Fibromyalgia Or Candida?
I got a yeast infection (first one ever) last Thanksgiving- followed by a bacterial infection (put on antibiotics).. Then I had chronic yeast infections afterwards and have not been the same since.
I have had anxiety, panic attacks, constant body aches/fatigue, infections, thrush, etc..
They actually thought I had lupus and then diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. I have been SOOO sick since all this started.
I also have suddenly developed horrible allergies to food and trees, grass, wheat, hay, etc.
COULD ALL THIS Actually be candida or do I have 3 or 4 seperate things going on??
I am so discouraged, worn out, from this. I am only 27 years old, I have two son's to care for and one is autistic.
Any ideas??
( I am currently now taking Nystatin daily and Probiotics)
There is some recent research that indicates that, when antibiotics kill off the good bacteria as well as the bad, T cells may be altered and allergies result. See:
http://www.citizens.org/news/newsletter/2005/feb/antibioticsallergies.cfm
I had a similar experience. I went to the doctor with an annoying sinus infection. By the time he was through with me I was nearly dead. When I reacted badly to antibiotics, he switched to another one, then told me I had acute acid reflux (even though I had never before in 60 years needed an antacid) and gave me acid blockers. When I got worse, he told me that I was suffering from anxiety and needed tranquillizers and counselling. At that point, I went to an allergist. Tests showed I was allergic to everything; mold, pollens, dust, animal dander. Finally, after several awful years, I went to a health food store and got excellent advice. That was nearly five years ago. My allergies (except for some problems with chemicals) were much better after several months and took two years to go away completely.
Stick with it! Avoid sugars, artificial food additives. Eat lots of organic vegetables and yogurt. Take probiotics. It works.
Ruth,
I had the same exact thing happen to me severla years ago. I went to a Dr. for a simple cold and he put me on Antibiotics which I reacted to with a rash and then got heartburn(which I never had in the previous 27 years). I was perfectly healthy before this reaction. Then I became allergic to everything and was constantly brain fogged and fatigued. What did you do exactly to get better? I appreciate your input.
It's a long story, but...
By the time I went to the health food store for help, I was in terrible shape. I was 64 and, except for the few years when I was sick, had never had allergies, acid reflux, or chemical sensativities. I had been on the "walking circuit" but I couldn't stand the parks because of mold and pollen. I couldn't stand the spa because it was like walking into a chemical toilet. I had to retire a year early although I loved my job. I also had a rash all over my legs and arms. The red spots would sometimes break open and bleed. My sister took care of my old cat since, although I had cats all my life, I couldn't stand to be around it.
The health food store clerk listened to me (which the doctor's hadn't) and suggested that the problems were caused by "leaky gut syndrome". They directed me to books.
"The Yeast Syndrome" by Dr. John Trowbridge. It has lists of foods that are safe to eat. I used the lists for reference but didn't totally follow them, e.g., I ate almonds and walnuts.
"Home Safe Home" by Debra Lynn Dadd (for chemical sensativities)
They also said to avoid all added sugars, natural sugars (as in many fruits), food additives. They suggested eating lots of steamed or raw organic vegetables, brown rice instead of wheat products, lots of lowfat organic yogurt, and lean meat. For about three months, I did this religiously. I also drank herbal teas in place of coffee or tea. Initially, I couldn't use even salad dressing because I couldn't stand vinegar.
They said that, since the leaky gut problem would make it difficult to absorb nutrients, I may need more. I experimented with myself with small amounts of different herbs. I can't remember them all. For several months, I drank aloe vera juice in small amounts. It helped the soreness in my throat.
Also:
- garlic to kill fungus and parasites. At the time, with the shape my stomach was in, it seemed stupid. But since I had nothing to lose, I took garlic tablets every day.
- a product called Acid Ease. It contains enzymes and is supposed to help acid reflux. Since the acid reflux went away, it probably did.
- Ester C, which inhibits histimine production but is less likely to bother the stomach.
- good fats. I took a combination of flax and fish oils.
My severe symptoms were gone in about three months. In about 6 months, I could pet my confused cat again. It took 1-2 years for all of the other problems to go away. I still find chemically-based products "unpleasant" and avoid them whenever possible. Right now, the ragweed is terrible. But, tomorrow I will go to the park for a long, brisk walk and not notice it at all. Neat!
The Dadd book is marvelous if you are sensative to chemicals. Over time, I've replaced synthetic fabrics with cotton. I use Seventh Generation laundry detergents and no fabric softener, polish furniture with a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, ...
The rash took longer to go away. I used a variety of things. Aloe Vera gel helped a little. A tea tree oil ointment seemed to do the best.
I've read enough to know that many products and foods are not safe to use. I eat mostly organic, limit added sugars, and avoid food additives and artificial sweeteners. At 69, I'm in far better health than most people.
Let me know if I can help in any way.
Cheers.
Oops. A major omission in the above . Probiotics. I have taken a variety of types and still do. Sorry.
One sad comment about all of this. Over several years, I went or was sent to 9 different highly-paid doctors. They never listened and all they did was to give me a lecture or another presciption. It is said that a doctor spends 7 seconds listened. I never got my 7 seconds.
After several months, when I knew I was improving, I went back to the health food store to thank the clerk that had listened to me and helped me so much. She was there. They said she had found a better-paying job.
Thanks Ruth. Sounds like a similar story to mine Over the years, the acid reflux has subsided, but I still have horrible allergies and brain fog. I am taking a lot of garlic now and probiotcs and it seems to be helping a bit. My chemical sensitivities seem to go up and down. Oh and Yes, traditional MD's have been absolutely useless. They just gave me more antibiotics or reflux meds. Made me worse. Thanks again for your input and I am so glad you are doing better. Hopefully I will get to that point.
MAY THE LORD HELP YOU HON......... STAY WITH US. FOLKS CAN GIVE YOU GOOD ADVICE.
HUGS, CAVIE
Sasha,
Yes, sorry to say all of your symptoms may be caused by yeast toxins. Your case is very typical with the antibiotics causing yeast overgrowth and the yeast toxins causing all your symptoms. Anytime antibiotics are administered an anti-fungal should also be given at the same time and the whole thing followed up with at least 20-30 days of probiotics. (It's good that you're on Nystatin now with probiotics).
How is your diet? Cut out all sugar, white flour, white rice. Lower your starches for at least two weeks and only gradually add complex starches to your diet. Eat lots of green leafy veggies.
You mention you have an autistic son. Are you familiar with Dr. Shaw and his work? He used to work with the CDS and now works with autistic children. He has tested many children with autism for yeast metabolites. Most have very high metabolites for yeast. When nystatin is administered and the yeast is knocked down he regularly sees a complete reversal of autistic symptoms in these patients.
Dr. Shaw is with Great Plains Lab in Kansas City. There is a test called Organic Acids Test which is now covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Do you have any of Dr. Crooks books? He has written The Yeast Connection and the Woman. See if your library has it.
There are many things that are helpful from herbs to supplements to script Anti-Fungals.
You will find very helpful people here and tons of information. Ask questions, read, investigate the archives. You're sure to find lots of great stuff to help you.
