Do parasites cause autoimmune diseases?
Posted , 72 users are following.
I have recently completed 2 stool sample tests that have rendered the same outcome, positive for parasitic organisms but unable to identify. Now I have to complete the exam a third time. I have still not received any treatment and have experienced some serious health problems over the past few years, including an idiopathic cardiomyopathy a little over 2 years ago. Two years before this I was hospitalized for a serious virus that could not be identified. This involved a very high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and the start of kidney failure, however I went to the emergency room at the right time. One month later, I had mono, then 4 months later, had a palsy in my left foot, then less than one year after, started experiencing chest pain, serious headaches, and extreme fatigue. The emergency room kept sending me home telling me it was a virus. Finally several months had passed after numerous visits to this ER, I went to a different hospital where they found a cardiomyopathy. My ejection fraction was 35%. I am only 37! Just after this, I noticed one day that I had experienced severe itching in the rectal area with several days of white discharge that had an odor of infection. I waited for a couple of months to see if things would get better, and they didn't, so I went to the ER. I told the doctor about the cardiomyopathy and previous mysterious illnesses, he completed a brief rectal exam, and said it was probably internal hemmorhoids. I asked if a parasitic infection was possible, and he said it was very unlikely because I hadn't been out of the country in several years. So he never tested my stool. Two years have passed, and I have had the same/similar problems since, and have reported this to the doctors over and over. For the past year and a half, I have developed new symptoms. Extreme fatigue, weakness, joint aches, headaches, constipation and diarrhea, greasy, yellowish stools, sweat that smells like ammonia, skin peeling out of my mouth, gas, burping, bad breath, weight loss and loss of appetite. In addition, I have mysterious skin rashes with hives on a daily basis, and started taking pictures of them to document this. In December of 2012, I tested positive for lupus with a positive ANA, and my doctor ordered the test because my eosinophil percentage had consistently been flagged on my blood reports as high. I still was not getting any answers, so I switched all of my doctors and have been going to the city. This is a world renowned hospital. Upon meeting my new doctors, they ordered a repeat of blood tests. This time the lupus was negative. The doctors quickly dismissed the lupus results prior, and said that sometimes people just test false positive, with no further explanation. Back in April of this year, my doctor informed me that my vitamin d level was very low, 12, should be between 30-40 he said, so I have been taking prescription vitamin d. I met with an infectious disease specialist a month ago, and she said she didn't think that I had parasites, but she would test because of my eosinophils. Bingo, I do have them, and now the doctors are trying to say they are parasitic but may not be causing my symptoms. For several months I have noticed that there is strange looking debris after blowing my nose into a tissue. Last night, I am about 99% certain that it was a small worm, certainly looked like one, and I was a teacher, so I am fairly well educated. I saved it in the tissue and put it in a zip lock bag. I don't know whether to call my doctor or not on Monday morning, as I don't trust him, and think he will once again be dismissive. I already went through the HIV phase with him, and told him I didn't have it, as I've only had 4 partners my entire life, have never had unprotected sex, I don't rim, and had an HIV test. I haven't been sexually active in about three years, so I knew I couldn't have it. I retested a couple of months ago to satisfy him, and it was negative once again. I have asked him if any of my past symptoms are connected, and he didn't think so. I disagree. The only diagnosis I have is another one of idiopathic nature, uticharia, (spelling) and says my blood work is fine, which it isn't, because my vitamin d was very low, and my eosinophils are still high. Any advice on what I should do? Prior to all of this stuff over the past 5 years, I was very rarely I'll. now I can no longer do many of the things that I used to, as I don't feel well enough, and I would really like to get some normalcy back in my life. Is there a doctor who can answer this without telling me that I am imagining things? The test results obviously indicate that I am not.
6 likes, 127 replies
SarahH1982 frank47
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hey, you should be tested and do some internet research on H pylori and also Lyme Diease! they both are wicked in what they do to our body and without the right tests you will never know hun!! im serious!!! I have or had just finished treatment and have to be retested for H pylori!! Im life has been slowly slipping away in every way possible and after being told its "ALL IN MY HEAD" for so many years, i had a complete melt down with no memory of any of it... a week in ICU and one nut hut later I started searching for answers!!! Dont give up!!!
