chronic stomach

Hi there any comments / suggestions gratefully received:

My girlfriend and I were travelling in New Zealand over Christmas for one month. On our return in January my girlfriend became ill with severe chest pain, muscle twitching, stomach cramps, wind and nausea. Six weeks later I contracted the same symptoms, all of which are still ongoing! GPs think my girlfriend has ME/CFS. We have just taken a course of antibiotics for 'Giardia' despite having negative stool tests and the pain is the same as ever. Neither of us have been able to work four months. Has anyone experienced anything similar or can anyone suggest anything to alleviate the wind-like chest pain? Thanks in advance!

[carlac]

Having been a lab tech for over 10 years, I can tell you that tests on stool samples for parasites is iffy at best.  It does sound like you picked up some kind of parasite, virus or bateria while on your trip.  A bacteria would most likely cause a fever, and a virus would most likely cause system wide symtoms (symptoms) (but not always).  There are a number of parasites that cause disease in humans, including Entamoeba Histolytica and numerous flat, round and tape worms.  Sheep are the intermediate host of one type of tape worm, Echinococcus Granulosus.  Since New Zealand is know for raising sheep and if you traveled in any of these areas you should probably let your doctor know.  He may want to test or treat you for this (or other tapeworms) or other possible diseases endemic to where you were traveling.  You can also try searching the web for info on parasites especially those indiginous to New Zealand.
Best of Luck