I am posting this for a friend who is experiencing a horrible case of systemic Candida and is in immediate need of your expertise, ideas and suggestions.
This is far beyond any advice I can offer to her, so I am asking you for any and all help in dealing with this matter, past or present.
This friend has been in treatment for a very long time now...10 years I believe. 3 years with a central Groshong line for IV therapy...and many more on orals.
She is now at a point where she can no longer do ABX because of the Candida infection. Both C. albicans and C. parapsilosis were cultured. C. albicans from a draw from the arm, and both strains from the catheter before it was removed.
She was also diagnosed with pneumonia (fungal, caused by the Candida), which she believes is rare. This was confirmed by chest X-ray and a CT scan. She was told that her central line was infected and had spread to her lungs from there.
She believes that this has been going on for a long time, but had no idea Candida could be anything other than a nuisance. After she did some reading on the issue, she then realized that she was exhibiting symptoms, including GI issues from this, for at least a year and possibly up to three years.
Recently, she was hospitalized for three nights and withstood many tests to check her heart, eyes, etc. There were also many repeat cultures and a second chest X-ray. At that time, she was placed on IV Caspofungin for two nights and then IV Dyflucan for the third night. She was then released with an RX for 30 days of oral Dyflucan 400mg.
I have supplied her with all of the Candida information that I had saved, and have also advised as to diet and natural remedies the best I could...but frankly, this is way over my realm of expertise.
My friend is in need of more specific suggestions, and personal experiences from you. She is understandably frightened by this and needs some words of wisdom and advice ASAP.
Thank you so very much in advance for any and all help!
My best, Melanie
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Diflucan 200 mg a day. No ABX, no carbs( grains, potatoes,fruit, sugars in any form) at all to break the cycle about a month. Lots of probiotic and clean water with lemon juice and GREEN vegtables to change the body's ph, making the body an unpleasent place for yeast.
It was my experience that ALL had to be done at the same time for quick, excellant results.
She can do all today except the diflucan unless she has it already.
She will herx. It will feel like a lyme herx. Not to worry.
Mel
Posted by Jellybelly (Member # 7142) on :
Hi Melanie,
Sorry about your friend, and I think I kind of know what she is feeling. I to have just come to realize that a wicked case of what I thought was Reflux/Gerd is actually Candida gone way out of control.
The pain was horrible, and my heart was just thumping all around. My symptoms were very similar to GERD, but there were some definet differences.
Like anything with sugar sent me off the wall and spicy foods didn't do a thing.
Anyways, I realized I had to crack down on the yeast diet and I did. I have also been taking medication for reflux, because I think that my esophagus was so swollen that maybe the valve just before my stomach wasn't sealing properly and was actually letting acid come back up. It does halp some to sooth the pain, and will help whatever damage there is to heal.
Then I started Diflucan. There was a difference fast. As usual for me, I had to start real slow at just 50 mgs. every other day. Boy did I herx after about 3 doses. When that started to clear, I took the Diflucan every day. That is where I am now.
Herxing is easing up, so I plan to increase to 100 mgs a day soon. Even though I felt sick to my stomach yesterday and kind of achey, the esophagus pain was all gone, it felt soooooooo good.
I have a feeling the yeast originates in my sinuses and has been there for probably 15 years. Then while on ABX these reflux symtpoms just exploded on to the scene several months ago.
But as I said I am doing better, and so hopefully eating right and taking the antifungals will help your friend. I had no idea that yeast could do what it did either.
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
The book The Yeast Connection by William Crook is a good overview. I used it many years ago before I knew I had Lyme and was dealing with systemic yeast.
The website www.theyeastconnection.com recommends contacting http://www.acam.org/ for a referal. It's the American College for Advancement in Medicine, which is an association of alternative and complementary physicians.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by mlkeen:
It was my experience that ALL had to be done at the same time for quick, excellant results.
Exactly. Here is the 5 step plan from my naturopath:
"Successful control and elminiation of a Candida Albicans overgrowth requires a multifaceted program as described below. Failure to follow ALL the steps simultaneously will result in slow progress and will lengthen healing time significantly. The program should be tailored to the individual and must balance the need to eliminate the Candida and deprive it of its food source while insuring proper nutrition for the individual."
