posted
I've read lots of posts on yeast infections, and it seems most everyone knows if they've been infected with it.
I know this is a dumb question, but how do you know? Sometimes, I don't know if I'm feeling bad due to yeast, abx, herxes, etc.
I know you can itch really bad in an unmentionable area! that's one way, and thrush can be seen by the tongue, but the rest is always a guess.
I've read where yeast infections and herxing can mimic each other, or I thought I read that. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Is there an easy way to know what to do and what to take for what symptoms!!!
This is a nasty puzzle...
Thanks,
lifeline
P.S. Sometimes, I take Diflucan and wonder if that's the right thing to do when I'm not sure what it is that's making me feel crummy. I am careful about foods, and take lots probiotics/lots nystatin tabs.
Nothing seems to be easy with this dreaded disease! Guess it's a bad day. Sorry.
posted
You know....your question deserves a really good reply, because it's an exc t question! I'd like to answer by listing many of the yeast symptoms, but don't have time right now.
I think alot of people could benefit from a more in-depth reply. [Hey, maybe somebody will beat me to it!!...hint, hint! ]
But one tip-off for me is an itching that I don't notice until I'm lying in bed, trying to go to sleep! It feels like something is crawling inside my skin on my arm(s) or leg(s).
That's a big clue for me! It can keep me awake, even tho it's not noticeable until I'm lying there quietly....very weird.
Get out your little "yeast questionnaire" by Dr Crook....I have one from Dr C. Check out how similar the yeast symptoms are to Lyme symptoms! So it IS very hard to tell which is which!
___How many mercury amalgam dental fillings? ___Have you been vaccinated within past 5 years? ___Have persistant Prostatitis or Vaginitis. ___Have taken Cortisone type drugs. ___Have taken birth control pills. ___React badly to cigarette smoke. ___React badly to chemical fumes. ___Symptoms worse on damp or muggy days. ___Have had athlete's foot and/or Jocky itch. ___Have cramps with my periods. ___Crave alcohol (beer, wine, whisky). ___Feel helpless at times. ___Seem to have lost interest. ___Lost or decreased sexual desire. ___Shaky or irritable when hungry. ___Cannot seem to concentrate. ___Stomach gets sore all over. ___Ears itch at times. ___Had bladder infections. ___Had urinary frequency or urgency. ___Vaginal discharge ___Feel weak all over. ___More nervous than usual. ___Often am dizzy or light-headed. ___Heart pounds or beats fast. ___Had constipation and/or diarrhea. ___Mouth ulcers ___Took antibiotics 3 times in past few years? ___Took antibiotics 3 times in past year? ___Have Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). ___Have Mitral Valve Prolapse. ___Have allergic symptoms often. ___Strong perfumes make me sick. ___Have had a skin or nail fungus. ___Crave sugar, desserts or chocolate. ___Crave breads, and/or pastries. ___Have trouble thinking clearly. ___Noticed numbness or tingling. ___Pains in my stomach. ___Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). ___Chronic rashes or itching skin. ___Had nausea and a "sick" stomach. ___Joints ache at times. ___Feel tired most of the time. ___Feel "drained" and exhausted. ___Stomach bloats frequently. ___Have a poor memory. ___Feel "spacey" and unreal. ___Muscles ache more often. ___Have depression fairly often. ___Have headaches frequently. ___Headaches are getting worse
Hope this helps!
------------------ C O L O R A D O * S U P P O R T * S Y S T E M [email protected]
[This message has been edited by Melanie Reber (edited 21 November 2003).]
quote:Originally posted by lymewarrior03: looks like the lyme symptom list to me
YEP!!