sarah
allyson11324 frank47
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i live in the USA and have has the exact same experience! I am going on 6 years now. I finally went to a hematologist and they tested me for H Pylori, which is a bacterial infection in your stomach. It is not common, but is easily curable. It is a course of heavy antibiotics ( two different kinds along with Nexium), and it cured everything including my rashes. I had to do the treatment twice. It can eventually cause stomach cancer if not treated. I am a doctors daughter and you would
think that having access to fast care because of my connections would have helped, but NO. There are several tests for H Pylori, but the most definitive is the breath test. Make sure you go on an empty stomach or the results will be impaired...they don't always tell you this. Also, do not take any medications for a couple of weeks before being tested because it will impair the results as well.
frustrated61 frank47
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This is to Frank and anyone else who might be able to help me. First, Frank, did you get any results since you last visited 10 mths ago?
What I'd like to say is...I have pretty much all the same symptoms as you with the exception I have sarcoidosis & sjogrens syndrome...I've been in the hospital many times. I'm so very frustrated because I just don't know who to turn to. Also, none of the doctors I've seen past if off as the medication I was on was causing hallucinations. Okay, they wanted to just pass it off so I went to a hospital and I (under supervision) did withdrawal from the medication (it's necessary bc I was injured severly in an auto accident). I changed medication and the symptoms are worse than ever. The thing is, I can pull out what feels like worms out of my eye and it even opens it's mouth and will attach to my finger then unroll like a finger rubber. I can feel these "things" but cannot see them. I've read that parasites are the oldest as far as living things go and they've perfected the way they do things and yes, they can make it so they are invisible, which makes it so hard for the drs to take me serious. I finally asked them to research a little on parasites and you be the judge.
Presently, I feel like it's done something to my nervous system bc I shake...when I talk the words don't always come out right and I feel hyper all the time.
So, Frank, please give me good news that being, you found a doctor that believes in you and found the answers you needed.
warm regards,
Frustrated
SarahH1982 frustrated61
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Also there is a tape worm that too maybe involved! The Dwarf
tape worm can survive in one host for many years! It's larva
Is the only thing that is passed in your stool, but its not a freakwent
Process like most tape worms! It does just like the parasite
H pylori and burrows inside the liner of the stomach and colon!
Very small and also hard to pick up on tests! I just found our recently,
I too was infected by the tape worm and H pylori as well!
Google it! Good luck! Sarah
crystal44289 frank47
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frustrated61 crystal44289
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frustrated
frustrated61 frank47
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Mary, google "Gusty" and it may answer many questions you may have. I just happened upon it and found it very, very helpful...and finally a light at the end...so, with that said, I encourage you to read it and see for yourself.
Good luck
frustrated61
nori641 frank47
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I have simmiler digestive disorder (undiagnosed chronic diarrhea without blood for 7 years till now ) . all these simptoms and digestive disorders due to some pathogens at digestive tract where ever located and need Good Lab. not government Labs that using tradition tests for a while. I find difference when i made stool tests at privat Lab. in my country it is GENOVA at N.Corolaina state
USA as one of three best Labs at USA (Mayo clinic, CDC Labs) I think you have simmiler Labs at your countries So starting to made stool tests then make another tests for stool by another Labs to ensure what found in previous Labs that mentioned above .these labs. using PCR methods which more than 95 percent
acurate for specific parasites and other pathogens(bacteria or virus or Fungs).
My Advice briefly make stool tests at most specific and sensetive method at best Labs. any where in world ,even expensive to shortening the time and sufferance.
frustrated61 nori641
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Nori641 ~ this is gross but is your diarreah yellowish in color? if so go to Google and read what it says about H Ployri.....goggle "Gutsy" You'll be amazed
frustrated61
frustrated61 nori641
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nori641 frustrated61
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at my gut due to 7 endoscopies and colonoscopies that carried out.
Some times no pathogens found in stool or blood or urine tests because
there is some bad bacteria which originaly living at intestine from childhood and it necessary for life of human BUT due to wrong life style at western countries some of them change to pathogens and when found in stool the pathologist said it normal (flora) and not pathogens
such as Blastocystis.hominis and D.fragilis but now scientitsts realized
that is pathogens and so on. each day there are new pathogens created
inside our intestine but reseachers standing at defence position while
the pathogens standing at attake position. there are too much speach about these matter but unfotunatly my language is poor. Now to solve
all or most digestive disorders that doctor not found the causes as for most patients diseases ,the solution is Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
(FMT). that change all intestine flora (bad and good) by new flora from
faeces of healthy donor. This new treatments for undiagnosed digestive
tract problems.
