Help please ! I am miserable. Something is really wrong.
About 6 months ago, I began itching - only symptom - down around the outer vagina, vulva and anus area. I figured it was an irritant from shaving. It continued for another month or so. I then assumed it was the soap I was using. So I switched soaps. It continues and worsens. After more than a month of suffering, I get some Vagisil. That helps for about a day ! Still perplexed, I am still suffering. It was 3 months after the onset and I made a doctor appointment with my gynecologist for the following week. However, that night, I began itching so badly, nothing could stop it ! It was agony ! It was midnight and I sent my husband to the store for some Monistat. He returns and the Monistat provides immediate relief ! I continue with the treatment through the weekend until Monday as I have my doctor appointment.
I see the doctor and give him the history and symptoms. He takes a culture and diagnosis me with a yeast infection. He prescribes Terconizole (sp) and Diflucan and an exterior cream, Clotrimazole to help alleviate the itching. I notice immediate improvement and relief but it does not subside completely.
I then get another tube of Terconazole cream and another dose of diflucan. Again, relief but does not eliminate symptoms completely.
Again, I get another tube of Terconazole. Same thing, relief, but no cure. Just mild itching around outer vagina, vulva and anus continues.
So, I call and get another dose of Diflucan. Doctor won't prescribe more Terconazole. My period starts and it is recommended that I wait until it is over before taking the dose of Diflucan.
Now this is where it gets really bad. While I am menstruating, and refraining from taking the Diflucan, and not using the Clotrimazole cream, the area around my anus starts getting sore - and continues to worsen. I think, well maybe I strained during a bowel movement, or that maybe with the summer heat, I have a few heat bumps on my bottom. It continurally gets worse and worse and then yesterday afternoon, I look at the area surrounding my anus. It is very red, sore and inflamed - like I have some kind of rash or fungus or something. It is so bad, it hurts to walk or sit down. Of course, now that my period is over, I notice itching returning to my outer vagina and vulva area. The area around my anus continues to be sore with some kind of skin rash infection.
I took the dose of Diflucan. I applied the Clotrimazole. I am getting some usual mild relief. Today, I am definitely making another gynecologist appointment.
But, they diagnosed me obvioulsy incorrectly in the first place. I can't live like this. I have spent over $100.00 on medications this past month.
Any ladies experience any chronic infections or have any experience with possibly being misdiagnosed with a yeast infection ? I have been laying off the sugar. I eat yogurt daily. I am miserable now and feel like a leper. Thanks for your help.
I went to the gyno on Friday, September 12. I saw the nurse practioner. She told me she thought it was a very severe yeast infection; that the medication I had taken over the past 2 months, albeit a lot of medication, was taken with some breaks in between. So the yeast infection was never knocked out. Further, she said she thought it was a yeast infection because I would not have experienced substantial relief while taking the various yeast medications.
She prescribed for me 4 doses of diflucan, one tablet to be taken every 4 days. I took my first dose on Friday. She also prescribed some nystatin cream with a steroid to stop the itching.
But the weird thing was, over the past few days, I wasn't really experiencing much relief. I was supposed to take my second dose of Diflucan tomorrow - Tuesday.
So today, I get a call from the doctor's office. Now they are diagnosing me with a bacterial infection, based on the culture they did on Friday. They said there is no presence of yeast. They prescribed metrogel to be used intravaginally, 1x daily for 5 days.
I asked about the culture that was done on July 7. She said that maybe the levels weren't high enough to be observed for a bacterial infection and maybe there was yeast. (It was the nurse I was speaking with.)
I am discontinuing the use of Diflucan and I will start the Metrogel tonight. Hope it works.
I will try some other things too, like the probiotics, per the responses I received from such helpful ladies.
Thanks again.
I may update in 2 weeks if I feel "cured". Gosh, I sure hope so !
I had a continuous infection but I did not have the chronic itching. What my gyne suggested was to cut back on taking so many baths. I hope this helps.
Sorry you're so miserable. It sounds awful.
If I were you, I would take this detailed history you've written here, and immediately visit a DIFFERENT doctor. Once there, don't be brushed off and simply handed another medicine. Ask what needs to be done to make a definitive diagnosis of the problem so that it can be treated properly.
