Which Pathogens Have You Been Tested For ?

I was just curious as to how many of you have been tested or tried treatments for pathogens ? I know that many CFS and fibro patients have parasite & yeast problems often... as a result of our compromised immune system.  But it concerns me that the average physician doesn't know or care about this. So I thought I would ask the question because I've been treated and tested for most of these.

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27%

 (3) 

Been tested or treated for yeast

27%

 (3) 

Been tested or treated for viruses

36%

 (4) 

Been tested or treated for bacterial infection

9%

 (1) 

Been tested or treated for parasites

11 Members voted

[VaBreeze]

I've been tested for parasites of the intestines, otherwise the doc. wasn't concerned about yeast or viral infections.  I'm thinking the bloodwork would have reflected bacterial infection.

[PlateletGal]

Hi VaBreeze,

The type of mycoplasma that the standard labs test for, is not the type of mycoplasma that is found in CFS & fibro patients. It is difficult testing.. mycoplasmas cannot be grown in a petri dish, like other bacteria.

People who want to be tested for mycoplasma, should check out the following link and make SURE that their physician uses that CPT code (CPT: 87581). But from what I'm hearing... labs such as ARUP and Quest don't do this testing. So you can get tested at Red Labs USA... but your insurance may or may not pay for the testing. Another thing you can do is consider doing a therapeutic probe (trying treatment and see if you have herxing symptoms)

http://www.immed.org/illness/clinical_testing.html

[jason80]

Didn't vote, since my option wasn't available. You're in need of a poll with more than one response!

I was tested for viruses and bacteria, but I don't think yeast nor parasites. My ID didn't have a good answer for how to test for parasites, I am curious how VaBreeze was tested.

[PlateletGal]

P.S. ~ At one time or another, I've tested positive or was successfully treated for ALL of the pathogens I mentioned in my launch post. I also had high levels of two metals (mercury and another one)

[PlateletGal]

I know... the polls only give you four possible responses. I need to post again at MedHelp questions and ask them for more slots. ; ^ )

[jason80]

Actually you can select more options than 4, there is another link, but then you have to create many different options to cover all of the possibilities.

[VaBreeze]

It would depend upon your symptoms and what type of parasite they may be looking for.  I have trouble with B12 deficiency (malabsorption), as most older people do.  

I would doubt that most labs test for those things PlateletGal...and I think the cost and insurance companies would have a whole lot to do with that decision.  Can you imagine the health insurance cost should they test everyone for this?  It would be phenomenal.

[PlateletGal]

I know... we could start a Which Pathogens Have You Been Tested For ? # 2 thread ! ; ^ )

I have a lot to say about this and will put my .002 cents worth in. I had been diagnosed for years and had paid thousands of dollars on various supplements, etc. trying to get well so I could function at work.

What I've learned is that you do NOT need to spend a lot of money in addressing these issues. I once went to Tucson, AZ and visited Dr. Andrew Weil's clinic (Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine). At the time I didn't have a diagnosis and yet the wonderful physician I saw seemed to know what I had (although I don't think they were allowed to diagnose there) and gave me a list of supplements, etc. to take.  When I was there I asked him about a clinic that cost $3,000 weekly that does immune support therapies. He told me that there are many rip off places like that and that there are many cheaper alternatives.

My first experience with homeopathy was when an R.N. that I worked with recommended it to me for my severe allergy symptoms. I kept telling her that I would try it, but never did. One day at work, she walked up to me with a bottle in her hand. She had actually purchased a bottle for pollen allergies. Well I tried it and guess what ? It didn't work ! I was furious and slammed homeopathy after that. Well how ignorant I was back then because homeopathy can and does work and that is why the Queen of England and Price Charles use it. I found out later that my allergies were to mold and pollens, but not the pollens listed on the bottle.

What you can do to save money (instead of being tested and thrown around before you can find a doctor who can help you) is consider purchasing a bottle (homeopathic) for parasites and/or yeast. These formulas are very inexpensive. Considering that we have immune dysfunction... we are open to these infections if we don't have them already. So you can easily go out and purchase these cheap formulas and try them from time to time.

Also... what helps me is detox baths. I actually believe the reason why we are feeling lousy is because our body is detoxing all the time... trying to deal with pathogens and throw them off. It means that our immune system is working. To assist your body with this process you can purchase Epsom salt and Hydrogen Peroxide. Just add 4 cups of the Epsom salt and at least 32 ounces of Hydrogen Peroxide to your bath water.... soak for at least 20 minutes.

[PlateletGal]

oops --- I meant to say, I have been undiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed (was told that I had lupus.. NOT) for years.

[crabilstreat]

I was testested for bacterial infections and given an antibiotic "Bactrim" to find that I was allergic. I had an awful reaction to the medication and it took three weeks for me to still find out why my entire body was in pain. It had nothing to do with the bacterial infection after all.

