My struggle with candida.

[AnimalGrace]

Hello,

I hope this isn't too much information, but it is my story.
Since I first began having my menstrual cycle in 8th grade, I suffered excruciating cramps. One day, I passed out unconscious due to the pain. My Mother took me to the doctor, who diagnosed me with IBS and told me to reduce my stress. All through my teen years, I suffered. As an adult, I started the long march of going to doctor to doctor seeking help.
After one episode that landed me in the ER, a doctor said it was probably "PID". He did not even examine me or test for any infection. He put me on an IV line for three weeks with antibiotics running through me all that time. Didn't help with the pain. If I only knew the problems this would cause down the road. But I was raised to trust doctors. Now my true troubles began...
The following year, when I was 24, I finally found a wonderful doctor who gave me a laproscopy and diagnosed me with endometriosis! I have been pain free since. That doctor eventually re-located out of state.
By now I was feeling the after affects of the massive antibiotic dose in candida overgrowth, but didn't know to put 2 and 2 together.
I suffered from fatigue; bloating; and red, raised rashes on both breasts. White raised patches on my upper chest and neck. I could sleep 12 hours and wake exhausted. Other problems "down under".
I went to 12 doctors seeking help.
I finally got a home computer and obtained internet access. I did my own research as I had no where else to turn. I found names for my conditions. A midwife I know suggested possible candida and recommended a book called "The Yeast Connection".
Both Dr. Atkins book and The Yeast Connection were lifesavers for me. As long as I follow the diet plan and supplement, I am symptom free. The rashes disappeared.
A homeopath has helped me tweak my supplements/diet to what works best for me. The candida overgrowth syndrome is 100% real. I have forgiven the doctors that did this to me, but I will never trust them 100% again and have learned to ask lots of questions and do my own research. It is good to think outside the box.
I hope this wasn't too long or too graphic, just thought I'd share.

Grace

[2big4mysize]

thanks for sharing. I hope others with similar symptoms will see their doctors a little better armed thanks to your post.

[Dieselbud]

Thanks for sharing that. I have heard rumors about endo being related to candida........... I can only hope I will see some relief after getting this cleared up. I suffer horribly from cramping and have only conceived 2x in the past 7 years with no birth control, and the Doc suspects endo (6 month wait to see the OB)

I have had my fair share of anti b's both orally and IV over the years and also have the white tongue and breast rashes (those are the worse aren't they) and a bunch of other 'symptoms' of overgrowth, although they seem to be dissipating since I started the cleanse. (except I just finished another round of anti b's last week, I got the diflucan to take when they were done)

Good luck to you

[AnimalGrace]

Thank you for the feedback, ladies. Last night, I was thinking "Geez, I shouldn't have posted all that, people will think I'm a goofball". I was worried that it would make people uncomfortable reading it. I was going to come back and edit it today. But I guess I'll leave it as is.
DB, the rashes were horrible. On my wedding day, I had to keep pulling up my top because I had a rash right on top of my breast! My mom saw it as she was helping me adjust the dress. I told her a wire on the dress had scratched me.
I hope you find relief from the woman's problems. I can honestly say that the laproscopy was the best thing for me. I was on depro-lupron for 6 months afterward, and then on birth control pills constantly for 4 years afterward to keep me from having a period. I'd love to go off the birth control pills, but I'm so afraid that the endo will come back.

edited 01-02-05 to say "I decided to edit the original post after all. I've asked to be allowed into the women's forum, and I'd feel more comfortable posting details of my problems there instead of here."

[missy90]

Thanks SO much for taking the time to share your experience!! SO glad you are feeling better!!! I KNOW this candida is a REAL issue that needs to be addressed.....

Missy :wave