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Bouts of abdominal issues, diarrhoea, intense sweating, nausea. Alcohol-related?

Posted , 3 users are following.

LB622
LB622

I've had two instances that I'm not sure are related to each other, and I'm hoping for some insight.

A few weeks ago I was leaving for the airport at 4am and found myself getting nauseous in the cab (I do not get carsick). When we got to the airport, my symptoms progressed into abdominal pain, intense and uncontrollable shaking, heavy sweating, dizziness, and strong nausea. I had a small BM in the airport bathroom but did not vomit. I almost missed my flight and had to nibble on crackers and sip water throughout the whole flight to keep my composure. We were coming home to Holland from a week-long vacation in Portugal. My symptoms took about 4 hours to fully subside. 

The day before that, I was drinking during the daytime. It was about 24C (75F) and I did not do a good job at hydrating myself. I normally have beer on a daily basis (1-2 max, but occasionally 3 while on vacation--always spaced out), but on this day I exclusively drank Jameson Irish Whiskey. I probably had 6 drinks over the course of a full day, mostly straight. I was also swimming quite a bit and went under water numerous times. I figured it was the volume of alcohol and dehydration, though I had no other hangover symptoms and barely felt a buzz during the day due to drink spacing.

Today, I had a similar episode while on vacation in Spain. Once again the weather is about 24C (75F) and I spent a majority of the day outside. I swam in the ocean today. I also drank quite a bit of water and had a slice of pizza about an hour before the incident. I also split a small long island iced tea (alcoholic) with my wife over the meal. This was the only drink I had all day.

This episode included explosive diarrhea, feelings of faintness, extremely heavy sweating, and an acidic sensation in my throat. I did not have the shakes and not really any nausea, but it was extremely uncomfortable. My limbs felt heavy, my body got very hot to the point of me stripping nude in the bathroom, and I felt like I had no control. 

I'm not really sure what the culprit is or might be. My theory is that I cannot handle hard alcohol anymore, in any amount, since the last two times I've had it this has happened. I thought the dizziness might be related to swimming, but now i'm not sure. This episode may have passed more quickly (2 hours vs 4) since I had access to a bathroom the entire time. I lost a lot of fluids and am in the process of rehydrating, but I feel very weak. 

I suppose it could also be "holiday diet" catching up with me, but I'm not sure.

I'm 31 years old, male, and have no other health issues. I occasionally take Gabapentin for anxiety (and took it today) but don't feel as though this is related. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • LB622
    LB622

    Posted

    Update, I was not able to leave the bathroom last night. I frequently broke out in sweat and had intense hot flashes 4 more times. My diarrhea is now clear. I laid down and felt an unpleasant acid sensation in my throat so I stayed sitting the whole night. Lots of bubbles that I burped out. No nausea or vomiting but I almost fainted a few times. My body is constantly trying to rid itself of whatever I have. Food poisoning????
  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 LB622

    Posted

    It sounds like IBS related to anxiety if this started before going on your flight. Your anxiety medication may have caused side effects too.  Try avoiding alcohol to see if this maies a difference.  Some people with IBS have trouble with alcohol.

     

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