Good luck, and hope you're feeling better soon.
Sounds like you have bacterial vaginosis. Yeast infection medication will only exacerbate the problem. My doctor made the same assumption until I asked her to test for BV an lo and behold that's what I had. The prescription I got was for Metronidazole. Planned Parenthood gynos seemed to be better at diagnosing these problems because they see them all the time. If you are nursing it throws of your PH. Helping with your digestive system while nursing can help. My suggesstion?
1 Go to Planned Parenthood and get tested for BV
2 Probiotics daily (found in Vitamin aisle)
3 down there use vitamin E oil (vitamin aisle) and/or
"Replens" moisturizer (found near yeast infection medicine).
Good luck! I went through the same thing and it absolutely sucks!
I sure hope you get this figured out, sounds miserable. I have been gone through a simular thing myself. I really love 'The V Book' by Elizabeth G Stewart. The book does not focus on natural techniques, which I like but have not provided the relief needed. The book talks about the different strains of fungal infection, the worst being immune to normal prescription treatments. I was diagnosed with a fungal - yeast infection. I was later diagnosed with a bacterial infection which is treated by specific antibiotics but also tends to be reaccuring. Anyway, this book has been very helpful to me in educating myself about what is going on in my body, the options and possibilities of what the imbalance may be and what can be done. REMEMBER: You know what is going on in your body better than anyone. If you feel one way or another be clear with your doctor and make him - her give you the time you need to explain yourself and figure out our plan of action together.
I am so sorry- that sounds so miserable. Yes, in the past, I had chronic stuff. You need the best, most thorough gynecologist you can find. One 'yeast'infection turned out to be precancerous- I had cryosurgery (in-office procedure) and no further problems with that. The next time, it was chlamydia. It was misdiagnosed three times before I found help.
This is not just your deal. Your husband needs treatment, too, once whatever it is is diagnosed. S.
Hi Sue,
Did your dr check you for a strep infection?
It is confused for yeast very oftem and you need antibiotics to get rid of it.
N.
I had the same problem many years ago. An Army Dr. told me to sit in a tub of warm water with 2 cups of BAKING SODA for at least 20 minutes to relieve the pain and itching. Then he said go and get the rubber douche bag with all the attachments at the drug store. Fill the bag with 1 cup BAKING SODA and warm water.( It helps to dissolve this in another container such as a measuring cup with a spout.) Pour it into the bag. Douche with this mixture on the last day of your period each month. Do this for a year. Stop and see if symtoms return. If they do then start again for another year. I did this faithfully for a year and the symptoms never returned. That was 35 years ago. love and best, C. S.
I've tried 4 times to send this. Go to Walmart in the diabetic section and get Reli On Antifungal skin treatment, miconazole nitrate 2%. Was a MIRACLE CREAM!!! Its for athletes foot and jock itch. If guys can use it why not women. Immediate relief and used it for two week after just to be sure. I have no ins and thought I was going to go crazy with the itching. Had tried all the stuff you tried and no relief. And it was as simple as this. Read about women getting fungal infection in a book about diabetes. You will find this in the diabetic section at walmart where they sell creams and lotions for diabetics. RUN TO WALMART... it was such a relief. Let me know if this works for you. I read it was brought on by stress. Then your so stressed from not being able to get rid of it that its a vivious cycle. Good Luck. Toni
I had similar situations. I went for consultation to an obgyn that specializes in vaginal disorders. I was told it could be lintchens disease--spelling unsure. She told me it could not be certain without a biopsy. I use Mometasone Furoate ointment when irritated (some days worse than others). I wash with water only-no soap. Panty hose causes it to get worse. cotton panties and keep area dry as possible. Another thing is get tested for STD's just to rule it out. Hope this helps
The health store has pure Tea Tree Oil, it stinks, delute it with pure water and keep applying. It is amazing and and I can't say cure because of FDA, but try. Thanks R.
I had a terrible yeast infection a few months ago and my MIL said that an old hippy nurse friend of hers said to do the following and everyone she has ever told has had great success.
