I spoke with my Lactation Consultant and she recommended I return to the strict (Stage 2) Candida Diet for 1 week and if I symptoms were gone again I could start SLOWLY reintroducing the foods recommended in Stage 3. She suggested I maintain a high intake of probiotics for good, basically; as well as the recommended 3 doses of 250mg Grapefruit Seed Extract per day. She figures my body just needs the extra help to stay more alkaline (yeast flourish in an acidic environment). Oh ya, she also said the pain in my breast could not have been yeast if it cleared up in less than 2 days; a yeast infection that painful would have required the Fluconazole to clear up. She suggested it was a blocked duct or something along those lines, caused by pressure(s) on the breast (my bras have been fitting loosely from the weight loss, and I recalled adjusting one strangely one night to keep that breast from falling out, so it was probably the cause of a blockage/deep breast pain).
I did the one strict week (lost another 5lbs!) and then began eating Stage 3 foods. First grapefruit, then beans in a chili, raspberries, blueberries, brown rice pasta, flavoured brown rice rice cakes (with no yeast), etc. So far so good. But...I have been doing a Canesten treatment at the same time, (my hubby thought why not help kill the yeast - at one point when I was pregnant the midwives said it couldn't hurt to do a vaginal treatment "just in case" - so that was his logic). I have chosen to avoid major carbs like breads, baked goods, etc. I am still staying away from anything sweet/sugary (I doubt I'll be able to handle that stuff ever again until after I stop breastfeeding)...
At this point, I want to keep breastfeeding (and so does my son!), so I've resigned myself to this new way of eating. But it's not all that bad...and the weight keeps coming off, so that's a great encouragement. It's taught me that what I eat really does have a consequence in regards to how I feel and how I look!
Welcome to my blog! Your comments are greatly appreciated...it will encourage me to know that people are reading my story!
Showing posts with label Probiotics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Probiotics. Show all posts
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
10 Days Post-Candida Diet Update
Don't you just hate when you've written almost an entire post and your computer decides it's suddenly the perfect time for an update/reboot?
Yup, I had a wonderfully detailed post of my last 10 days
in regards to my choice of foods as I finished the
Candida Diet and began reintroducing foods.
in regards to my choice of foods as I finished the
Candida Diet and began reintroducing foods.
In the last few days of the diet I began using Kraft salad dressings (just got so tired of lemon juice and olive oil) - and yes they contain a little sugar and some vinegar. Then I began making smoothies for breakfast as a way of introducing 2 of the recommended berries (blueberries and raspberries - lower sugar); mixing them with plain yogurt. I then had a few meals of brown rice pasta with Parmesan cheese (avoided during CD due to potential for mould). I thought it was perfect timing when I saw Kellogg's come out with Brown Rice Rice Crispies, so I began having about 1/2cup of that for breakfast (but with 1% milk which does contain sugar - still have not developed a taste for almond milk).
Note: I have continued to take one dose of probiotics and grapefruit seed extract daily.
The worst has been this last week; I've returned to work. At work I had one cup of coffee each day (that means caffeine; and with milk sometimes which means some sugar). Wednesday night we went out for dinner to celebrate our 4th anniversary and I figured I'd been so good while on the diet that I'd treat myself to a real dessert. I ordered a slice of decadent chocolate cake which we shared some of and brought the rest home. We had more of it for dessert on Thursday after having pizza for supper (I only had 2 small pieces). But today was the kicker at work; I had a chocolate glazed doughnut in the morning and in the afternoon I indulged in red licorice and some smarties. I know, what was I thinking?
Tonight I am wondering if I am beginning to feel vaginal yeast symptoms (there is the potential that it's simply pre-period twangs of pain). If it's yeast symptoms, that means I will have to re-start the diet ALL OVER AGAIN! (and I still have some of that amazing chocolate cake left in the fridge). This makes me wonder what I might have done wrong the first time because if all the yeast was killed off as it should have been, how could it repopulate to a point of causing symptoms so quickly? In some ways I don't mind the thought of getting back on the CD; as I felt quite healthy and loved the bonus weight loss (I've been getting lots of compliments lately)! I know that before I said that if my yeast issue returned, I would consider weaning Benjamin and stopping breastfeeding, but I am not ready to give up breastfeeding (and I now know that I can survive the CD - I'll admit the weight loss is bonus encouragement to repeat the CD). My major concern about starting to follow the CD again will be the likely "die-off" symptoms (I felt so sick last time, I could hardly do anything for the first week and a half). I need to be able to manage at work now.
Well, who am I kidding...I'll finish the rest of the piece of chocolate cake in the fridge tomorrow and THEN I'll decide if I'll begin following the CD again.
Labels:
Breastfeeding,
Candida Diet,
Grapefruit Seed Extract,
Probiotics,
Thrush
Friday, January 13, 2012
Finally wrote my Breastfeeding Story
I finally got around to writing my tale. I think that because it is a topic so precious and dear to my heart, I've been afraid to write it. Please check out my breastfeeding story here.
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Thrush Saga Continues...
