Tuesday, October 5, 2010

I love telling the internet about my lady parts

Today I want to talk about my recurrent yeast infections. Ugh. I have been doing a little research, and of course I have diagnosed myself with a specific type of infection. I think I have been suffering from a systemic yeast infection. I think I have mentioned my sensitive stomach issues in the past. According to the internet, that is often a sign of systemic yeast infections.

The first time I got a yeast infection, it started with a burning sensation when I urinated. It was painful and alarming. As the days passed, the itching started. Then it seemed to stop. Then it started again with a vengeance. I was MISERABLE. I had no idea that my vagina could be so sore, so red, so itchy. I went to the doctor and was given Diflucan. I noticed that after taking the Diflucan my problems went away. In addition to that, my sensitive stomach issues seemed to go away too. Unfortunately, a few weeks later my tummy troubles returned.

The second time I got a yeast infection (a mere 5 months later), I went to bed feeling completely and totally normal. I woke up at 5am with an all too familiar itch. MOTHER FUCKER! I knew what it was right away. There was no question in my mind - I had another yeast infection. This time I never experienced the burning sensation, however I did feel a strange pulsing sensation for several days, which was really bizarre. I once again took Diflucan. Within days I noticed an improvement with my symptoms, and once again my sensitive stomach issues disappeared too.

Here we are two weeks since treatment, and my tummy issues seem to be returning. So, I have started taking acidophilus with every meal. I am also eating PLAIN yogurt (gag) with live cultures everyday. And finally, I have started taking a multivitamin. The yogurt and the acidophilus supposedly help fight candida. The multivitamin is just my attempt to make sure I am as healthy as possible.

I feel like I am doing everything possible to avoid getting another infection. If this doesn't work, I guess I'll be heading back to the doctor's office. Any advice, words of wisdom?

10 comments:

Nicole S. said...

eat full fat greek yogurt and ad some honey to it - its so good, i promise you won't gag! i like Fage brand. other than that, i have no advice. i have a lousy track record with lady issues, too! Mine are usually of the UTI variety.

Anonymous said...

http://www.thecandidadiet.com/

kristi said...

Seriously I deal with itchiness every damn month before my period. I guess it is hormones, I am almost 38. But I have zero health insurance right now so I have to suffer through. Once I start my period, I am fine. WTH?

Marni's Organized Mess said...

I am so sorry you are going through this. If anyone knows your pain it is me. I'd recommend a cleanse. Get it all out and stick (hard core) to a diet with NO sugar. As you ease back in, you can sort of test by what bothers you most. I most know by pain, bowel movements and general feel.

Sorry... :(

Clare said...

i usually end up with utis all of the time, but got a yeast infection when i was pregnant with ellie. they are the worst! i eat activia every day and it really helps with my stomach issues!

Carrie said...

Try going to the bathroom right after doing the beast with two backs. It's suppose to help prevent infections....

amanda said...

i have nothing. i know i have already shared that we have the same stomach issues...activia was my bff but now they changed the flavor and uck! back to square one.

sorry friend. wish i knew.

Antropologa said...

That's weird, and too bad. Surely there is a doctor of some kind your insurance will decide not to cover that you can visit?

Kris said...

Haven't read the comments, so apologies if already mentioned here.. that plain yogurt can be applied directly to the area like a cream.. .or inserted in an empty tampon applicator. Garlic cloves can be inserted (but that hurts like hell... I tried it for my GBS lol). Once I used peroxide, another home remedy that works but not fun.. I had no other choice at the time though. Not sure I'd really recommend it lol.

Anonymous said...

You might want to treat hubby also as cystitis* can be transfered, but men don't get the symptoms (lucky them)
Have S*x with the plain yogurt as a lube a few times, the yogurt also really helps when you have cystitis, very relieving!
To boost your immune system, the acidophilus is a good move, plus eating less white doughy foods, sugars, breads & I recommend Olive leaf extract, excellent stuff for everything to do with immune system!