I've been in treatment for Lyme for one month now, and noticed an increase in bloating, urine frequency, and mild constipation since I started taking Minocycline (150 mg. daily).
Basically, I feel like my digestive system is made of concrete ... even though I'm "regular" and on a yeast-free (and now gluten-free) diet.
Also taking Diflucan (100 mg. daily), Theralac probiotics, fiber, Deplin, and a number of herbal detox supplements. I start adding Omnicef three days a week today.
My doctor wants me to have a stool sample tested for yeast (and presumably other toxins) in my gut.
Have others found this test to be worthwhile? Will the results likely change the course of my treatment?
I ask this because I feel like I've had so many tests lately (not just Lyme) where the results are completely ignored. Seems like a lot of guesswork is going on, and I don't want to add to the muddle.
From my perspective, the gut issues are pretty low on my list of concerns (compared with chronic pain, fatigue, cognitive problems, etc.)
Thanks!
[ 10-22-2012, 08:09 PM: Message edited by: LaniMo ]
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
A doc ran a CDSA (comprehensive digestive stool analysis) test on me when my gut "seemed" fine, but I was suffering from malnutrition and fatigue for some reason. I was literally wasting away and it didn't matter what supplements or diet I was on. I was eating organic/low-grain for over a year.
I also had "chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive problems" and couldn't imagine it being my gut.
I found the results EXTREMELY helpful. I had stuff going on that there was no way to know about without doing a CDSA test.
There was an overgrowth of bacteria that we traced back to antibiotics.
I'd have your doc test for parasites and bacterial levels along with yeast.
It turns out I had no food allergies and am fine with gluten. The restrictive diet I had put myself on for a year was no benefit because my gut was a mess anyway.
I wish I had done this test BEFORE all the supplements and diet changes. It would have saved me so much time and money.
Also, it's virtually impossible to heal if you're having gut problems.
Even if the CDSA test doesn't show anything, at least you've ruled that out.
Here's someone a link to someone else's experience with a CDSA test. Just do a text search for CDSA (all caps). It'll give you an idea of how resistant things can be in your gut.
I'd also get a test to see if you even have a gluten allergy or celiac. It's a combination of of tests that need to be read together. Sorry, I can't remember their names.
I still eat healthy, but not as restrictive. One less thing to worry about in this balancing act.
Posted by LaniMo (Member # 37384) on :
Thanks, Judie. That's really helpful.
I have a kit from CDSA ... if there's any chance I can be less restrictive in my diet, I'm on it!
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