Below is so well articulated -- I thought it was worth posting.

http://www.badbugs.org/TsStory.htm

I consulted my doctor in the spring of last year. I showed him the parasitology test results from some years back, from the Great Smokies Lab. It showed B. Hominis and D. Fragilis in large amounts. His response was to stick with the orthodox view, being that they are not harmful. So listening to my list of symptoms, concluded there was very likely a stomach ulcer. I was referred to a gastroenterologist. He agreed with the stomach ulcer analysis and I had to undergo an upper endoscopy in hospital. However, there was no ulcer.

So the Gastro bloke then insisted on a colonoscopy. Back to hospital for that one. He knew all about my parasite tests because I'd told him. After the colonoscopy, he told me I was "clear" and had a healthy colon. He also thought he'd cheer me up by announcing the good news - "you'll be pleased to hear there's absolutely no sign of any parasites."

A week before the colonoscopy, at his office consultation, we had discussed the procedure that he would be doing. He wanted me to have a few blood tests beforehand, at a local lab. The meeting over, he left the room, where I continued to fill out some forms with the help of his female assistant. Suddenly the door swings open again and he's hanging off the door handle and leaning into the room. His assistant and I turned to him, and that's when he said "By the way, get and AIDS test while you're at it." Then he swung back out into the corridor and the door slammed behind him.

When I presented myself for the blood tests, I was asked to sign a declaration that my HIV test had been preceded by a full counselling session by my referring specialist, discussing the implications in the event of a positive result.

Well then, on the basis of my direct experience with this bloke, my understanding of an AIDS test counselling session consists of a highly paid consultant swinging through a doorway shouting "get an AIDS test will you!" Needless to say I was so angry I didn't bother. I had the test when I came to America, and I wouldn't have been allowed in if it hadn't been 'clear'.

After that episode, it was back to my doctor. He wasn't ready to hear of parasites, and instead referred me for a full abdominal CAT scan. It was his view that I might well have an aortic aneurysm, and that it was entirely possible I was only moments away from an imminent rupture, and instant death. That was a Friday, and they booked the CAT scan for Monday morning. I had a very sweaty weekend, totally convinced I was about to burst all over the scene in a very bloody tragedy. Still, the very expensive scan carried out, it was negative, all systems fine and functional.

So it's back to the doctor. Still not ready to hear about parasites or intestinal infections, he referred me for an elaborate X-Ray. I had to drink loads of disgusting jollop first, so they could watch it go all the way through. I then had to sit next to the x-ray machine in a freezing cold super air conditioned room while the jollop worked through to the small intestine. They took an x-ray picture every 20 minutes, many of which they showed me.

They also used the flouroscope on me as well, which hooks to a monitor. It's live pictures while you watch the jollop flowing down the pipe into the stomach as you drink it! Saw all my innards on telly. It looked like a bloody big mess in there, and I can't imagine how they assess any of it and get a proper idea of what's going on.

The whole operation took a frustrating 3 1/2 hours, till the goop was seen on the flouroscope to be actually dumping through the ileocecal valve into the large intestine. Then I was free to go. This duration is apparently quite normal.

Because the room was freezing cold, and I was dressed in nothing more than the thin tunic provided, I was shivering, my teeth were chattering and my feet were numb. They forgot to give me a blanket for the first 2 hours, despite my complaints. I could have worn thick socks and sweat pants without upsetting the procedure. I also could have worn a thick jacket in between pictures, but they didn't tell me any of this beforehand. Many of the people who have this test done are old and frail. I wonder how many fatalities they have as a consequence of the test, ending terribly with many old duffers being wheeled out encased in ice and solid as a rock.

Anyway, as usual, the test has shown nothing abnormal. I am 'clear'. All these test have cost a lot of money, even with medical insurance, but at least they are done and my doctor may begin to listen.

So now, at last, Dr Gooding is ready for me to have parasite tests done. However, I doubt if these tests will show the parasites I have, but I shall give it a try. I have picked up the prescribed parasitology test kit from a local lab, and it consists of two containers, with preservative fluid in them. The instructions do not call for the use of a laxative. I am not sure what to do here, and I can't remember if I had to use one when I did the Great Smokies test some years back. However, I have spoken to the sole UK agents for Great Smokies. They are happy to talk to me because I am still registered with them as a reflexology therapist in the UK. They insist the Great Smokies Parasite test does not require a laxative, and may well be compromised if one is used. So now I'm really confused. Perhaps you can put me out of my misery and clarify things a bit.

If the local lab test shows parasites, I'm then in the hands of my doctor to do the right thing, and treat appropriately. He may refuse of course, holding to the orthodox line that bugs are 'not pathogenic'. If the test is negative, I shall be forced to persuade him to consider a test through Great Smokies. Over here, the only people who can get hold of G.S. test kits are fully qualified doctors. He is not one of their agents, and has never heard of them. I did get a list of doctors in my area who are registered with Great Smokies, but my health insurance does not extend to any of them. Without insurance cover, a half-hour consultation is $200 and the G.S. test is $500. My take-home is $150 a week. It's all a very frustrating, uphill struggle, either to get taken seriously, properly diagnosed, or even treated. You know all this already, and my story is just another addition to a long and sorry list.

It completely baffles me why the entire concept of parasitology seems to be ignored, bypassed and circumvented by the very people who are supposed to be there to provide the answers. It doesn't make any sense why this should be so. What is it about this subject that renders it beyond the scope of the medical profession to embrace as a fully legitimate realm of modern medicine in which they can work and offer help? It's as if any diagnosis, no matter how bazaar, is preferred in order to avoid considering parasites - anything in fact that will prevent a discovery of parasites. It appears that a conspiracy of ignorance, silence and sheer bloody-mindedness has rendered the whole subject utterly remote from the parameters of everyday consideration. And yet, an everyday subject it most certainly is, with millions suffering worldwide for the want of a few simple medications. These are the sacrificial lambs enduring endless sickness at the alter of cold medical ego and the political correctness Nazis. Such simple solutions, yet it's like asking for the keys to Aladdin's Cave, or a slice of moon. One can become very angry and cynical indeed.

However, despite all this I remain optimistic that the desired outcome will be reached, eventually, for all of us.