Thrush problem!

[TabooPrincess]

Since having my baby (3 months ago) I've had near permanent thrush. I've always had a problem with this - used to get it every couple of months but it seems to have gone in overdrive now.  It clears up no problem when I take the tablet but only for a few days before it starts again.  I stick to just washing with water and use cotton underwear etc.  Could my diet be to blame?!  I probably do eat too much sugar.  I'm not entirely sure this is HIV related since I've always had more than average outbreaks.  Any suggestions ladies???

[Ann]

We pozzies usually need to be on the Fluconazole for more than one tablet. The over-the-counter-one-pill-and-you're-done thing just doesn't cut it for us. You should talk to your doctor about getting a week's supply of it. When I have thrush or when I'm put on antibiotics, I usually take 200mgs once a day for seven days. (antibiotics can cause thrush - were you on antibiotics after the birth?) Your doctor may want you on a slightly stronger regimen due to how long you've been suffering with this. He may also want to put you on the vaginal pessaries.

Thrush sucks. Good luck!

Ann

PS - if you have unprotected intercourse with your partner, you may be getting reinfected with thrush from him, especially if he's uncut.

[TabooPrincess]

Thanks Ann, I'll mention it to my GU doctor when I next go.  I really can't stand the pessaries, I find it really hurts when I try to insert them!

[Ann]

You're welcome.

I've always hated the pessaries too - they're so damned messy and gunky feeling. But they do work quickly and help relieve the itching and burning. On the other hand, the cream relieves the itch too and at least it's not so messy. You can get the cream over the counter. It's called Canesten (clotrimazole 1%). Boots should have it.

Good luck - I hope you can speak to your doc soon. If you can't talk to him soon, if you can afford it, get yourself several of the one-off packs of Fluconazole. I know they're expensive though (last time I bought one I think it cost £14!) and it would be much cheaper to get an NHS script. Feel better soon - thrush sucks!!!

Ann

[TabooPrincess]

I've got maternity exemption card for 12 months so free prescriptions for me!   

[BT65]

Taboo, I used to have constant problems with thrush, and I can tell you my diet had a lot of sugar in it.  Sugar can be a breeding ground, so to speak, for thrush.  Yogurt helps also, and yes, we can use that vaginally also (I  know, sounds strange).  Ann has given you good suggesetions.  There's also a mouthwash called Nystatin (I believe that's what it was called, Ann can correct me if I'm wrong) that works along with the Fluconazole.  I've used that extensively.  I also used to get these things called Mycelex Trochs, but I don't see those being mentioned anymore, so maybe they're not being prescribed anymore. 

Thrush sucks to be sure.  It can be painful, and not allow us to eat properly.  Ask about the mouthwash, along with a stronger script of Diflucan.  Good luck, lady.

Betty

[TabooPrincess]

Thanks Betty, I really think I need to change my diet a bit, I'm not so healthy.  I also like wine which I bet encourages it!!!  I've never had oral thrush, I hope that's not something I'll have to look forward to.  I remember having colonic irrigation a few years back and the nurse told me I had thrush in my bowel!!!  I didn't know that was even possible.  Anyway, going to try all the suggestions and a diet change (I'll miss my wine and sugar!!!)

[Ann]

The bowel is probably one of thrush's most favourite places to hang out. Pro-biotic drinks are meant to counteract this.

The fungal organism that causes thrush - Candida albicans - is present in and on everyone's body normally. It is kept in check by friendly bacteria. It's only when there's an overgrowth of Candida that you get problems. This overgrowth is often initially caused by antibiotics killing off the good bacteria along with whatever bacterial infection you're trying to get rid of with the antibiotics.

I went through a period in my mid-teens where I was being heavily treated with antibiotics. That was when I got my first case of thrush. Of course, being a kid, I didn't connect it to the antibiotics. I thought it was because of my newly-discovered pastime... masturbation. Ever since then, I've been prone to thrush although I never got it in my mouth until after I was poz. Now I get it both places. Such fun!

[stella8940]

Hey Princess,
I am assuming you mean a Vaginal yeast infection???Try the fluconazole for the 7 day treatment. ALso Yogurt (eat that) and as a precautionary thing on a daily basis take Acidophilis. Its all natural you can get it in the vitamin section at most walmarts.
If you get Oral Thrush rinse your mouth with Apple Cider Vinegar.
Good luck sweetie!
Riven