Aa
Can't get a diagnosis or relief, can anyone help?
I have had repeat oral yeast infections (dry mouth, no HIV, normal blood panels), weird face flushing almost nightly, and random itch/flush spots on my body, sleep issues. I am taking Nexium for reflux, had burning through esophagus/stomach. I am taking meds for dry mouth and drink water constantly but still having mouth infection issues and no resolution to my issues. As this has gone on for several months, my anxiety is through the roof and MDs aren't taking me seriously. I have had 3 past similar "flares, first after the birth of a child, then around menopause time, all at times of high stress, all tied in with fatigue, but didn't have the flushing/itching I have now, plus I forgot to mention at all epsiodes extreme exhaustion and now my legs ache when I walk. I was once told I have symptoms of Sjogrens and am on the mouth meds for it to relieve dryness, but don't have the antibodies so another MD told me I don't have that. This is both debilitating my life, leaving me totally frustrated, and my family is fed up with me since the blood tests show nothing. I had to go to a clinic yesterday to get cultured as the yeast seems to be redeveloping again and was treated so arrogantly and dismissive. It is wearing my spirit down. Any suggestions or ideas how to get a resolution? On the past flare episodes, generally I would only have single infection and gradually pull out of it. I am older now and maybe why this is not getting better. I have started having panic attacks from having so much stress overloads. Any ideas welcome. Thanks.
Lightseeker is right about that. I just chose a random lab with more info about the test. Studies published in medical journals do use this test though. Here is one such study for example...
Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2001 May;7(2):94-8. - Zinc supplementation tightens "leaky gut" in Crohn's disease....
"RESULTS: We found that the lactulose/mannitol ratio was significantly higher before supplementation than after (0.041 +/- 0.003 versus 0.026 +/- 0.005). During follow-up, 10 patients had normal intestinal permeability and did not relapse; of the remaining two who had increased intestinal permeability, one relapsed.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings show that zinc supplementation can resolve permeability alterations in patients with Crohn's disease in remission. Improving intestinal barrier function may contribute to reduce the risk of relapse in Crohn's disease."
Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2001 May;7(2):94-8. - Zinc supplementation tightens "leaky gut" in Crohn's disease....
"RESULTS: We found that the lactulose/mannitol ratio was significantly higher before supplementation than after (0.041 +/- 0.003 versus 0.026 +/- 0.005). During follow-up, 10 patients had normal intestinal permeability and did not relapse; of the remaining two who had increased intestinal permeability, one relapsed.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings show that zinc supplementation can resolve permeability alterations in patients with Crohn's disease in remission. Improving intestinal barrier function may contribute to reduce the risk of relapse in Crohn's disease."
The issues some people are having with Geneva Diagnostics seem to be mostly with billing, which is totally confusing and for this I would give
this Lab a failing grade.
Having said this I think Red Star did not endorse, nor recommend this Lab,
but merely intended for you to use as a reference for the test itself, which test BTW cannot be invalidated by the complaints of a few patients on complaint boards.
FYI only:
The Polyethelyne Glycol (PEG) test, is a common test for leaky gut. You are given a solution containing lactulose (a disacharride - sugar) and mannitol (a monosaccharide - sugar), and then collect your urine afterwards. Both substances are water soluble. Mannitol is easily absorbed and penetrates cells, while Lactulose has larger molecules and should only be partially absorbed. Ideally, your test would indicate high levels of lactulose (since you couldn't absorb it) and low levels of mannitol (since you easily absorbed it). If both levels are high, that means you have increased gut permeability, letting the lactulose through easily. If both levels are low, it's indicative of malabsorption.
Please consider doing some thorough research on this and try to avoid the opinions of a few, who may influence negatively other sufferers to refrain from considering having such "non established" tests done, thus possibly
keeping themselves in perpetual limbo.
Should you find too much controversy with Geneva Diagnostics, why don't you consider going through the most reputable Holistic or Naturopathic doctor in your area who has experience in these matters.
This is just my personal opinion, based on my own medical knowledge and
personal/family experience.
Hope it helps.
Niko
this Lab a failing grade.
Having said this I think Red Star did not endorse, nor recommend this Lab,
but merely intended for you to use as a reference for the test itself, which test BTW cannot be invalidated by the complaints of a few patients on complaint boards.
