I stopped posting a while back because I've been struggling with a whole new gut problem--After continuing to have weeks and weeks of what I thought was my worst IBS attack ever, and the diet not working at all, I had some tests done. Found out I have blastocystis hominus, which is a microscopic organism that can invade the intestines. About 20-25% of people in this country have it. But a lot of people are asymptomatic, or they fight it off and get rid of it. Unfortunately if you have IBS, you probably can't fight it off, and you can get pretty sick from it--and apparently you can have it for YEARS! I cried for 3 days when I found this out. I have enough chronic illness as it is!
My primary care doc gave me a combo of antibiotics, which made me feel better for a day, then I was sick again. So I went to a doctor who knows more about this stuff, and he gave me an antibiotic that is about 90% effective in eradicating the problem. I'm feeling a little better, but still not up to speed--probably from being sick for so long. I have been able to eat a little more normally this week.
Anyway, two reasons for telling this long story: 1) If you have a bad attack that goes on for weeks and the diet doesn't stabilize you, get tested! There could be something else going on. It's easy to avoid the docs because we figure it's just our IBS. Plus, doctors often don't treat blasto because the general population will fight it off or not even feel sick! (I had to insist that my primary care doc at least TRY to help me get rid of it!) 2) Has anyone else gone through this? How long before you got well? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Judithg
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IBS AND an intestinal parasite! This is not fair!
