Intestinal parasites?

[JimVaught]

Beginning in February of this year I have had 4 attacks on the following dates with the indicated symptoms:

Feb. 13, Diarrhea, vomited small amount, duration of a few hours
April 15  Diarrhea, fair amount of vomiting, some blood in stool visible, lasted approx. 9 hours, weakness and dizziness
June 17  Diarrhea, no vomiting, lasted about 4 hours, weakness and dizziness
August 19  Diarrhea, no vomiting, lasted about 2 hours, mild weakness and dizziness

At my regular checkup in June, late June, I told the doctor about my symptom. He wanted me to have an endoscopy and colonoscopy, which were scheduled for mid-July, but then I was called back to say that he had to be out of town on the date scheduled, so I decided to wait and see if the symptoms the next time were milder (which they were).  Someone on a bulletin board I frequent asked if I had been checked for intestinal parasites.  I haven't.  Note that the time period between the first and second attacks was 62 days, the period between the 2nd and 3rd attacks and the period between the 3rd and 4th attacks was 63 days. When the person who asked about parasites, it dawned on me that the developmental stages of the parasite (if that's what it is) could be around 62 or 63 days, which makes me think the parasite problem is what is at work here.

[JimVaught]

It is now October 31st and I have had no further attacks; I was expecting one on either Octber 20th, 21st or possibly 22nd, based on the timing of the 4 preceding attacks..  It appears the parasitic infestation, if that is what was the matter, has burned itself out after 4 attacks. God, how I hope so!!  I wasn't looking forward to an endoscopy or colonoscopy at all.  Both are nasty procedures.

[JimVaught]

I just googled "celiac disease" and, from the desciption of the symptoms, it doesn't sound like that's what I have.  I am NOT underweight (how I wish I were!!!) and I'm 63 and until this year have never had a problem with my stomach other than a few incidents of food poisoning over the years, no more than three, which were not followed in a regular pattern like this.  I didn't think much of the first attack this year (I thought it was just another food poisoning incident).  Even with the second, I didn't, at first, relate the two.  But with the third I saw that it was a pattern.

[JimVaught]

With such precisely recurring attacks, what could it be other than some sort of parasite?  I don't understand how celiac disease or malabsorption could recur so regularly and then abate so suddenly and completely for another 2 months. How is that possible?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the upper and lower endoscopy.  

The stool should also be sent for infection and analysis of parasites.  Stool cultures would be appropriate for this.  

If the symptoms continue, blood tests looking for celiac disease, and analyzing the stool for malabsorption can also be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com