I do want to say right out of the gate that this is not an episode that you’re probably going to want to listen to while eating. (The title should give you a clue as to why.) Jesse joins me this week as I discuss having recently returned from a trip to India feeling great but then soon after developing severe gastrointestinal issues that lasted for weeks. I initially thought that it was just a stomach bug, but after my symptoms persisted, I realized that something a lot more serious was likely going on.

Listen in as I describe feeling extremely nauseous, fatigued, and having constant diarrhea that left me bedridden for days. I had trouble keeping any food or drink down, and the medical professionals that I saw were hesitant to test for a parasite, even though many of my friends who had heard about my condition suggested that that was likely what was wrong.

I reflect on how, after struggling through a trip to attend my brother's wedding, my condition worsened to the point at which I could barely move! At 2 a.m. in severe distress, I finally convinced Jesse to take me to the emergency room where they were able to quickly get my fluids and run tests, which confirmed that I had contracted a parasite during my trip to India.

My ER visit and subsequent treatment, which included an antibiotic regimen, ultimately helped me begin to recover. I talk about how it took several more weeks to fully regain my strength, but I am so grateful that I persisted in advocating for myself and getting the right diagnosis. This is a longer episode than usual, but we hope that you got some laughs from it! We also hope that you take away an important message - it’s so important to advocate for yourself! As always, I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at [email protected]!

In This Episode

[0:35] - I am recounting returning from India with a parasite and hope that my story encourages self-advocacy.

[4:05] - After getting home, my mild jet lag suddenly escalated into severe stomach illness by Friday night.

[7:44] - Hear how, even though I was happy to be home, my lingering nausea and exhaustion only got worse.

[9:44] - Despite trying to push through, my nausea persisted, leading to inconclusive clinic tests.

[12:26] - Hear about how I initially skipped parasite testing, forcing fluids and sugar-heavy drinks while struggling with my dehydration getting worse.

[15:45] - My exhausting trip left me bedridden, prayerful, and unable to work despite my usually high stamina.

[17:37] - I recount how a brief, miraculous surge of energy allowed me to run a wedding before the sickness returned that night.

[20:57] - I share how I became violently ill on the drive home and barely managed the trip without incident.

[23:48] - Hear how my slight improvement convinced me to skip testing while I worked through a hectic week.

[26:12] - I discuss how the long drive to Kansas went surprisingly smoothly, leaving me feeling cautiously optimistic.

[27:16] - I talk about how, during rehearsal, I helped David down the aisle.

[29:12] - I reveal how my illness peaked that night, leaving me curled on the floor and worrying that something was seriously wrong.

[32:10] - Zofran gave me brief relief before I realized that I needed to get emergency care despite the wedding.

[34:48] - I reflect on how the quiet late-night ER immediately admitted me, ran tests, and began me on fluids.

[36:50] - The ER staff collected my stool sample in-room, leaving me mortified while Jesse nearly gagged from the smell.

[39:42] - Jesse’s dramatic reaction forced staff to rush in, confirm the awful smell, and remove the sample.

[42:02] - IV fluids and Zofran quickly revived me, marking the turning point toward daily improvement.

[44:25] - I learned of my parasite diagnosis, recovered with treatment, and have taken on healthier habits.

[46:42] - I share how, after a late-night call, I started a short antibiotic course, and I encourage listeners to advocate for yourselves!

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

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