Do you have any advice or experience for following up on preventing chronic infections?

[ShannenMarie]

I am 34 year old wife and mother of three boys.  I have been battling health issues for most of my life.  I am interested in taking a proactive approach into resolving my health woes, in addition to the advice of my physicians.

Since I was an infant, I was in and out of the hospital/Dr.'s office and on antibiotics and steroids for multiple and chronic infections and surgeries.  I have been diagnosed with  asthma, high cholesterol, gestational diabetes (during pregnancy #1), Hypertension (During Pregnancy #2) and PCOS as a teen.  My family history isn't perfect but not alarming nor helpful to me either.  I have never been overweight but have been known to be underweight.  I have never had an eating disorder and I LOVE food so my low weight is not deliberate.  I would love to be more curvy.   I’m only a light and casual drinker.  I will have one or two glasses of wine each weekend and my worst habit is that I smoke.  Yes, I KNOW that is ridiculous…it is more so with my history.  I have quit for years and gone back.  I’m about ready to kick the habit again….and this time for good.

So, here I am hoping to find others with answers or similar issues to compare.  I want to educate myself the best way possible and I thought this site would be the perfect tool for the job.  Also, it will be therapeutic to connect with others that have similar issues.  ;o)

My Basic Health History: (Age 0-10) Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Strep, Viruses, Food Poisoning, SEVERE and bleeding Ear infections, enlarged lymph nodes and other apparent nodules that dissipated with antibiotics.  Due to very severe and chronic ear infections and failed tubes, I had surgery in my ears and Adenoids removed.  (Age 11-20)  Chicken Pox, kidney infection, UTI's, Sinus/Ear Infections, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Strep, Viruses, Asthma Diagnosed, Unknown Intestinal Infection that kept me in the hospital for 4 days, Ruptured Appendix and surgery one month later, Collapsed lung as complication from Pneumonia, Gestational Diabetes that was controlled with a strict diet and frequent glucose monitoring, C-section due to baby size and being breach, Menses began at age 12 but were extremely painful, heavy and always lasted 10+ days, Diagnosed with PCOS and stayed on BC forever, Fainting when stretching or standing too quickly, Shaky and dizziness when hungry and sometimes faint. (Age 20-34) Tubal ligation, Gall Bladder removed, frequent sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, pleurisy, Hypertension and bed rest 3 months during 2nd pregnancy, Ruptured tubal preganacy with severe internal bleeding...came SO SO close to death, wisdom teeth removed, still lightheaded and sometimes faint upon standing/stretching, UTI's, Frequent Yeast Problems, Chronic tonsil infections and ear infections, Ablation for irregular, heavy and painful menses and fibroids.  The Ablation failed because the sypmtoms are coming back and I have menses still but for only 3-5...though still irregular.

Within the last year, I have not gone two months without antibiotics and steroids.  I also went through a high level of unusual personal stress.   When it started in November of last year..it was the regular bronchitis I would get after contracting the flu...I didn't get the flu shot just yet.  I also had a sinus infection prior to that and it's seasonal.  I battled getting rid of what became pneumonia and my ears, nose and throat were infected as well.  I also experienced difficult time with pain and irregular menses.  By April, I developed a UTI and Pleurisy,  they had also seen a nodule on my lung.  After an MRI, it was considered benign.  I continued to be treated for UTI's, yeast and all of the other previous lingering ailments...off and on until June.  I went through July and August symptom free.  During that time period, I went from my perfect weight of 123 to my current weight of 102.  I have been eating more food to try and compensate for the loss but I can't seem to regain it and will lose more if I don't maintain these extra calories.  I feel like I am wasting away and I currently have severe fatigue, I'm weak, nauseous, have night sweats but so cold during the day.  Also, I think my infections are back, minus the UTI.  My lower back hurts chronically as well.  It feels like it's in the area of my kidneys but aches so it's vague.  I also have had the worst cysts ever and seeing them more often.  I'm breaking out in acne too.  I also often get cramps in my hips, hands and feet.  Strange I know!  Lastly, my symptom of nearly fainting when standing is much worse.  It's dangerous.  I require ibuprofen...my mircale drug.  Lol

I had a regular physical with my good Dr in August.  All of my blood work came back great and even my cholesterol was in normal ranges.  We chalked up the weight loss to stress and change in my diet when I switched from soft drinks to water during the UTI phase.  All appeared fine.  I had an annual follow up with a breast surgeon for a lump discovered and it was decided benign.  I felt on top of the world...great!