Lyme LIST:
1. Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing 2. Unexplained weight change--loss or gain 3. Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina 4. Unexplained hair loss 5. Swollen glands: list areas_______________________________ 6. Sore throat 7. Testicular pain/pelvic pain 8. Unexplained menstrual irregularity 9. Unexplained milk production: breast pain 10.Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction 11.Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido 12.Upset stomach 13.Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea 14.Chest pain or rib soreness 15.Shortness of breath, cough 16.Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block 17.Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse? 18.Joint pain or swelling: list joints________________________ 19.Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back 20.Muscle pain or cramps 21.Twitching of the face or other muscles 22.Headache 23.Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain 24.Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains 25.Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy) 26.Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity 27.Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity 28.lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance 29.Lightheadedness, wooziness 30.Tremor 31.Confusion, difficulty in thinking 32.Diffculty with concentration, reading 33.Forgetfuiness, poor short term memory 34.Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places 35.Difficulty with speech or writing 36.Mood swings, irritability, depression 37.Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening 38.Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol
TheCrimeOfLyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4019
posted
I have devised a way for myself to find out if I am having problems with yeast. ( i do not do the yeast diet, im a jerk , I know)
Anywho, what I do is when I am just having a rough of it and dont know what is causing what, I take away ALL candida contributors for a few days, including antibiotics, sugar, bread, coffees, colas, etc.
After about three days, I have a nice big old cup of coffee or some candy and if its a yesat problem ( I do have systemic yeast that keeps rearing its ugly head) I usually get a slamming headache.
You can also do the spit test. This is on the internet, just to see if you HAVE candida. get a cold glass of water, very cold,first thing in the morning and spit into it BEFORE you eat, drink, smoke, brush teeth , etc. Let it
sit there and an hour later, go back. Anything growing in there with stringy looking legs is yeast.
I wouldnt recommend anyone go off antibiotics just because that is something i do at home ( LOL) but you could chop everything bad out of your diet,
and then come back with a candy bar and if you react, its most likely yeast.
You can also be tested for this. NOt really something you want to ask an MD as this is another area that they just dont get. Your LLMD might be able to help you.
Right now, yeast is my most significant problem as well as bartonella. Everything else is pretty much ok and lemme tell ya
oh YEAH it will make you feel like you havent come very far. My son was crunchin on some doritos today and mom ( me) hehe stole the bag and ate a whole bunch.
Paying for it with massive migraine. ;o)
THey do mimic each other so much, scares the crud out of me sometimes thinking about all the yeasty damage Im doing by PUTTING abx into my system, yet I need them!
HOpe that helped out some! You'll get through it. Im gonna drink bleach and get rid of mine. IM KIDDING!
Good luck
Posts: 3169 | From Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Registered: Jun 2003
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That's a great test to do just to check for yeast in the morning. I'll try it first thing tomorrow. Don't want no stringy legs!
I didn't know there was a test for candida. I'll check with my LLMD. Good info.
I do love chips (corn chips) especially with cheese over top. I never thought they were so bad cuz there's no sugar, but, of course, the carbs make up for it! But, I have to have some at times, especially if they're just sitting on the counter...waiting for me!
posted
Hi lifline...My LLMD does a nasal swab & checkes under the microscope for yeast - it's a instant thing, like 5 mins.
The spit test works great for your at home FYI- and if your yeast is very bad its also almost an instant result.
Strength is right about the gas - at one point I could have a glass of water & burp and feel awful for 2 hours. It was to a point I hated to ingest anything. Another sign I had was like a crusty film on the upper eyelids, like flaking skin. Cleared right up w/ diflucan.
Because these symptoms overlap, and are different for everyone, you have to kinda keep track of when things pop up, and what you've been on recently, and for me the most important- did it go away when taking probotics. After awhile you'll be a pretty good judge of your body/system and have a hunch about whats causing what.
Case in point - for the past few months, I have been having a problem with extremely watery eyes when I wake up in the morning. I actually had to take a napkin to my eyes & sop up the fluid so I could see. I would have to do this several times.Eye Dr said it was dry eyes - which I found kind of funny - cuz I had very wet eyes... At some point, I also noticed I was getting gasey when I ate and stomach felt awful, so I took diflucan for a few days & noticed that my eyes were not so wet in the morning. Next LLMD appt - I mentioned this - he did a swab of my eye & went to his microscope - low & behold - yeast. He said not alot - but just the same should be none in the eyes. Gave me more diflucan & it's much better. So that has become my current litnus test for yeast. Pay attention to your symptoms & you'll be able to tell (sometimes) whats going on in your body.