You will need a plastic sandwich bad, a rubber band, a disposable douche applicator and plain yogurt with live active yeast. Fill the bag with yogurt, tie the baggy around the disposable douche applicator with the rubber band and head to the toilet. Douche with the yogurt for three consecutive days. You will feel relief almost instantly! Ooh -- do it at night and spread some of the yogurt over the pad and wear that all night too. So this whenever you feel bad. You can do it as much as you like -- It is not harmful at all!! And those who had chronic problems, with continued use never got another yeast infection again. Give it a try and I hope you get to feeling better soon -- what you are experiencing is miserable! Good luck!!
Ok, first of all, you are NOT alone..Since the birth of my first child 3 years ago I had recurrent infections that would not be calmed/cured and the dr. did not have the answer EVER. I went to see a homeopathic dr. (to save money) and things got a little better but like you never really fully better. I eventually was referred by my Dr. and a friend to the Vulvar Specialists to a Dr. named Dr. Davis (unfortunately I do not have their number right now but just search them) located in Phoenix. Miracle!!!!!They were great, did a culture and actually showed me the strains of bacteria/yeast I was dealing with (3) with one being very rare, gave me in office treatment (hallaluia), a shampoo, and 2 different creams..After following their guidelines I have not had another issue and it has been 7 months. My friend had similar issues and she has not had an issue again for over a year. They unfortunately do not take insurance although you can send it yourself and the visit was like $500. However, I wasted more money on typical dr. visits/creams/homeopathic remedies etc. to basically equal that fee. So, with my miracle and my friends I would recommend that you go see Dr. Davis and his office staff and stop living in misery. Again, I went off and on for 3 years of misery before I finally gave in. Good Luck and Help Yourself!
My mother-in-law had chronic yeast infections for over a year and what she came to find out was that it started and continued for so long partly because she was using an antibacterial soap on her vaginal area. Basically it had killed off all the good bacteria and left her vulnerable to infection. I don't know what kind of soap you use, but it's something to consider.
It could also be helpful to take a probiotic in capsule form. Yogurt is great, but it contains minimal amounts of active bacteria. I take Powerdophilus from Sprouts every day. It's combination of acidophilus and several other "good" bacterias. I haven't had any yeast infections since I started taking it and I've even gone through a round of antibiotics (for a separate issue). It's been a lifesaver.
Your post didn't specifically mention it, but if you shave your pubic area, maybe try letting your hair grow out a little bit. Shaving can irritate the skin and tiny nicks can allow bacteria to thrive especially in the summer heat when we sweat more. Also make sure your panties have a cotton crotch to wick away moisture.
Most importantly-- be proactive about your healthcare! If this infection continues, don't drop the ball and resign yourself to dealing with it indefinitely. Return to your doctor and tell them the previous treatment prescribed has not worked. If they don't try to help you pursue things, I would definitely see another doctor.
How very frustrating - you must be suffering terribly. My suggestions for solving this fungal issue involve some very powerful anti-fungal herbs from the Amazon Rainforest. For centuries they have been used successfully to combat fungus, yeasts, and molds. You will need to detox your system as well as begin a daily routine of eating these herbs. The detox would be a more intensive process that would involve taking herbs two to four times a day (more gets faster results) that are specifically targeting digestive cleansing as well as the anti-fungal formulas to target the yeast infection. This process will also start to rid your body of heavy metals which are the foundation upon which yeasts and fungus breed and colonize. You have already lost a lot of money on pharmaceuticals that DON'T work - at least these products come with a one-year 100% money back guarantee if you don't get the results you seek. If you are interested in my solutions and suggestions please feel free to contact me.