Even days after finishing my last antibiotic my breasts/nipples were still really sore. For 4 days I applied Gentian Violet in the morning after showering (and washed it off before nursing in the afternoon when Benjamin came home from daycare).
I was told by my lactation consultant to stop using the APNO because there is a steroid in it and long-term use is not good.
I have continued taking 200mg daily of Fluconazole and will keep this up until I am a week pain-free. Then I'll reduce to 100mg daily for a week and then I'll reduce to 100mg every other day. (My lactation consultant and Dr. are pretty sure I'll have to remain on this dose for as long as I am breastfeeding).
I increased my grapefruit seed extract daily intake to 250mg twice a day for the last week. This also included a switch from a capsule brand that included oregano to a CITRICIDAL(R) GSE tablet.
I increased my probiotic daily intake from 30 Billion CU to 80 Billion CU, including a Ultimate Flora VS capsule of 50 Billion culture units.
I have greatly reduced my intake of PROCESSED sugars. This doesn't mean I haven't had any, but instead of four cookies for dessert, I have one. Instead of pounds of baking over the holidays, I had a piece or two here and there. I have basically stopped drinking milk (for now). I have switched to a low-sugar plain yogurt. I don't eat as much bread as I use to. I drink lots of water, mostly with lemon juice in it. (Lemon juice becomes alkaline in your body, which yeast doesn't like). I have reduced my coffee intake (acidic) and have stopped sweetening it with sugar - I'll either drink it black or sweeten it with Stevia (natural sweetener, but NOT sugar - will not help yeast growth). I have stopped drinking juice and pop.
I have maintained my intake of lots of fresh fruit (which has lots of sugar, but it's natural sugar). I am researching the "Candida Diet" more and more and will make some changes over time. I just feel like I could never cut out ALL sweets/carbs/sugars...But I can greatly reduce and make better food and beverage choices.
My breast/nipples are feeling better and nursing isn't as painful as it has been, which is a great relief.
I was told by my lactation consultant to stop using the APNO because there is a steroid in it and long-term use is not good.
I have continued taking 200mg daily of Fluconazole and will keep this up until I am a week pain-free. Then I'll reduce to 100mg daily for a week and then I'll reduce to 100mg every other day. (My lactation consultant and Dr. are pretty sure I'll have to remain on this dose for as long as I am breastfeeding).
I increased my grapefruit seed extract daily intake to 250mg twice a day for the last week. This also included a switch from a capsule brand that included oregano to a CITRICIDAL(R) GSE tablet.
I increased my probiotic daily intake from 30 Billion CU to 80 Billion CU, including a Ultimate Flora VS capsule of 50 Billion culture units.
I have greatly reduced my intake of PROCESSED sugars. This doesn't mean I haven't had any, but instead of four cookies for dessert, I have one. Instead of pounds of baking over the holidays, I had a piece or two here and there. I have basically stopped drinking milk (for now). I have switched to a low-sugar plain yogurt. I don't eat as much bread as I use to. I drink lots of water, mostly with lemon juice in it. (Lemon juice becomes alkaline in your body, which yeast doesn't like). I have reduced my coffee intake (acidic) and have stopped sweetening it with sugar - I'll either drink it black or sweeten it with Stevia (natural sweetener, but NOT sugar - will not help yeast growth). I have stopped drinking juice and pop.
I have maintained my intake of lots of fresh fruit (which has lots of sugar, but it's natural sugar). I am researching the "Candida Diet" more and more and will make some changes over time. I just feel like I could never cut out ALL sweets/carbs/sugars...But I can greatly reduce and make better food and beverage choices.
My breast/nipples are feeling better and nursing isn't as painful as it has been, which is a great relief.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thrush - For the Last Time!
Yup, it's back. Last night we went to bed early, Benjamin and I because he is teething and out of sorts. He fed around 7:30pm and struggled to sleep on and off until we fed again at 9:30pm. At that feeding I realized that yes, my nipples were sore (I've been sore for a couple of days, thinking it was just a stretching while feeding or something - I should have known!). I applied APNO and went to bed.
I woke at 11pm with a very painful vaginal burn that any woman who's experienced an vaginal yeast infection would recognize. I experienced relief from just one treatment, so it's confirmed, I've got an abundance of yeast again...gggrrrrrr.
Well, I guess I am willing to admit that it's never really left my system. It's been around since before Benjamin was born because I was treating a vaginal yeast infection the week he was delivered. The many treatments I've taken over the last year have simply reduced the amount of candida fungus, but have not eliminated it from my body, and over time it flourishes back to a quantity that causes me problems.
I managed to sneak in to see another doctor in my family doctor's practice (she's out on maternity leave, go figure). I went armed with my 3 notebooks of our history with thrush/yeast infections and Dr. Jack Newman's book with his treatment plan. I didn't need any of it! The doctor I saw was a sort of kindred spirit; an experienced breastfeeding mother herself, she reviewed my file and right away suggested we consider I take Fluconazole for the remainder of my breastfeeding experience. I have no idea when I plan to stop. After some discussion, we settled on repeating Dr. Jack Newman's 28 day protocol followed by a slow weaning of the daily dosage to get me on the minimum amount required to keep the yeast at bay. I will also continue using the APNO as needed and will take probiotics and grapefruit seed extract capsules daily.
