Hey Pinky

!!!!
So sorry to hear about your flu and headaches

and butt pain on top of it all

. It must be really draining and depressing and you can not even rest with a " toddler demands" (sigh...).
I know that it is scary to change the protocol

and I know too well how it backfired many times before I had LIS , so I completely understand you. I now use Metamucil if my poop is too soft since it works both ways for me - it absorbs extra water from a poop and makes it more formed if it is too loose. It is sooooo scary to end up with big poop though, especially if you are now used to very soft poops

. I am so sorry that I do not have any better advice since my GI is so regular and never constipated that I feel at loss any time somebody asks for help

in that regard. Can you try drinking some black tea (at least 4 cups a day) since tannins can calm down guts and stop mushiness ??? Don't eat fresh fruit untill your tummy calms down or juice of any kind ! Stay on "blah" diet for couple of days and I am sure that all will calm down
Regarding USA trip - stay away , dear friend - no need to risk anything !!! We have couple of cases in the area where we live and schools are closing down, stores are ghost towns , people very anxious

. Can you change tickets for another destination ??? How about Italy

??? I would definitely rather go there in any case LOL !!!
I wish you best of luck with whatever you decide and I wish you super fast healing
