I was on a z-pack from Dec 28-31. The whole time I was taking it, I was having stomach issues if I ate regular food. I didn't make the connection until Jan 1st that the stomach issues were related to the antibiotics. I called my doctor who confirmed that was probably the case and said I should take Imodium. I've tried eating some probiotic yogurt to get the good bacteria back in my stomach and I've tried to stick with the BRAT diet. I was hoping that would help, but here I am Jan 3rd and if I eat something "regular" (not on the BRAT diet), I have dibilitating stomach cramps. Has anyone had these issues and when did you feel better? TIA
@Dawn - I hadn't thought about that part. You're right the package said it works for 5 days after the 5 day z-pack. I have never had issues with antibiotics before. I'm not on them too much, but I did have a z-pack in Nov, too. VERY unusual for us to get sick 2x in one season. I'm wondering if that is contributing to this also.
@Kristina - I made one of those rice sock things when I was pregnant. Good idea since it worked really well. I've been using a heating pad and that helps.
@Diane B. - what is the nutritional supplement do you take?
anytime I have had any stomach issues, I have had horrible cramps while trying to advance back to a regular diet. I would just take it slower and know that this is the worst part.
Probiotics in the pill form work wonders for my family when we get tummy issues. They really help to "reset" your system. They have many brands otc, the generic ones work for us. Of course, checking back with your doctor first is probably where to start.
My girlfriend who is also my pharmacist says to take acidophillus whenever you are on antibiotics - it's helps restore the good bacteria. Yogurt helps too! But there's nothing else you can do - jsut have to wait for the good bacteria (your natural "flora & fauna") to be restored.
hint from a pharmacist where I got my last zpak -- eat chocolate, esp when taking the zpak!
might be too late now for you - but think the chocolate helps coat the tummy so it doesn't get such a 'hit' from the a/b!
Same here, z-pack is hard on my digestive system. I do rely on immodium but my doc advised me to take it before eating - since you basically know you're going to cramp after eating it gives it time to work before getting sick. It works for me.
Sounds like you got a lot of other good advice about supplements too. Good luck and hope you feel better.
Eat more Greek yogurt and take probiotics. You probably need a lot! Make sure it is a good probiotic. I normally take one per day, but if I were in your situation I would take it at least 3 times a day.
It is VERY common for antibiotics to cause stomach issues. Sadly tummy troubles often need to work themselves out, however I do find that a rice heating pad helps on my tummy when it is cramping.
EASY to make if you do not have one.
I like to use hand towel(s) and sew the edges - add white rice (brown can smell odd after a few uses) and sew the final edge. Microwave for about 2-3 min and use. I also like to take a large tube sock and fill that with rice tying off one end. No matter how you make one keep in mind the heating method is the microwave.
Yeah, the z-pack tears my stomach up. Do what your doc recommends. My stomach feels better when I stop taking the antibiotic.
The thing about the z-pack is that it is in your system twice as long as you actually take the medicine. Hopefully you'll feel better once that period of time is done.
Otherwise, call the doctor back and ask what to do from there.
Good luck!
Dawn
Take some magnesium tablets, start with a 250mg in the am and one in the pm to see how you react to it. It really solves a LOT of bowel problems.
I, too, always get jacked up from antibiotics..... the good part is knowing that it is just temporary.
Try eating something with cinnamon, real cinnamon. Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, dry. Cinnamon Grahms... Even making some cinnamon sugar and adding it to applesauce or a peice of lightly butterd toast works.
I don't know why it works but it does.
Your on the right track with yogurt but probiotics are more concentrated. I would never believe how effective they are until our pediatrician recommended them for my daughter because of the side effects of the antibiotic. One pill and her problem was solved! He recommended florastor. It is a permanent fixture in our home now and we all have taken it with the same wonderful results. You don't need a prescription but will probably have to special order it from the pharmacy.
