Yeast Infection problems, need advice

[Erika]

I'm sorry if this topic has been talked about to death and back but maybe my story is different or something and you can lend some advice.

I went to the doctor about 8 months ago and was told that I did not have a yeast infection, I had a bacterial infection. The doctor gave me metronidazonle and everything was fine for a few weeks. I started having discharge again and figured that the infection didn't do away. The symptoms were too bad so I let it slide for a few weeks. I went out to the pool with a friend and we sat around in the texas heat and wet swim suits all day and the next day, I had symptoms of a yeast infection. I went to the doctor and she said that all of the bacteria had been taken care of but that I did in fact have a yeast infection. She then gave me 2 tablets of the 150mg diflucan. I took 1 and then 7 days later I took the other one. I also followed this up with a 3 day course of monistat and then another 3 day course of monistat, followed by a 3 day course of clotrimazole and then finally I did a 1 day treatment of the monistat day or night ovule. Anyway, right after I started the 1 day treatment of the day or night stuff, I started my period so I haven't had a chance to let my skin breathe and I'm still having symptoms of a yeast infection. I took note of my diet and I don't eat a lot of sugar or fruits. I'm mainly on an all raw veggie diet with minor (non yeasty) slip ups here and there. I do drink a little alcohol every now and then and noticed that my symptoms get worse when I drink so I stopped drinking all together. It just seems that no matter what I do it doesn't make the yeast infection go away.

I also feel that whenever I speak to a doctor about this, that I'm not taken seriously. I feel like they just blow me off and try to get me to do the same things that I've already been doing that haven't been working.

Do any of you ladies (or guys for that matter) know of anything extra that I can do that I haven't do already? I also live in Houston, Texas but would be willing to travel up to 150 miles for a good doctor if you happen to know of any in my area that would treat me correctly. Please help in any way that you can. I'm miserable.

I also thought about intimate lubrication. I know that some of them contain harmful ingredients and the one that I usually use might be one of the causes. Do any of you know of a good one to use that is safe and doesn't contain sweeteners? I have found a company called firefly organics but I don't know of anyone who has tried it yet.

anything else would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much,
Erika

[Clare]

Well, first of all, DH and I use coconut oil. I don't know why people pay even a couple bucks for something artificially created to do the same thing. Any oil would work, I just like coconut because it's antimicrobial.

I have been helped mainly by eating a raw, low fat diet. Many have not needed any restrictions beyond raw. But for me, the nuts and oils are detrimental and fruit is fine in huge quantities including bananas. In the past when I had a bad infection, boric acid capsules (as suppositories)were very helpful. You can get them made at a compounding pharmacy or make them yourself. Two full weeks of them, followed by some probiotic caps. But of course they say it is your gut that's really imbalanced, so this is only going to be a temporary fix until your body balances itself. Maybe I'm not very balanced because when I eat something wrong (ie a few weeks ago some SAD cookie dough I was workiong with) I get an almost instant reaction, including itchy ears and breakout that can take days to clear. Lets hope i learn from it!

Believe it or not, I heard a radio doctor recommend the Master Cleanse for yeast infections. Despite all the maple syrup, he said it would clean out the candida in 7 days, then follow with probiotic caps. I would imagine that fasting on water or juice would accomplish the same goal. Don't be surprised if you get worse at first for a couple days though.

[HolyGuacamole]

I don't know where you are in Houston, but I just saw this fellow http://drmanso.com/ and I was very happy with the experience.
I didn't go for yeast infections but among other things, he dxed me with candida.
He is an MD but a holistic one and has naturopaths on staff.

He's not cheap, but he is very thorough, kind, compassionate, respectful and concerned.
His website mentions his religious beliefs, and he did give me a little spiritual book to read, but he was in no way dogmatic or pushy about it. Believe me, he wasn't, 'cause I can't stand that sort of behavior and it would have made me extremely uncomfortable.
The people in the office are extremely kind and cordial. It is a pleasant place to be, even for me, and I am loathe to go to the doctor for anything.


Anyway, if you can't get it worked out on your own after trying all the usual natural remedies, like oregano oil, garlic, caprylic acid, etc., you might consider calling him and seeing if you can get an appointment.


