Reliable?

[ss017]

How reliable/accurate are stool tests for detecting parasites? Is it possible to still have them but have your test come back negative?

[Grateful71]

I've only had to have this test once as I'd been abroad but my GP assured me that the results were accurate and I was sent for other tests, process of elimination rather than diagnosis initially. Can you ask for further tests ? Best of luck

[ss017 in reply to Grateful71]

What types of further tests?

[Grateful71 in reply to ss017]

I ended up having the breath test for helicobacter, quick test that can done at GP surgery. This bacteria infection can have symptoms like severe heart burn, upset tummy but easily treated with an antibiotic. I then ended up having a CT scan of my lower intestinal tract which showed areas of diverticular and symptoms of IBS. I'm still trying to find the balance of foods to settle my digestive system! My symptoms are worse when I'm stressed or run down. It sounds as though there are still things going on for you so it might be worth seeking further medical advice? Good luck 💛

[tiredmum]

My son travelled in India and picked up two parasites. When the doctors tested him they only found cryptosporidium. He was still poorly a week later when they retested and found gardia. They gave him antibiotics finally but the damage was done unfortunately.

Insist on being retested if you are showing no signs of improvement.

[auntyjean]

I couldn't get tested on NHS so went private. Results were virtually no good gut bacteria and lots of two parasites. High probiotics and two courses of metronizadole didn't help so I went to the hospital for tropical diseases. They didn't think these parasites would cause my symptoms but blood tests showed mild eosinophilia which indicates a parasite from Africa which I had visited some years ago. It wasn't showing up in the stool. I was given a course of drugs to combat it and have been a lot better. Personally I don't think they always show up in the stool or that we know enough about good and bad stuff in the gut. Hope you get answers to your problems.

[Cramped_up]

I have been sick over 3 years sinc3e visiting Indonesia. I've been to 13 + doctors and thought it was blood cancer. Had increased kappa-lamda light chains. So, had bone marrow. Turned out to be hypereosinophilia of unknown origin. I had all the signs of Parasites, but was told no, not that and brushed off. Many doctors dropped the ball. I found one who listened and though my initial test was negative have me medication to treat primary one suspected. I can't recall name starts with Prax. I would go many days without going to the bathroom even when taking meds to help me go. My first BM after the med. Had visible parasites. I took photos and told my doctor. 11 days passed before I went again and this time collected samples and took photos. I have at least 4 or more kind. The doctor has to know to treat it effectively. I'd had upper and lower scope too and told I had a lot of mucus and he couldn't get all the way through the small intestine, but some of these worms are translucent. One kind I have is the sushi parasite and it looks like the texture of a jelly fish. Often IBS can be more insidious. Don't give up on getting the answers.