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 Manitoba's misadventurin' bushwhackin', dog sloggin', dehydratin', beer drinkin' biggie - who's eager to peak bag Mt Currie in a dress
Squamish
5048 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2004 : 6:39 PM
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So since Hanging Lakes last week, I've been cursed with what appears to be an intestinal bug of some kind. I drank some water that was questionable without filtering. I guess my first question should be directed to those on the trip that drank the same water - you guys remember that little trickle at the first rocky gully? Any adverse effects? Tasted funny.
Anyway, it seems to be getting worse, and is now combined with joint and muscle soreness. Hiking yesterday I pulled my back out, making for a miserable day. When I woke up in the tent this morning it was very difficult to move. Also this morning I felt quite naseous and icky  , and throughout the day that feeling seemed to come and go.
I know Giardia and the others like Crypto sometimes take a couple weeks to 'kick in', so is this odd that I was feeling this a couple days after our hike? Do I just have the flu or something? Has anybody on this site ever have Giardia and want to discuss it? |
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Vancouver
65 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2004 : 6:48 PM
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Hi, Blackfly,
From the symptoms you've given, it doesn't sound like Giardia. Giardia's an intestinal parasite, so the charms of diarrhea, and, in some cases, nausea, are what it brings. The muscle and joint stiffness suggest some other bug. The only way to find out is to go see your doctor. If he/she suspects Giardia, they'll give you a stool sample kit. The presence/absence of cysts will give the answer. Usually.
Hope you're feeling better soon. |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
152 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2004 : 6:55 PM
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| Do you have any noticeable bites marks? Symptoms don't sound like Giardia at all. |
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Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
5372 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2004 : 7:15 PM
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| I'm fine BF...no problems so far. |
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Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6908 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2004 : 7:16 PM
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Yeah I'm OK too so far BlackFly, but then, I have the stomach of a BillyGoat
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"That which does not kill me postpones the inevitable" |
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Manitoba's misadventurin' bushwhackin', dog sloggin', dehydratin', beer drinkin' biggie - who's eager to peak bag Mt Currie in a dress
Squamish
5048 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2004 : 7:19 PM
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quote:
Giardia's an intestinal parasite, so the charms of diarrhea, and, in some cases, nausea, are what it brings
That's exactly what I've been dealing with this week, the joint stiffness only came upon me yesterday.
quote:
Do you have any noticeable bites marks? Symptoms don't sound like Giardia at all.
I don't think so, but it's hard to tell. That hike was pretty brutal on our bodies. Good thought though.
Maybe I should add that all day today and part of yesterday I've felt absolutely exhausted, with no appetite.
I think a visit to the doctor is in order, however I don't yet have a physician in province. Is this something that can be checked at a local clinic?
Thanks for the replies. |
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Manitoba's misadventurin' bushwhackin', dog sloggin', dehydratin', beer drinkin' biggie - who's eager to peak bag Mt Currie in a dress
Squamish
5048 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2004 : 7:22 PM
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Good to know, Ex and BG. Thanks. I think we all drank that water, didn't we? I know I drank also from the outflow, maybe that's what did it. Usually I have an iron stomach as well, which is why this is so alarming to me. I've been drinking the water my whole life, and this is the first 'incident'. Maybe it's just something I ate.
Sigh. |
Edited by - blackfly on 08/01/2004 7:23 PM |
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 Super botonist, hippie chick who cuddles thistles with glee
Langley, BC
Canada
1541 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2004 : 7:35 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by blackfly
I think a visit to the doctor is in order, however I don't yet have a physician in province. Is this something that can be checked at a local clinic?
Yes, the drop-in clinic should be able to help you.
