posted
I've heard many here who could not take Florastor. Personally, I wouldn't take it.
Have you done a lot of research on the internet concerning yeast? Maybe you can find something that rings a bell with you.
I'm sorry you're having to deal with this again. Nasty stuff, that yeast!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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cantgiveupyet
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posted
yea, just tested positive for Babs on the Igenex fish test. Might explain this yeast.
The strain I have is one that about 2% of the population gets, and is found in immune supressed individuals. I just havent had it for years. But, on abx since April and here it is viola!
Lymetoo, i will see what I can dig up, also going to try and find my last genova diagnostic test and see if I can find what supplements its suseptable too.
I find treating yeast, is just treating a symptom, i need to find the cause.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
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pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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cantgiveupyet
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posted
lymetoo- i fear florastor because the way my body is it would be my luck I would have one nasty yeast infection from it. Ive tried it before and I swore it gave me an infection.
I dont have many GI symptoms, like most get with the yeast, and supposedly that is where it starts. I remain a medical mystery.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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cantgiveupyet
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posted
Me too because I saw good improvement on the Levaquin. I think the levaquin killed a bacteria though that was causing me ovulation pain, i didnt have that this month, and now have this yeast.
so, i think one bad bug replaced another.
Im hoping my bladder will tolerate wheat grass juice, so far it isnt. I need an immune boost.
im really miserable after being so hopeful.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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lymebytes
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posted
Florastor is good, but not enough in my opinion. I take it AND Natures Way primadophilus optima (35 billion CFU). I have found it to be the best probiotic and I have used them all.
As far as stopping nystatin/diflucan, I think I would stick with whatever your LLMD says.
Can you tell me where you had your culture done, i.e, Labcorp,etc.? I have asked 2 LLMD's for testing but they both have said there are no reliable tests, I find this hard to believe.
posted
Sorry you are having such a hard time with it. Are you taking garlic? I try to eat a clove a day,to help with yeast. Also Apple Cider Vinegar can be used for yeast. If you can handle the taste..mix a Tsp or two with a little water and gulp it down.
You can also add it to your bathwater, about a cup or so to help externally. I even read somewhere for women to put apple cider vinegar on a tampon and leave it in over night. Also have heard to do the same thing with plain yogurt.
This is what I found online for the vinegar though: Yeast Infection Apple Cider Vinegar Natural Remedy # 1
As a douche:
Add 3 tablespoons raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar to 2 quarts warm purified (distilled water or filtered water that has been boiled and cooled to "warm"). Apple cider vinegar naturally has the same acidity as a healthy vagina. Use this cleansing douche for a natural remedy for vaginal yeast infections. You can use this mixture twice a day when symptoms are most severe. As symptoms begin to clear up, reduce to once a day for a couple more days. Discontinue as soon as you are symptom free.
Yeast Infection Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy #2
A sitz bath:
Fill a bathtub with just enough warm, not hot, water to create a sitz bath (enough water to cover your groin and just up to your belly). Add 2 cups of raw apple cider vinegar and sit in the bath with your knees folded toward your body (not stretched out flat). You can stay in this bath mixture for 15 minutes. Gently pat dry and make sure you are very dry before putting any clothes on. Wear only cotton underpants, preferably washed in natural unscented detergent.
Yeast Infection Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy #3
Apple cider vinegar drink:
Add 1-2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar to a small glass of water (6 oz. or so). Add stevia to taste and sip slowly before a meal. This may create unpleasant die off reactions (dizziness, nausea, foggy feelings, super low energy) due to the apple cider vinegar actually killing yeast in the intestines. Drink plenty of pure water to help flush the dead yeast out. You can also do an epsom salt bath (2 cups epsom salts to a tub of warm water) which will not only help alleviate die off symptoms, it can also help kill the yeast infection!
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posted
I've posted this elsewhere, but here it is again. I've had really good success in managing yeast and bacterial infections with boric acid capsules and also using a product by Vitanica called Yeast Arrest. You can find all sorts of great products for vaginal support at RockwellNutrition.com. I'm not affiliated with this company, just a happy customer.
The boric acid therapy will eradicate the couple of strain(s) of yeast that are resistant to an antifungal such as Diflucan.
I also like the Vitamin E vaginal suppositories that are carried at Rockwell, and I also use the CandaClear suppository by Pharmax. I juggle the different products depending upon what I feel I need. After 15 years of experiencing vag. symptoms, these 3 products at Rockwell stopped the problems for me.