FYI only:
The Polyethelyne Glycol (PEG) test, is a common test for leaky gut. You are given a solution containing lactulose (a disacharride - sugar) and mannitol (a monosaccharide - sugar), and then collect your urine afterwards. Both substances are water soluble. Mannitol is easily absorbed and penetrates cells, while Lactulose has larger molecules and should only be partially absorbed. Ideally, your test would indicate high levels of lactulose (since you couldn't absorb it) and low levels of mannitol (since you easily absorbed it). If both levels are high, that means you have increased gut permeability, letting the lactulose through easily. If both levels are low, it's indicative of malabsorption.
Please consider doing some thorough research on this and try to avoid the opinions of a few, who may influence negatively other sufferers to refrain from considering having such "non established" tests done, thus possibly
keeping themselves in perpetual limbo.
Should you find too much controversy with Geneva Diagnostics, why don't you consider going through the most reputable Holistic or Naturopathic doctor in your area who has experience in these matters.
This is just my personal opinion, based on my own medical knowledge and
personal/family experience.
Hope it helps.
Niko
I researched the lab you quoted and found some pretty negative reviews saying "quackery" and issues with greed, bogus testing, etc. There were a few good reviews also, but I am just all confused about everything. I believe in science/logic. I know that a lot of people are in businesses for greed motives. We have one center in our area that on first notice seems like they are cutting edge science, looking on cellular levels, etc. but the more you read about them it seems they are totally into salesmanship, high fees, more a business than a health care service. (This is why I am for a single payer non-profit health care system, like other countries have so we can eliminate the business/greed motive and separate practitioners who really are on the level trying to look for ways to help vulnerable sick people from those who see easy pickings to feather their own nests. Don't have a clue which reviewers are right about the said lab, but makes me skeptical after reading particular reviews.
For the past month I have gotten more exhausted feeling and started noticing my legs have residual aching after I walk, which has been so frustrating and depressing (especially when after "normal" panels my family has zip sympathy and seem to think I am faking feeling like crap, even though I've had the infections/biopsies, love being active, just don't have the energy for it now). Anyhow, I decided after posting here to look up Nexium online and came across a review page. Lo and behold lots of people there were talking about it making their muscles ache, and lots of other awful side effects. Now, I am rethinking whether the Nexium, not Sjogrens or ???(who knows) has been causing my leg aching issues. I am cutting the Nexium out. Thanks to the both of you for all your good information and input. It is so confusing and also frustrating that medicine isn't for service today, a lot of times, mostly just a business for profit. Shouldn't be that way....
Just to add some info from an article by David Schlesinger called Betaine Hydrochloride(HCL) With Pepsin...
"Stomach Acid
Individuals suffering with stomach and intestinal problems most frequently assume that heartburn, indigestion, gas, and reflux are caused by overproduction of stomach acid. This common misconception has been strongly re-enforced by our conventional medical profession, whose practitioners routinely prescribe stomach acid blocking medications at the slightest sign of stomach dysfunction, failing to properly diagnose the digestive problem by first monitoring the stomach's acid producing function, using scientific methods and neglecting to provide patients with common sense dietary recommendations.
The Symptoms of Over and Under-Production Are The Same
Strangely enough, the symptoms of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCL) over-production and under production are virtually identical. It is therefore unwise to jump to conclusions regarding what's occurring in the stomach without actual testing.
Medical Misdiagnosis Is Very Common
The pharmaceutical firms with their considerable influence on the medical profession have, through advertising, incentives to doctors and various other forms of indoctrination, made it an almost reflex reaction on the part of most physicians, even many gastro-enterologists, to jump to the conclusion that a majority of gastric problems can be easily treated by the use of acid blocking medications. Because the American public over-consumes unhealthy food at an alarming rate, the routine use of acid blockers is highly profitable for pharmaceutical firms, provides instant relief for many sufferers, but can bring about long-term health problems for many misdiagnosed users."
"Stomach Acid
Individuals suffering with stomach and intestinal problems most frequently assume that heartburn, indigestion, gas, and reflux are caused by overproduction of stomach acid. This common misconception has been strongly re-enforced by our conventional medical profession, whose practitioners routinely prescribe stomach acid blocking medications at the slightest sign of stomach dysfunction, failing to properly diagnose the digestive problem by first monitoring the stomach's acid producing function, using scientific methods and neglecting to provide patients with common sense dietary recommendations.
The Symptoms of Over and Under-Production Are The Same
Strangely enough, the symptoms of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCL) over-production and under production are virtually identical. It is therefore unwise to jump to conclusions regarding what's occurring in the stomach without actual testing.