Good luck. |
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 yukon hankerin' intrepid dog lovin' fleet footed adventure racing pie packing poet who is ever keen to cave hunt, route find, night hike, and has finally introduced Bishop to Mt. Bishop
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada
934 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 08:19 AM
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I was looking up specific symptoms of different hiking parasites and I found this disgusting story. How could I help not passing it along?!?! I didn't attach the picture because it is really yucky. It is your choice if you want to go to that link. Anyways Blackfly - I don't think that this is your parasite. But I do think that you should go see the doc - because I have a hike planned for this weekend in your neighbourhood and I am hoping that you will come!
I hope you are drinking lots of water - the main side effect from your kind of affliction is dehydration, which weakens your body and makes it easier for the unwelcome guests to stick around.
Anyways, here's that yucky story...
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A 46-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of swelling of her left breast. A x-ray examination revealed that 2 x 2 cm nodule was noticed in subcutaneous tissue. Breast cancer was suspected and the resection was performed. When her breast skin was cut open, a white string like parasite ran out.
This is an entire body that was taken from the patient. Neither head nor mouth was observed. We call this parasite a plerocercoid of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei. Spirometra erinaceieuropaei is a parasite of dogs and cats. Humans become infected with the larval stage (plerocercoid) of this parasite.
There is a picture at this link - but it is very yucky so be warned!
http://www.aim4health.com/parasite.htm |
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opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4642 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 08:39 AM
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It sounds more like you have gastro to me.
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"Function is beauty" |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
123 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 09:18 AM
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Can we get a close-up of that picture?
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A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Herm Albright (1876 - 1944) |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
444 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 10:02 AM
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quote:
Anyway, it seems to be getting worse, and is now combined with joint and muscle soreness.
Giardia takes at least a week to cause symptoms, plus joint/muscle stiffness are not commonly associated with it.
Have you been in areas known to have ticks earlier this year ? Muscle/joint soreness is 1 of the sympoms of Lyme Disease:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001319.htm
Definitely go see a doc. Chances are it's just a flu-like bug, but better to get it checked just in case.
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bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4649 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 5:59 PM
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At the end of last week AT said he felt he was coming down with something but he was fine this week-end ... better have it checked out Blackfly just in case - especially if you're not feeling any better. Better safe than sorry!
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Giddy up! |
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Manitoba's misadventurin' bushwhackin', dog sloggin', dehydratin', beer drinkin' biggie - who's eager to peak bag Mt Currie in a dress
Squamish
5048 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 7:55 PM
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Update:
My muscle and joint soreness is gone, althougth I still have back pain (I'm positive from an unrelated injury). The feelings of sickness and cramping still come and go, but I feel like I'm on the mend.
The best news is that I found out at my jobsite this morning a few other ppl had the exact same symptoms over the last week, so it's beginning to look like I picked up a bug of some kind while at work. Whew! That's a relief. However, sorry I couldn't be the 'CT Giardia guinea pig'.
Thanks everyone for the replies and thoughtful emails (and you too Bishop for that disgusting photo ), you guys rock! |
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bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4649 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 8:47 PM
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Glad to hear you won't have some ugly-ass looking worm removed from your belly Blackfly!  
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Giddy up! |
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448 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 9:19 PM
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Please get a good doctor to check it right away, especially if it's a tick bite. I'm going through recovery from a co-infection of Lyme, don't know if it's Lyme but the antibiotics have given me new life. After doing a lot of research on it, there's still a lot of unknown. But what is known are the symptoms. Joint aches, nausea, lethargy, brain fog, etc.
Basically the antibiotics cleared my intestines and I feel like I got my life back. The parasites I have is ehrlichiosis and bartonella. There are many other types of parasites you can get from ticks, mosquitoes, spiders, etc.
The sooner you get checked and diagnosed correctly the easier it will be to treat. Hopefully it not parasites. I also suggest a detox, particularly ParaGone. This is something you can find at Caper's or other health stores. The cause of your aches and pains may be parasites residing in those particular spots and they may move around to other parts of your body.
Basically, the info I got from ClubTread was just skimming the surface. I am shocked at what little info there is out there. The best thing I read is "Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Disorders" by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschiner. It's a 2003 edition.
