Recurring yeast infections

@blueskies1530 I am really sorry to hear that you are experiencing all these symptoms. I really hope that you get relief and get answers soon.

I too agree that antibiotics could have caused my symptoms and yeast overgrowth (since antibiotics can do that). In short with everything else I have been going through, the year prior in Sept. I traveled to Canada and got sick with diarrhea and felt nauseous and was treated for dehydration. Came back to the states, 3-4 weeks later in October, had diarrhea for days, would not stop. Went to urgent care and was prescribed antibiotics and did stool tests. Tested positive for Campylobacter bacteria. In Jan. of this year, went to ER and doctor suspected Colitis in distal colon based off of CT. Once again prescribed antibiotics.

How long did it take to get diagnosed with IBS-C? What tests did they perform to confirm diagnosis?

I was in my twenties and thirties when I had recurring yeast infections. For a long time they didn’t think to check my blood sugar. I had to insist. You can buy over the counter blood meter to finger stick check and over the counter A1c blood test. Your PCP should be able to prescribe the test though. You might not have any other signs of high blood sugar….I’d still check to rule it out.

I took Terazol 7 day treatment for years (alternative to Monistat, which never helped me) but in a couple of weeks, I’d often get another one. So, Diflucan was tried. It would work, but another yeast infection a month or so again. I aired my body as often as possible, careful to dry fully after showers, mild soap….all the things you are told to do. It wasn’t until I got my blood sugars in good range that they stopped.

Oh, I was also on the Pill for most of that time and sexually active.

I wish you all the best in getting help. I recall the discomfort it brought me. I believe there are options that help.

@mariec260 I was 18 and went to see a gastro. He did a colonoscopy and said he saw nothing wrong so I must have IBS-D and lactose-intolerance. I gave up cheese and milk and cheap lettuce and I was well for a long time. IBS can change over time. In my 40s I started to experience constipation. Then as meds were added for different needs I experienced more constipation so I typically take a magnesium everyday to help with that. I still don't eat cheap/fake cheeses, iceberg lettuce, very little fried food, not too much spicy food because I'm more prone to heartburn now. I call it IBS-C now just because of how my body changed in perimenopause. We start to slow down.

Being on antibiotics as often as you have been can certainly cause a yeast problem. My just-retired gynecologist would also take a swab then go look at it under a microscope and tell me yay or nay. The younger gynecologists and NPs need to culture. I've looked like I had yeast when the culture came back negative. You could also check into trying Nystatin tablets and doing the Candida Diet to see if you improve.

You situation reminds me a bit of my stepmom. She has been to the ER many times for pain and diarrhea. I think she has colitis or diverticulitis. Now she manages by avoiding wheat, nuts and seeds. The only legume she can eat is English peas. I think she can sometimes have green beans. And even herbs on a chicken breast can set her gut off. She's run the gamut with antibiotics. All I remember now is she hated Flagyl. I don't know if she suffered bouts of yeast infections but I wouldn't be surprised if she had more than a few.