last.html

Originally Posted by lynn P.

Sorry to hear you're very sick ((Melissa)) - yes food poisoning could last this long or it could be what O- Dawg mentioned. I also agree you shouldn't exercise when you're sick - it just puts extra stress on your body. Have you taken your temperature?

http://www.aboutfoodpoisoning.com/ho...ning-last.html

Thank you for your reply. I'm afraid I don't have a thermometor (sp?), never was prepared with medical things. I just assumed that I didn't have a high temperature because I'm so cold.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by melissa.recovering

Thank you for your reply. I'm afraid I don't have a thermometor (sp?), never was prepared with medical things. I just assumed that I didn't have a high temperature because I'm so cold.

My daughters get confused about being cold and fevers too. When you're cold it usually means you have a fever. When the fever starts to go down, you feel hot and sweaty. Do you have a friend or family member who could bring you a thermometer? I think Shoppers delivers but you would have to wait for tomorrow and it also has to be $20 worth of stuff for them to deliver. Do you still have diarrhea? Make sure you keep drinking enough liquids. I hope you feel better soon.

Originally Posted by lynn P.

My daughters get confused about being cold and fevers too. When you're cold it usually means you have a fever. When the fever starts to go down, you feel hot and sweaty. Do you have a friend or family member who could bring you a thermometer? I think Shoppers delivers but you would have to wait for tomorrow and it also has to be $20 worth of stuff for them to deliver. Do you still have diarrhea? Make sure you keep drinking enough liquids. I hope you feel better soon.

No family that's nearby, and the closest ones are basically as poor as I am...wouldn't want to make them pay for gas. I'm hoping to ride out the symptoms...my biggest concern actually is my dog. I don't think he'll like that I won't be able to take him out for his usually long walks!

Diarrhea has disappeared for now...I'm just wondering if I "emptied" myself out. Sorry for the gross visual! Once again, thank you for taking the time to reply.

make sure you take in lots of fluids. the biggest concern with these things is usually dehydration...so juice, freezer pops, Italian ices, jello, soups anything...just keep putting fluids in. no exercise for a few days...your system is weak & your electrolytes are messed up..not a good combo.

you can start with dry toast or crackers then chicken when you feel like eating...bland boring food...

might be a touch of hepatitis A from the machine...someone at mickey d's neglected good handwashing after potty break. you could give them a call & let them know.
& really if it keeps up for many more days go to the dr or the er & get checked out just to be safe.

[O-Dawg]

Yeah, melissa if you are really feeling chilled, then you probably do have a fever. Does your skin feel hot? Like your forehead and neck?

The biggest mistake people make when they have a fever is to reduce it with tylenol or something. You don't want to reduce it unless it's dangerously high...but in your case it probably isn't or you would have a whole lot of other symptoms. You just want to get rest because the fever is actually getting rid of the infection.