Milkshake Mishap Haunts Swimmer - IHOP, Derby Kansas

1906 North Rock Road, Derby, 67037 Kansas, United States

I believe this IHOP location has been permanently closed, but I would still like the experience that has stuck with me for 6 YEARS to be known. Back in 2020, I had brunch with my mom and grandpa. I decided I wanted to try an Oreo milkshake. Nothing seemed off about the drink. The taste was perfectly fine, and while it was a little runny, I didn't question it for a second. Later that day, at around 6:00 pm, is when problems would arise. It should be noted that I did NOT eat or drink anything in between brunch and then, apart from popcorn I shared with my mom, which did NOT affect her in any way; the milkshake is to blame, this I am sure of. While enjoying the final scenes of a movie with my mom, I began to feel feverish and dizzy. Realizing I was going to be sick, I grabbed the empty medium-sized popcorn bag and expelled enough vomit to nearly fill the entire bag. We left with haste and purchased a water bottle for me to drink. Afterwards, I immediately threw it all up in a trash can. This is only the beginning. I ran to the bathroom and began dry heaving. During this agonizing positive feedback loop, I had diarrhea at the same time. I won't go into much detail, but I needed new clothes. I then spent the next three and a half hours sitting on the toilet while every ounce of moisture and nutrients was expelled from my body. I eventually made it home with help, but the sickness persisted for two to three more days. I barely slept, ate almost nothing, and sucked on ice cubes every hour to hydrate. I was 10 years old. The events that unfolded at the movie theater rendered me incapable of setting foot in one without experiencing a panic attack. These often ended with me hyperventilating in the bathroom while being convinced that I was sick. I don't order milkshakes anymore, and I still silently panic every time my stomach feels weird. The only happy ending to this story is that, in the midst of all of this, I, a very ill 10-year-old, traveled to a championship swim meet and got second place in my race with nothing but my hatred for IHOP fueling me. So, when everything is stacked against you, even if you're as pale as a ghost and haven't had anything to eat or drink in days, don't let it keep you from trying. Because the only thing better than a gold medal is a silver one that comes with a story attached. | Symptoms: Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Stomach Pain, Fever, Chills, Dizziness, Loss of Appetite, Dehydration