I've had yeast issues for a long time. Undergoing Lyme treatment has made my yeast issues more challenging. I have used natural anti-fungals and also use Diflucan and Nystatin (again rotating treatments as needed). I have found that I need to use products for vag. support in addition to taking oral antifungals and probiotics.
Boric Acid has safely been used for vaginal infections for a long time. There a many medical articles on its use. And many of the more enlightened doctors will recommend the use of Boric Acid to women with vaginal infections.
You can also make your own Boric Acid vaginal suppositories. And I do this also. It is very easy and inexpensive. The only drawback is that it will not have the often helpful and soothing herbs that the Yeast Arrest product contain. And if the tissues are really inflammed and irritated, sometimes using a Vitamin E suppository or a product that has the herbs (Yeast Arrest) or the probiotics for vaginal application are more helpful.
To make your own Boric Acid suppositories you need to purchase:
1. Empty Gelatin Capsules (Size 00) -- Available online and at some pharmacies.
2. A bottle of Boric Acid Powder -- Available online and at some pharmacies.
Simply fill the empty capsules with Boric Acid powder. Each Size 00 capsule filled with Boric Acid will supply 600 mg of Boric Acid.
These vaginal suppositories can be used once every 12 hours (am/pm) for as along as needed. Then they can be used prophylatically to help keep the vaginal Ph in the healthy acidic range and to keep future infections from surfacing.
Do not ingest the Boric Acid capsules. They are for vaginal use only.
It's certainly been a lifesaver for me.
Below is an article by Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D. from the Rockwell Nutrition site. I found it to be very helpful.
Hope this helps.
Fuzzy (I'm not affiliated with Rockwell. I'm just a satisfied customer of theirs.)
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) by Tori Hudson, N.D.
Introduction and General Observations
One of the most common chief complaints among female patients is vaginitis. Although it is often assumed that it is due to a yeast infection, only 33 percent of women with this complaint will have vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
VVC encompasses a broad range of issues, ranging from patients who have colonization of yeast but are asymptomatic, to those who have frequent, recurrent and symptomatic episodes. An estimated 75 percent of all women will have at least one VVC infection in their life, 45 percent will have multiple episodes, and 5 to 8 percent will have recurrent (RVVC) episodes, which are defined as four or more episodes within one year.1
Microbiology
Studies throughout the world have shown that Candida albicans is the most common cause of VVC and is the organism identified in 85 percent to 90 percent of positive vaginal yeast cultures. However, there are infections with non-albicans species, such as C glabrata, C tropicallis, and C krusei, which are becoming more prevalent in the US. Of the non-albicans species, Candida glabrata is the most common. The number of VVC cases that are due to non-albicans species has steadily increased, from 9.9 percent in 1988 to 17.2 percent in 1995.2 It is thought that this increase is due at least in part to the increased use of over-the-counter medications and that non-albicans species are becoming less susceptible to these agents.3
Evaluation
A diagnosis of VVC is made by a combination of history, clinical examination, specimen collection, a microscopic examination of a specimen using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, and, if necessary, a culture. A history that is consistent with VVC includes itching, burning, a thick white vaginal discharge, dyspareunia, and dysuria. Keep in mind that deferential diagnoses include vulvar hyperplasia, vestibulitis, genital ulcerations, lichen sclerosis, or other dermatitis conditions.
Prevention Concepts
Preventing infections is almost always easier than treating them. Here are some simple strategies:
Tight clothing can predispose one to candidiasis.4
Women who wear panty hose are about three times more likely to experience an incidence of yeast vaginitis infections than those who do not.5
Safer sex practices, such as use of condoms, may be helpful in preventing even infections not clearly considered to be sexually transmitted, such as yeast and bacterial vaginosis.
Support a healthy vaginal ecosystem and immune system by having a generally whole foods diet and very little to no sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Consider food, pollen, clothing detergent and semen allergies.
Increase intake of acidophilus yogurt and/or take supplemental lactobacillus supplements when using antibiotics.
Consider using condoms to prevent all types of vaginitis and to maintain a normal pH, and use condoms until the treatment regimen is complete to prevent recurrence.
