In Reply to: bali belly posted by jayz on Thursday, 5. January 2006 at 18:53 Bali Time:
I agree completely with Colleen - there is a big difference between having a bit of a dodgy tummy and being really ill. If you have bad Bali Belly, just go to the doctor. On my last trip backpacking, I was sick for a full two weeks (Thailand) and a couple of months later again in Bali. I left it too long before going to the doctor in Thailand, and learnt my lesson - I went quickly in Bali once I got sick. When you are really ill (can't stop going to the toilet, can hardly leave your room, terrible stomach cramps, very dizzy, perhaps vomitting) go straight to the doctor or (apotek at least) and get some antibiotics and tablets for cramp relief.
I warn you against using tablets that 'block you up' (quite literally), such as immodium. I took them then I was ill in Thailand, and a day later, although the diorreah temporarily stopped (it was to return later just as bad), I had a really terrible fever and felt like I was going to pass out all night. The doctor that I saw the next day told me that the immodium meant that all of the bacteria had stayed in my stomach as it had no way out and had caused me to get even more ill, hence the awful high fever. He said I should not use them anymore. After that experience, I won't.