The KInd Life Community Forum

Dear Kind Lifers, I've been suffering from chronic IBS for two years now. I have been in and out of hospital and had numerous tests through my GP including colonoscopy, endoscopy, blood tests, stool tests, you name it! All tests came back clear, which you'd think would be a relief, but I just felt disheartened especially when the doctors day you're perfectly healthy (which I know is not the case). The bowel problems have caused me so much discomfort over the years. I am often unable to enjoy going to the theatre/cinema or sitting still for hours...also bloating after meals etc... I should state that i'm also young, 22, and physically active. I've been a vegan for one and a half years, and am now flirting with the macrobiotic diet. I recently spent a month working on organic farms in Spain, and whilst there, I visited a kinesiologist. I had not tried the alternative/holistic treatments before as too expensive, but figured I should give it a shot. She spoke barely any English, but luckily there was a translator on hand and she gave me the diagnosis. The therapist seemed really concerned and told me I had many parasites in the large intestine. She said that this was the reason for all my problems such as pains under the rib, gas, itchy skin and stomach gurgling. It all seemed to make sense to me. She prescribed me a number of plant drops and remedies including propolis, walnut and garlic extracts, and told me to take them for three months. However, after two weeks of being home and taking the drops, they had run out. I am now a little miffed because they were very expensive and I can't afford to buy them anymore. Also, it's a risk if I find they don't work. All this being said, I was wondering if anyone has any similar experiences or advice on this? My next step is to phone the GP, and demand a saliva text, which I hear detects parasites in the body. I would appreciate any help, even if it's suggestions for diet etc... Since trying macro or superhero (no fish) I have more good days than bad, but still not my normal self. I have completely cut white flour products, sugar and processed foods too. Thanks for reading! Natalie

i had all same problems for 5 yrs. Doctors, tests, colonoscopy, urologist, phycologist lol. All over stomach pain and bloating. Doctors are stupid. I eventually took some pills for candida from heath food store and my stomach went flat pain got so much better and i PASSED A WORM. Which the doctor didn't beleive when i told her. My gues is i got rid of the invironment for parasites to live in. My stomach still gets inflamed when i eat certain things but it not constantly swolen in pain.

Alexia- This is very interesting, I haven't looked into Candida very much...but it sounds like your symptoms were really similar. I went to the GP again this morn, as I had a bad night and was us with severe bloating...I went to a dinner party last night and had some white bread and dark chocolate and this could be what set me off as I have been off both for a few weeks now. Thanks for sharing your experience :-) I demanded a test for parasites today, and i'll have to give a stool sample so we shall see if anything shows up.

Ruthy- Thanks for your advice. I have The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health book and have been following the examples with my food. Mostly Brown rice and soups etc...no processed foods, sugar, white products and yoga, I have seen some improvement but had a relapse yesterday. I plan to either see a counselor or a specialist clinic: http://www.ibs-solutions.co.uk/ both very expensive (I am recent graduate) but my parents have agreed to help out.

Hi Natalie :-)
Sounds like you are already doing great!! :-)
Not all macrobiotic counsellors are expensive. For example, you can have a skype or email counselling session for around $100 and this will include recommendations and some follow-up support. If you want any further info, let me know (feel free to send me a private message), but good luck with it all :-)