parasite medicine

[Winnie]

I have a unidentifyable parasite living in my colon.  Who really knows how long it has been enjoying my food, but my naturopathic doc seems to think it may be causing me to have more food allergies, stomach problems and possibly autoimmune type of symptoms/reactions.  Now I need a parasite cleanse for 30 days.  I don't know many details yet, but has anyone did one of these before?  I am scared.   

Winnie

[irish]

I am sorry that you are going through this, but, Winnie, I have to admit that as a RN I really have a hard time understanding the philosophy behind this kind of diagnosis. Have you had a stool culture for ova and parasites at this doctors office??

Just wondering because the GP's and other docs will do an ova and parasite stool specimen and if it is positive there are medications that are indicated. Not every ova or parasite is treated with the same medication. I guess if it was up to me I would be very leary about this cleanse until you find out what is going on with it.

I am also going to add that these cleanses that are advertised for the colon are very worrisome to all medical personnel. There are so many ads about this and the fact is that stool doesn't adhere to the sides of the colon like plaster does to walls, etc.

The colon is made up of very fragile mucus membranes and has many different areas that are very specific for digesting food and absorbing the nutrients. People can get parasites but there must be a jazillion of them and they all enter the body in a slightly different way and find their way to different areas of our body and our colon. I guess I just worry that damage could be done to the colon, a persons electrolyte balance, etc., and a person would be worse off than before.

People with autoimmune diseases should be very careful cause messing with Mother Nature could really upset the balance of bacteria in the colon. I would be afraid that the stress of this cleanse could trigger an autoimmune disease of my colon. Just my humble opinion. Irish

[slccom]

Winnie, I would hesitate. And you really need to check your NP's credentials. As a former med tech, any parasites should be clearly visible under the microscope, and they can be identified by a reputable, accredited lab. Then there should be specific, directed treatments.
Sharon

[Winnie]

Yes I had a stool sample  and food allergy panel done though metametrix.  It could not classify what type it is.  What it reads  "parasite is present; taxonomy unavailable - a taxonomy unavailable indicates an ingested protozoan and not a human parasite.  It does not indicate treatment unless patient symptoms and other inflammatory markers are consistent with parasite infection."  He tested me for pathogenic bacteria, yeast/fungi, parasites,drug resistance genes and adiposity index.  I also had a predominant bacteria  and an opportunistic bacteria done.  Since I have a positve p-anca and stomach issues, I think this is why he wants to treat it. 

My blood work indicated moderate allergies for milk and egg.   I had much trouble with milk when I was a baby.   Actually was put on food at 6 weeks old because I never could hold down the milk.  Never was tested for allergies.  Just lived with it.  Since taking milk and egg out of my diet, my constipation is better.

He based his gluten findings on the copy of promethesis testing done last March that indicated high IGg and IGa but the HLA (genetic findings) were inconclusive.   I was eating gluten then.My gastro has been going back and forth on this result.  I was retested through Quest after a year of GF diet and a 3 week challenge on gluten.  Not sure how reliable but the test for celiac was negative and not sure what my levels were to be gluten sensitive.  Biopsy was negative but also done after 6 months of GF diet.  Duh!

He went to the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland Oregon but I live in a different state that does not recognize ND docs.  No compalints that I could find on line.  His office was busy.  He has pediatric referrals from the local hospital.  How do you check is credentials out?

Yes, it is an answer that I so desparately need but I am concerned and have a call into the gastro.  Unfortunately he does not respond in a timely manner.  I guess I will call my Rhuemmy also and get another "chewing" from him before I do anything else.   The last thing I want to do is to make things worse for myself.  Thanks for the reality check.  I still think that this may be part of the puzzle, though.  I want to cry but I have to go to work.

Winnie

[cargillwitch]

ohh Winnie so sorry to hear not only about the health woes you are currently having but all the confusion about how to proceed thrown in!

I had a very similar situation almost 4 years ago, however the diagnosis initially of e.coli was noted by my family doctor. Has you family doctor or GI doctor even run stool samples? I know they often don't if you have had issues prior.

I have worked inter- changeably with a naturopath here in Ontario.

Sound like you are in the states and the climate is somewhat hostile towards them. Too bad .

I have found a collaborative approach instead of an adversarial one quite beneficial. As family doctors and specialist here are paid not by the client but by the province they don't feel it is a competition to " keep" clients all to themselves.

I am wondering if an AI inflammatory response in the large intestine would appear as a  protozoan parasitic infection ( like giardia etc.) on a sample? something to research on you own or discuss with your naturopath. If so perhaps a cleanse( if it contains a lot of herbs to promote additional bowel movements) would be ill advised.

