How do you know when you need to go to the hospital?

[em6263]

Hey guys.

So, I was diagnosed CD a month ago. My GI started me on lialda and a hydrocortisone enema. I started to do a bit better for a week or so, but then took a huge turn for the worse. I haven't eaten anything but white rice in 5 weeks. I was feeling really run-down and just plain awful, so I had some bloodwork done on Friday. My potassium and electrolyte levels came back super low, so I went into urgent care yesterday to get IV fluids and such. While I was there, another test came back - I've now got c diff on top of everything else. I tested negative for it a few weeks ago, but it's here now. Urgent care sent me home with flagyl and vicodin, and told me to come back for more fluids if I wasn't feeling better in a few days.

I'm starting to get really scared. Even water just goes right through me. I've been to the bathroom 20+ times today, and I haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning. The vicodin is minimizing the pain, thank god, but I really feel like I'm dying. I've got an appointment with my GI on Wednesday, but yeah - scared. I've lost so much weight my underpants don't even fit.

I'd never heard of c diff before yesterday, or if there's even anything they could do for me if I was to go to the hospital, except make sure I don't die. Which probably wouldn't be such a bad thing at this point.

I know I sound really whiny right now. I just don't know what to do.

Thanks for listening.
-Em

 

[Txarmywife]

I'm not sure I really have the answer you're looking for as I still struggle with it myself on what point is it time to go to the ER. But I can say I can relate with how you're feeling. My advice would be given the c diff infection I would go in or call your GI at the very least. I too am having a nasty time where pain comes on and I literally get stuck in whatever I'm doing...chills/sweating. That along with D and vomitting is nothing short of debilitating & as you described feeling as though Im dying in that moment until it lets off just a touch (of course only to start again a little later). Given the severity of your symptoms my suggestion would be to go to the ER. It sounds as though you're already dehydrated and that on top of the c diff warrants concern. I know sometimes its easier said than done to wisk away to the ER....ESP when you're feeling so awful. I know sometimes I feel as though I'll need an ambulance because I can't even walk to the car to go to the ER. And the truth sometimes we may need that. Listen to your body. At the very least call your GI...even if you are t a patient yet they can usually give you advice or squeeze you in same day given the corcumstances

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I would go in if I were you at least to get checked out. Sounds like you're getting dehydrated and malnurished. Please keep us updated on how you're doing. In the meantime take care.
Lisa

 

[StarGirrrrl]

Usually when you start wondering if you should go, you need to go.

It's very dangerous not to be able to keep in water so please seek help

 

[em6263]

Thank you so much for your replies. I really, really appreciate it. I talked to my GI - she's on call at the hospital tomorrow, and wants me to go in first thing in the morning.

I hope that you all are doing ok. Thank you so much for all of the support.

 

[Txarmywife]

Glad you're goin to go in! Hope you get some relief soon

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Always better to ask questions rather than to suffer alone. Very thankful to hear that you'll be taken care of Hopefully you'll start feeling better soon.

 

[em6263]

Just got home from the hospital. IV fluids and electrolytes and potassium and such go a really long way. Still have a long road ahead, but at least feeling a bit stronger. Thank you guys again for your advice and support.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Glad to hear you're feeling better Take care!