We have discovered that Kelly has some amoebas in her system. We are not sure what they came from, nor if the medicine they prescribed (usingthe word loosely) for us will work. But we are trusting. She is certainly feeling much better.
Entamoeba histolytica can be some nasty little creatures. For more gory details see below.
But it has been a wonderfully growing experience for us. We have felt a strong sense of unity, and God has given us both an alien patience and longsuffering faith to take us through this trial. Sickness always has the potential to turn us both inward, away from each other in order to pity ourselves and complain internally. This time, it has been much more of a chance to cling to each other as we look to God in gratitude and uncompromising trust. Especially with the experience of seeking medical help from people you can´t understand and who can´t understand you fully. Aye yi yi.
This is from netdoctor uk. Fortunately, Kelly does not have all these symptoms.
What is amoebic dysentery?
Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis) is an infection of the intestine (gut) caused by an amoeba called Entamoeba histolytica, which, among other things, can cause severe diarrhoea.
Amoebae are parasites that are found in contaminated food or drink. They enter the body through the mouth when the contaminated food or drink is swallowed. The amoebae are then able to move through the digestive system and take up residence in the intestine and cause an infection.
There are several different species of amoebae, but the most dangerous, such as Entamoeba histolytica, live predominantly in tropical areas. These potentially life-threatening species are able to burrow through the intestinal wall and spread through the bloodstream to infect other organs, such as the liver, lungs and brain.
How do you get amoebic dysentery?
Entamoeba histolytica can exist in two forms in contaminated food and drink:
as free amoebae (known as 'trophozoites')
as infective cysts, which are a group of amoebae surrounded by a protective wall, that have been passed (excreted) in the carrier's faeces (human or animal).
If you swallow contaminated food that contains the free amoebae (trophozoites) hardly anything is likely to happen, because they usually die in the stomach on account of its acidity. On the other hand, cysts are particularly resistant to the acidic contents of the stomach and food contaminated with cysts represents a genuine risk of infection. When the cysts reach the intestine of another person the individual amoebae are released from the cysts and are able to cause infection.
Amoebic dysentery is passed on by careless or negligent hygiene where contaminated food and drink is consumed without adequate heat treatment. Salads washed with contaminated water are a common method of spread.
What does amoebic dysentery feel like?
Amoebic dysentery may not demonstrate any symptoms for long periods of time (months, even years). However, infected individuals still excrete cysts and, consequently, infect their surroundings.
When the amoebae attack, they damage the walls of the large intestine, causing ulceration and subsequent bleeding. The milder symptoms of this are stomach cramps (colic), painful passage of stools (tenesmus) and bloody, slimy diarrhoea, which is often foul smelling. However, the course of the disease can become complicated and alter radically if the amoebae break through the intestinal wall and its lining (peritoneum), causing peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum).
The amoebae may be transported via the blood to the liver and other organs and give rise to a high temperature and a seriously debilitated condition. In the long term, the amoebae can, among other things, form enormous cysts in the liver and other organs, which sometimes may only be discovered on investigation by a doctor for other conditions such as unexplained weight loss or illness.
Hi there. We've just read your cooments about Kelly's parasite illness in 03. At present my wife is recovering from this same illness and after being cleared of infection, has been 'recovering' for 16 months. SHe still is to put weight back on that she lost and still doesn't feel hungry. How did you deal with the 'post' amoeba effects. How long did it take before normal hunger returned and weight gain.
Thanks for your help
Andrew
Sounds like the two of you are leading a very
interesting life. Lord have mercy on your digestive system, Kelly--be healed in the name
of Jesus! Praying that healing comes quickly
and both of you stay well and that each day is
an adventure in your walk with Him.
Crofts
Yikes!
I'll pray.
I will be lifting you guys up. Hope you are finding Christ's people a support in this time. Love you guys.
God works through good doctors as well as prayer!
It is our prayer that Kelly is doing better with her amoebic dysentery like illness. This can be serious stuff. You two are in our thoughts and prayers, not only for Kelly's illness, but for what you are doing for the kingdom of God.
Uncle James
Armen adds... if you make a mistake, remember not to say "yo emberazado"... that means "I'm pregnant" not "I'm embarassed." xxx Kathy
Hi Tom & Kelly, Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. Love your descriptions and pics. We sure hope the amoeba retreats and you feel well again. Armen and Lucia are visiting today and say ola and bueno sueno (which they think means good luck!) Love, Askijians