The panel looking at opportunistic opposed to beneficial  bacteria  in the colon could be very useful info! Many AI suffers have low levels of beneficial gut bacteria. These friendly guys help us maintain a healthy immune system and also aid us in properly digesting our foods- and could be of assistance to you with anemia.This was very helpful information IF you know how to re-colonize and  make living conditions there more suited to the friendly bacteria.This can come slowly through dietary interventions if you decide opposed to a harsher cleanse.

don't cry! to this point all you have received are pieces of information. What you decide to do with this information is up to you! Research, ask questions of all care providers and base you decisions not on their opinions of EACH OTHER but on what YOU feel is best  course of actions for YOU

[jodie]

Hi Winnie -

Why can this parasite not be identified?  Even with dogs/cats, if the parasite can not be absolutely identified, the lab can discern classification i.e. 'Rhabditiform larvae; may be Strongyloides or hookworm larvae or free-living larvae that have colonized the feces.' Just an example, but having worked as a vet tech for a lot of years, a stool report has never come back as 'not able to identify.'

Now, I am not suggesting you drop off a stool at the vet's office!!  And yes, people are not dogs/cats, but I am surprised that your parasite can not be identified and subsequently treated.  I know nothing about a 'cleanse', but I do know that getting rid of intestinal parasites is generally not a lengthy or overly complicated task.

Hoping this helps even a little...AND NO CRYING!!

Take good care - Jodie

[quietdynamics]

A long time ago I had read that papaya seed ( which have a peppery mustard taste) can be eaten to remove parasites. And are use by the natives where they are grown. So now when I buy a papaya I save the seeds and eat them. I also use the skins to exfoliate my skin. May be worth a try for you to do a search on the topic and then up the healthy probiotics.

[Winnie]

I left a message for my gastro on Monday and today the nurse called back and indicated that she didn't know anything about this lab and can't treat a parasite if they don't know what kind it is.  Pause....So I asked when I could see the doc and she said tomorrow at 4:15.  I am going to request another stool sample.

My rhuemmy promptly called me back today and said my new food allergies and "friendly parasite" does not have anything to do with my inflammatory marks and symptoms. I still have "sicca" and nothing will change it for the better.  GASP! Reality check!  Cry time! I was hopeful, but now again sad and scared.  Ho hum! I still believe that the gut has caused all these problems.

Winnie

[irish]

Winnie, I just wanted to share with you that whether a person has autoimmune disease or not they can have a parasitic infection.

Any of us at any time can pick up one of these parasites as they are often spread through the food industry (hand washing, etc) and also through drinking water from time to time.

These GI symptoms require the stool specimens to identify the parasite (or sometimes a person can have a bacterial infection in the bowel that is causing the problems) before the correct medication can be administered.

You also need to understand that GI symptoms are very common in people with autoimmune diseases. I have also had issues with my colon but have never had ulcerative colitis or gluten intolerance. I have colon issues related to the mucus or lack of mucus that my colon produces related to the sjogrens.

I also have times when my colon literally feels swollen up and then a couple of weeks later I feel like the swelling goes done. I attribute this (as does my immunologist) to an inflammatory reaction in my bowel as my stool will become smaller in caliber and then revert back to normal when the swelling goes down. My colonoscopy is always ok so this has to be inflammatory in nature.

There are many dietary things people can do to help their "gut" and a lot of this stuff is on an individual basis. I would hope that people do not blame one issue for their whole autoimmune status because it is so disheartening to be disappointed. It is better to accept, adapt and persevere with what we have. Don't let it knock you down please. Good luck. Irish

[jodie]

My dear Winnie -

How does your MD know that you have a 'friendly' parasite considering the fact that parasite can not be identified?  What is ldn?>

I am sick and severely sleep deprived...but here goes.  Any lab should/must be able to identify parasite/ova.  At this point, I'd look for a lab that focused on people and animals; one time, working as vet tech, submitted fecal sample and claimed I was a primate!!  Negative.  FYI, yes, parasites can cause inflammation in the gut but not always, and since your MD claims you have a parasite, WHAT IS IT??  Especially since the upshot is that it is not a human parasite.  And you need to know the extent of colonization as well how many, including ova ready to hatch.  Easy fix, but you need to know what the little buggers are.

i KNOW NOTHING ABOUT A CLEANSE BUT PARASITES/OVA i DO KNOW ABOUT.  Take care of you and get specifics.

NO CRYING/NO WORRIES!!!  And take good care!  Feel free to PM me with any questions/concerns.

Jodie

Wishing you the best

[Meld256]

Winnie,

I'm sorry you are dealing with all this, too.  I know these types of problems can put us into a lot of worry and upset.  However, I believe you've received some good advice and suggestions. 