frustrated61 nori641
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Just to let you know, I've been on DE for 10 days now and have remarkable, positive outcome from this. It doesn't have any...ANY...additives it's all pure and simple. It won't make you do anything but rid your body of what it's trying to rid itself of. For me, it's also given me some hope...I've been struggling over 8 yrs with these symptoms...I've had all the tests you've had; some two or three times. I've had my gallbladder removed, half of my thyroid (which is one organ you don't want to lose!!!) I just decided after coming here that I have to take care of myself and stop getting tests etc....and DE is sure good with fruit punch. Maybe you might want to look into this as it just may help you. Good luck on your journey. Let us know how you're doing
frustrated
nori641 frank47
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found due to change the life style of humen specially at western countries
like Crohns,Colitis ....etc The main reason of these disease is changing natural
food to junk food(prosses,cans,take away,) which contain chemical posion but
people not get disease till after 10-30 years .Junk food the resposibilty of govenments and people. More than half items at big markets are junks food
frustrated61 nori641
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it is true that parasites can cause autoimmune diseases....some parasites purposly shut down the immune system then reak havoc on the body. In a perfect world w/o parasites, an autoimmune disease would be dictated by life style...ie: not the right amount of sleep, if one has a lot of medical issues and/or operations in a short period of time etc...your body can only handle so much and when it's totally run down...it's a perfect setting for parasites.
Kerrybb7 frank47
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I recently had a parasite (Giardia). I had eaten take out food from a well know greek restaurant and the chicken was raw. I woke up in the middle of the night to excruciating abdominal pains worse than any I've ever had before. Lots of gas and then foul smelling diarrhea. I was finally able to go back to bed and fall asleep only to be woken at 6am with the same symptoms. At this point my bowels emptied out and then I started passing blood. This continued throughout the day where I felt the urgency to run to the bathroom but all that I would pass was blood. I know it wasn't hemorrhoids as I've had them before. It was a small amount each time but looked like more when in the water. Needless to say this concerned me. I called my GI doctor who had me come in for blood work and stool samples. I was diagnosed with Giardia and C. Diff. The doctor believes the C. Diff is from antibiotic use. It is possible but after much research I found it can also be ingested. Bottom line is I'll never know. The C. Diff is actually worse than the parasite and can be very difficult to get under control. It can also come back if antibiotics are taken again making it harder to recover with treatment also causing other health issues. Both conditions require the same treatment. I was given Flagyl for 10 days. I did test negative for both after treatment but have had lots of trouble with pain in my intestines and a lot of acid indigestion/reflux. I was told to stay on a low fiber diet avoiding all wheat, grains, produce, etc., I am a strong believer in a high fiber diet with power foods so mentally this was proving difficult for me. Especially worrying that I would end up with a yeast infection as white carbs and sugar contribute to candida. Every time I tried to add fiber I would end up with mild stomach cramping and rushing to the bathroom with diarrhea. So now I knew I had to heal my gut which led me to further researching.
I try as much as possible leaning toward a more holistic approach at least for prevention. Now that I'm concerned about about antibiotic use, I feel it's even more important. A few times I came across people mentioning the GAPS diet which is definitely doable but a little too involved for me personally as my issue isn't as severe as others so I don't feel it necessary but it may be helpful to others. The website does say you should stay true to the diet for 2 years. I did incorporate a few things like organic homemade chicken broth/soup and a few other foods from the website that actually soothed my stomach. For anyone who is interested this is the website _____
I have been clear of parasites and the bacterial infection for aproximately 3 weeks now although still having food sensativities and soft stools, I continued to research. I came across food grade Diatomaceous Earth. This stuff is AMAZING! It can rid you of parasites and many other health ailments. I am including the link and also a link for Salica which explains it as it is one of the main ingredients of the Diatomaceous Earth. There are a tremendous amount of benefits that come from taking it. From the website it explains how it moves through the stomach and digestive tract, absorbing fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides, drug residues, E.coli, and heavy metals that are trapped inside the diatomaceous earth and passed out of the body. Also any larger parasites that happen to be in the stomach or digestive tract are killed. I read most of the posts on this forum but didn't see anything referencing these things. This is the website and I recommend reading through the entire website including the testimonials. _____
I also do Oil pulling with organic extra virgin cocnut oil. I take 1/2- 1 tbsp of coconut oil and swish around my mouth and between teeth for 20 minutes in the morning before brushing my teeth. Spit into trash or toilet because it pulls lots of bacteria out of you teeth and gums and you dont want that in your sink. You need 20 minutes for the oil to break through the plaque but not more than 20 minutes because you dont want the bacteria to reabsorb back into your system. More info on the website _____. You can type oil pulling into your search engine and there a number of different websites giving pretty much the same info. I started that because I am going through some dental work that was put on hold due to the parasite and C. Diff. I was having a bad taste where the tooth in question was. After a few days of the oil pulling, the taste went away and my acid reflux also subsided. May be coincidence but it can't hurt and I really feel it has helped.