Overview of Alternative Treatments
An important aspect of treating vaginal infections is looking at the problem more holistically and systemically rather than just finding drug alternatives to killing unwanted organisms. To this end, we try to improve the vaginal immune system, support the systemic immune system, restore the proper balance of normal microflora in the vagina, restore the normal pH of the vagina, decrease the inflammation and irritation of the tissue itself, provide symptomatic relief and, when necessary, curb the population and overgrowth of the offending organism. Although this approach sounds basic and logical, it is radically different from the conventional approach, which is essentially to kill the overgrowth of the causative organism. Although in severe, acute cases pharmaceutical antifungals may ultimately be necessary, there is evidence that the organisms are becoming resistant to overuse of these products. Even when the pharmaceutical over-the-counter medications or prescription medications need to be used, the principles and methods of some of the natural treatments can be an important part of a healthy vaginal ecosystem and immunity for the future.
Although the vaginal ecosystem is in a variable state throughout a woman's lifetime, nothing is more key to this ecosystem than lactobacillus. Perhaps no other concept is as important as the health of the ecosystem of the vagina.
The vaginal microflora of healthy asymptomatic women consists of a wide variety of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria dominated by lactobacillus. The range of bacterial types isolated is immense, including Staphylococcus species, Gardnerella vaginalis, Streptococcus species, Bacteroides species, Lactobacillus species, Mobiluncus, even Candida species (most commonly Candida albicans), and others. Again, the predominant organisms isolated from the normal vagina are members of the Lactobacillus genus.
Alternative Treatments
Nutrition
It cannot be overemphasized how the health of the entire body affects the internal ecosystem of the vagina. The pH of the vagina, the microflora that live there, the hormonal cycles, and the immune tissue in the vagina are all influenced by our general health and our dietary habits, and this in turn determines how susceptible we are as a host to the overgrowth of the unfriendly organisms that cause the vaginitis. A generally healthy diet supports our body's defense system. A diet low in sugars and refined carbohydrates is particularly important in preventing candida vaginitis. In general, a well-balanced, whole-foods diet that is low in fat, sugars, refined foods and alcohol is optimal in preventing many common infections. Some women who have severe, stubborn cases of chronic candida vaginitis may benefit from more strict diets that avoid fermented foods. These "anti-candida" diets can be rigorous and stressful and are often unnecessary.
Botanicals
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans by blocking lipid production, which thereby inhibits its growth.6 The major growth inhibitory component in garlic extract is allicin, and garlic products that have the highest amount of allicin would therefore be the most desirable. Garlic is diverse in its uses for vaginitis because it is both antibacterial and antifungal.7,8 Although I am not aware of any research on the use of garlic inserted in the vagina, this has consistently been one of my recommendations for women over the years for both candida (yeast) vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. A carefully peeled clove (so as not to nick the garlic) can be inserted into the vagina for 6 to 8 hours. The garlic can be threaded like a necklace so that it can easily be removed, as if it were a tampon. "Garlic tampons" or garlic capsules can be inserted intravaginally in the evening and then lactobacillus capsules can be inserted in the morning to create a plan that both inhibits growth of the offending organism and repopulates the microflora to a normal healthy state.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Oregon grape (Berberis vulgaris)
Goldenseal and Oregon grape root contain a substance called berberine, which acts both as an antimicrobial and immune enhancer. This immune effect is especially specific in epithelial mucus membrane tissue as is found in the vagina, mouth, and even the stomach. Berberine has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of microorganisms, some of which are found in the vagina, such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staph aureus and others.9 Preparations of goldenseal and Oregon grape have been used both orally, in teas, capsules and liquid extracts, and intravaginally in douches and suppositories. Because of their ability to affect both yeast and bacteria, these two herbs would seem a logical choice in cases where multiple infectious agents are involved.
