Since I returned home at the very end of June from several months traveling in Asia, things haven't been quite right with my digestive system. Given the fact that I had a run-in with some kind of parasite or bacteria at the end of my trip while in Vietnam (which was bad enough to prompt a visit to a doctor), I figured my issues were a result of the residual effects of whatever happened then. So, I waited. And didn't get better. And waited. And then my hair started falling out. A lot. Not in clumps, thankfully, but certainly by the handfuls. I will spare you the details of my other symptoms...
After two months of knowing something wasn't quite right and nothing seeming to improve, I decided to see a doctor. Being unemployed and American, health insurance isn't something that I am privileged enough to have, naturally. But, thanks to my friend the internet, I found a doctor in Eugene who approaches her Western medicine practices in alternative ways (i.e., charging only $60 for a full hour-long visit with her).
We came to the conclusion that my symptoms most resembled some type of parasite so we proceeded with some tests, the results of which I just got back today. Turns out she was right--positive for Entamoeba coli the protazoa, not to be confused with E. coli the bacteria. Just another one of those little unwanted creatures that come from "fecal contamination of food or the water supply" (according my my test results. Gross!
Either way, the only way to get rid of this guy is by playing the waiting game, along with some minor changes in my diet, including no wheat, limited dairy, probiotic supplements and some herbal remedies that might help. Blood tests show my white blood cells are doing their job (in other words, their levels are elevated) so now the responsibility is on me and wait it out until my body gets itself back in order.
So, ladies and gentlemen, meet my friend the amoeba (aka protozoa), Mr. Entamoeba coli. We met in Vietnam, and he's been traveling around with me for almost three months. We've developed quite the budding friendship, resulting in intestinal issues and hair loss. However, I think it's time I become a little more selfish and let him know that this friendship really isn't working for me...
Let the gluten- and dairy-free life begin!
After two months of knowing something wasn't quite right and nothing seeming to improve, I decided to see a doctor. Being unemployed and American, health insurance isn't something that I am privileged enough to have, naturally. But, thanks to my friend the internet, I found a doctor in Eugene who approaches her Western medicine practices in alternative ways (i.e., charging only $60 for a full hour-long visit with her).
We came to the conclusion that my symptoms most resembled some type of parasite so we proceeded with some tests, the results of which I just got back today. Turns out she was right--positive for Entamoeba coli the protazoa, not to be confused with E. coli the bacteria. Just another one of those little unwanted creatures that come from "fecal contamination of food or the water supply" (according my my test results. Gross!
Either way, the only way to get rid of this guy is by playing the waiting game, along with some minor changes in my diet, including no wheat, limited dairy, probiotic supplements and some herbal remedies that might help. Blood tests show my white blood cells are doing their job (in other words, their levels are elevated) so now the responsibility is on me and wait it out until my body gets itself back in order.
Let the gluten- and dairy-free life begin!
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