I am not a doctor or claim to know that any of these things will actually help you. I have no affiliation with any of the companies or people associated with these websites or prevention/remedies. I just feel its an injustice that we are not made aware of natural substances such as the food grade Diatomaceous Earth. I guess it come down to the mighty dollar as usual. I wanted to share my findings since there are so many people out there that feel they are at a dead end. And if there is something that can not bring any harm to you why not give it a try if there is a possibility of relief from your symtoms and possibly ridding you of them for good. I ordered two 50lb bags of the food grade Diatomaceous Earth. It was delivered yesterday. Not only do I plan on using it myself but will give it to my 2 dogs, use it on my vegetable garden, put it in my egg laying chickens feed and into the soil where they take their dust bath to cool off in the heat as it will dry out and kill any pests or parasites that can harm them or us for that matter.
I really hope this helps some if not all of you or anyone else that comes across this post.
Patient Moderator Note: I have removed multiple URLs (links) from this reply as they were unsuitable for inclusion within these forums. If any user is interested in this removed information they should contact the author via the Private Messaging system requesting such. Thank you for your cooperation.
frustrated61 Kerrybb7
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I just wanted to pass along what I've read up on C-diff...pretty much what you wrote and then some...I too caught C-diff when I was in the hospital for something unrelated to C-diff here's what I found:
CausesBy Mayo Clinic Staff
"C. difficile bacteria are found throughout the environment — in soil, air, water, human and animal feces, and food products, such as processed meats. A small number of healthy people naturally carry the bacteria in their large intestine and don't have ill effects from the infection.
C. difficile infection is most commonly associated with health care, occurring in hospitals and other health care facilities where a much higher percentage of people carry the bacteria. However, studies show increasing rates of community-associated C. difficile infection, which occurs among populations traditionally not considered high risk, such as children and people without a history of antibiotic use or recent hospitalization.
C. difficile bacteria are passed in feces and spread to food, surfaces and objects when people who are infected don't wash their hands thoroughly. The bacteria produce spores that can persist in a room for weeks or months. If you touch a surface contaminated with C. difficile, you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria.
Your intestines contain millions of bacteria, many of which help protect your body from infection. But when you take an antibiotic to treat an infection, the drug can destroy some of the normal, helpful bacteria as well as the bacteria causing the illness. Without enough healthy bacteria, C. difficile can quickly grow out of control. The antibiotics that most often lead to C. difficile infections include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, clindamycin and penicillins.
Once established, C. difficile can produce toxins that attack the lining of the intestine. The toxins destroy cells and produce patches (plaques) of inflammatory cells and decaying cellular debris inside the colon and cause watery diarrhea.
Emergence of a new strain
An aggressive strain of C. difficile has emerged that produces far more toxins than other strains do. The new strain may be more resistant to certain medications and has shown up in people who haven't been in the hospital or taken antibiotics. This strain of C. difficile has caused several outbreaks of illness since 2000"
Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic Staff
"Some people carry the bacterium C. difficile in their intestines but never become sick, though they can still spread the infection. C. difficile illness usually develops during or within a few months after a course of antibiotics.
Mild to moderate infection
The most common symptoms of mild to moderate C. difficile infection are:
Watery diarrhea three or more times a day for two or more days
Mild abdominal cramping and tenderness
Severe infection:
In severe cases, people tend to become dehydrated and may need hospitalization. C. difficile causes the colon to become inflamed (colitis) and sometimes may form patches of raw tissue that can bleed or produce pus (pseudomembranous colitis).
