Posted by Missy on Tuesday, 27. October 1998 at 22:44 Bali Time:
This post is no way to put anyone off going to Bali, it's loads of fun, excellent shopping and a really great place! But I felt a need to share my recent experience, especially to those going for the first time.
This was my second time to Bali, I went this time last year (with the same group of 3 other girls I went with this year) and had an absolute ball, except for the fact I tripped on one of the huge footpaths a damaged my foot, it was a blast! No other problems experienced, people were wonderful and reading the posts on here for the few weeks before I returned this time, I couldn't wait to get back. I was envious of everyone who had just come back.
This trip however was not so good. About the 3rd day after I arrived, I started to get dizzy spells, thinking it was just getting used to the climate, I ignored it, drinking lots of water to compensate (bottled water of course). The next day, day 4, I had what I thought was Bali Belly, not too bad just a little uncomfortable if you can't find a nice toilet close by! LOL By that night, I was so sick with fever, fainting attacks (constantly) violently vomiting like I have never before, the runs, all those nice things. My whole body was aching, like with a flu, I couldn't move, I was so sick, like I had never experienced before. Well, that was the start, things got much, much worse. I had the doctor come and he told me I had a severe attack of Bali Belly (Gastroenteritis) gave me an injection, a heap of tablets to take and that I would be better in a couple of days! WRONG! I left Bali on Saturday night, home bound to Perth, feeling worse than I had ever felt. I thought I was going to die, I just wanted to get home to my family.
On arriving back to Perth, Qantas were fantastic, rushed me through customs to get me out quick. After getting home, my husband could not believe how sick I was and called a doctor straight away. He came, gave me an injection and organised tests for the next day. Basically, I do not have Bali Belly, never did, I have no idea what I have (I am still sick, but thanks to my Doctor I am feeling a little better) He seems to think it is some Tropical disease, one of the many that nobody is ever warned about before going to Bali! Guess I will find out in 2 days when the results come back. In the mean time, I am still on water and gastrolite only. Still haven't eaten a thing since last Tuesday!
The post is just a warning to all those "NEW" Bali visitors to research what you can take or do if something similar happens when your there. I wouldn't want anyone to experience what I did for that week, it was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Of course it completely ruined my holiday.
I doubt I will ever go back to Bali, I will NEVER take my kids there if i ever did, but that experience has certainly left a bad taste in my mouth!
I really hope this doesn't turn you off your trip, like I said, it's not my intention......just a WARNING to be careful! Oh and I did not drink their water or do anything silly, I knew what was safe, or thought I did!
Feel free to post or email me if you want to know more, or if you had any similar experience, I would love to hear from you!