Saturday, February 6, 2010, 9:23 pm [EST]

Message: I contracted Blastocystis in Sudan in early 2006.

My story is sadly very familiar to so many others on this site. This disease has had a considerable impact on my life, although I feel fortunate to have managed to pursue my career, and start a family.

I'm contacting you because none of the treatments I've been tried have helped (I've tried all the main treatment combinations, both conventional and natural) except for my most recent round of medication.

In December, I went to a primary care physician to test my blood sugar level as a friend had mentioned that some of my symptoms suggested diabetes. A native of Ghana, he looked at my history and declared that I had chronic Malaria. (I did have a history of Malaria in Sudan).

He advised me to take a 20 day course of Lariam at 250 mg a day. (The standard dose for malaria prevention is 250 mg a week.)

Well, I can't describe the difference it made. Everyday I felt stronger, and all my symptoms gradually improved. I thought he was right and that I did have Malaria, until I finished and the symptoms returned. I've since seen various Malaria specialists who are are convinced that I do not have Malaria. The only thing I test positive for is Blastocystis (which, as usual, they say is not the cause of my problems.)

I urge you to look into the potential of Mefloquine/Lariam or derivatives in the treatment of Blastocystis. Although, my symptoms returned, they are not as bad as they were, and I sincerely believe that If I take an extended course, perhaps over 2 months, that I can rid myself of this disease. No other drug has had made any impact on my symptoms over the last 4 years.

Lariam is obviously not a particularly nice drug, and many people seem to have bad experiences with it. I had no significant side effects whilst taking it at the 250mg doseage except a little dizziness.

I know how helpless people feel with this disease. I know what it feels like to take dozens of medications and not feel better. I urge those of you are desperate to get better to consider taking an extended course of Lariam.

I hope this email strikes a chord with someone. Some research really needs to be done.