Friday, July 27, 2007

I went to Peru and all I got was this stupid parasite

Let me start off by saying there is no official diagnosis at this point, but my symptoms are leaning toward a potential parasite.

Here's what Wikipedia says: In some people, intestinal parasites do not cause any symptoms, or the symptoms may come and go. Common signs and complaints include coughing, cramping abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. In more serious infections, sex loss, skin-itching, fever, nausea, vomiting, or bloody stools may occur. Some parasites also cause low red blood count (anemia), and some travel from the lungs to the intestine, or from the intestine to the lungs and other parts of the body. Many other conditions can result in these symptoms, so laboratory tests are necessary to determine their cause.

I definitely have many of these symptoms. Not the more serious infection symptoms. So hopefully I'll get to the bottom of this with our fabulous Doctors here in the Peace Corps.

Until then, I think I'll name my parasite - Pepe the parasite. What's the old Marilyn Monroe quote: "If I'm gonna be alone, I'd rather be by myself."

4 comments:

Mardy said...

Take care of yourself please! Just say NO to parasites. Looking forward to hearing about your assignment--just about a week until you get the news, right? And...the birthday is right around the corner. WooHoo!

Love Ya! Mard

carolyn said...

hey baby, praying that you will be able to get rid of pepe real soon. please keep us informed. dan and sabin visited last week and we had a dinner in fellowship hall so they could see everyone..they said to say hi..love you and miss you lots. carolyn & dot ps i have a new grandaughter,madison emma...she is beautiful!!!

Unknown said...

Curious...what were YOUR symptoms?
How were you diagnosed?
Was this "Pepe" identified in the worm line-up?
Thanks
DocWag

Unknown said...

...also, how, if so, did you clear it from your system?
And are you sure its cleared?
DocWag
Curious for a patient that spent 6 mos in Peru 5 years ago