I'm sick again today and it's been about a month now since the last time.  I need antibiotics again.  I went to my favorite OBGYN on Monday for my annual.  He was concerned with my weight loss and my two year old Ablation not working so well for me.  Of course, the familiar topic of hysterectomy came.  Ugghhh...I just don't know.  :o(  He also said he could feel the remnants from my previous cyst that almost sent me to the ER.  It also tilted my uterus so I have to get an ultrasound in a couple of days.  He strongly recommends that I follow up with an Endocrinologist because he's confident I may have an underlying issue we haven't looked at.  He's is getting in touch with my family Dr to compare blood work and to get me a referral.  I go to my primary Dr next week.

Do do you think I'm headed in the right direction to stop this cycle of illness?  Please let me know if you have any advice.

[kjelltp]

Results have been mixed.  At my worst I was pretty much laying in bed with no energy, and had frequent vomiting and major GI problems, dry mouth / eyes and the usual whole nine yards.   My most concerning problem however is that my eyesight is going down the drain (autoimmune).   I started working with a ND at this point who got me on the right path.    At that time I got on the BTD ( blood type diet ), and I must say, within 2 weeks I felt amazing.  I was out running and had my energy back.   Unfortunately I had a bad reaction to some supplements later on, so I had a bad relapse.   From there, to now, it has been 2 years of slow progress (ups and downs).    In my case, I'm not sure just diet is enough, but I'm hoping supplements will contribute  to eventually pushing my body to complete recovery (or as good as possible).      I probably take about 20 supplements / day to modulate my immune system and get nutrients.  I've switched to a (mostly) vegan diet (ph balance diet) and that has helped quite a bit lately    The only Rx I take is LDN (safe opiod..low dose naltrexone) which also helps the immune system.   If you are having chronic infections you should also look into this, more info at www.ldninfo.org.    My autoimmune is most likely due to the same reason.    

And like the others mention, you really have to stop smoking.  In my view this is not an option,  but a requirement to improve your health, else you will only be swimming against the current.  

[Lori707]

First, you MUST stop smoking! I was a smoker and have asthma and had constant chronic bronchitis. I stopped smoking and since then I may get bronchitis once a year. I also had a lot of infections and antibiotics. My asthma has gotten SO much better!!!! Two years ago I got sick and lost 50lbs in a few months without trying. My immune system is down and I tested postitive for autoimmune arthritis, etc. I had infections of the bladder, UTI's,inflamed blood vessels and immense pain! It also affected my central nervious system. I was in and out of hospitals. By the way, in 1995 I had to have a hysterectomy. I heal slowly.

I did my own research though the web. I took the bull by the horns and decided to change my diet. I don't like calling it a diet, it's more like a life style change. I eat organic so I don't digest any harmful chemicals like pestisides, etc. I don't eat dairy products including cheese because the animals that it came from are injected with hormones,antibiotics, etc. I also don't like the diet the animals are on. I don't eat artificial ANYTHING, additives, colors, etc. I took out all foods that are "pro-flammatory" like corn,etc. I put in my diet foods that are "anti-inflammatory" and have plenty of antioxidants. I don't eat red meats anymore but I do eat only the breast (white meat) of chicken. Whole Foods sells organic chicken. That's inflammatory but I make up for it by eating all the anti-inflammatories. I eat salmon (only Atlantic wild-not farmed). I take good supplements including Omega 3's!!!!  Very important! I also take probiotics for colon/intestinal health. I had colitis last year with bleeding ulcers. I just was checked and am doing great. I could go on and on.

I feel much better. I have my aches and pains here and there and am on neurological meds. I don't have the awful pain I had and I'm functional now. I'm keeping as much toxins out of my body as possible. My infection rate went down so much. I haven't had infections in over a year.

If you didn't have your Vit.D checked, Please do so!!! Steroids deplete the bone mass so ask for a dexa scan to see if you have osteoporsis.  

I know I said this before but Please stop smoking. It's a killer in many different ways other than cancer.