[VaBreeze]

Bactrim is a sulfa based drug.  Be sure you let your physicians know and any hospital that you may go to.  I have seen what this type of reaction can do to a person and it is absolutely horrible.  You may want to place a card or otherwise in your wallet.  Should you be involved in an accident and unable to speak for yourself, you wouldn't want someone to give you this drug because they didn't know.  

PlateletGal - I love the detox bath you have given.  I can't wait to try it out.  Simple, yet effective.  Do  you have a name for the yeast treatment formula?   Maybe a brand you've tried and had success with?  I know there are many places out there trying to make a profit off of the chronically ill.  It's awful how some will take advantage of those who just want to be out of pain.  Thanks so much for your help and all of the great info. you give us.

[selmaS]

Hi...not tested but am very aware that I have or had a yeast issue.....yrs ago I had them very often.....ne time I was given an antibiotic I had to also take diflucan or I'd get a yeast infection big time.

In the last 10 yrs since going thru menopause, I no longer get the yeast infections....or ne infections for that matter.The only issues I have r directly related to my dx's...no colds...ect.

"selma"

[ott70]

On the detox bath, which I have used myself, make sure the water is hot. Of course, not hot enough to burn yourself but the heat from the water helps kill off pathogens. Maybe "hot tub" hot. Supposedly some fresh grated ginger wrapped in cheesecloth thrown in with that detox bath helps also.

I have been tested for EBV, HIV, CMV, HHV-6, Lyme, mycoplasma, babesia, ehrlichia, c. and m. pnuemoniae, borrelia, and fungus. I tested positive high titers on EBV, and borderline titers on CMV and HHV-6. Negative on all the others. However, some correspondence with Dr. Nicolson has him suggesting I can't rely on the results from the other tests as insurance labs like LabCorp probably do not have sensitive enough testing.

There's some other stuff I have been tested for but I can't recall. The stuff in your guts/stomach that is common (forgetting the name). No check for parasites for me but I am definitely considering purchasing some natural supplements meant to purge them.

[lvfrogs]

I have been tested repeatedly for yeast infections, but comes back negative. Have been tested several times for hpylori (that is the stomach one) and it always comes back negative. Have not been tested for anything else yet.
I too, would like to know a name/brand for the homeopathic
Crabilstreat - I too was given Bactrim and I had such a bad reaction, I thought I was going to die. Should have gone to ER but didn't. I only took one pill. I will never take another Sulfa drug again. I had emergency surgery over the summer and I told them NO SULFA drugs. All my doctors know this now but I still make sure that they don't prescribe them.

[FurballsMom]

I couldn't vote, because my doctor doesn't believe that yeast causes these problems, although I do, and she hasn't tested for any other pathogens either.  It seems like she doesn't know enough and doesn't really care.

[PlateletGal]

Hi ! In my opinion, yeast & parasites are secondary conditions due to immune dysfunction and people who have chronic illnesses and gut problems should frequently be tested. Of course the other choice I mentioned above is have a bottle on hand and if you have symptoms, use homeopathic remedies. If you aren't sure whether or not you have yeast or parasite problems... consider purchasing homeopathic remedies and seeing if your symptoms get better.

The homeopathic remedy I used (that worked successfully years ago) for parasites is "Newton Homeopathics" --- they have a website and only charge $14.00 for 1 fl. oz. bottle. If you KNOW you have yeast and/or parasites, consider purchasing Dr. David Jernigan's formulas (they are also high quality) ---- approx. $48.00 for 4 fl. ozs.

[tjoan910canadian]

Only ever tested for the "bacteria" one and it turned out I had "Pylori" which was causing the terrible acid reflux that I had......I was treated with a "V pac" of antibiotics......which caused me severe diarhea (diarrhea) later on that lasted for a total of 3 weeks......but since I have had no more issues with acid reflux so it was well worth it.....

[akwise]

I am 20 years old and have been suffering from fibro. pain, cronic (chronic) yeast infections, and stomach aches. I think they are all related now after doing lots of research.  I believe that my symptoms may be from parasites due to international travel I have done. I am going to try an herbal cleansing kit. Has anyone tried "blessed herbs" para cleanse. That is the one my homeopathic doctor suggests and I am wondering if anyone knows about the company or have tried it themselves? Has anyone had luck getting rid of parasites in general? know of any antiparasitic medications? Any advice you have for me is greatly appreciated!

[akwise]

Also, does anyone know if parasites are contageous? If so, how contageous? Skin contact (I really don't think so), saliva, stool, etc? I am worried about passing them on to anyone, if I do have them.

[PlateletGal]

I mention two products above that have helped me. I know Dr. David Jernigan at the Hansa Center (they have a website) sells a herbal-homeopathic formula on his website that specifically targets parasites. He also has others for yeast, bacteria and other pathogens.

I don't get yeast infections anymore, but often feel like I have one. I've tried the yeast formulas and have had success. I believe it is possible to have a chronic, systemic yeast infection.