Sending healthy vibes~

[Eva]

Well, first of all, DH and I use coconut oil. I don't know why people pay even a couple bucks for something artificially created to do the same thing. Any oil would work, I just like coconut because it's antimicrobial.

Wow, that's interesting. We haven't yet had cause to try any lubrication... but I'm going to have to remember this! LOL, I use it for hair and body moisturizer, makes sense... I can use it head to toe, inside and out. Wow.

:D :D :D

[souldanzer]

Oral s*x can cause yeast infections. In that case, the problem is really your partner's yeast level and not your's.

Souldanzer :o

[Rawkinlocs]

Before raw I suffered from CHRONIC yeast infections...especially after childbirth.

When I first went raw, I had the MOTHER of all yeast infections but I chalked it up to "retracing". See, when you take meds and those creams and stuff, your body is not healing from the thing, it's just being treated but not at the root cause.

But after that bad one, I no longer got them EXCEPT whenever I'd slip up and eat something I had no business eating.

Sooo...basically dear, taking those pills and using those creams is not going to help you long-term. AND...I know you won't want to hear this...but the cleaner your diet becomes, there is a great chance you will experience these symptoms until your body has had the chance to FULLY detox out all of those medications.

So, long answer short...stop taking them when you get symptoms, try to eat as cleanly as possible and stay away from yeast-causing foods (like the alcohol which you stated you already gave up) and try to ride through it and allow your body to fully cleanse itself and heal itself.

To help the symptoms, you may wish to do some research on NATURAL relief from yeast infections such as apple cider vinegar, yogurt on a tampon, acidopholus (sp?), etc. rather than drugs and medicinal creams.

[Erika]

lol Oral sex.... I don't do that... no need to worry about oral thrush.

I never thought about using coconut oil but good advice.

Last night my body (skin all over) was so itchy that I could not sleep. I was so tired that I could hardly hold my eyes open but when I would lay down, I would just itch all over.

I have tried the boric acid capsules in the past but this time I want to stay away from them because I think that they might be harmful to the skin. I don't know this for sure but the last time I used them, it caused some bleeding.

I'm going to the doctor today and I'll see what she says about this. Although I don't want to use medications anymore, I have to say that if she gives me an antifungal pill, I'm going to take it. I'm miserable at this point.

I'll post back and let you know what happens.

[Rawkinlocs]

Well Erika,

Good luck with whatever you decide. Just keep in mind...taking meds will only mean going through this again later! It'll just continue to be a continuous cycle until you decide to buckle down and allow your body to do what it needs to do naturally. Trust me..I know of which I speak as I've been where you are! So, see what your doctor says and prescribes and once you are tired of the cycle, refer back to this forum and this thread about things you can do naturally once you're ready to go that route!

[Erika]

I spoke with the doctor today and she reviewed my history in great detail. She explained to me that I have a naturally high amount of yeast in my body. She did give me meds to take but I'm also going to use the probiotics and the oil of oregano. She is going to monitor my progress and once we get the yeast under control then I'll stop taking the meds and continue with the natural treatments.

[Vaclare79]

Just posting my sympathies to you Erika. I've taken Flagyl before over & over for a bacterial vaginosis infection which I seemed to get over & over from getting in my hot tub (which I avoid now) & sex.
Apple cider vinegar with the mother, the master cleanse/lemonade diet & garlic are said to help yeast infections.

http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/3494/health/simple_tips_to_cure_a_yeast_infection.html

[BDraw]

I too am battling a yeast infection right now and did not want to go to the doc. So I "searched" on this forum. Lots of great advice.

I got real brave and tried the garlic. It works!!!! I am amazed!!! I inserted a peeled clove while sleeping or sitting (too many babies and while walking they tend to slip out) and I cut one in half to swallow like a pill (both halves) twice a day. I also used cocoanut oil on the external itches. It works!! I am amazed. I said that didn't I? I am just so shocked how great and quickly it worked. I really wish I would of done it when I first noticed the symptons -- last week, but no, I was in denial!

I also went completly raw, green smoothies and bananas with extra cocoanut oil. No nuts. Amazing what pain will cause one to do. I had been wanting to get myself 100% again, but too dang lazy. Boy, did I pay the price!