Just for your info - I never had a vag yeast infection during this time - seems the yeast loves our guts - it's the perfect environment for it. So it's possible to be totally infected w/ yeast & yet not have "typical" yeast infection. Hope this helps...~Cindy~
Just for your info - I never had a vag yeast infection during this time - seems the yeast loves our guts - it's the perfect environment for it. So it's possible to be totally infected w/ yeast & yet not have "typical" yeast infection. Hope this helps...~Cindy~
YES...very true!! Everyone....read the rest of Cindy's post!
groovy2
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6304
posted
Hi lifeline Here is a easy and somewhat accurate one day test for candida. For starters-- have a large Pasta dinner- include some bread-rice - potatoes- have some wine. Have a big peice of cake and ice cream--Wash down with 3 pints of dark beer--Gennis stout works well. Have some chips and salsa Enjoy 2 more gennises pints and sleep on it.--- For breakfast eat a stack of pancakes- with syrip --include a bowel of cereal -- wash down with a large glass of frozen orange juice-snack on a couple of dounuts and a candy bar. For lunch--have a sandwich--include fries-a coke- and a pint of good ice cream . Buy some household cleaning chemicals and some after shave. While enjoying 3 more pints of Gennis distrubite chemicals around home or office. Also smoke a pack of Camels or have someone blow smoke in your face. Stand on a freshily paved street corner- breath in lots of car exhaust. Go to the corner store- stand down wind from some one filling there car with gasoline- -(With a small amount of planing you can combine many of the above at one location)- Purchase 4 more pints of Gennis and a pizza.-Eat pizza and finish off 3 pints of Gennis and your almost done. Save last Gennis pint. Now its time to check your test results- - After going threw this testing- -- You Feel OK- You are OK--For Sure-- ---Enjoy last pint Gennis-- --Jay--
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
Here is a simple test you can do at home, a test that I failed with flying colors. When you first get up, before you do ANYTHING or eat ANYTHING, get a clear glass.
Next, fill it with room temp water.
Then, spit in it. Make sure you get a good amount of spit in it.
Then wait for up to 15-20 minutes, don't move the glass around.
If you notice these stringy things growning off the bottom of your spit, chances are you have a yeast infection.
This test is no gold standard, but it's just something to try.
I think docs can do blood tests for it, as well as stool samples.
I think pretty much everyone has Candida in their bodies. But the Candida becomes active if you body becomes stressed with Lyme, infections and toxins, then the Candida comes out to play.
TheCrimeOfLyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4019
posted
I posted the candida spit test on here.
Correction to caps post: Fill the glass up with cold water. Candida ( that is normal for everyone to have in their GI system and bodies) grows like wildfire under heat.
Dont skew the results with warm water. Use cold. VERY cold.
Posts: 3169 | From Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Registered: Jun 2003
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beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
The spit test is a good way to check for Candida Albicans in the mout and intestines. But, if you want to know if you have Systemic Candida, in your bloodstream, then you need to do a simple blood test. There are 5 (I think) strains of Candida that can be Systemic. The blood test can check for all of these. Ask for an IgG, IgA and an IgM so you can tell if it is active.
posted
I had the systemic yeast blood test - and it came back low! - and I have most yeast symptoms noted - and I have horrible chemical sensitivities - so, I'm going by symptoms...we all know how accurate tests can be!
brodius
Posts: 78 | From connecticut | Registered: Jan 2005
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Yeast
1. Have you taken tetracyclines or other antibiotics for acne for 1 month (or longer)? ___________________________________________ 2. Have you at any time in your life taken broadspectrum antibiotics or other antibacterial medication for respiratory, urinary or other infections for two months or longer, or in shorter courses four or more times in a one-year period? ________________________________________________ 3. Have you taken a broad-spectrum antibiotic drug--even in a single dose? ____________________________________________ 4. Have you, at any time in your life, been bothered by persistent prostatitis, vaginitis or other problems affecting your reproductive organs? ______________________________________________ 5. Are you bothered by memory or concentration problems--do you sometimes feel spaced out? _____________________________________
6. Do you feel ``sick all over'' yet, in spite of visits to many different physicians, the causes haven't been found? _______________________________________________ 7. Have you been pregnant...
