I am a 33-year-old male who was diagnosed with the STEC strain of E. Coli on June 12th. This followed a stool test I provided on the 10th, at which point the diarrhea had mostly subsided, though I still had a lingering mild stomach ache. While the PCR test found DNA, the lab culture was negative, so the sample has been forwarded to a third facility and I am still waiting on those results.
On the 12th, I was sent to the hospital for blood work. The results were generally normal, aside from some minor irregularities in my blood glucose and blood gas levels that weren’t fully explained to me. During that visit, I was also told to pause my pantoprazole for acid reflux, but I have since resumed taking it after a four-day break.
I returned for follow-up blood tests on Monday the 16th, and the findings were mostly within the standard range.
The exact onset of my symptoms is a bit unclear because I had been dealing with intermittent stomach issues and diarrhea since May 23rd, but the actual pain didn’t start until June 3rd.
My concern is that I am still experiencing light abdominal pain—primarily in the morning and at night—along with significant gas, bloating, and inconsistent bowel movements. I’m also dealing with notable exhaustion and headaches. Is this typical following a STEC infection? Everything I’ve read suggests it shouldn’t last more than two weeks, and it is becoming very frustrating!
I have a trip to Spain planned for this Saturday, and the doctors mentioned it should be fine as long as my condition doesn’t take a turn for the worse.
I would appreciate any insights or suggestions you might have. I expect some people will advise against traveling—which I have seriously thought about canceling—but the trip is non-refundable and my only opportunity for a vacation this year. Additionally, the hospital doctors indicated it should be okay since it is highly unlikely that I am still contagious.
Thanks.