Irish has some very good information. (as always.)  Anyone can have a parasitic infection, it seems, whether or not we have an autoimmune disease. 
We also are susecptible to GI problems, unfortunately.  I've had some of those issues, too. I notice that when I feel worse all over in joint pain and fatigue, my gut doesn't seem well, either.  I have bloating and constipation.  When I'm feeling better overall, my bowel issues are better, too.  Seems it's just something we need to be aware of and find what helps us individually. 

I hope you get more information on how to deal with this from your gastro today, and are able to get this under control soon.  Keep us posted, and take care. 

Melinda

[Winnie]

It is amazing of all of the different doctor opinions there are!  Today I went to the gastro and he indicated that there was no parasite to treat.  None of my other blood levels were raised to indicate treatment.  I asked for a repeat stool and he said there was no need.  I am not sure about this but will wait to see how my new diet controls my stomach complaints. 

The probiotic that was given to me by the naturopathic doc got eliminated also.  My gastro only wants to use these after antibiotics.  He says long term use is not good and causes problems also.  I guess he thinks my levels of good bacteria are ok.  My naturopath disagrees.  Heprescribed magnesium oxide but also indicated that this can not be used long term either.

He did not complain about the lab that was used and said that the food allergy panel was helpful.  I need to take away milk, peanuts and eggs although he indicated that eggs were generally an anaphalactic type of response.  I don't have that and I am not taking any chances.  I just want to feel better. 

I guess maybe he may take me more seriously now.  I am going to remind him about the parasites and other tests that are problematic.  He tends to forget and I have learned my lesson for not following up on my positive p-anca in the last 8 years. 

The only thing that kind of "ticked me off" was that I have to write a journal of food and things that I do when I have stomach problems.  I have had problems since I was 13 and just now got confirmation on food allergies.  I think I would have been less offended if he said that I needed an anti-depressant.  Jerk!

Winnie

[Winnie]

Ok, I posted when I wanted to preview.  Maybe I was too harsh when I called him a jerk.  Can I take that last comment back? 

Now I have to break the news to my naturopath doc that I am not taking my probiotic and not interested in the anti-parasitic cleaner.  I want to keep him around but not sure why and for what purpose.  I like that he wants to find the underlining problem.  He gave me some good information that I definitely needed.  Maybe my gut inflammation will decrease with the changes in my diet.  Who knows.  I have a headache from having such a busy day and my sister told me that she has strep and she was at my house on Sunday.  Today my tonsils are swollen and  my throat is red.  Guess I need to get swabbed tomorrow.

Winnie

[Skylar]

Ok, I posted when I wanted to preview.  ........................................................................  Can I take that last comment back? 

Winnie, if you go back to your post - there is a small "modify" icon that I believe should allow you to edit your post. Make the correction and then at the end of your post note that you've edited it to change the tone of the post. That way, if someone who read your original post re-reads it, they will understand that you've changed it.

I'm glad you went back to your gastro for follow up. There seemed to be many red flags related to the Naturopath. The food diary is a really important tool - pain in the butt to keep up but valuable to track problems.

Sometimes an elimination diet can help track food allergies - that's where you eat a very limited diet of just foods that are least likely to cause problems - and slowly you introduce on foods one at a time to see if it induces problems. You often hear doctors putting young children on these diets, but I've known adults who have had much success finding problem foods on them.

I hope you find relief.

[irish]

I am glad that you saw your GI doc cause it sounds like he has some common sense. I have to say that I was very concerned about all the stuff the other doc had told you. There are times when some things just don't add up.

I went to a clinic in MN that specialized in alternative treatment of allergies. This was back in the 1980's and I was desperate for something to help my arthritis in joints, fatigue, etc. I had to drive almost 3 hours to get there and it was very hard to do the trip and have all the testing and then  drive back as I had to go alone back then.

One day I was sitting in the docs office and asked him what my hemoglobin was just as I was leaving. He looked around and then reached in the waste basket and got my hemoglobin results out of there. I never went back. That just blew my mind!!! We have to be very careful about the alternative docs that we go to.

I saw the head of the ENT department at the U of MN last summer for 2nd opinion. He was very nice and of course, could not find the reason for my bothersome issues. However, he did tell me that over the years he has come to believe that alternative medicine has a place in society.

However, he said that one must be very, very careful about chosing a reputable doctor. He said that he has a list of the ones in MN that he refers patients to. He checks these doctors up, down and sideways, he said to make sure that they are safe. Good lluck Winie with your diet and with your documentation. Such a pain, but so important to do. Irish