_________________________________ 8. Have you taken birth control pills...
_________________________________ 9. Have you taken steroids orally, by injection or inhalation? _______________________________________ 10. Does exposure to perfumes, insecticides, fabric shop odors and other chemicals provoke . . . ? _____________________________________________ 11. Does tobacco smoke really bother you? _______________________________________ 12. Are your symptoms worse on damp, muggy days or in moldy places? ___________________________________________ 13. Have you had athlete's foot, ring worm, ``jock itch'' or other chronic fungous infections of the skin or nails?
____________________________________________ 14. Do you crave sugar? __________________ 1. Fatigue or lethargy _______________________________________________________________ 2. Feeling of being ``drained'' _______________________________________________________________ 3. Depression or manic depression _______________________________________________________________ 4. Numbness, burning or tingling _______________________________________________________________ 5. Headache _______________________________________________________________ 6. Muscle aches _______________________________________________________________ 7. Muscle weakness or paralysis _______________________________________________________________ 8. Pain and/or swelling in joints _______________________________________________________________ 9. Abdominal pain _______________________________________________________________ 10. Constipation and/or diarrhea _______________________________________________________________ 11. Bloating, belching or intestinal gas _______________________________________________________________ 12. Troublesome vaginal burning, itching or discharge _______________________________________________________________ 13. Prostatitis _______________________________________________________________ 14. Impotence _______________ 15. Loss of sexual desire or feeling _____________________________ 16. Endometriosis or infertility _________________________ 17. Cramps and/or other menstrual irregularities _______________________________________ 18. Premenstrual tension _____________________ 19. Attacks of anxiety or crying __________________________ 20. Cold hands or feet, low body temperature ____________________________________ 21. Hypothyroidism _____________________ 22. Shaking or irritable when hungry ______________________________ 23. Cystitis or interstitial cystitis _________________________ 1. Drowsiness, including inappropriate drowsiness _________________________________________ 2. Irritability _________ 3. Incoordination ____________________ 4. Frequent mood swings ______________________ 5. Insomnia ____________ 6. Dizziness/loss of balance ________________________ 7. Pressure above ears . . . feeling of head swelling __________________________________________ 8. Sinus problems . . . tenderness of cheekbones or forehead ____________________________________________________ 9. Tendency to bruise easily ________________________ 10. Eczema, itching eyes ____________________ 11. Psoriasis ___________ 12. Chronic hives (urticaria) _________________________ 13. Indigestion or heartburn _________________________ 14. Sensitivity to milk, wheat, corn or other common foods ______________________________________________ 15. Mucus in stools _________________ 16. Rectal itching ________________ 17. Dry mouth or throat ___________________ 18. Mouth rashes, including ``white'' tongue ___________________________________ 19. Bad breath __________________ 20. Foot, hair or body odor not relieved by washing _________________________________________ 21. Nasal congestion or postnasal drip _________________________________________ 22. Nasal itching _______________ 23. Sore throat _______________ 24. Laryngitis, loss of voice ________________________ 25. Cough or recurrent bronchitis _________________________ 26. Pain or tightness in chest ________________________ 27. Wheezing or shortness of breath ______________________________ 28. Urinary frequency or urgency ____________________________ 29. Burning on urination __________________ 30. Spots in front of eyes or erratic vision ________________________________ 31. Burning or tearing eyes _____________________
32. Recurrent infections or fluid in ears ________________________________ 33. Ear pain or deafness ___________________
Tired Muscle Ache Lack of Focus Irritable Depressed Moody Headache Crave sugar Sleepy Constipation Diarrhea Gassy Rectal or Vaginal Discomfort Lack of sexual feelings Cramps Numb Painful Joints Crying Jags Dizzy Sinus Discomfort Insomnia Bad Breath Body Odor Sore Throat Coughing/wheezing/shortness of breath From: YeastConnection
