Concerns About Possible Intestinal Parasites
Greetings everyone. I’m a 28-year-old female and recently, during my morning bowel movement, I came across some white, thread-like structures. I will share a picture in the comments for reference. Currently, I am prescribed fluvoxamine, bupropion, and lamotrigine to manage my anxiety, depression, and OCD. Additionally, I take levothyroxine to address my Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism. Over the past few months, I have been experiencing considerable appetite loss, although I haven’t noted any other serious symptoms. Can anyone shed some light on what this might be? Thank you in advance!
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 3:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the presence of unusual white, thread-like structures in your stool, especially given your current health conditions and medications. These could be indicative of intestinal parasites, but they might also stem from other non-parasitic causes.
Explanation
Intestinal parasites can sometimes appear as thin, white strands in stool, such as pinworms or tapeworm segments. However, other possibilities, like undigested food, mucus, or fiber, could also cause similar appearances. Accompanying symptoms like appetite loss can be attributed to several factors, including your mental health conditions or even medication effects.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on any additional symptoms like changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, or weight loss. Documenting these changes can be helpful.
-
Diet and Hydration: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated. Eating foods rich in fiber can help with digestion and may clear up any mild irritation.
-
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the presence of these structures and your ongoing appetite loss, it is important to have a discussion with a healthcare professional soon. Consider bringing a stool sample, if advised, to aid in diagnosis.
-
Review Medications: Talk to your provider about the possibility that your appetite loss could be related to your current medications. They might adjust dosages or suggest alternatives.
-
Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While waiting for your appointment, it's important to avoid jumping to conclusions or self-medicating. Accurate diagnosis is key.
Stay aware of your body and make note of any new developments. Don't hesitate to seek help, especially if you feel your symptoms worsen. You're taking important steps by reaching out for advice!
Related Questions
Rash on My Neck: Seeking Insights
I recently discovered a rash on my neck that I can't identify. It may have developed within the last day or two; I might have overlooked it after my shower yesterday. Interestingly, it doesn’t cause any pain or itching. Does anyone have any thoughts on what it might be? Here are a few details about me: * I'm a 42-year-old male. * My height is 163 cm and I weigh 53 kg. * I am of Caucasian descent and I do not smoke. * I consume cannabis via gummies and I previously smoked/vaped. * On weekends, I drink about 4-6 alcoholic beverages on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, but I stay dry from Monday to Thursday. * I do not use any recreational drugs. * My location is Canada. * My medications include pantoprazole for GERD and Vyvanse for ADHD. * Although possibly unrelated, I want to mention a few existing medical concerns: I occasionally notice blood in my stool—likely due to hemorrhoids—and I have a history of iron deficiency anemia over the past couple of years, despite taking daily iron supplements with vitamin C. Additionally, I have experienced a weight loss of 13 kg over the past four months, dropping from 66 kg to 53 kg. This may be attributed to a reduced appetite, likely related to the emotional impact of my father’s passing during Christmas and the recent terminal cancer diagnosis of my severely autistic brother, who has only months left to live.
Did My OBGYN Understand My Situation and Deceive My Mother?
At 32 years of age, I am assigned female at birth (AFAB) and reflect on a harrowing experience from my youth. When I was still a minor, I was manipulated and abused by an older boyfriend who ultimately caused me to become pregnant. He was later apprehended and incarcerated. Before he was jailed, my OBGYN informed my mother and me that to conduct a paternity test for legal proceedings, a surgical abortion would be necessary. I was resolute—not only would I refuse that path, which I deemed traumatic for both myself and my unborn child, but I made my own decision regarding the matter. I requested my boyfriend to arrange a standard abortion since I was nearing the three-month mark of my pregnancy. I was given two pills—one to swallow immediately and another for a later time, although the specifics are a blur now. Prior to the procedure, an ultrasound was performed to confirm the presence and positioning of the fetus. Following the medication, I experienced excessive bleeding, prompting my mother to take me to the doctor for further examination. I distinctly recall feeling the loss of my baby before that visit, a phenomenon the abortion clinic had warned could happen. During our appointments, my mother displayed classic helicopter parenting tendencies, making me uncomfortable. The day of the doctor's visit, the physician began the ultrasound, and I sensed it was taking longer than usual. An air of tension built in the room, compounded by his unusual silence. He eventually lifted the ultrasound wand, pausing for what felt like an eternity. Something felt amiss to me. Finally, he informed my mother, "The pregnancy has become ectopic. We must administer an abortion shot and hope for it to resolve itself; otherwise, it may pose serious health risks." My heart raced at this revelation. Deep down, I was certain it was not ectopic. The abortion clinic also affirmed this. Was this doctor simply speculating, making a grave error, or inadvertently acting as my savior? I often contemplate that day and the physician’s actions. Was I misreading the situation due to my heightened stress levels, or was my instinct correct? I turn to the medical community on Reddit: was this doctor really my guardian angel in disguise? Based on the details I've shared, what are your perspectives? If he indeed saved me during that unsettling time, I yearn to reconnect and express my gratitude for his assistance all those years ago. Thank you for considering my story.