Signs and symptoms of severe infection include:
Watery diarrhea 10 to 15 times a day
Abdominal cramping and pain, which may be severe
Fever
Blood or pus in the stool
Nausea
Dehydration
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Swollen abdomen
Kidney failure
Increased white blood cell count
When to see a doctor
Some people have loose stools during or shortly after antibiotic therapy. This may be due to C. difficile infection. See your doctor if you have three or more watery stools a day and symptoms lasting more than two days or if you have a new fever, severe abdominal pain or cramping, or blood in your stool."
I thought this might also add to what you've put in, Kerry. The different levels of symptoms and when you should see the doctor. Like I said, I had C-diff from a stay in the hospital. My immune system is very low, if any. I have two auto-immune diseases: Sjogrens and Sarcoidosis...both of these really suck...it changed who I am in many, many ways. Anyway, thank you again, Kerrybb7.
Frustrated61
Kerrybb7 frustrated61
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frustrated61 Kerrybb7
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SarahH1982 frustrated61
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Quick question.... Not only did i recently find out that H pylori is not extracted and the treatment did not work nor can I do the treatment again do to the kidney damage I now have because of it! Then finding out that I had dwarf tape worms and liver flukes to boot!!! YES I FEEL GROSS!!! Now toxoplasmosis (latent) gondii has now been found in my brain and pancreaous ..... I have two african plague's, Im still not able to eat, I now weigh 103 pds, and the Center of Infectious Diease's have now stepped in to try and figure out what can be done before the "parasites" kill the host... I live in South Dakota and well lets just say these doctors should try Google!! my children are sick too.... Im just aloss for words... could use some help ... only 70 people in the USA have been documented for the toxoplasmosis (latent) gondii... any ideas???
Just simply Lost, Sarah
Kerrybb7 frustrated61
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SarahH1982 Kerrybb7
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The thing is CDC is concerned for the biggest part that in the US Im pretty much the only one noted for having Helicobactor pylori, Toxoplasmosis gondii (latent) and I have NO immune system at all (No i do not have HIV nor do I have HEP C) with kidney damage.... I can not take anything herbal in pill, drink or eat form! ( oh how i wish I could) Its causes me to hemorage from my rectum.... and also with the cysts ( the sacks the toxoplamosis babies are in) in my brain if they rupture do to flushing my system it would cause death plus no anti botic nor herb is strong enuf to reach the brain unless by IV or by invasive procedures.... plus at this time i can barley hold anything down.... Not trying to make an excuse I promise you.... the two combined ive found a WHOLE LOT OF NOTHING....It's hard to believe Im 32 and after all the years ive been sick they just now found what was actually wrong.....
frustrated61 Kerrybb7
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Thank you for responding and I appreciate all the support I can get. I'm in the process of moving to a whole new doctor's office. What I am afraid of is the PA is going to find out where I'm going and she'll call ahead and "sound" so convincing. ugh! What I think I'll do is put in the agreement to get my records that no one is to speak with this PA. It's my choice, right? When I came down with sarcoidosis, she said "see, I knew you had this"...I'm like...what? you never mentioned this and furthermore, you were going to send me home treating me with "anxiety". sheesh! After all my records are transferred, I think I will report her (good idea, thank you) I do have a feeling she's been reported already as my daughter is a nurse and she was with a women age 54 with three kids and a husband...this lady went in for chest pains and again "it's all anxiety" go home and relax...well the next day the pains were worse so she went to the ER and she ended up dying from a severe heartattack...so, my daughter has been begging me to leave this PA as she does not have much respect in their ER. Boy, oh boy would I love to find someone to help me write a book...re: Medical faux pas. It still might happen
as I'm not dead yet! so with that said, I have my own forum/discussion started...it's Are you suffering from parasites and the doctors say NOPE you don't have them...and on it goes but now I can't think of the rest but the first part of the discussion headline will take you there. I'd love you to add to this discussion as we seem to have more in common than many. Take Care.
frustrated...soon be estactic!
frustrated61 SarahH1982
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SarahH1982 frustrated61
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frustrated61 SarahH1982
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frustrated61 Kerrybb7
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"Do you think you may have parasites and the doctors all say NOPE you don't".
See you there
hypothetically speaking
frustrated61 SarahH1982
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frustrated61 SarahH1982
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frustrated61 Kerrybb7
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I'm just writing a short note...the DE is helping! It has lessened the symptoms of the parasites and also, I have severe pain from two auto accidents and it has helped with some of this pain...Anyway, how are things going for you?
frustrated
dori08322 Kerrybb7
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marygumbo SarahH1982
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marygumbo SarahH1982
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