I'm not talking about Babesia... but intestinal parasites.
It seems like some LLMDs think they aren't an important factor?
Is it controversial?
Mary
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Few if any do. Posted by glm1111 (Member # 16556) on :
It's a VERY overlooked part of this disease. LLMDs are regular MDs and are not very well trained in medical school in parasitology.
It is unfortunately thought of as a "Third World Problem" and doesn't affect us here in the U.S. It's a shame because IMO parasites could be behind a lot of our degenerative diseases.
Gael
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
why wouldn't a fecal sample show if you had parasites? Instead of just treating and possibly upsetting your already overstressed gut, why not look for them first?
Posted by marypart (Member # 27012) on :
I think some LLMDs think that often when the stool comes back normal, there are still some parasites that weren't noted or tested for. It seems like there are lost of people (like Gael) and some docs (like my son's) who think that parasites get in the way of clearing Lyme.
He's done a lot of anti-parasite treatments, but I'm not seeing any response. Of course, he's still early on in Lyme and Babs tx, so who knows..
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Mine was surprised and a little unbelieving when I told him I saw them when I took Humaworm. He asked how I knew it was a tapeworm ... I gave him a description and told him how I then started eating half as much and gained 10 pounds.
I think he believed me, but couldn't believe it at the same time, if you know what I mean ....
He wrote the Humaworm website name down, but I haven't heard about him recommending it to others, so I'm not sure if he treats them.
He tests .... my tests came out negative even though my infestation was significant.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i don't think dr. w did. i was just on flagyl and biaxin so i don't think they do parasites.
Posted by Pam08 (Member # 19203) on :
My LLMD treats parasites. She thinks it is important to address them as well as the lyme etc. Although it sounds like most LLMD's don't do this. I think they should though.
Nefferdun...I have been told by a couple different doctors that parasites can be hard to detect so just because the tests are negative doesn't mean they aren't there. I think that is why some doctors treat for them no matter what the tests say.
Randibear...actually Flagyl does work on some parasites but most LLMD's aren't using it for that at all.
Posted by anthropisces (Member # 15672) on :
Mine does not
Posted by geo (Member # 18333) on :
Mine said he does this at the end of treatment - not sure if this is the right time or not
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Mine does. I personally do not believe testing is accurate. One example, we had our dog tested several times for parasites. All negative. We had just gotten back from the vet where they told us there were no worms when the dog opened her mouth and a large pile of worms landed on the carpet.
When I first started treatment my eosinophils (eos) was high. The first few weeks of treatment my liver felt very swollen which made walking quite painful.
We treated for a long time because everytime I would stop treatment my eos would start to climb. Last time I stopped my eos was fine.
I'll know more after my next test in a week or so as to whether my eos is back up after not treating for several months.
I think parasites could be a significant issue for many people and testing may not uncover it.
Terry I'm not a doctor
Posted by jennie46 (Member # 20953) on :
Mine does not. I passed some parasites after starting artemisinin. He said lots of his patients tell him that, but he did not know what to think. I have been passing them for 5 weeks.
I lost 20 pounds in the past 10 months and suffer with significant stomach problems. I am 5'6" and weigh only 105 lbs.
I saw another doctor yesterday that prescribed Alinia. I have not started it yet. I will take it daily for 3 weeks, 3 weeks off and repeat for 3 months.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)