[juliebove]

I used to have chronic yeast infections. First, I was put repeatedly on antibiotics for chronic ear and sinus infections that I was told were linked to allergies. I finally learned that I am allergic to almonds, pistachios (maybe), eggs and dairy. Once I stopped eating those things I have had only one sinus infection. So part of problem solved.

I have diabetes and that makes me more prone to infections.

I also learned that tampons were making the infections worse. I think I had a low grade infection all the time. Not much in the way of symptoms. What I perceived as vaginal dryness. But no itching or discharge that is commonly associated with such infections.

I no longer use tampons, at all. Ever. If I do use Monistat or something similar, I find only the 7 day is effective. The shorter period of time ones are harsher for sure and do not seem to work. I also used a two prong attack. I bought some Yeast Arrest. It is a Boric Acid suppository. You put it in yourself and it dries up the bad stuff. I followed the instructions for chronic infections which includes using it for a few days during your period for several months. That seemed to clear it up for me quite well and it hasn't come back.

Another thing that is highly effective but messy is gentian violet. I had to mail order it but you might be able to find it at the pharmacy. It's a purple liquid that comes in a small bottle. You apply it carefully internally and externally with a cotton swab, taking care not to spill it on anything. It will stain badly!

I only used one application although I have seen to do more. One was all I needed. Instant relief and no return of symptoms for about a year. I started using tampons again. Oops!

If you go this route, you will have to wear old panties that you don't care about, or black ones as well as black pants/skirt for several weeks. The purple will just keep coming off and coming off. You might also want to wear pads for the first few days when the purpling is the worst.

From what I have been told, this used to be a very standard treatment. They used to sell tampons saturated with the stuff. Post on the Internet seem to imply that you can still get such tampons, but I don't know where. Couldn't find them in the U.S. unless maybe they are a prescription item.

And a couple of other things I learned when my friend had chronic yeast infections. Do not wear tight pants. She had gained some weight and refused to buy new pants, thinking she would make do till she lost the weight. Her pants were quite tight in the crotch and that made things worse.

If you must sit for extended periods of time, do it on a natural fabric. We had vinyl computer chairs at work and our office was hot. She covered her chair with a folded cotton, terry towel and that helped a lot!

Mostly I think the key is to kill ALL of the yeast and keep it gone for a while. I think what I was doing was knocking it back but not fully killing it and walking around with a low grade infection all the time.

I would not take Diflucan. I tried it once and it made me very ill. And from what I read, one or two pills is not enough. You have to take it for a long time for it to be effective.

[RawKnitster]

Everyone probably knows this....but just in case...

DO NOT USE COCONUT OIL AS A LUBRICANT WITH CONDOMS BECAUSE FATS AND OILS DISSOLVE LATEX!

[Erika]

Thank you guys for the posts. I actually have some gentian violet at home, I've used it on tampons before with good results. I had forgotten about it as a treatment so I will use that again as soon as my period is over. I have also used tea tree oil on a tampon and it was okay as well.

I refuse to use diflucan, the doctor today gave me nizoral which is supposed to be much better. I have boric acid here at home and I've used it before as a vaginal insert but the last time I used it, I had problems from it and I'm a little afraid to use it again. The first time I tried it, I had really good results though.

I bought some oil of oregano today and I just can't get it down. I mixed one drop with a cup of water and it nearly killed me to take 2 sips. If anyone knows of a better way to swallow it, please let me know.

Other than that, I got the pearls (acidophilus) and some garlic pills.

I'll post how things are going as time goes on.

[BDraw]

find a capsule that you have herbs in and empty half or even all, squeeze the drops in the capsule, reclose and it will go down without any nasty taste, that is if you did not drip any on the outside of the capsule while filling. It works! And I even managed to get a bit on the outside, not too horrible. You may belch it later, I did once.

Befopre I tried this I put a few drops in water (2-3T) and dang, it burned and left a nasty taste in my mouth for way too long.

Hope this helps.

[Erika]

That sounds like an excellent way of getting it down. I can actually buy the empty capsules from a pharmacy.

