Phobia of parasites and possible symptoms. Please Help

[sevans9793]

Hey, from what I understand this a medical advice forum. So I have been having some problems recently and it has been scaring me to say the least. I have been having some intestinal discomfort (are those the right words) and was looking for some advice.
I have an intense fear of parasites. Only the worms. Earthworms do not bother me at all but just parasites. I somehow have attributed (in my mind) my gastro-intestinal discomfort to parasites. I have not seen any true evidence that I have parasites but have been examining my stools. The reason that my family (my dad is an experienced doctor but I don't want to discuss this with him because he doesn't take my phobia seriously :P) believes that this may not be parasites is because I had exams the week that the discomfort (stomachaches all day, gas, etc.) started and I was drinking a lot of coffee and under a lot of stress.
Anyway, here is a list (relevant or not) of all the symptoms that I have experienced: muscle spasms (legs), stuffy nose and congestion, mucus in stool, and bloating (that has gone down).
I understand that there is a high chance that this is not parasites but my phobia causes me to be ever vigilant and attribute random symptoms to this. This is not the first time that I have been scared that I may have parasites but the first time that the symptoms related this to a real possibility. I am so scared because I saw and read stuff online that they get in your head and eyes and nose and that is all I am thinking about. I can barely think about anything else. I would really appreciate some reassurance or advice for a colon cleanse or something.

I would also answer more questions because I may have left stuff out typing in a hurry.I appreciate this so much; thank you.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, if there are specific symptoms of an infection, it is advised to see a doctor for a detailed evaluation and may consider an empirical treatment for parasitic infestation if considered appropriate by the treating doctor. However if there are no symptoms and the fear is baseless, I would suggest seeking a psychiatrist for appropriate management of the phobia.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[sevans9793]

Thanks! I have also been experiencing some sharp pains in my abdomen that may be unrelated and I have fatigue. The fatigue is terrible in the morning, I can barely keep my head up in the beginning of class!