Seeking Insights on Autopsy Results
In 2018, my significant other passed away under circumstances that raised questions. During his time in a correctional institution, I suspected foul play, but I’ve only recently received the coroner’s report after an official version was completed in July 2024. It was a long wait, as I received the report just a few months ago. I subsequently sought copies of some of the referenced tests along with the autopsy report. Upon review, the findings mostly suggested that his health was normal at the time of examination, with one pathologist ultimately determining the cause of death as "undetermined." Additional pathology tests were performed on heart tissue samples, revealing notable findings: the presence of myocyte hypertrophy, perivascular and interstitial fibrosis without any indications of inflammation in the left ventricle. Meanwhile, the right ventricle showed signs of hypereosinophilia and congestion, but the findings were deemed too vague to suggest a specific disease, and there were no known heart issues in his past or in his family history. However, several aspects of the report seem quite troubling: 1. Moderate amounts of blood were found in his lungs, yet no apparent source of trauma was identified—this hints at internal bleeding or a possibility of drowning, but no clear answers were offered. 2. Trace amounts of Narcan were detected in the toxicology report, although it seems to have been administered postmortem by paramedics approximately 30-40 minutes after emergency assistance was requested, which creates a contradiction. 3. Rib fractures were noted, yet there was a surprising lack of internal bleeding—this suggests that resuscitation efforts might have occurred post-death, or that the force applied was insufficient. 4. There is an inconsistency regarding the time of death, with the official and interim reports stating differing dates (April 26 and May 1) and no coherent explanation for this discrepancy. 5. The time it took to conclude the cause of death was startling—over six years—culminating in a report issued in July 2024, which raises questions about the reasons for such a delay. 6. The death was listed as 'natural' based on the assessment of an unnamed internal physician, which undermines transparency and contradicts the standard coroner practice that advocates for external pathology evaluations. 7. The toxicology screen failed to include crucial substances—like insulin or common poisons—necessary to rule out any slow-acting toxins, even though he had displayed concerning symptoms in the days leading up to his death. All illegal drugs tested negative, with no traces of THC or alcohol, leaving only Narcan detected. Concerning the rib fractures: 1. The presence of multiple rib fractures in locations typical of CPR—specifically, left ribs 2–4, left ribs 5–7 at the sternum, and right ribs 3–4—indicates possible resuscitation attempts, yet… 2. There was a complete absence of any hemorrhaging in surrounding soft tissues or organs, which in living patients generally occurs with similar injuries. This absence implies the fractures might have happened after he had already passed away. 3. Moreover, no damage to the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs was noted despite the significant number of fractures, which is peculiar if those areas had sustained harm during vigorous lifesaving efforts. Given these findings, particularly that two pathologists remarked on the cause being "undetermined" and the autopsy report echoing this sentiment, I find it perplexing that the coroner concluded the cause of death to be from natural causes after the family had waited so long. I’m curious: have any of you encountered similar cases or find these details peculiar? What inquiries should I pursue next to gain more clarity? And what insights can you offer on possible causes of death suggested by these findings, so I might advocate for further investigation?
Understanding Neurological Recovery After Dad's Cardiac Incident
My father, age 72, is currently recovering from a significant health crisis. He stands 5'7" tall and weighs 210 pounds. His medication regimen includes Wellbutrin, Gabapentin, Omeprazole, Lipitor, and Naltrexone, and he has a medical history that includes hyperlipidemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), depression, and anxiety. On the morning of June 27th, an unexpected cardiac arrest struck him at home, leading to ventricular fibrillation. My mother was roused from sleep by his agonal breathing. After confirming there was no detectable pulse, they initiated CPR, which was performed promptly within a couple of minutes. This action successfully restored a faint pulse until emergency medical technicians arrived and used a defibrillator to stabilize his heart rhythm. Following the incident, he was swiftly transported to the hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Currently, he remains in a medically induced coma, supported by a ventilator and administered fentanyl along with propofol to manage sedation. The medical team has yet to determine the underlying reason for his cardiac arrest, and initial CT scans showed no significant structural issues with his heart or brain. His pupils are equal and responsive, which is a positive sign. The physician is considering reducing his sedation tomorrow to evaluate his respiratory function without the ventilator. In recent attempts to adjust his sedation levels, he displayed notable responses: - Slowly opened his eyes, although not tracking movements, appearing somewhat unfocused. - Reacted by pulling back his arms and arching his back when his thumb nails were pressed. - On June 29, he began to initiate breaths while on the ventilator. - He exhibited jerky movements and opened his eyes upon emerging from sedation. - Lifted his legs and pushed down toward the foot of the bed. - Responded to his name being called by opening his eyes. While it may be premature to ascertain the extent of his neurological recovery, I am hopeful based on these observations. The journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but I believe in his resilience. I sincerely wish for my father's return to his former self. I apologize if my description seems disorganized or unclear; please let me know if additional information is needed. Thank you for your support! ❤️
Seeking Clarity
Greetings, everyone! I’m a 17-year-old male, weighing 61 kg and standing at 180 cm. Recently, I’ve noticed that my sperm has a slight yellowish hue. Is this something I should be concerned about? I came across some information online suggesting that it could be related to urine or certain infections, but I don’t think that applies to me since I’ve never engaged in sexual activities and generally lead a typical life for someone my age. Apologies for any errors in my English. I would appreciate any insights you could provide! :)