Stool test

[Jem7]

Hi I wanted to ask if anyone has experience of benefits of getting a stool test. It is the one thing I never got offered when I was first told I had IBS nearly 20 years ago and I did ask my last doctor a few years ago and he just kind of dismissed it as a waste of time . Is it that the NHS dont really do all the necessary tests? Is it worthwhile spending yet more money that i really cant afford on private testing . My bms are small frequent and soft usually and sometimes putrid plagues with horrible relentless flatulence. I was thinking some sort of bacteria imbalance could be determined or malabsorption by getting that and I have different doctor now so wondering if worthwhile asking again before thinking of treating myself for the sibo with low food map diet etc Thanks.

[Linley]

Yes, my GP is very thorough, I had 3 stool tests, bacteria in the gut,lactose intolerance, pancreatic enzymes. 2 came back normal one had to be re tested

[Jem7 in reply to Linley]

Really that's interesting after that gp saying no point. Are u in UK England or Scotland or elsewhere though it should be same rules throughout UK. Were you able to get treatment from those results or just changed ur diet thanks

[Linley in reply to Jem7]

England-I am very fortunate Jem7 to have a doctor who listens and tries to be thorough. The one test that was not normal -pancreatic enzymes a retest was done a couple of months later and came back normal therefore no treatment necessary

[auntyjean]

NHS do not do comprehensive stool test. I paid for one and found I have large infestations of 2 parasites and virtually no good gut bacteria.

[Jem7 in reply to auntyjean]

Hi thanks for this info

Were you able to get some kind of treatment and overall diagnosis or just mixture of those things to help you from these results? And do you mind me asking where u got it done was it expensive many thanks

[auntyjean in reply to Jem7]

I consulted Kate Arnold and she arranged the stool test with Geneva Diagnostics. I followed Kate's advice for high dose probiotics and tried to gradually get back to a good diet. I also decided to try Chinese medicine to fight the parasites. I did get a lot better for a while then worse again so took another stool test and it showed the parasites had increased so I was advised to try metronidazole antibiotics. I have had two courses from my GP but they didn't work so I now have an appointment with the hospital for tropical diseases part of University College Hospital. Geneva Diagnostics have a form on the web page to find a consultant near you. Kate is not near me but she does Skype consultations. The actual test is about £190.

[Jem7 in reply to auntyjean]

Hi thanks. That sounds a nightmare . Hope you get sorted out . I'm not sure whether to go down that road the. All these things are so expensive. I've already spent a fortune on high dose probiotics that haven't helped and other supplements alternative health specialists etc. Thanks for info

[auntyjean in reply to Jem7]

I have spent a lot but I didn't get into debt and at least I know now what's wrong with me and hopefully the hospital will sort me out. I hope you get better.

[anetap4545 in reply to auntyjean]

How did you heal

[auntyjean in reply to anetap4545]

The test showed I had two parasites and no good gut bacteria. I tried two courses of the anti biotics recommended and very high probiotics. They didn't work so I got my Dr to refer me to the hospital for tropical diseases. The Dr there didn't think those parasites were causing my problems but a blood test showed high levels of a white blood cell which did indicate a serious parasite. This didn't show in the stool test but I was given a 3 day course of meds and since then I've been pain free, stopped being sick can eat anything and putting back weight after losing 2 stone. I hope u get better soon.

[anetap4545 in reply to auntyjean]

Outs the itching that won't stop its relentless

[auntyjean in reply to anetap4545]

I didn't have itching but that is a sign of parasites.