[20184]

Hello Everyone!I've had IBS for about 7 years, mostly just pain, bloating, gas, and noise. I have managed to get most everything under control and lead a pretty great life thus far. Recently, however, I'm been having some problems which I am unsure of. You see, I have recently moved to Beijing China. I have been here for about a month. I'm wondering if these problems from the IBS or from some kind of "traveller's ailment"It started about a week ago, after a weekend trip, my stools started looking funny. A little green, and with an odd texture. I thought nothing of it because they were still somewhat well formed. A few days later, I had really bad D, which was also green. Again, I didn't worry too much. I am in China after all. The next day I had a trip planned to the great wall that I didn't want to miss, so I took some preventative immodium that morning to ensure the bus ride was a safe one. That was about 3 days ago. I haven't had a good bm since, but I'm managed to pass some odd, small, hard green stools. The part that worries me is that I've also noticed a bit of mucus with what looks like blood in it. I've searched these boards far and wide, hoping to find something to do with travellers D, but to no avail.I guess my question is this. I have a trip planned this weekend for 8 days. I haven't had D since that last bout, and other than being a little constipated, I feel pretty great. Should I run off to the doctor to check the mucus and blood before I go? or is this something that can probably wait? I say this because I know it will likely require some kinds of diagnostic tests, and I'm sure that finding a suitable doctor in Beijing could be troublesome (I don't speak chinese very well!)it should be noted that I developed these problems a day after eating something particularly questionable.and for the record the blood was a bright red.I appreciate any guidence.

 

[21523]

My guess is that you can probably wait. Bear in mind however, that that is only a guess. You may have picked up a parasite or have some other form of GI distress. When you say that you ate something "questionable", I have this vision of raw fish or sushi.(?) With everything that is going on over here (U.S.) with the spinach and e-coli, I am reminded of some food poisoning symptoms such as bloody diarrhea. Utilize some common sense but monitor your bodily functions -- If medical help is not too difficult to obtain, I would certainly consider it. If you have had IBS for seven years, you should be able to distinguish between familiar symptoms and those which are new. Not being knowledgeable about China, I certainly can't offer advice on medical facilities, treatment or sterile environments in rural areas. The bleeding may be from aggravating a hemmie or straining. At the very least, you can give it the attention it deserves once you are back in Beijing. Best of luck. Hope that you are able to enjoy the rest of your trip.John

 

[20184]

After a bit of searching, I managed to find a western style clinic that will take me tomorrow. Like you said, I'm a little worried about a parasite or something. I would hate to go on my trip and find things getting worse. I called my insurance company and they helped me sort everything outAs for the troublesome food, the item in question was a small piece of fruit offered to me by my hairdresser! I didn't want to be rude, so I tried some *big mistake* if the fruit itself doesn't get you, the foreign pesticides and water they are grown in will! Fruit it only safe to eat here (I've been told) if it is peeled and washed with purifed water.That said, it's pretty hard to pin things down here... it could be anything!Mucas is normal for me, but the blood is not. my best guess is that I have been straining myself because I've been so stuffed up.and hey! maybe there's some magic chinese medicine I can try... I wonder if chinese people have a high occurance of IBS?

 

[21523]

It wouldn't surprise me to learn of an ancient Chinese remedy for IBS. After all, they have been practicing accupunture and herbal medicine for thousands of years.John