[dpthots]

Look at Fungal Infections, esp. systemic, and the treatment of them. A lot of the treatment is replacing your good bacteria, which controls the fungus that we all naturally have in us. I would say more on this, but you will need to see for yourself. I couldn't, and still can't, believe, that it really is true that all those things could be caused by Fungus Overgrowth.  Candida Quiz. I would question the validity in your case somewhat, you have a lot of issues, but it's up to you.The Mayo Clinic has a report on this topic, online. Drop me a note if you can't find it.

Just so you know, I am in the no doctors camp, and self treating myself for fungal overgrowth, which I believe the dr's caused by antibiotic overuse, and not telling me how to replace the good bacteria after using AB's. My sinus problems are abating, and I  think I'm going to make it now.

Couple of notes before I go, look at the diet recommendations for fighting Fungus problems, it is a little different,(low carb and surgar, more fat and protein) and I could be wrong, but check the B Vitamin as well. Grapefruit seed extact is touted as a natural antibiotic, but I am not making any claims, other than it seems to be helping my situation. From the sounds of all your complications you might need AB's to survive.

At least I've given you something to explore, but be skeptical of my info, and check it out and see what you feel is best, and consult with the best, if it makes sense to you. I wish you the best.

[ShannenMarie]

Thank you for the advice.  I am already eating organic foods and taking natural supplements (Multi, B12, C, St. John's W), drinking organic green tea and eating yogurt on a daily basis.  It hasn't quite been a year though that I have been consistent with this diet.  Just recently, I also began trying herbal mud wraps as well to remove toxins from my body.  I spent two weeks searching for the best Essential oils and herbs.  I hadn't thought of actually speaking with a holistic Dr. but I do think that is a great option I would like to explore.  There is certainly a lot to learn.  Naturally and luckily for me, I have never been one to like fatty and unhealthy food.  So, when I made these improvements to my diet, I expected an improvment in my health but I have become steadily worse.  Maybe I should be more patient, as you suggested.  I suppose it would take time to see a difference.

I agree....it is greatly frustrating to keep going back on meds and to know that the issue is just being treated and not fixed.  I'm sure the amount of meds I have taken among the years has wreaked havoc on the chemicals and normal functions within my body.  I feel dependent on the antibitiocs and steroids.   I have tried to stick it out without taking antibitiocs on many occasions throughout the years.  However, without those, I ALWAYS progress to pneumonia.

Thank you again for your response and advice.  It is greatly appreciated!!

Kjelltp, How long have you tried this approach and do you see a difference?

[want2bik1]

Kjelltp is correct.  Only the body can heal itself.  The body does this if you give it what it needs.  The things the body needs to make you healthy are contained in fruits and vegetables.  If you google Joel Fuhrman he has a 96 min video explaining this.

You have good bacteria in your stomach which the body needs.  When you take antibiotics you kill the good and the bad bacteria.  If you are taking antibiotics you should be taking a probiotic supplement to replace the good bacteria.  These good bacteria are found in different foods so I make it a practice of eating yogard everyday.  

I have a book by Phyllis A Balch, "Prescription For Natural Healling"  which explains the different natural supplements you can take to kill the bad bacteria in your system.  Supplements I take for prevention of bacteria are garlic, olive leaf extract and cinnamon.  Also I would recommend drinking a couple glass of green tea for the antioxidants.  Vitamin C is a great antioxidant and I take 3 grams a day.

You have spent alot of time taking drugs and it will take a while to get healthy again.  The body was made to heal itself and if you give it what it needs you have an excellent chance of getting better.  What have you got to lose.  You have already tried drugs and they didn't work.  Do some research on this and good luck.    

[kjelltp]

Hi,

I've battled some stuff since I was an infant as well.  I'm just sorry it took me 40 years to realize that the medical system is of no help to me (unless you need something removed).  I'm probably where I am , because of antibiotics.   I switched to a belief in natural healing and doing so by eating a pure diet and taking good supplements.    It may sound like a broken record to some, but I'm pretty confident you'd see better results from a good holistic approach (it takes time).
MD prescribed drugs cure nothing, they suppress and make u sicker.   No drug heals you, no supplement for that matter.  ONLY the body can heal you, but to do so it needs the right nutrients and environment.