Stool analysis

[BigBillG]

Has anyone ever had or requested a stool analysis? If so what was your experience? I have read that they can detect a lot from doing one and I was thinking of requesting one from my Dr just to try to get to the bottom (no pun intended) of my issues.

[Linley]

Yes I have had them my Doc was very thorough-I had 3 stool tests-

checking for levels of digestive enzymes, gut bacteria, oh heck I have forgotten the 3rd sorry. Anyway the results can tell the Doc a lot about your gut and rule out other probs

[Hidden]

Yes I have had several now. However not from my GP as NHS tests are limited to testing fecal elastase ( to check your pancreas is producing enough digestive enzymes) and to check for the worst of parasitic infections such as C. difficile. The NHS dies not provide a test for gut flora as they do not believe there is sufficient medical evidence to support any findings they could make. More research is needed. However, I have had several comprehensive digestive still analyses from a clinic in London( I live in Scotland but you can do it through the post!). The tests are very accurate and one from accredited labs. I have found I have several overgrown parasites and a fungal infection and am taking anti microbial to get rid of them.

[auntyjean]

Yes I have recently had one and found I have virtually no friendly bacteria and large amounts of 2 parasites. This test is not available on the NHS so I went private. Worth it though to know what is wrong.

[BigBillG]

Sorry but what exactly is NHS?

[dipsy14]

National health service ... I gather from your question that you are not located in the uk? Very interested in the testing though.

[BigBillG in reply to dipsy14]

No, in the U.S. Saw it mentioned a couple of times and was like what is that, lol. Learn something new everyday.

[dipsy14 in reply to BigBillG]

Thank you, im going to look it up here. I think this may be a route for me to go down as ive suspected for a long time I have issues that need investigating but our health service doesn't support it. Good luck with yours.