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The Yeast Infection that Won't Go Away! Help!
I have had a yeast infection for three weeks which was confirmed through a culture. I have been on monistat 3, terazol 7 (prescription), gynolotrim, and diflucan. I have also tried garlic, yogurt, and have eliminated all sugar and simple carbs. I am losing my mind as I have severe internal itching, throbbing and external irritation. Infections and STDs have been ruled out. My gynecologist is at a loss and tells me they've done everything. Though I tested positive for candida albicans I wonder if I also have a less common strain that is resistant to the azoles. I can't take it anymore. I am so uncomfortable. By the way, this is the first time in 20 years I've had a yeast infection and I'm 44.
Turns out much of my symptoms were and are caused by my neuropathy and central nervous system issues from fluoroquinolone toxicity (caused by Levaquin but also Cipro, Avelox, and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics cause this). It has been a nightmare but is better than how it was for four months. So, though I started out testing positive for candida but then consistently negative and I received a diagnosis of desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (one I believe was a valid diagnosis), my urogynecologist and I agree this is all related to these other issues. I am not diabetic. Since I took Levaquin, I have had tendinopathy, neuropathy, central nervous system issues (twitches, anxiety, etc.), chemical sensitivities, and symptoms I couldn't even try to make up. I pray this passes as no medication truly helps. The clindamycin cream and hydrocortisone suppositories helped take the edge off a little. So, if you have an explained itch or burning and all tests are negative, it could be related to your peripheral or central nervous system.
I never got relief for my symptoms. Four months of no help or solution--3 gynecologists, a urologist, an infectious disease doctor, my primary care doctor, etc. I bought "The V Book" by Elizabeth Stewart and just went to her vulvovaginal clinic near Boston. I was FINALLY diagnosed with desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) by Dr. Rasmussen there. I have been on clindamycin and it worked minimally but then made my stools mucus which freaked me out as it causes c diff and I had c diff once and don't want it ever again. I have been on hydrocortisone suppositories for a week and don't feel a difference. It is worse after I eat--mostly foods high in oxalates, histamine, and advanced glycation end products/maillard reaction, also carbs and sugar. So, I am an inflamed mess. I also have neuropathy and since this began I have been experiencing genital burning neuropathy like what I get in my feet. I just want to stop itching and having pelvic and bladder pain. I can deal with the discharge but the other symptoms are ruining my life!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
For recurrent candidiasis, we use topical or oral antifungals but for longer than usual. This may be for 7-14 days for topical treatments followed by fluconazole tablet once per week. This is called maintenance treatment, which often prevents thrush from recurring. Sometimes it is followed for 6 weeks.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
For recurrent candidiasis, we use topical or oral antifungals but for longer than usual. This may be for 7-14 days for topical treatments followed by fluconazole tablet once per week. This is called maintenance treatment, which often prevents thrush from recurring. Sometimes it is followed for 6 weeks.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
I now wonder if my problem is medication-related. I did an interaction checker and side effect checker for the meds I'm on and a few cause dry mucous membranes and urinary retention. I wonder if this is why I got this raging yeast infection and the reason I can't get rid of it? Could vaginal dryness (which can cause vaginal wall thinning) do this?
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