Worms?

[glm2]

For a long time I've always joked about having worms because I eat all the time and don't gain weight, am often fatigued feeling, sometimes bloody stools, and have an irritation that makes my buttcrack itch all of the time...similar symptoms that an old dog of mine had when she had worms.  Until recently I never actually thought it was an actual possibility until I recently moved to El Salvador where my toilet doesn't completely flush all of the time.  Twice now I have found worms, about 3" in length, a bit darker than earthworm color, and very skinny.  It could be possible that these worms were from the water supply but I'm not sure.

If this is what I have I would like to get more information before seeing a doctor, to save money and assure I receive appropriate treatment.  How do I verify if I actually have worms?  What type of worms might they be and how can I get rid of them.  Also, as I mentioned I've had these symptoms for a while, what possible damage could these critters have caused and is there anything I should be worried about?  Lastly, could they be affecting my immunity, as I've had some issues in the last year with staff infections.

Thanks


This discussion is related to Possible diagnoses.

[mammo]

Oh, I understand completely. First thing to do is look at the toilet water before you have a bowel movement to make sure there is nothing there.  Then look at your BM and see if there are worms in or around it, if there is then you do have worms. You need to see a gastroenterologist, is this possible where you are?  The intestinal tract is their specialty and he'll get right to the problem. Just tell him what you wrote in your question.  Look up the proper words for their language and just write it, then if he doesn't speak good English he can read exactly what your symptoms are.  Take your translation book with you or write your questions down ahead of time.  I would even get one of these worms and take it with you.  Normally for rectal bleeding they want to do a colonoscopy, but don't agree to this until they treat you for the worms, as this may clear it up.  Buy some Cortizone cream at your local drugstore and keep it on your bottom, this will stop the itching and heal the inflammation.  This comes in a small enough tube that you can just keep it in your pocket so you can re-apply it throughout the day.  This will heal your bottom and stop the itching immediately.  Hemmorrhoids can also itch and cause bleeding, and the Cortizone cream will help with that as well. You could even try taking one of the worms to the pharmacist at your local drugstorem show it to him and ask for help.  He will be familiar with it and they do have over-the-counter medications for some types of worms.  Because of your age I don't feel it's anything serious, so it's best to go with the simplest things first.  Keeping Cortizone cream on your bottom at all times will make you feel a lot better, so do this right away, and don't wait for it to itch, just reapply several times a day and keep your bottom very clean.  Let me know if I can be of further assistance.  I'm sure you feel a bit lost with the language barrier.  Take care....

[geminigirl1963]

Whatever doctor you go to see, they're more than likely going to want a stool sample, so if you can "collect" one just prior to going to the doctor, it will aid in their diagnosis.

Do you have a friend or family memeber that could go with you to the doctor and help you with translation issues?  This would not only save your time, the doctor's time, but also should help avoid any errors in you trying to do the translations.

Best of luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.

[glm2]

Ok, what type of doctor do I see?  Well the issue is I'm not a fluent spanish speaker and not sure of the quality of health care here.  I understand your point and will definitely keep that in mind, however is there any certain check I should have performed or particular questions to ask/things to point out to the doctor?

I definitely plan on seeing a doctor, don't get me wrong.  I'd just like to be as prepared as possible, both for my sake and so that I can translate things prior...I'm not sure if the doctor will be ok with me taking his/her time translating things in their office.

Thank you!

[mammo]

You truly need to see a doctor about this instead of guessing.  We are not doctors so we can't advise you, but because of the length of time you've been enduring this, it needs prompt attention.