Additional Treatments
Lactobacillus
Although we often think only of Lactobacillus acidophilus, several species of lactobacillus populate the vagina. The predominant species of lactobacillus isolated from the vagina of healthy women remains controversial. The mechanisms by which lactobacillus does its remarkable job are many. A low vaginal pH is believed to be a primary mechanism controlling the composition of the vaginal microflora. Lactic acid is produced by the metabolism of lactobacillus; although there may be other ways in which the vagina maintains its normal acidic environment, the role of lactobacilli seems evident. Lactobacilli thrive at an acidic pH of 3.5 - 4.5 and these values are indeed found in the normal vagina throughout the menstrual cycle. Lactobacilli have also been shown to interfere with how pathogenic bacteria adhere and colonize the cells of the vagina.10
The concept that lactobacilli might be useful when supplied in the diet, either as an oral supplement or intravaginally, dates back to the 1890s. While scientists have vacillated on the value of lactobacilli in prevention or in treatment, patients in need have not. In fact, lactobacillus therapy is quite popular both with alternative practitioners and with women who seek simple self-treatment methods. A study was done in 1992 on the daily ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophillus in women with recurrent candida vaginitis. In the women who ate 8 oz daily of the yogurt, there was a threefold decrease in candida colonization when compared to the women who did not eat the yogurt.11 It is now also popular to ingest Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements in oral form in place of or in addition to eating yogurt. Another popular method is the application of lactobacilli directly into the vagina. Douching used to be a popular method but, since research has shown that douching may contribute to infertility and pelvic infections, a safer and more convenient method is available by introducing lactobacillus capsules or tablets into the vagina.12 As either a solo therapy or in combination with other vaginal or oral interventions, lactobacillus is the key to establishing normal vaginal microflora, preventing recurring infections, as well as treating acute candida and bacterial infections of the vagina.
Boric Acid
The most successful natural treatment for VVC that I've encountered is the use of boric acid suppositories. Several studies confirm its success, ranging from 64% to 98% effective.13,14,15,16 Although regimens may vary, the most effective treatment in women with chronic, persistent VVC was using a 600 mg capsule vaginally, twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks. The only downside I have observed is that if the tissue has been irritated enough by the infection, the boric acid leaks onto the vulva as the capsule melts and then passes over this tissue, and burning can occur. Using vitamin E oil or lanolin or even Vaseline on the external genitalia to protect them from the boric acid seems to avert any significant discomfort.
Arden's Powder
A colleague of mine has been using a product called Arden's vaginal douche powder for over twenty years. She attributes its antifungal properties to the essential oils of eucalyptus, thyme and boric acid powder. The menthol crystals in the oils provide quick relief from itching and burning even before the infection is cleared. Although I have not been a strong proponent of douching, this old-fashioned approach can most likely be used safely under low pressure.
Directions: Mix 1 tsp of Arden's Powder in 1 pint of warm water. Fill the douche apparatus with the solution and gently insert the nozzle into the vagina. Use two applications daily for the first two days, then reduce to one application daily for 5 more days. Avoid during menstrual period or pregnancy.
Sample Natural Treatment Plan for Yeast Vaginitis Acute:
Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. Eat 8 oz. acidophilus yogurt daily or take lactobacillus species capsules containing 2-4 billion organisms per day.
Insert one boric acid powder capsule a.m. and p.m. for 3-7 days in mild cases, and up to 14 days for resistant cases.
Chronic:
Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fermented foods.
Eat 8 oz. acidophilus yogurt daily or take lactobacillus species capsules containing 4-8 billion organisms per day.
Take one garlic capsule one to two times daily by mouth.
Insert one boric acid powder capsule a.m. and p.m. for 14 days. Repeat for an additional 14 days if responding but not completely resolved after the first 2 weeks.
Prophylaxis
Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fermented foods.
Eat 8 oz. acidophilus yogurt daily or take lactobacillus species capsules containing 2 billion organisms per day.
Take one garlic capsule daily by mouth.
Insert one boric acid powder capsule once daily at bedtime, during menstruation only, for 4 consecutive months.
During Pregnancy
Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and fermented foods.
Eat 8 oz. acidophilus yogurt daily or take lactobacillus species capsules containing 2-4 billion organisms daily.
Take one garlic capsule daily by mouth. Avoid boric acid suppositories and herbal suppositories.
Principles of Treatment
The main concepts for managing VVC are: Be certain of your diagnosis, manage other influences, and be creative and persistent when what you are doing is not providing relief or the patient has recurrences. Remember that VVC is frequently misdiagnosed by both patients and practitioners. Taking shortcuts in history, physical exams and testing can result in misdiagnosis, unnecessary treatments, and delays in effective treatment. Most cases of VVC will be very effectively treated with natural methods. For those unusual cases that are not, there are various oral and vaginal regimens including butoconazole cream, clotrimazole cream or vaginal tablets, miconazole cream or suppositories, terconazole cream or suppositories, fluconazole oral and nystatin vaginal tablets. Treatment options for non-Albicans candida infections include more aggressive fluconazole and terconazole regimens, flucytosine vaginally, and boric acid vaginal capsules.
