Author Topic: Thrush (Read 11317 times)

David_CA · « **on:** December 08, 2006, 09:47:53 pm »

I'm still on antibiotics for PCP (started w/ IV and now pills), but this thrush that appeared the third or so day is really gross. I find that thouroughly brushing my teeth, gums, and tongue often helps. What's really bothering me is that NASTY Nystatin swish and swallow. I handled it fine for about eight days, but now it's really getting to me. Last night, just measuring it out made me gag and I puked a little when I took it (and I thought I'd lost the gag reflex!).

Does anybody know what alternatives there are to Nystatin? I'm supposed to do it four times a day for the next twelve or so days... I don't think I can keep from puking though.

The Septra doesn't bother me. I've been on Atripla (or its components) for about a week now, and have had no real side effects... 'cept a few fun dreams. Nystatin is by far the worse of all the drugs I'm currently taking.

I guess if the Nystatin is the worst or my med issues, I shouldn't worry about it so much, but the SHIT IS NASTY!

David

gerry · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2006, 09:51:04 pm »

Diflucan (fluconazole) works really well. It's a tablet that's taken 100-200 mg once a day. Talk to your doc about this. You could also swish and spit (instead of swallow) the Nystatin if it's just oral (and not pharyngeal or esophageal) thrush, until you can get your doc to prescribe you the Diflucan.

Amosboy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 08, 2006, 09:57:07 pm »

Keep swishin' kind sir! Believe me, you don't want a really bad case of thrush down in your throat. That was one of the worst kind of pain I've ever experienced. Diflucan is an option, though I think this first option may be best for now...be kind to your liver, until you have to bombard it with another drug. I did have to get on IV's of Diflucan to finally rid myself of the evil thrush back in 2000.

Good luck!

Brooks

Tucsonwoody · « **Reply #3 on:** December 08, 2006, 09:58:51 pm »

I have been taking fluconozole during/since my recent stay in the hospital as a preventive measure which has worked for me so far with no side effects as far as I can tell since I take so much other stuff. It's a generic too so if cost is an issue - it should be pretty cheap - Sam's Club/Walmart have it and it's listed on their $4.00 meds list but I don't know for what quanity.

Medlineplus says Nystatin comes as a pill and a liquid so maybe you could switch to the pill form.

Good Luck!

AlanBama · « **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2006, 10:01:34 pm »

David,

It's been a lot of years since I had to deal with thrush, but I remember how nasty that swish and swallow is.....they used to give us these lozenges called "Mycelex Troches"....not sure if they use those anymore or not.

Hope you get rid of it real soon!

hugs,

Alan

whizzer · « **Reply #5 on:** December 08, 2006, 10:16:31 pm »

Thrush.......yuck !!

Diflucan works well, but then, so does Nystatin. Diflucan is usually dosed 200mg the first day, then 100mg a day for the remainder of two weeks, maybe longer if necessary.

Swish and spit Nystatin is an option if the candidiasis is not in the esophagus.

I'm not sure Mycelex troches are available any longer, but you might be able to have the equivalent made up at a compounding pharmacy. You'd still have the nasty taste issue though.

A tongue scraper will do a better job than a toothbrush on your tongue.

Hope it gets better quick. At least the IV antibiotics didn't leave you with C. diff (there's always a bright side).

jcmiami · « **Reply #6 on:** December 08, 2006, 10:45:10 pm »

David_NC, I was in the same with PCP and thrush a month ago - the same time I was diagnosed with AIDS. After hospital discharge, MD prescribed Nystatin as well....you say gag? God I vomited breakfast, lunch and dinner out- that stuff is NASTY as shit. I see my MD next week for an alternative cause I can't keep gaggin and puking!

Eldon · « **Reply #7 on:** December 08, 2006, 11:19:41 pm »

Hey David,

Just wanted to chime in and let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery from this. Some positive energy is coming your way.

Happy Holidays!

sdcabincrew74 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 09, 2006, 12:22:44 am »

Quote from: AlanBama on December 08, 2006, 10:01:34 pm

David,

It's been a lot of years since I had to deal with thrush, but I remember how nasty that swish and swallow is.....they used to give us these lozenges called "Mycelex Troches"....not sure if they use those anymore or not.

