Posted 4/15/2015 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All,
Wanted to share my experience with you all on my situation. Have had lots of flatulence issues since 2012 (coming back from India trip). At first, noticed it happens a lot in the evenings. Went to PCP complaining of the issues and he put me on the standard routine to make a food log, understand what is causing gas, take ACV, gasx etc etc... in addition he started me on Thyroid medication for TSH was coming high. PCP didn't do much except to keep writing IBS as diagnosis every 3 or 4 months that I visit him to check my thyroid numbers (besides increasing his charges every time I discuss gas issues). It took a doc in my family to get OVA / Parasite blood work done (at Quest).. unfortunately it came negative.
Almost after 2 years, got really fed up with controlling myself after every bite / meal ( had to take out gas otherwise will have rumblings in tummy) and contacted a GI specialist who ordered PCR (or PCB) based stool testing and Hydrogen Breath test (useless really for all it detects is the amount of gas which I know I have). The PCR based stool test detected Giardia. Finally, got some medication - Nitazoxanide for 3 days. Doc also started me on VSL#3. Flatulence reduced a bit, got tummy aches while taking the med but gas issues returned once the med was stopped. Redid the stool test and Giardia was detected again. This time GI started me on Flagyl for 2 weeks. Luckily didnt have any side effect from Flagyl that most people experience. Flatulence stopped completely while on medication. I had forgotten about life without gas episodes. such a relief. To my bad luck, ever since I stopped flagyl, gas has returned !! less frequency but I can feel it has come back and am back to my old ways of taking it out / toilet visits after every meal to avoid rumblings.
Question is do we have anyone that has gotten rid of Giardia completely? on a precautionary side, I took Wormwood with black walnut and take Triphala each night but seems it has no effect. I continue on VSL#3. Was feeling great when on Flagyl... anyone with similar experience... how long it takes to get rid of Giardia.
Hope it was not too long a read.. appreciate your suggestions.