Symptoms fit giardia

[shebacrisp]

My sister and I went to Namibia in May 2008 and I was diagnosed with giardiasis after severe diarrhoea. It was treated and cleared up.  My sister has been ill since then with symptoms which do fit exactly with a giardia infection .  Her stool samples have come back negative for giardiasis but she has lost over 30 pounds in weight, has green mucus stool, has abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting and when she eats, nothing is digested.  It comes through in her stool.  She has had an endoscopy, blood tests, urine tests and stool tests.  Nothing is showing up as the cause of her illness.  She is having a coloscopy within the next few weeks.

Given the history of our African trip and my diagnosis, isn't it worth the doctor trying the treatment for giardiasis?  I understand that it can remain undiagnosed for years. This is affecting every part of her life and I am very worried about her.

Can you suggest anything please?

Thank you.

[Erinismee]

I've had these nasty burps on and off now for months... they are aweful!  I have a hyatel hernia in my esophagus, this happened when I was pregnant with my first son, he'll be 6.  Every time I eat now, my food gets stuck.  It won't go down, and usually I have to run and puke it up.  I have to force it up.  And I dare not drink something while I'm in this situation, it makes things 10 times worse.  Here recently this has gotten worse and worse.  I now actually puke when it happens.  Not just what is stuck, but everything in my stomach comes up.  And I have horrible gas pain, and this nasty burp!!!  A doctor mentioned that maybe food is not going down past my ring under my hernia, therefore, there is food from days ago still in my esophagus.  Possible I guess.  Sounds disgusting!  Well, if anyone has anything to say feel free!!!

Mandy

[boron]

Well then, order another test. Tests for parasites are often false negative.

[shebacrisp]

Thank you for your reply Boron :)

She is still undergoing tests but none of the doctors will try any treatment for giardiasis as they say there is no evidence of it in her samples.  I wish they would just try it but you can't tell doctors what and what not to do :(

Meanwhile we just have to wait .....

[boron]

Well, she should get tested again, or treatment for giardiasis started.