Hope you get rid of it real soon!

hugs,

Alan

I used that when I had 2 years ago. They were not bad at all.

Longislander · « **Reply #9 on:** December 09, 2006, 12:25:42 am »

two different docs gave me those Mycelex Troches last Dec/Jan after diagnosis, After weeks and weeks of it, turns out it wah hairy leuk and not thrush. HL went away on it's own.

thunter34 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 09, 2006, 12:39:35 am »

i also used diflucan for throat thrush. from the sound of it, i hope i never get confronted with nystatin! sounds horrible!

~+

Jeffreyj · « **Reply #11 on:** December 09, 2006, 01:14:39 am »

Add another to Team Diflucan! It helped get rid of it, but sounds like it was not as bad as what you have. Sorry you are going though this crap. Good luck in getting well soon.
Jeff

aztecan · « **Reply #12 on:** December 09, 2006, 02:07:52 am »

Hey David,
I don't have any experience with Nystatin, but did take Diflucan (Fluconozole) for a time. It works really well, but can be tough on the ol liver.

Hang in there youngun. I will be sending positive energy your way.

HUGS,

Mark

Robert · « **Reply #13 on:** December 09, 2006, 02:11:58 am »

David.

Those Mycelex 10mg troches are a piece of cake. YOu just put one under your tongue and let it melt. No side effects at all.

You and I seem to be traveling along similar paths. when I got out of the hospital, I also started HAART. And I also had thrush. My Dr. gave me the Myclex and it cured it in no time. I still have some. Be glad to send it to you if you want to try it. Like I said, it's a piece of cake.

robert

J.R.E. · « **Reply #14 on:** December 09, 2006, 04:26:35 am »

Hello David,

I agree, the Diflucan works VERY WELL. I know it did for me. Also try having some yogurt products during this time. Dan-active is good. It's loaded with the good flora, for your intestinal tract. Its sold in 4 packs in the grocery stores. Just a couple dollars

Take care----Ray

Ann · « **Reply #15 on:** December 09, 2006, 07:28:26 am »

I always make sure I'm prescribed Diflucan anytime I'm prescribed antibiotics. All I have to do is look at a bottle of antibiotics and I've got thrush. Always have been that way even before I was positive.

I've got a box of what's called Nystan (nystatin) Pastilles - pretty much the same thing as troches - so they must still be making them. These ones try to taste like licorice, but fail miserably. They work well though.

Ann

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #16 on:** December 09, 2006, 09:25:21 am »

I haven't had thrush in years, knock on wood. When I've had it I also was prescribed diflucan.

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #17 on:** December 09, 2006, 09:43:56 am »

I had a bit of thrush back a few months ago. My doc gave me the mycelex, 5 times a day. I use to eat those things like candy...

skeebo1969 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 09, 2006, 12:25:03 pm »

David just reading your description had me gagging. I hope this shit clears up soon. I am glad you are staying on top of it. I've had esopho something or another once and if the pain from thrush in the esophagus is anything like that...... my god please just stay on top of it!

cubbybear · « **Reply #19 on:** December 09, 2006, 04:02:10 pm »

Hey David,

When I had Oesophageal Thrush when i was dx with PCP, AIDS etc, the Diflucan kicked it in the butt pretty quickly. I also tried the lozenges, but in Australia they are called something different (can't remember), and they tasted like Vitamin C tablets and I ate them like they were going out of fashion, they were kinda yummy.

Hope it clears up for you soon. The dreaded thrush is an annoyance and a pain at the best of times.
Matt

aupointillimite · « **Reply #20 on:** December 09, 2006, 07:38:34 pm »

Oi... I feel your pain. I got a nasty case of thrush from being overprescribed antibiotics a number of years ago, and I'll never forget the pain (nor the sheer nastiness of that medication).

I wish I could remember the name of it, because I didn't have to swallow it... but my God, was it foul.

And JRE, do you know of any studies (or even anecdotes for that matter) about yogurt being good for thrush? A lot of my female friends use it when they have yeast infections, and that's why I always thought it would make sense for thrush, but I'd never heard anything until you mentioned it.