Check out www.lyme.org www.lyme.net
www.jstd.org
www.canlyme.com
My regular doctor would not let me take a test for Lyme so I went to a specialist recommended by a friend. Needless to say, I tested positive for a co-infection of Lyme disease.
If your doctor ignores your concern I can give you the name of this specialist. This is covered by Medicare.
Hope all goes well.
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Just be happy...dammit! |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
444 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2004 : 9:34 PM
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Strange coincidence, but CTV news tonight (the early 5:30 - 6pm show) had a segment on Lyme disease, and how many cases potentially go undetected and unreported because the many varied symptoms indicate other possible diseases.
Anyway, Blackfly, hope it was just the bug picked up at work, but if any of the symptoms recur, get it checked. |
Edited by - esb on 08/03/2004 9:35 PM |
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Nanoose Bay, BC
Canada
104 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2004 : 11:33 AM
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I have had giardia or beaver fever. It was the resualt of drinking the water from a river on the juan de fuca trail. There was an otter frolicing upstream and the water was guzzled without thought in a classic brain fart moment. (I forgot all about adding iodine) I didnt treat it and it went away. However it returned during another hike and I was forced to turn back due to severe intensital cramping and pain (I forgot I had the beaver fever a couple of month ago and a couple of people assumed apendicitce). Anyways I didnt treat it and it went away untill a couple of months later it came back. I was forced to stool sample and get meds. The meds were pretty extreme and made me so I was entierly groggy and miserable. The medication, except for the dry blood crusted anus - a resualt of so much shitting, was worse then the actual bug. A simple warning get it treated. I thought I was manly enough to dispose of it without medication and went through more suffering then I needed. The parasite can lay dormet inside of u for months and attack when it wants to. Also symptoms tend to show up late often confusing you.
I now own a filter used religiously |
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Herbal tea drinkin, tree huggin, view seeking, tortoise paced, ultralite wannabe
Vancouver, BC
Canada
2847 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2004 : 6:12 PM
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I'm ok and I drank that stuff, too so unless I'm immune-and some people do have immunity- I think Giardia is not your problem. I think you're just sick, man. Really, not figuratively. Take it easy, drink lots of fluids and see a doctor. Bummer.
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HikeOn,
Rich
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Manitoba's misadventurin' bushwhackin', dog sloggin', dehydratin', beer drinkin' biggie - who's eager to peak bag Mt Currie in a dress
Squamish
5048 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2004 : 6:27 PM
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Thanks Rich. I'm at the stage now where I'm improving daily, still with occasional bouts of yukkiness. I have been taking it easy this week and drinking lots. I guess I just picked up some kind of bug, but without a doubt it's the weirdest one I've ever had.
I think I'm gonna live, no need to go to the vet |
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Vancouver, BC
653 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2004 : 6:44 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by TSW
I have had giardia or beaver fever. It was the resualt of drinking the water from a river on the juan de fuca trail. There was an otter frolicing upstream and the water was guzzled without thought in a classic brain fart moment. (I forgot all about adding iodine) I didnt treat it and it went away. However it returned during another hike and I was forced to turn back due to severe intensital cramping and pain (I forgot I had the beaver fever a couple of month ago and a couple of people assumed apendicitce). Anyways I didnt treat it and it went away untill a couple of months later it came back. I was forced to stool sample and get meds. The meds were pretty extreme and made me so I was entierly groggy and miserable. The medication, except for the dry blood crusted anus - a resualt of so much shitting, was worse then the actual bug. A simple warning get it treated. I thought I was manly enough to dispose of it without medication and went through more suffering then I needed. The parasite can lay dormet inside of u for months and attack when it wants to. Also symptoms tend to show up late often confusing you.
I now own a filter used religiously
A cousin of mine was diagnosed with Giardia, which took ~9 years (yes, years) to run it's course. As you mentioned TSW, it would fade away, return, disappear again, return.. which apparently is common with parasites. Definitely something to avoid! |
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Do I have Giardia?
