Suspected Chronic Giardiasis Infection

Posted , 4 users are following.

Long story short, I became ill with diarrhea for several weeks after visiting Egypt. Ever since I have had chronic fatigue, bloated gut and a soreness beneath the right side of my ribcage.

I have gone to my GP and asked to be tested for giardiasis. She wasnt keen but said she would do an O&P test  as it would relieve my stress/anxiety over the issue. She has given me 3 stool tests but they say routine C&S, not O&P. So I dont think Giardiasis (a parasite) is going to befound or even looked for. I think the doctor has fobbed me off with a cheaper test to get me out the door. This is the UK NHS btw. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Have I been decieved or is the C&S stool test the right way to go about it?

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Phillippa61759 ur comment was deleted by a moderator incase u dont know?

     

  • Posted

    Try taking Pepto Bismol.This easy OTC med clears giardiasis. Easy and cheap.
    • Posted

      The treatments seems to be metronidazole according to most sites. From what Ive read pepto bismol is good for relieving the diarrhea symptoms.
  • Posted

    Well, the C&S is more indicated in your case, but both would have been good.

    An O&P can overlook a lot, especially since no one knows if not bacteria cause your symptoms.

    In C&S is not only a culture done, usually also a PCR for presence of most common pathogens (incl giardia) run.

    Have a look when you get your results back, if a PCR panel was run.

    If any pathogen grew in the culture, it is good to know asap which antibiotic would work (S=sensitivity).

    Best of luck!

    I had very severe giardia symptoms, green water stools, coffee blood vomiting, dehydration and even listening was exhausting, and metronidazole (even at first making sicker) a blessing. Giardia came back though (could identify the smell instantly, very distinct) and a longer dose killed it finally.

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