David_CA · « **Reply #21 on:** December 09, 2006, 10:21:34 pm »

So here's the plan.... Monday, I'll call my ID Dr. and ask for Mycelex troches (I assume there's a generic). I'd rather have something topical than another chemical that has to be filtered by my liver. Then, I'll come home and happily pour that nasty yellow stuff down the drain! I don't seem to have too bad a case of thrush, as I have been trying to use the Nystatin a couple of times a day, so hopefully the Mycelex will clear things up. Thanks for the input and wish me luck in not gagging / puking tonight when I "swish and swallow"!

David

J.R.E. · « **Reply #22 on:** December 10, 2006, 02:52:21 am »

Quote from: aupointillimite on December 09, 2006, 07:38:34 pm

And JRE, do you know of any studies (or even anecdotes for that matter) about yogurt being good for thrush? A lot of my female friends use it when they have yeast infections, and that's why I always thought it would make sense for thrush, but I'd never heard anything until you mentioned it.

Hello,

I had heard this mentioned throughout the years, that yogurt products, or supplements containing Acidophilus, could possibly be helpful in controlling yeast infections , or thrush. It won't be the cure all for those of us that have compromised immune systems, but it could possibly help or may be beneficial to some. In my 21 years plus of living with HIV, I have only had thrush on two occasions, once back in July of 2003 (esophageal thrush) ---which was a real pain in the ass, and then for about a week, just shortly after starting on meds,( in October of 03)-- had it within my mouth.( first time I had actually seen it within my mouth). I was always big into probiotics, even prior to staring on meds, but obviously it did not prevent the thrush from occurring. I still needed medication, to get it under control. But I continued taking and using the Yogurt products, and was able to clear it up very fast. When A person is on anti-biotics, the anti -biotics will work in controlling the infection, but at the same time, those same antibiotics, are destroying the good bacteria needed in our intestinal tract. Especially when taking anti-biotics , long term. I had to take Dapsone over a year, until my tcells went up over 200, never had a set back with thrush. By taking active cultures in yogurt or supplement form you may be able to help replace that good bacteria and get the good flora back. Probably not the most scientific explanation, but hey !!!

From the MayoClinic :

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00408.html

Treating oral thrush in healthy adults
"If you're a healthy adult with oral thrush, you may be able to control the infection by eating unsweetened yogurt or taking acidophilus capsules or liquid. Acidophilus is available in natural food stores and many drugstores. Some brands need to be refrigerated to maintain their potency. Yogurt and acidophilus don't destroy the fungus, but they can help restore the normal bacterial flora in your body. If this isn't effective, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication."

The thing to remember is we are not healthy adults, We have HIV infection, in our bodies

Prevention

The following measures may help reduce your risk of developing Candida infections:

Try using yogurt or acidophilus capsules when you take antibiotics.
Treat any vaginal yeast infections that develop during pregnancy as soon as possible.
If you smoke, ask your doctor about the best ways to quit.
See your dentist regularly — at least every six to 12 months — especially if you have diabetes or wear dentures. Brush and floss your teeth as often as your dentist recommends.
Try limiting the amount of sugar and yeast-containing foods you eat, including bread, beer and wine. These may encourage the growth of Candida.

http://www.gmhc.org/health/treatment/factsheets/thrush.html

http://www.aidsmeds.com/OIs/Candidiasis5.htm

Take care-----Ray

David_CA · « **Reply #23 on:** December 12, 2006, 08:24:32 pm »

My Dr. switched me from that nasty Nystatin to Diflucan. What's another pill? At this point, with Septra, Prednisone, Adderall, Atripla, and now Diflucan, I'm up to about 16 pills a day. I've got another week on the Septra and a few more days on Prednisone. It'll sure be nice to just taking my Adderall and (now) Atripla.

Eldon · « **Reply #24 on:** December 12, 2006, 08:28:11 pm »

Hey David...

Now you can toss that bottle of Nystatin and stick with the Diflucan. WTG. A releif indeed.

"Don't Give Up, Don't Give In... Cause it is all within you to WIN!"

RapidRod · « **Reply #25 on:** December 12, 2006, 08:44:48 pm »

David, I'll give you a bottle of Sporanox liquid. If your throat hurts after you've taken the Sporanox you'll forget about the sore throat.

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Author Topic: Thrush (Read 11317 times)