Interview with stool donor FL-RS-1997

June 8, 2022

Can you introduce yourself?

I am a professional track and field athlete specializing in long sprints. I've been blessed to compete in the sport at a high level for nearly ten years. At the turn of 2022 I became a donor with Human Microbes and have shared with various others to join donating.

How did you hear about Human Microbes?

I heard of HumanMicrobes.org through word of mouth a close friend, an Olympian.

Did you know anything about the gut microbiome and/or FMT prior to learning about Human Microbes?

Prior to learning about HumanMicrobes.org, I knew nothing about gut microbiome or FMT. Since then, this has been a mutually beneficial learning experience.

What were your initial thoughts about FMT and being a stool donor?

My initial thoughts about FMT and being a stool donor were skeptical. Since it was something I had never heard of and was paying a large amount, I was hesitant.

How was your experience with going through the screening process?

The screening process experience was extremely straight forward and smooth thanks to Mr. Harrop's guidance.

How about the initial phase with starting to donate? Any difficulties there, and how have things gone since then?

As with anything new, there is a learning curve and growing pains. The initial phase with starting to donate just required some time to get in a rhythm. Once I got a hang of the process it became muscle memory. Since then, things have been operating without issue.

How easy or difficult have you found it to fit it in your daily schedule? What sort of time requirements does it have?

Being an athlete and business owner, donating molds to my daily schedule. The "large" chunk of time requirement comes from making capsules and dropping off shipments. Both of which takes less than an hour each.

What are your thoughts about FMT, stool donation, and Human Microbes, now that you've gotten the hang of things?

FMT & stool donation is leading the charge in new-aged medical treatments and I am honored to be a part of the movement. Knowing that I am able to make a difference through each donation means the world. Human Microbes is a company for the people. Other companies charge outrageous prices for individuals who have already spent a hefty amount on regaining their health.

Some people are grossed out by FMT. My theory on that is it's because their own stool is unhealthy and thus repugnant, but in my experiences, healthy stool is not repugnant at all. Can you comment on how you perceived that issue before and after becoming a donor? And how tolerable or off-putting is the stool preparation for you?

Naturally I believe any involvement with stool will initially be repugnant. The idea of it is something we as a society are not accustomed to. Much like changing a baby's diaper, once you get over the hump and do it so many times, it becomes significantly less repulsive. Stool preparation is rarely off-putting for me now. Brief moments when a whiff kicks back or if the antifreeze capsulation process gets messy are the only times.

Any comments to anyone who might be considering becoming a stool donor?

Don't hesitate, especially if you are an athlete. Very few opportunities fit our schedules or are financially worth making them fit. This is a daily money maker that you are literally flushing down the toilet.