Preparing to Order Enterolab

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 3:29 pm

I have been researching on what tests to take through Enterolab.

A recent email from my ND brought up a question. My ND is recommending I have a test done to check for parasites. I know when the D started, I did have stool culture test and test for parasites at that time at Mayo Health Care System, and results were negative. My ND says they check for only the most common, and her belief is to customize for each patient, and there could still be a parasite of some sort.

Forgive me if I am not real clear on this, but I don't have a full understanding of it myself.

Just wondering if anyone else has gone further to test for parasites, and was it beneficial.

Is my ND trying to imply that is "all" that may be wrong with me? Is this a waste of my time and money?

I noticed that on the Enterolab site, they have a test for what appears to be similar to what my ND is talking about (but I am not sure).

Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Paula

Post by **tex** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 5:10 pm

I never even noticed that before, but you're right -- they do have a test for Giardia, Amoeba and Cryptosporidium. Apparently those are the most common parasites in humans. As far as I'm aware, no one here has ever ordered that test.

Tex

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 5:44 pm

Paula, the first test Mayo ordered for me was for parasites and whatever. As I'd been "up north" at our cabin and drinking the water there, I thought it was a good idea. Everything was negative though. If you've tested positive for MC and negative for the other, I don't think I'd bother with them again. I remember really hoping that was all it was! Deb

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:45 pm

My daughter came down with "IBS" after spending 18 months in Brazil. I was convinced that she had a parasite, but all of the testing was negative. I think that we all want to "hang our hat" on the cause of this condition, but most of us aren't able to identify one specific event. I agree with Deb; if you've been diagnosed with MC, you have the reason for your D. You don't need any more testing for a diagnosis unless you have bleeding or other conditions.

Gloria

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:18 pm

I think it would be great if it were "only" parasites, but I know what my test was for MC and I know that is what I have. Just thought other issues such as that could be involved as well. The testing she refers to is not for the "common" parasites. The following is what she wrote in her email:

This is a stool test that cultures out and looks for your good bacteria to make sure it's "colonating" and you have good amounts. It also looks at additional "bad bacteria" as well as yeast over-growth and any parasites. It's a kit that I mail out to you and you do a 3 day stool collection and send it via FedEx (pre-paid) to the lab out in N. Carolina. They test for ANY parasites, not just the typical e-coli, c. Diff, giardia etc. so it's above and beyond what was done through Mayo.

Is it possible that there are others that are overlooked in the tests we had for the "typical" ones?

Paula

mzh · Post by **mzh** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 6:47 am

I had stool tests 10 years ago and they came up with the hominus bacteria. (The full name escapes me at the moment.) But then most people have the hominius since we're people. It wasn't treated so I assume it was OK to have that.

To tell the truth, I've often thought about giving myself some fenbendazole (Panacur, a pet dewormer that never seems to have any side effects in my greyhounds on those rare occasions when they need it), just in case! It doesn't handle one of the tapeworms though.

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 12:54 pm

Hi Deb. When I was first tested for parasites, it came back negative, but then my doctor put me on some heavy duty antibiotics just in case they missed something. Of course, it only made me feel sicker.

If you don't have to pay too much for this test, i'd go for it, but I wouldn't get too hopeful that parasites are your problem.

Leah

mzh · Post by **mzh** » Wed Jun 13, 2012 3:55 pm

Paula, where in NC is the lab? And the name. Sounds interesting to me.

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 12:01 pm

I'll ask my ND what the name of the lab is in NC and let you know.

Paula

humbird753 · Post by **humbird753** » Tue Jun 19, 2012 1:33 pm

mzh - I just got an email response from my ND. The lab in North Carolina is Genova Diagnostics and are located at www.gdx.net

I haven't read further into their site yet. Probably later this evening after, work, dinner, etc.

Paula