Five Steps to Candida Elimination:
1. You must starve it into submission by eliminating its food source.
2. You must kill it with anti-fungal herbs and supplements. [e.g....garlic, onion, caprylic acid, Pau D'Arco capsules or tea, clove, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, tea tree oil, Echinacea, Goldenseal, black walnut, MSM, barberry root, uva ursi, neem leaf, biotin]
3. You must reestablish the proper balance and quantity of probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract. [...multi-strain lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus capsules with FOS should be taken between meals to maximize repopulation of the digestive tract by beneficial bacteria.]
4. You must reestablish proper levels of all B vitamins (yeast free) and utilize other immune enhancing supplements to boost immune system function. [e.g ... B complex vitamins (yeast free), biotin, beta 1-3 glucan, colostrum, maitake mushroom, vitamins A, C, E, zinc and selenium]
5. You must cleanse and heal the digestive tract to promote proper elimination of toxins and Candida and assimilation of nutrients. [e.g...chlorophyll, MSM, omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seed and salmon oils, GLA found in borage, evening primrose and black currant oils. Pantothenic acid, digestive enzymes between meals]
The candida link above has the dietary information she will need.
I hope this is a wake-up call for those who think yeast is no big deal.
Posted by oxygenbabe (Member # 5831) on :
Two days of IV capsofungin may not be enough. If I recall, the protocol for esophagitus (candida) in HIV patients was something like daily capsofungin for 3 weeks? It is expensive, so she may have to push for insurance to cover in this somewhat unusual situation.
Also, diflucan in such serious cases can be taken up to 600 mg daily, I think, would have to verify with specialists...if liver can handle it.
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Sorry this had to happen to your friend melanie
Have they considered sporonax(SP?)
It is a very strong anti-fungal & good for resistanat strains as well.
Other than the natural things & diet I hope your friend can find some releif.
Blessings
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Here sweety!!!
new drug Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
My most sincere gratitude to each of you for replying and offering your suggestions and help!
My frined has this link, so be assured that she is reading your words, and hopefully they are helping with her situation.
Much love, Melanie
Posted by sizzled (Member # 1357) on :
Up for more input!
Posted by DolphinLady (Member # 6275) on :
My doctor has helped me tons with yeast issues. Figures out what will work best in terms of antifungals and probiotics for the particular strain/s of candida you may have.
PM me for contact info if you wish.
Posted by gael1111 (Member # 8816) on :
Hi Melanie,
This may sound a little out of the box. I use the direct approach, to fight a serious systemic candida infection. I take caprylic acid and slather it right on my back, up my nose, up my (ehem) deriere, and on my head.
I then make a poultice of kiefer and extra probiotics and alternate doing the same thing. I also drink the kiefer with extra probiotics(about 2 quarts a day)
A little messy, but it really works. It goes right into the system and you don't have to worry about the probiotic getting past an acidic stomach. Hope this helps.
Gael
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Thanks for Bumping this Mizz Sizz!
Hey DolphinLady, I really appreciate your offer for more direct help. I will be sure to pass that along!
Good morning Gael, Out of the box is never a bad thing to me, and what you are doing actually sounds rather intriguing and innovative- kudos! Thank you for sharing!
My best to all, M
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Goodness, Miss Cave!
What an amazing website...I just popped some more pro-biotics!
I have saved the link to study further.
Thank you so very much for finding and adding this to our thread
Much love, M
Posted by citruslyme (Member # 7851) on :
Hey Melanie, feeling sick rigth now but couldn't help answering this post-- just a quick note. i had a fungal infection in my lungs and all over my skin-from abx overuse. a Lymenet friend saved my life by sending me a bottle of yeast ease by Jernigan Nutraceuticals. www.jnutra.com it works on all 5 strains it is a miracle. it contains pomiferin and kills candida in minutes. sending prayers for your friend going back to bed love Lyn
Posted by citruslyme (Member # 7851) on :
oopsies replied rather than edited-happens a lot. anyhow i swear by that product i could not breath a week a go. also tell your friend to do warm steams with a towel over her head and tea tree oil drops. they are antifungal and will help her breath. blessings lynn
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Thank you so much for your additional information Lynn.
Hoping that you are feeling much better real soon!
My best, M
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
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