She also suggested I discuss the matter with Lorraine, my Lactation Consultant, and see what her thoughts and recommendations would be about this treatment and prevention plan.
I am so thrilled! I finally feel confident that this will be the last time I suffer from thrush while breastfeeding!!!
I woke at 11pm with a very painful vaginal burn that any woman who's experienced an vaginal yeast infection would recognize. I experienced relief from just one treatment, so it's confirmed, I've got an abundance of yeast again...gggrrrrrr.
Well, I guess I am willing to admit that it's never really left my system. It's been around since before Benjamin was born because I was treating a vaginal yeast infection the week he was delivered. The many treatments I've taken over the last year have simply reduced the amount of candida fungus, but have not eliminated it from my body, and over time it flourishes back to a quantity that causes me problems.
I managed to sneak in to see another doctor in my family doctor's practice (she's out on maternity leave, go figure). I went armed with my 3 notebooks of our history with thrush/yeast infections and Dr. Jack Newman's book with his treatment plan. I didn't need any of it! The doctor I saw was a sort of kindred spirit; an experienced breastfeeding mother herself, she reviewed my file and right away suggested we consider I take Fluconazole for the remainder of my breastfeeding experience. I have no idea when I plan to stop. After some discussion, we settled on repeating Dr. Jack Newman's 28 day protocol followed by a slow weaning of the daily dosage to get me on the minimum amount required to keep the yeast at bay. I will also continue using the APNO as needed and will take probiotics and grapefruit seed extract capsules daily.
She also suggested I discuss the matter with Lorraine, my Lactation Consultant, and see what her thoughts and recommendations would be about this treatment and prevention plan.
I am so thrilled! I finally feel confident that this will be the last time I suffer from thrush while breastfeeding!!!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Thrush...again!
My left breast has been sore; I think I had a blocked duct on Monday, and my nipple's gotten sore so I finally went to the walk-in clinic today and was diagnosed with thrush...again! (pretty sure this is bout 5 or 6).
Once again I am on Fluconazole, 400mg loading dose with up to 28 days of 100mg twice a day; until pain free for a week. (Ref. Dr. Jack Newman). I am also using the All Purpose Nipple Ointment after each nursing and taking Grapefruit Seed Extract (1 capsule three times a day) and probiotics (10 billion cells three times a day). For the first few days I will even treat my nipples with Gentian Violet in the morning (while Mister is at daycare all day) and simply wipe it off before nursing (he is lucky enough not to get thrush this time).
After speaking with our Lactation Consultant, I will stop all Domperidone, blessed thistle and fenugreek seed. Blocked duct earlier in the week is probably due to too much milk and Mister not taking it all from me.
Once again I am on Fluconazole, 400mg loading dose with up to 28 days of 100mg twice a day; until pain free for a week. (Ref. Dr. Jack Newman). I am also using the All Purpose Nipple Ointment after each nursing and taking Grapefruit Seed Extract (1 capsule three times a day) and probiotics (10 billion cells three times a day). For the first few days I will even treat my nipples with Gentian Violet in the morning (while Mister is at daycare all day) and simply wipe it off before nursing (he is lucky enough not to get thrush this time).
After speaking with our Lactation Consultant, I will stop all Domperidone, blessed thistle and fenugreek seed. Blocked duct earlier in the week is probably due to too much milk and Mister not taking it all from me.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Thrush...it's back!
Last week I finished a 5 day treatment of Fluconazole for thrush and a 6-day Canesten treatment...and the symptoms are still here!!! GRRRRR!!!!!
Today I began another round of Fluconazole treatment, as advised by my lactation consultant who referenced Dr. Jack Newman. I'll take a 400mg loading dose and follow it with up to 28 days of 200mg; until I am pain free for a week. I'll also take Grapefruit Seed Extract in capsule form (1 three times a day) and probiotics (10 billion cells three times a day). And I'll be using the All Purpose Nipple Ointment after each nursing.
You can only understand the pain of nursing when you have thrush if you've experienced it. If you have or are going through it, I feel your pain and wish you good medical care to get the right treatment! My Dr. would never have prescribed Fluconazole like this if the lactation consultant didn't recommend it!
Today I began another round of Fluconazole treatment, as advised by my lactation consultant who referenced Dr. Jack Newman. I'll take a 400mg loading dose and follow it with up to 28 days of 200mg; until I am pain free for a week. I'll also take Grapefruit Seed Extract in capsule form (1 three times a day) and probiotics (10 billion cells three times a day). And I'll be using the All Purpose Nipple Ointment after each nursing.
You can only understand the pain of nursing when you have thrush if you've experienced it. If you have or are going through it, I feel your pain and wish you good medical care to get the right treatment! My Dr. would never have prescribed Fluconazole like this if the lactation consultant didn't recommend it!
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