Catalogue of horrors

[LadyinRed47]

I reported worm infestation on 1 June and supplied photographic evidence. My surgery suggested I buy medicine for threadworm although agreeing from the photos it wasn’t threadworm. I had 3 months of shedding. I saw and photographed multiple evidence of the infestation in all its stages. My cat started shedding the same time as me and was quickly treated with various meds and I have extra meds for her to keep it under control.

It has been absolutely awful. 3 months of lesions on face and body. Need to use loo in long and painful sessions 8 times a day day and night resulting in my getting about 3 hrs sleep for 3 months. Lost 20 lb in weight in first 8 weeks. Virtually no help from GPS. Escalated up to head of practise. Had 3 poo tests done via GP. First sa looked like Spaghetti- absolutely full of dead worms and other stages of the bug. To my amazement every sample came back negative. I had taken dry samples gathered from my bed and a sputum sample to surgery when I was granted a face to face meeting - gp didn’t even glance at these - they only examine poo at local

Hospital! Got my kids involved as not being taken seriously. Drs convinced my kids I was delusional. My husband confirmed that he had witnessed all the stuff being shed in my bed, on my body etc. I paid hundreds of pounds for private poo test to supply evidence. I used a magnifying glass and made certain each of the four lab samples I submitted contained evidence. To my horror private test also had negative result just a yeast overload was reported. Had a video Appointment and phone call with tropical medicines branch at Southmead Hosp Bristol. They said in so many words all the samples were negative so they are still all convinced I am delusional. As I have now finished shedding They have reluctantly agreed to send me a kit so I can send any examples from my body to Trop Med Hosp in London. The shedding stopped after 3 months when the weather cooled down. I put 14 lbs if weight back on in 2 weeks and sadly my weight is now back to were I started. Guess it was dehydration - drs took no notice of weight loss, change in body shape etc. I still have lesions on face and which contain embrionic material but they are not interested. My husband and I have identified the infestation as the Asian version of the kissing bug All the stages of its development match the photos I took. I even saw one beetle which had managed to hatch out! All this has virtually destroyed my marriage (been on short fuse for months) I’m disgusted with daughter overseas who is now convinced i have mental health problems. I need an operation for bowel repair which was in hold because of this. It’s a private op (only way to have things done in UK without waiting years) so I guess I’ll go ahead with op now and ask surgeon to save any evidence he comes across)

Any idea what I can do now apart from

Jumping off Bristol Suspension Bridge! (Joke I can’t stand heights!)

I have no faith at all in my GP practice. I wish to change surgery but don't think that’s easy. Do i take all this to British Medical Council? What the devil do I do now!

[Viklou]

Wow you sound like you've been through the mill a bit. I would definitely take it further and certainly keep an eye on things in case it comes back. Where do you think it came from

[LadyinRed47 in reply to Viklou]

I now believe I caught it from my father either when I was very young or maybe I’ve had it from birth. I think he may well have picked it up overseas as a soldier during WW II. Looking back there were pointers all my life but when you grow up with these events you believe they are normal. It was the extremely hot weather this year I believe that triggered something and caused it to shed and march around so extensively this year rather than ticking away within. I have also travelled extensively ( but not to Asia) Mexico, Sri Lanka, Australia, Caribbean Cruises and holiday, USA and all over Europe.

[RONNY331]

Hi sorry that you've been through it I have my suspicion about a previous or current worm burden of my own.

When you say all tests were negative, do you know exactly what they tested for and whether this covered all parasitic organisms?

If told they just look for anything abnormal I'm not sure I'd be happy with that.

If you.seen worms then they're there it's harsh to then make out you've gone mad, though I'm pushing medical professionals too and they keep gently mentioning hobbies, mindfulness and amitriptyline.

All suggesting they think my problems are psychological.

[LadyinRed47 in reply to RONNY331]

No I don’t think they tested for the right parasite. Thdybshoukd be doing blood and sputum tests too

[LadyinRed47 in reply to RONNY331]

Yes indeed. It used to be if the medics didn’t know what what was wrong they said it was a virus. Now they say the patient is delusional, hypochondriac or had mental health problems!

[Quiet2020 in reply to LadyinRed47]

I know how you feel. I have had issues for 6 months and yet to see a Doctor. Last week I read an article about leaky gut. It advised to use Apple Cider Vinegar to cleanse the gut. I would try anything to get these digestive issues settled, so I tried this remedy. I have cut out gluten and dairy, eat well but have lost over a stone. Well lo and behold I have had an infestation of worms. I have taken the medication but called the Doctor and they were clueless and astounded how I discovered this. I am going to see a Gastro in a few weeks. Hopefully, things will start to settle now but honestly I am totally disgusted with GP's. Hope you get sorted.

[Palmoilmad123]

It is known that Doctors in Bristol are rubbish over the years here's what Doctors here have said to us My husband wanted a helicobactor test the Doctor said it was witchcraft! The specialist we wanted to pay to do it was stunned My husband DID have Helicobactor. Another Doctor said my husband was a hypochondriac when in fact he had an underactive Thyroid and because it was undiagnosed for so long he has complications. I was told I could not be going through the change as it doesn't start until you are 52 I changed Doctors and yes I was going through an early change. Just a few of the things that Bristol Doctors have done

My sympathy to you what a terrible thing to be going through So take it further Have you tried getting a bit of legal advice? Sometimes your phone insurance can get you some for free but make sure it's someone who specialise in Medical issues. Take care