Could it be worms? parasites? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

Lite8888 · 10-25-2004, 07:42 PM

Hi, I've always had a history of IBS type symptoms, even as a little girls. In 2002 I was officially diagnosed with IBS after a colonoscopy revealed only scattered diverticulum and hemorroids. I have bouts of loose, crampy stools every couple of weeks or so that usually last a day or two and then clear. However, two months ago I returned from a camping trip at the beach and had loose, foul smelling, yellow stools with tons of mucous and cramping. I've also been belching and had burning in my stomach and esophagus. It occured the same day as my menstrual cycle started so I thought it was related since sometimes my IBS flairs up at the time. Unfortunately, the symptoms did not go away as usual. For about a week I had copious amounts of mucous and cramping with BM's. Tried to cure it with Acidophilus which usually does the trick, but not this time. After three weeks of discomfort I finally went to my doctor, who said "Oh you've been diagnosed with IBS two years ago, it's probably just a flair up, here take these pills which are an antispasmodic combined with a mild tranquilizer" Librax is the name of the medication. He also had me send in a specimen to check for parasites which came back negative. The meds didn't work, so back to the doctor I went after about 10 days. Next, he tried me on antibiotics (Omnicef) After I finished the course of antibiotics the majority of the cramping stopped,however my stools became dark, sticky and pencil thin. Uh oh, that wasn't good. Went back to the doctor and he said he'd send me to a specialist. So right now I'm waiting to the GI specialist. But in the meantime I've been using Metamucil which does bulk up the stools a bit, but they are still mushy, back to being yellow in color,undigested food particles, mucous, and gross. I've done a little research on parasites and it sounds like they are hard to detect but that they definitely can cause these types of problems, even though my test was negative, I understand you have to take 3 samples instead of one to hit them at the right cycle. Sorry this is long and had gory details but it's been therapeutic, just writing it all down. Anyone have any info on Parasites and what to do about them, or what else might be causing my symptoms. Thanks and God Bless.

Soulcatcher · 10-25-2004, 07:52 PM

Her's an old hick trick to see if you have worms. When it is night time, the worms would come out. Take some duct tape or scotch tape and put it to you anus and then pull it off, hold it up to the light. If you have worms you will see them stuck to the tape, however they should show up if your doctor did a stool sample. Have you ever had a colonoscopy? Have you ever had an x-ray? Or an ultra sound? Sometimes if you have a virus it will work itself out eventually, sometimes two weeks to a month. Also on the worm issue, there can be severe itching. Keep a journal on the foods you eat. Something may be irratating your bowels....mostly meats and diary. Good luck.

marcen · 10-25-2004, 08:12 PM

The tape thing works for pinworms, which usually cause intense itching at night. You won't necessarily see the worms on the tape, but a doctor could identify the eggs under a microscope (the eggs are what stick to the tape). There are all sorts of other parasitic infections that cannot be identified without fecal testing (and sometimes blood tests). Go back to the doctor or find another one who will do the proper tests. Alternative practitioners often perform these tests also.

Lite8888 · 10-25-2004, 09:05 PM

Julia-girl, I have an appointment with a naturopathic doctor next month, thank you for reinforcing my decision to do this. I've been reading a lot about parasites lately and it appears there are many out there and it takes very specialized tests to detect them. I hope this is not what I have, but it certainly would shed some light on why I've been feeling so bad. Thanks again for your input

Lite8888 · 10-25-2004, 09:08 PM

Hi Soulcatcher, yes I've had a colonoscopy but that was two years ago. Things can change. I've also had a ultrasound of my gallbladder, pancreas, liver, etc.. and it came back negative. I've had blood work and have been tested for Celiac disease, all negative. That is why I am leaning towards the parasite thing. Thanks for your input.