Posted: 12/2/2008 7:37:32 PM EDT
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Fellas,
Been working on tweaking my family's first aid packs. Got me some birthday money awhile back, and I've had a good time getting my packs dialed in the way I think they should be. I've been working on putting together the meds, and it occurs to me I don't know a heck of a lot about what meds to stock for gastrointestinal ailments. I'm thinking of meds to treat trouble from the moment food goes in to the time when it comes out, and all the stops along the way. I've got a general purpose kit in our car, and a larger kit at home with the bug out stuff. The intent of my larger kit is to take care of myself, my wife, my two girls, and my dog, either at home or on the road, for a prolonged period. What sayest the hive? Any must-have GI meds? Can I stick with OTC stuff, or is there a scrip or two I should try and talk my doctor into? Anything that's a sucker move? |
| If you have a family doc talk to them. I did a few years back and got alot of sample meds (free) for a variety of things. I also requested antibiotics and pain killers which were supplied both in morphine and demerol or darvacet form. I need to go back as these are outdated most likely. Get a sam splint, some quick clot, and a decent variety of trauma packs. |
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The most common problem with third world travel (which mimics SHTF stuff in many ways) is diarrhea.
First line would be Immodium OTC for non bloody diarrhea. Next, rehydration solution like Ceralyte Peptobismol (esp the tablets) would be good for nausea and minor upset. Next notch up would be script only. Antibiotic like Cipro for diarrhea Phenergan suppository for nausea and vomiting. |
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Fellas, thanks for all the responses. Especially you, Bubba, as you actually took the time to answer my question.
I'm in agreement that knowledge is a lot more important than stuff. I just got done deleting the list of my qualifications I typed out, 'cause really, it made me look pissy and defensive. But, if y'all can accept the idea that I'm not an untrained dumbass, and I'm not out to play doctor, I would truly welcome hearing about the decisions you've made as far as the chewing-swallowing-digesting-crapping continuum is concerned. If you are uncomfortable with that idea, then please keep on trucking. |
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The most immediate GI problem you would likely encounter would be diarrhea. This will deplete your body of fluid and electrolytes much quicker that any other ailment and will put you at immediate risk quicker than any other. The reason is that fluid is absorbed into the body through the colon...not the stomach.A simple thing like immodium A-D should go along way to curing this in one or two doses. DO NOT TAKE ANTIBIOTICS FOR DIARRHEA WITHOUT A PROPER DIAGNOSES! Antibiotics can CAUSE diarrhea. And Cipro would likely not be the abx of choice over something like, say, Flagyl. Stick with OTC meds for diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting would be your 2nd concern. If you are persistent in drinking, you can usually keep enough fluid down to stay minimally hydrated; but you will be pretty useless. Phenergan is effective, but you will be extremely tired and ineffective. Compazine would be a better choice, as there is less side effects. Great stuff. OTC options include Emetrol. or herbal meds with ginger in it. Most other GI symtoms would be considered inconviniences more than emergencies. |
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I walked away from my last post worried I'd thrown a snit, and came back to friendly words and good advice. Sure do like this place sometimes. Thank you one and all,
I agree with you on the danger of popping antibiotics willy-nilly. My brother-in-law's mom wound up losing some toes to infection, after years of taking antibiotics for any old thing, and also not finishing the courses of what she did take. Yuck. And for that matter, the cephalexin I was prescribed when I got a staph infection did, um, loosen me up quite a bit. I would've hated to combine that with traveler's style diarrhea. Double yuck. I've tried to stay away from antibiotics in general, 'cause I don't think how we've been using them as a society is cool. On the other hand, I sure was happy to get that cephalexin for my staph infection. All in all though, I think I'll stay away from stocking antibiotics in the family kits. Thanks for the info on approaches to treating vomiting as well. |
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One problem I've encountered with my kids that I didn't notice mentioned is constipation. Mineral oil in some juice was recommended by their pediatrician and has always worked like a charm. You can also get mineral oil enemas for the really stubborn cases. I also once saw a doc in the ED order one for a patient with chronic headaches... Medicare, come to the ED every day screaming and crying about her pain, get two Tylenol, and leave. She never came back... And that, kids, is one of the reasons healthcare costs so much! |
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One problem I've encountered with my kids that I didn't notice mentioned is constipation. Mineral oil in some juice was recommended by their pediatrician and has always worked like a charm. You can also get mineral oil enemas for the really stubborn cases. I also once saw a doc in the ED order one for a patient with chronic headaches... Medicare, come to the ED every day screaming and crying about her pain, get two Tylenol, and leave. She never came back... And that, kids, is one of the reasons healthcare costs so much! Mineral oil and colace enemas mixed with tepid water....that's the way we clear fecal impactions.....Talk about effective! 
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These are what I have on hand for such problems.
Anti-diarrheal General Stomach Problem stuff |
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These are what I have on hand for such problems. Anti-diarrheal General Stomach Problem stuff AKA: generic Immodium and pepto bismol |
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These are what I have on hand for such problems. Anti-diarrheal General Stomach Problem stuff Yep, in cheap little individual packets. AKA: generic Immodium and pepto bismol |
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These are what I have on hand for such problems. Anti-diarrheal General Stomach Problem stuff since you can buy a whole box of them at walmart for a buck or two, why waste time on individual packages? |
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These are what I have on hand for such problems. Anti-diarrheal General Stomach Problem stuff since you can buy a whole box of them at walmart for a buck or two, why waste time on individual packages? Individual packets are great. Small packaging,clearly marked easy to store. |