VVC may seem trivial to many, but for some, the discomfort, the chronicity, and the health care costs incurred are far more than trivial. The practitioner who is methodical, arrives at an accurate diagnosis, and offers empathy and intellect in treatment, will provide the best care to the most patients.
References:
1 Foxman B, Barlow R, D'Arcy H, Gilespie B, Sobel J. Candida vaginitis: self-reported incidence and associated costs. Sex Transm Dis 2000;27(4):230-235. 2 Spinillo A, Capuzzo E, Gulminetti R, et al. Prevalence of and risk factors for fungal vaginitis caused by non-albicans species. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:138-141. 3 Odds F. Resistance of yeasts to azole-derivative antifungals. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1993;31:463-471. 4 Elegbe I, Botu M. A preliminary study of dressing patterns and incidence of candidiasis. Am J Public Health 1982; 72: 176-177. 5 Heidrich F, Berg A, Bergman J. Clothing factors and vaginitis. J Family Practice. 1984; 19 (4): 491-494. 6 Adetumbi M, Javor G, Lau B. Allium sativum (Garlic) inhibits lipid synthesis by Candida albicans. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 1986; 30 (3): 499-501. 7 Moore G, Atkins R. The fungicidal and fungistatic effects of an aqueous garlic extract on medically important yeast-like fungi. Mycologia, 1977. 15: 466-468. 8 Cavallito C, Bailey J. Allicin, the antibacterial principle of Allium sativum. Isolation, physical properties and antibacterial action. J Am Chem Soc 1944; 66: 1950-1951. 9 Amin AH, Subbaiah TV, Abbasi KM. Berberine sulfate: antimicrobial activity, bioassay, and mode of action. Canadian J Microbiology. 1969; 15:1067-1076 10 Chan RCY, Bruce AW, Reid G. Adherence of cervical, vaginal and distal urethral normal microbial flora to human uroepithelial cells and the inhibition of adherence of gram-negative uropathogens by competitive exclusion. J Urol 1984; 131: 596-601. 11 Hilton E, Isenberg H, Alperstein P, France K, Borenstein M. Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus as prophylaxis for candidal vaginitis. Annals of Internal Med. 1992; 116: 353-357. 12 Jeavons H. Prevention and treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis using exogenous Lactobacillus. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2003;32(3):287-96. 13 Hilton E, Rindos P, Isenberg H. Lactobacillus GG vaginal suppositories and vaginitis. J Clinical Microbiology. 1995; 33 (5): 1433. 14 Keller Van Slyke K, Michel V, Rein M. Treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis with boric acid powder. Am J Ob/Gyn 1981;141:145-148. 15 Jovanovic R, Congema E, Nguyen H. Antifungal boric acid for treating chronic mycotic vulvovaginitis. Journal of Reproductive Medicine 1991;36(8):593-597. 16 Sobel J, Chaim W, Nagappan V, Leaman D. Treatment of vaginitis caused by Candida glabrata: Use of topical boric acid and fulcytosine. Am J Ob/Gyn 2003;189:1297-1300.
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
Dont really want to talk much about my LLMD, just will say they believe that you dont use antifungals until there is an issue.
I almost stood on my head to convince, but it wasnt so.
I have vulvdynia, so i really have to watch what i use down there, things really can kill me.
I will ask my vulva specialist about the boric acid or anything similar like the rockville products. I just have to tell her im going on lyme treatment.
The sitz baths are a good idea, i have done those with tea tree oil and vinegar before, i think that is what finally kicked this strain in 2006.
My Nurse practitioner atleast knows my history and how bad this is for me, thank god someone believes me. I tried to prevent it, and took difflucan i had left over. Took it every 4 days, with nystatin daily.
Somehow though it wasnt enough. I think i need something directly in that area during treatment.
Its tough because my main symptoms are vulvodynia, IC and pelvic floor dysfunction, so makes it tough to tell what is causing what.
I do know I saw good improvement on Levaquin. I went off it to treat yeast yesterday, and last two days my bladder and pelvis has hurt more, but not sure if it is the yeast.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
nutramedix herbs enula and cumanda are good for yeast.
im taking them now they seem to be pretty effective.
hope u feel better soon.
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