Thanks,
Erika

[RawHeaven]

I spoke with the doctor today and she reviewed my history in great detail. She explained to me that I have a naturally high amount of yeast in my body. She did give me meds to take but I'm also going to use the probiotics and the oil of oregano. She is going to monitor my progress and once we get the yeast under control then I'll stop taking the meds and continue with the natural treatments.


Best wishes with your treatment Erika. I just wanted to share I chose not to go to the medical doctor with my last yeast infection this past Spring. I actually haven't had a yeast infection for many, many years, but like Rawkinloc's experience I experienced a horrible one after being raw for a few months. It was definately retracing and detox. It took about a week for everything to clear but this was without drugs. I echo what has been said about exacerbating and covering up the problem with pharmaceutical drugs. Good luck though whatever you decide to do, but just had to share my experience. Garlic works.

[kelsi]

I've had a yeast infection for almost 2 years now, and when i went on a 2 month candida diet, oh my goodness, it was the first, and only time, that i did not feel the effects anymore. i had to stop for a month, but i started up again today because the symptoms have come back. My naturopath said that antibiotics will make the infection worse by killing off the probiotics, also, i dont know if you are on hormonal birth control, but taking hbc and plan b is what started this whole thing for me. i would HIGHLY suggest no antibiotics and a candida diet if you want to cleanse yourself, its cheap, its easy, and it improves a lot of problems, not just candida.

i hope it improves! these things are just terrible : (

[Erika]

I'm not on any birth control and I'm not taking antibiotics, I actually refuse to take either one.

I hope that this doesn't come out wrong so I'm trying to be mindful of how I say it. I deeply respect each and every one of your opinions. My husband is a chiropractor and at home, we practice natural health care. I'm a nursing student but there are many medications out there that I don't agree with and I don't like. I refuse to take certain medications myself and will almost always opt for a natural approach even when running fever and being very sick. I know from experience that I can cure myself without drugs... most of the time.

I just want you guys to know that I've been battling yeast infections for many many years and I've tried almost every treatment known to man including the natural ones and special diets. They just don't work for me. I couldn't start my medication yet because I was on my "cycle" and my doctor told me to wait until I was done. I will get the medication in a few days because it's also expensive. While I was waiting, I've tried a few natural treatments and nothing is working. I've been tested for bacterial infections and everything else that the doctors found were necessary but everything is fine with the exception of an extremely high yeast build up. I don't even eat yeasty foods, but for some reason, yeast just loves me.

I know that everyone is trying to help, I asked for help, that's what I want and I'm glad that you all have given me your opinion and tried to help in the best way that you can. I'm just letting you know that I will put the natural treatments to good use but I'm also going to use medications which I never use, I have to do this, this time. I can not back down. I'm sorry if my want for medications offends anyone, but I'm not living with this crap anymore. I kind of felt backed into a corner though because everyone is pushing for me to not use medication. I just wanted it to be clear, that I am going to use it anyway. I understand everyones position here but this is what I personally feel that I have to do in conjunction with natural treatments.

[RawHeaven]

Hi Erika, your use of medications does not offend me in the least, just wanted to share what worked for me. I completely respect your experience (one that I know nothing about) and I trust you know what is best for yourself and how to heal your body. Sometimes even healers need healing though. :) I hope you find your answers.

Here's to your good health.

Crystal

[Rrose]

If I were you, I would take the Meds without fail. Get this thing cleared up and while you are on the meds, it's very important to not feed the yeast so that it stays in high proliferation, even after you see improvement, you should still follow a low glycemic, low carb diet at least for three months. Just eat greens and nuts and seeds with seaweeds. If you have any excess bloating from the yeast, it will just vanish with this regime. stay on top of it because it will grow back again if you revert back to wrong eating habits.

I hope this works for you, it did for me.
:D

[HolyGuacamole]

I have total respect for your choices and your experience, Erika.
No one else can tell you how to deal with this. You have to do what is right for you. *hugs*

[Erika]

Thank you for understanding. I will absolutely stick to a good healthy lifestyle and hopefully with the meds, everything will get cleared up and stay that way. I really look forward to being yeast free. I'll continue to post updates here and let you know how things are going.

thanks,
Erika