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Avatar universal

I'm worried I have botulism...

Tonight, I was eating jam with toast and found a stem in my jam. Afterward, my friend told me that I shouldn't eat the jam because he knows who found a stem in their jam and they ended up getting botulism from it. At first, I waved it off, because I've had this jam since September and I eat it fairly regularly and nothing has happened. As I looked up the symptoms of botulism on the internet, however, I began to feel numb in my face, like it was falling asleep. I know that paralysis from botulism is supposed to start in the face and go from there, and now I'm freaking out that I actually have it. Part of me says, however, that it's just my body playing tricks on me. I mean, I was completely fine before, and then as soon as my friend mentions it and I look it up, I start exhibiting symptoms? I know they're not even supposed to show up this fast, but I have been eating the jam all week. Am I crazy, or in trouble?
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Avatar universal
Yeah, and don't eat out of that jar of jam anymore...  and thanks for the funny "I don't feel dead."  GG
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Avatar universal
Well, it's the morning after, and I don't feel dead. I'm pretty sure I simply convinced myself that I had it. It seemed like once my face started feeling tingly, the more and more nervous I got, the more and more symptoms I exhibited... unfortunately, some of the symptoms of botulism are also simply the symptoms of feeling nervous... I was also tired, so when I felt my eyes drooping, I wasn't sure if it was because of the fact that I had been up for 20 hours straight or if it was because I was slowly being paralyzed, which didn't help.

As I said, I've been eating the jam for a while now, and it doesn't taste or look spoiled in anyway. The only reason I even thought about botulism is because a friend suggested it.

I'll still be cautious for the next day or so though, just in case the symptoms are real. Thanks.
Helpful - 0
1093617 tn?1279302002
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thank you for your question. It sounds like that you are more anxious after hearing such effects of jam and thinking of probability of having botulism. Although you need to be very much assured that the food or Jam you are eating is not showing any alteration in taste & appearance and is being used within its expiry date. Most common symptoms of botulism could be diarrhea, vomiting and paralysis as well. However, I do not foresee any serious worry here but still recommend to see a doctor for your complete assurance. Hope this helps.
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Avatar universal
The power of suggestion causes people to focus or drill right down on a subject, and they can all of a sudden think they've got the plague.  Lots of medical students go through this as they study wierd diseases.  With that said, if you're still alive as you read this, go on over to the emergency room if you really are feeling strange.  Better safe than sorry.  As for the stem in the jam, I am a big cherry eater, and so occasionally I'll find a stem in cherry items.  I know a girl who ate an entire TV dinner and then found a dead insect in it.  Both of us are still alive.  So, just becuz something is in food doesn't necessarily mean you're gonna get botulism or anything else for that matter.  But you can go to the ER, or call 9-1-1 if it gets really serious, or you can even call the poison control center (in the phone book at the front) and ask THEM about the symptoms of botulism and what do THEY think.  I hope this helps you out and I hope you are not sick.
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