Hello,
I was having chronic stomach problems back in September ....after several weeks it was discovered I had a parasite. I took Flagyl twice a day for ten days and felt so much better. I read that even after the parasite is killed, GI issues can linger. I am feeling better...have put back on most of the weight I had lost, have an appetite, no more diahrrhea, etc. However, the one symptom that seems lingering is some mild cramping and terrible smelly gas that can clear a room, and I am still grinding my teeth, though not as much (one of the classic symptoms). I am taking a probiotic twice a day...not sure if that is helping or not. I did read that after a parasite, some people are more prone to lactose intolerance. I don't consume too much dairy...maybe a little yogurt or cheese, but not on a daily basis. I also heard that sometimes Giardia returns...that the antibiotic works 80% of the time but that sometimes people need a second round. I sent in a second stool sample right when the antibiotic finished and it was negative but I wonder if I should send in another one, now that it has been several weeks. During the time when I did not know what it was, my anxiety levels were really high as I contemplated all sorts of horrible things. Because I still don't have a perfect GI track, I am finding myself back to feeling just a wee bit anxious.
So, anyone out there have any experience with returning Giardia?
I had to take Flagyl last November for diverticulitis. At my follow up my doctor warned that because it pretty much strips out all intestinal bacteria, good and bad, I can have all the symptoms of IBS for up to six months.
I just went nuts with the yogurt to get my good bacteria colonies back. It was at least four months before I felt normal.
Anxiety can also cause stomach issues.
If it makes you feel better, talk to your doctor about submitting another stool sample.
As far as the dairy, there can be a lot of hidden dairy in products, so you might still be irritating your gut with other sources of dairy or lactose.
I find in these cases, it's more often a paranoid reaction that you have it again. I would find ways to relax and de-stress. Maybe anxiety medication or an alternative to help curb those symptoms.
I also find that Apple cider vinegar helps alleviate intestinal discomfort. Maybe try a daily regime of it and see if that helps. Garlic has always been good for these types of infections or intestinal disorders.
