Anyone ever had Giardia?

I was diagnosed with giardia last week, I've been researching it a little but wanted comments from anyone has had this. I start feeling better, then all of a sudden I'm back down again. And wondering how long this will last. Any input on this for me?
Thanks!

So far all I know about it is that it is a infection of the small intestine caused by a parasite. Make sure you are taking your meds and make sure you wask your hands well. Because this disease is carried through the feces of humans. Not to sound gross but just wash your hand good. As far as I know you must have got it by traveling.go to webmd or medicinenet.com. good luck!!!

If your doctor diagnosed you with giardia but did not give you an antiprotozoal/antibacterial medication like Flagyl (metronidazole), you need to find another doctor. This does NOT go away by itself. Giardiasis is caused by a parasitic protozoan organism, and will remain in the system for a LONG time without treatment. The usual course of behavior for the infection is diarrhea for a time, until the gut is "empty"; this lowers the population of the organism, but does not elminate them entirely. The surviving parasites reproduce until they reach a toxic level, and the cycle starts all over again.

If your doctor has prescribed something for the condition, then it can take seven to ten days to kill the parasites; as with antibiotics, be sure to finish ALL the medication that you have been given.

I've had it, and it's NOT fun.

You will have cramps, especially after eating and a few semi- solid stools daily. Drink clean water and eat hygienic food to prevent reinfection. Take an antiprotozoal drug like metronidazole, tinidazole, secnidazole or diloxanide furoate. Secnidazole is convenient, as you only have to take a single dose.