Symptoms of Lyme Disease � The Tick Bite (fewer than 50% recall a tick bite or get/see the rash) 1. Rash Rashes at site of bite on other parts of your body basically circular and spreading out (or generalized) disappearing and recurring � Head, Face, Neck
2. Unexplained hair loss 3. Headache, mild or severe, Seizures 4. Pressure in Head, White Matter Lesions in Head (MRI) 5. Twitching of facial or other muscles 6. Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy) 7. Tingling of nose, (tip of) tongue, cheek or facial flushing 8. Stiff or painful neck 9. Jaw pain or stiffness 10. Dental problems (unexplained) 11. Sore throat, clearing throat a lot, phlegm ( flem ), hoarseness, runny nose � Eyes/Vision
12. Double or blurry vision 13. Increased floating spots 14. Pain in eyes, or swelling around eyes 15. Oversensitivity to light 16. Flashing lights/Peripheral waves/phantom images in corner of eyes � Ears/Hearing
17. Decreased hearing in one or both ears, plugged ears 18. Buzzing in ears 19. Pain in ears, oversensitivity to sounds 20. Ringing in one or both ears � Digestive and Excretory Systems
21. Diarrhea 22. Constipation 23. Irritable bladder (trouble starting, stopping) or Interstitial cystitis 24. Upset stomach (nausea or pain) or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) � Musculoskeletal System
25. Bone pain, joint pain or swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome 26. Stiffness of joints, back, neck, tennis elbow 27. Muscle pain or cramps, [url=http://www.canlyme.com/fibromyalgia.html (Fibromyalgia)][/url] � Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
28. Shortness of breath, can't get full/satisfying breath, cough 29. Chest pain or rib soreness 30. Night sweats or unexplained chills 31. Heart palpitations or extra beats 32. Endocarditis Heart blockage � Neurologic System
33. Tremors or unexplained shaking 34. Burning or stabbing sensations in the body 35. Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Weakness, peripheral neuropathy or partial paralysis 36. Pressure in the head 37. Numbness in body, tingling, pinpricks 38. Poor balance, dizziness, difficulty walking 39. Increased motion sickness 40. Lightheadedness, wooziness � Psychological well-being
41. Mood swings, irritability, bi-polar disorder 42. Unusual depression 43. Disorientation (getting or feeling lost) 44. Feeling as if you are losing your mind 45. Over-emotional reactions, crying easily 46. Too much sleep, or insomnia 47. Difficulty falling or staying asleep 48. Narcolepsy, sleep apnea 49. Panic attacks, anxiety � Mental Capability
50. Memory loss (short or long term) 51. Confusion, difficulty in thinking 52. Difficulty with concentration or reading 53. Going to the wrong place 54. Speech difficulty (slurred or slow) 55. Stammering speech 56. Forgetting how to perform simple tasks � Reproduction and Sexuality
57. Loss of sex drive 58. Sexual dysfunction 59. Unexplained menstral pain, irregularity 60. Unexplained breast pain, discharge 61. Testicular or pelvic pain � General Well-being
62. Unexplained weight gain, loss 63. Extreme fatigue 64. Swollen glands/lymph nodes 65. Unexplained fevers (high or low grade) 66. Continual infections (sinus, kidney, eye, etc.) 67. Symptoms seem to change, come and go 68. Pain migrates (moves) to different body parts 69. Early on, experienced a "flu-like" illness, after which you have not since felt well. 70. Low body temperature 71. Allergies/Chemical sensitivities 72. Increased affect from alcohol and possible worse hangover
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
I know everyone's different but in the past when I have had sytemic yeast I have ahd the following:
*Bad intestional gas and really smells worse than foul vag yeast infection *thrush *pain when I swallow pills *nuasea really tired, more so than usual, weak Generally fely sick all over
All of the above symptoms would happen at once and this was a sign for me to bring out the "big guns in the antifungal meds"
The stared ones are a sign to me that it probly is an upper/lower GI yeast problem
make sure to talk over everything first with our LLMD
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Wow, Tree, you outdid yourself on the long list of symptoms here! Thanks for all your expertise helping everyone here on the board!
IP: Logged |
posted
The best way to know if it's yeast is to go on the diet and take Diflucan or some of the natural "cures"....You will know by how you feel!
Of course, you will herx from the die-off if you have a bad case...but after about a week or two you will feel MUCH BETTER if it's yeast!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
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-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
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