Medical Misdiagnosis Is Very Common
The pharmaceutical firms with their considerable influence on the medical profession have, through advertising, incentives to doctors and various other forms of indoctrination, made it an almost reflex reaction on the part of most physicians, even many gastro-enterologists, to jump to the conclusion that a majority of gastric problems can be easily treated by the use of acid blocking medications. Because the American public over-consumes unhealthy food at an alarming rate, the routine use of acid blockers is highly profitable for pharmaceutical firms, provides instant relief for many sufferers, but can bring about long-term health problems for many misdiagnosed users."
The test for a leaky gut (intestinal permeability) is called the lactulose/mannitol test. This info is from Geneva Diagnostics...
"The Intestinal Permeability Assessment gastrointestinal test directly measures the ability of two non-metabolized sugar molecules to permeate the intestinal mucosa. The patient drinks a premeasured amount of lactulose and mannitol. The degree of intestinal permeability or malabsorption is reflected in the levels of the two sugars recovered in a urine sample collected over the next 6 hours."
"The Intestinal Permeability Assessment gastrointestinal test directly measures the ability of two non-metabolized sugar molecules to permeate the intestinal mucosa. The patient drinks a premeasured amount of lactulose and mannitol. The degree of intestinal permeability or malabsorption is reflected in the levels of the two sugars recovered in a urine sample collected over the next 6 hours."
Thanks to both of you for your replies and all the information. Why do GI MD's recommend the anticid/nexium (for life one of them told me) then? My GI specialist seems such a really nice and intelligent doctor, so I can't understand the conflicting divide in information. I actually have never had any heartburn issues. I had an "event" system breakdown and have been sick ever since with all these issues a couple of months ago. It was then that it started hurting in my esophagus/stomach when I swallowed and I had the oral yeast infection, blurred vision, continuing dry mouth and it has rolled into pain just under where my ribs meet (and that is being on the antacid routine for nearly 3 months), and my body flushes out (generally at night) and random itch spots, and legs ache when I walk. I looked up Evoxac last night which I have been taking to keep my mouth wet and read a zillion side effects (including aching legs). I am starting to wonder how much the meds are hurting me instead of helping me (but unless I can make my own saliva again, what to do?). I've not had any of the tests mentioned in the first reply, just standard blood panels which were "normal". Last night I had one arm and hand get red and hot while the other arm and hand were cold as ice. I had my stomach feel hot outside (like inflammation going on in my intestines). This was in the evening after I had had dinner and I wondered if my body was reacting to the food. How do you all find out if you have leaky gut and why don't GI specialists know anything about it? Thanks for both of you for alternative ideas. I am just worn out dealing with this and my life has basically come to a stand still because I just feel like crap all the time anymore.
Hey skyblueskyblue.
My first recommendation is to do a fast benefit/risk assessment for Nexium.
Should you not have a serious & confirmed issue excess of gastric acid, you may be either causing significant adverse symptoms and/or contributing greatly to long term chronic disease. Too many to list!
Esophageal Candidiasis
According to the Nexium website, long-term suppression of stomach acid using Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors may lead to the growth of fungus in the lining of the esophagus. Normally, stomach acid kills fungus and other microorganisms that enter the body through food consumption. Esophageal candidiadiasis causes painful swallowing and is treated using antifungal medication.
Please post what tests you had to establish the need and safety for Nexium (or was it just based only on symptoms?- the majority of sufferers have LOW stomach acid with the same symptoms!)
and how long have you been on it.
Millions of patients have been up against billions of $$$ of PPI drug business and doctors prescribing them too easily without testing stomach acid levels, as this has become the "established" practice. Why???
How about your other meds, what are they, dosage, how long etc?
Have you done any blood or stool tests for candida?
Have you followed a comprehensive long term anti-candida treatment plan?
Any hormonal testing, like thyroid, adrenals or other?
SSA and SSB tests are frequently not positive in Sjogren's Syndrome,
which is already a very difficult A/I condition to diagnose.
Unfortunately there are no Auto-Immunologists, (I believe there's a huge need for such a specialty) so many patients get bounced around from Rheumies to Neuros to Endos,to Gastros
often getting conflicting information and suspicions, resulting in a barrage of testing, medications and treatments, mostly without resolve.
BTW, Nexium may cause dry mouth!
Just thought about this side-effect.
You may use Coconut Oil as a supplement, which actually works better than most antifungal medications according to research.
You can also do Oil Pulling using Coconut Oil.
I have been doing this for years and I only use Organic Extra Virgin.
My oral and dental health is excellent, as most of the toxins and bacteria get eliminated on a daily basis from the oral cavity, by doing the Oil Pulling.
If you need details please let me know.
I'm looking forward to your reply.
