Has anyone had a parasite?

My BMs have been relatively normal, but yesterday I noticed that I had a little difficulty evacuating (which hasn't been a problem for a few months now) and felt abnormally lethargic with a new stomach cramping sensation.

Today when I passed a BM, I noticed a long, clear, spaghetti-like substance in the stool. I have no idea what a tapeworm or anything like that would look like but it obviously caused some concern.

As background, I spent the last 4-5 days sleeping at a friend's place out of town. He is one of the least hygienic people I know and it would not surprise me if the sheets/towels/etc he provided were not cleaned properly (or at all). I also ate fast food for the first time in months (if not years) while staying with him. Those are the only potential recent causes that I can possibly think of.

Anyone have any thoughts, ideas or experiences they can relay? Or warning signs that I should be on the lookout for, perhaps?

quincy said...
I would initially think the long clear supstance in the stool would be mucous.

I hope that's what it was. it would make more sense, really.


Are you using probiotics?

yes, I take Culturelle once a day. have been doing so for well over a year. why is that relevant (serious question)?


What meds ar you on?

Asacol HD for UC and Librax/Omeprazole for GERD


If you think you have a parasite, stool samples should be done.

q

I agree. I wanted to learn more by asking questions here to see if I'm paranoid or overreacting. I've been super cautious about my health since my last flare-up.

I don't take fiber supplements anymore. I used to, but they tend to make me overly gassy and bloated. I do make sure to eat green vegetables or at the very least foods with high fiber content (like quinoa, beans) every day.

I think I remember talking about rectal meds with you here in the past. I don't have it in me to take them, and my symptoms are (thankfully) under control for the most part. If I was having serious problems that couldn't be treated with oral medication I would absolutely reconsider.

The only things that made me think today's surprise was a parasite was my abnormal lethargy yesterday and some eye pain that I experienced over the weekend. I saw that those are occasional symptoms of roundworms and wanted to see if anyone else had any experience with such a thing.

I used to take Metamucil's Clear & Natural, as recommended by my GI. After a few years of that, I moved to Bene-Fiber. Both worked well.

When I started flaring again (summer of 2010) I was told to stop taking them for the time being. I made strict dietary changes which I still abide by and haven't felt a need to get back on the supplements. I feel like I fully evacuate regularly now, and the foods I eat provide a good dose of fiber already.

I understand what you're saying re: suppositories/rectal meds and can see myself coming around on them one day. As long as I'm feeling healthy (relatively speaking), though, I'll probably stay away for now.

Thanks for your help about the mucous. I'll obviously monitor this closely and get in touch with a physician if need be.