Small black flecks/organisms/stringy things in stool

[lesleyk]

I always have small black stringy things in my stool; they are usually less than 1 cm long and look almost like tiny worms.  They don't look like anything I eat.  I was tested a few years ago for parasites, but the doctor didn't find anything wrong.  This has been consistent for about the past 7 years; this never showed up before then.

Any idea what this could be?  Should I try to get tested again?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without examination.  

Testing the stool for infection (i.e. ova and parasites as well as bacteria), bleeding and malabsorption syndromes can be considered.  

If the symptoms continue, I would consider a lower endoscopy - either a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.  

Blood tests looking for celiac disease can also be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

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.
kevinmd_

[lesleyk]

Also, I am a vegetarian if that makes a difference.

[Finally!!!]

Have you been tested for H. Pylori?? When I had a lot GI problems in the past, my GI gave me several tests including H. Pylori. Mine was alot higher than normal levels. I was treated for it with Amoxcillin.

[yoshi]

could these black 1 cm things be sesame seeds or some seeds??

[boo boo tum]

I think it's time for you to go and see a Biological Analysist.They take your blood and sometimes a hair sample, and examine it under a microscope and show you everything that is wrong with you and tell you what to do. My friend went and she saw with her own eyes the parasites in her blood. They told her what type of parasite they were and what not to eat that they were feeding on. She gave her a parasite cleanse.once they got rid of them,they were able to deal with all the other stuff they found wrong with her health.Now she eats what is specifically for her needs and  is perfectly healthy in every sense of the word.