Best wishes.
Niko
My first recommendation is to do a fast benefit/risk assessment for Nexium.
Should you not have a serious & confirmed issue excess of gastric acid, you may be either causing significant adverse symptoms and/or contributing greatly to long term chronic disease. Too many to list!
Esophageal Candidiasis
According to the Nexium website, long-term suppression of stomach acid using Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors may lead to the growth of fungus in the lining of the esophagus. Normally, stomach acid kills fungus and other microorganisms that enter the body through food consumption. Esophageal candidiadiasis causes painful swallowing and is treated using antifungal medication.
Please post what tests you had to establish the need and safety for Nexium (or was it just based only on symptoms?- the majority of sufferers have LOW stomach acid with the same symptoms!)
and how long have you been on it.
Millions of patients have been up against billions of $$$ of PPI drug business and doctors prescribing them too easily without testing stomach acid levels, as this has become the "established" practice. Why???
How about your other meds, what are they, dosage, how long etc?
Have you done any blood or stool tests for candida?
Have you followed a comprehensive long term anti-candida treatment plan?
Any hormonal testing, like thyroid, adrenals or other?
SSA and SSB tests are frequently not positive in Sjogren's Syndrome,
which is already a very difficult A/I condition to diagnose.
Unfortunately there are no Auto-Immunologists, (I believe there's a huge need for such a specialty) so many patients get bounced around from Rheumies to Neuros to Endos,to Gastros
often getting conflicting information and suspicions, resulting in a barrage of testing, medications and treatments, mostly without resolve.
BTW, Nexium may cause dry mouth!
Just thought about this side-effect.
You may use Coconut Oil as a supplement, which actually works better than most antifungal medications according to research.
You can also do Oil Pulling using Coconut Oil.
I have been doing this for years and I only use Organic Extra Virgin.
My oral and dental health is excellent, as most of the toxins and bacteria get eliminated on a daily basis from the oral cavity, by doing the Oil Pulling.
If you need details please let me know.
I'm looking forward to your reply.
Best wishes.
Niko
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Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
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PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Here is excerpts from the article Stomach Acid by Gallbladder Attack...
"Too much stomach acid? Really? I mean, how is it that millions of people on PPIs are making too much HCl? Hyperchlorhydria or too much stomach acid is rather rare. If you're overeating, eating junk food or other food that is hard to digest, eating when stressed, living under stress, chances are much greater that you don't make enough hydrochloric acid or digestive enzymes and your symptoms stem from that. Take a look at some of the symptoms caused by low stomach acid.
Signs of Deficient Stomach Acid
Gas, bloating and burping shortly after a meal could be lack of HCl
Constipation
Diarrhea
Feeling of fullness or food not digesting
Heartburn and/or gastric reflux (sometimes too much HCl but most often not enough)
Bad breath
Foul smelling stools
Loose stools in the early morning
Food allergies
Dialated blood vessels on the cheeks and nose - Rosacea
Pernicious anemia or iron deficiency
Anal Itching
Nausea especially after taking vitamins and minerals
Weak or cracked nails
Parasites - or at least increased susceptibility to parasitic infections
Chronic yeast infections
Acne in adults - especially if you have other symptoms from the list
Asthma
Since low levels of stomach acid results in poor absorption of nutrients, many symptoms that accompany a deficiency of that vitamin or mineral makes this list much longer. The nutrients most affected are calcium, iron, folic acid, vitamin K and many B vitamins. See pernicious anemia.
If you're nervous about trying supplemental hydrochloric acid, you can do a trial with 1-2 TBSP of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/8 to 1/4 cup of water after a meal. If it makes you feel better and does not hurt, you most likely would benefit from taking 500 - 1000 mg. of Betaine HCl with your meals."
"Risk Factors and Causes of Low Stomach Acid
Allergies
Anemia
Adrenal fatigue
Alcohol
Atrophic gastritis
Heartburn
Gerd
IBS
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Hives
Candida and other Yeast
Bacterial Dysbiosis or infections in the Gut
Adult acne
Eczema
Alcohol consumption
H. pylori infection
Stress even in children
Age. HCl production decreases with age
Diseases Associated with Low HCl
Asthma
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Hepatitis
Eczema
Acne rosacea
Dry Skin
Psoriasis
Parasites
Gallbladder disease
Herpes
Hives
Hypothyroid
Hyperthyroid
Thyrotoxicosis
Autoimmune disorders
Lupus erythematosus
Myasthenia gravis
Pernicious anemia
Celiac disease
Sjogren 's Syndrome"