Genova GI Effects Stool Test

[Wired123]

Hi all

My Endo sent me to a private dietitian who is trained in functional medicine as well.

She’s recommended the Genova stool tests to help get to the bottom of some symptoms I have (food craving, constipation, wind).

gdx.net/product/gi-effects-...

Has anyone had one of these tests and sees them as valuable? It’s £360 for the test plus another appointment with the dietitian which is another £200.

Also if anyone knows how to get the medical insurance to pay for this, that would also be useful.

Thanks in advance

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Cheaper option……

Have you tried strictly gluten free diet yet

See in previous post you are negative for coeliac

But only 5% Hashimoto’s patients are coeliac, a further 80% find strictly gluten free diet helps or is essential

The only way to know if that includes you is to try it …..3-6 months minimum

Similarly almost as high percentage Hashimoto’s patients are dairy or lactose intolerant

Have you had lactose intolerance test on NHS

Other common reactors are nightshade family - tomatoes, aubergine, potatoes

[Localhero]

I’ve done a variety of these kind of tests. I find that so much comes down to the skill of the people interpreting it (nutritionist, FM person, whatever). I used Healthpath last year and found them great at cutting through the crap (no pun intended!) and pinpointing the issues but that was one of four such tests over the years where I spent a lot of money but was no further forward.

[radd]

Wired123,

This test is really comprehensive and with all its different markers can indicate whether IgE mediated inflammation is resulting from allergies, colitis, parasite/worms, etc. It can identify infections and even the use of NSAIDS, also measures levels of beneficial & unhealthy flora.

Be aware certain results may require further investigations and most results will need some form of treatment, ie diet changes & supplements such as probiotics, digestive enzmes/ox bile, glutamine, etc.

I had this exact test after years of gut issues that the NHS failed to diagnose. Because of the tests comprehensivity it picked up parasites that multiple NHS stool tests had failed to discover. I had to supplement tannins, berberine, etc to eradicate the little buggers and then perform a similar test 4 months later which thankfully was clear.

All in all it is terribly expensive but how else can we discover these things when the NHS's remedies are to either churn out a PPI or offers an endoscopy. Thankfully I had refused both before my Genova test, and neither could have afforded the correct diagnosis.

[Wired123 in reply to radd]

That’s great you had a positive experience. Looks like an investment of £2k all in if we need to repeat the tests and take supps.

Really hoping I can get the insurance to cover it

[Wired123 in reply to radd]

did you explore these tests via a Gastroenterologist? Would be interested to see what they make of these.

[radd in reply to Wired123]

Wired123,

No, same as you. A private endo sent me to a nutritionist who was experienced in Hashi as had it herself, and had been a previous patient of the endo.

[Wired123 in reply to radd]

Could you PM me the nutritionist’s details as worth knowing. My mum has Hashi’s so she could try your nutritionist. Mine is expensive but at least insurance covers it

[Serendipitious in reply to Wired123]

Dieticians are covered by many insurance policies but nutritionists aren’t.

[Serendipitious in reply to radd]

radd ,

Could I also please have details of your NT? Sent you a PM but not sure you would respond as per your profile message.

I’ve had one done with another provider but keen to do another one. That was the GI MAP.

Thanks

[MtnClimber]

Hi there! I work at a doctor's office in the state of illinois, here in the United states. We use this lab and this test at our office. It is legitimate. I'm not a doctor, so I can't go into all the details of what all it measures, but I know we use it. The doctor I work for is also my GP. He's an amazing integrative doctor who also practices functional medicine. He's a doctor of osteopathy and was able to work alongside of an older man with 40 years of experience for 8 years when he first started out. He has excellent instincts and I trust him immensely. He's helped me so much! So, for what it's worth, that's what I know!