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could I have a tapeworm?

Posted , 4 users are following.

em10253
em10253

I might just be paranoid, but I'm worried I might have a tapeworm and would appreciate any info or advice possible. A couple weeks ago I passed something that was about 6 inches long and maybe 0.5 in wide, totally flat and translucent, sort of a yellow-ish color but that might be from the stool. When I examined it further it appeared to be the texture and consistency of paper and could be torn easily. I have also had nausea and diarrhea lately.

I talked to a doctor on an online chat service, and he told me that tapeworms are extremely rare in the United States and usually microscopic. He said that if you have a long and visible tapeworm you would have had to have picked it up in Africa. However, I have heard different things about tapeworms and thought you could get them from raw food, animals, etc. and these can grow very long.

Thank you in advance for any and all help!

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • NikiRenee
    NikiRenee em10253

    Posted

     That doctor is absolutely wrong! Tapeworms are very visible and being at the fact we live and the melting pot of all countries, it’s very possible to get tapeworm. I would suggest seeing another doctor. Also, it doesn’t hurt to treat yourself just in case… As this could possibly lead to a larval tapeworm infection which is very bothersome to say the least. Good luck to you!!
  • christy1717
    christy1717 em10253

    Posted

    Tapeworms are not microscopic. I would get a second opinion from a real doctor. That doctor you talked to online does not know his head from a hole in the ground. Tapeworms can grow to be over 30 ft. long.

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