While I wait, I thought I'd upload my stories and photos and hope to be able to share a diagnosis and treatment next week. This forum has been really helpful and I thought I'd contribute too.
After sending off my stool samples I convinced myself I had parasites (something I'd never really considered) and started taking oregano oil (doterra brand).
Saturday I did a coffee enema - this was the result.
The next day I took polyprep (colon cleanse usually for colonoscopy prep, but I'd read it was good for evacuating any parasites that were hiding in pockets). Lots of ‘undigested food' came out - way more than usual. There's so much going on in the pic, I'm not sure what I'm looking at. (I had nuts 48 hours ago and tomatoes and eggplants yesterday).
Some rinsed 'things' from stool. I used to always think this was all just undigested food. Maybe it's parasites/flukes?
I'm not sure what's related so started to question everything. For at least five years (possibly as long as my IBS symptoms) I've had dry skin on my right foot (top in photo). I've tried treating it to no avail. I now just buff and moisturise it every day. It's never spread to the other foot. (I buffed and moisturised that foot an hour ago and have had plenty of water).
I've had this mark on my arm shaped like an 8cm worm for a week, around the same time I starting oregano oil in water to kill parasites. Related or just an insect bite?
More info
I have had IBS symptoms for 10 years - mostly IBS-C, but sometimes D.
I have travelled extensively through Europe and Asia and eaten plenty of street food. I have Bali belly in 1997 and two serious bouts of food poisoning in Brisbane (unrelated) around 2000-2001, gastro a few years ago.
I've tried low salicylate, gluten free, low dose anti-anxiety (as my symptoms are probably all in my head (!!!???), juice cleanses, colonics, naturopathic treatments and diets. Often I'm better for a while, but then the symptoms return.
I have had tests for fructose and lactose malabsorption, seen a number of gastroenterologists and a dietitian. The general consensus for my symptoms are: stress, overly sensitive, prone to food intolerances , busy life. Doctors didn't (wouldn't) test me for parasites as haven't had extensive weight loss and am not under weight (my BMI is 25.7 - just over the healthy range).
Hopefully I'll have some results to share next week!
Feel free to comment if you have suggestions or thoughts.