I've heard of the yogurt thing before and I've heard that it does work very well....assuming you have a yeast infection or something that has killed off your "good" bacteria. My first recommendation is head to another Dr for a check up or at the very least see your regular Dr the next time you notice the red inflamation. It is very possible they diagnosed you wrong. I have had the very same symptoms and it was vaginosis...but I also had discharge with my infection. I have now taken three different meds to get rid of it. I tried taking yeast infection meds after the first meds prescribed to me failed (I thought I had a yeast infection instead) and I got relief for about a day...then the horrible itching came back. I went back in to the Dr and sure enough, I still had vaginosis. I finally had to take an antibiotic to get rid of it...which of course has given me a yeast infection :)
You may be experiencing an allergic reaction to something. Have you changed anything lately? Gotten more stress about something? I would suggest taking a look at www.naet.com for a way to non-invasively and naturally ELIMINATE allergies! It worked for my son and myself.
Good luck and let me know if you would like any more information.
L.
If the first course of meds isn't clearing it out, it is time for another dianostic. You'll have to have an indepth with your doc. I will say that I alternate between a vinegar bath and baking soda. I usually just take the vinegar bath because it seems to works better. Add 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar to the bath water. Also, I only wash with real soap rather than detergent bars that you find at the store. Try to get your hands on a handmade bar of soap, olive oil preferably. I find handmade soap to be so much gentler and works better, but that is me.
Oh, oh, oh, I am so sorry to hear about your misery.
Several things I would recommend:
Stop using all soaps in your private areas.
Take a warm sitz bath with SALT (like Epsom) and WHITE VINEGAR. The vinegar will help restore the natural PH balance. About a cup of each. Apply an A&D ointment or a thin film of natural yogurt to affected area after the bath.
In addition to eating NATURAL yogurts, not the ones filled with sugars, try using the refrigerated Acidophilous products, found at places like Sprouts. They are more potent. And try not to take them with your meds. You can even smooth about a tablespoon of the natural yogurt around your vaginal/anus area for comfort. You can also continue using natural yogurt in place of products like vagisil if you want more lubricant during intercourse.
And since it is so, so HOT here in AZ, you've got to wear cotton panties, none of this thong style, and skirts on a regular basis to keep your inflammed area air conditioned.
Also, I started a small business called Salts of the Earth. I make all-natural, moisturizing bath salts with salts from all over the world. I would be more than happy to give you a bag for free. They are very healing and therapeutic.
Sorry you are in such discomfort. Hang in there.
Have them check for Bacterial Vaginosis. I've had it twice and believe me, it's miserable - your symptoms sound the exact same as mine and you get very little relief if any from yeast infection treatments. It's very simple to treat once it's been diagnosed. It just takes a simple round of special antibiotics either taken orally or applied with a vaginal applicator depending on the severity. For some reason, most doctors assume that itching is a yeast infection and don't even bother checking for other things.
Hi Sue,
I think it's worth asking your dr about lichen sclerosus - it's an autoimmune disorder of the skin around your vagina and anus. It makes your skin itchy and fragile so it tears more easily (like during sex). The itchiness can be so intense that you scratch yourself while you sleep, even making yourself bleed. To reassure you, I have it and at this point it causes me no problems at all. The Dr will prescribe a steroid cream (and it's a cheap one, thankfully!)and you put that on twice a day at first and then less and less (now I only put it on about twice a month). it's a little hard to diagnose unless your symptoms have gotten so bad that it's obvious (wrinkly, grey skin instead of nice pinkish skin). I had problems for 2 years until the dr made the final diagnosis. Best of luck to you!
Hi Sue!
Sorry your going through this. About 4 months ago I went through the same thing. I went to the doctor and he prescribed what your doctor did, but he also gave me an antibiotic called doxasycline. Im not sure how to spell that. But anyway. After taking the antiobiotic and the Diflucan. It took about a week and my itching and pain were gone. Tell your doctor you want an antibiotic that will flush through your urine. Dont let him give you amoxicillian that would make it worse. Let me tell you Sue, My itching was so bad I couldnt even think. By the time I went to the doctor he couldnt believe how red and inflamed everything down there was. And like you it came out of no where. I hadnt changed my soap or anything. The doctor asks alot of personal questions about your sex partners. But I assured my doctor Id been married for 18 years and neither of us had any different partners. So just to be sure he did a pap and cultures and blood work to be sure. The blood came back saying I had an infection somewhere and that I did have also a yeast infection. So call your doctor and tell him to give you some antibiotics and hopefully it will clear up like mine did. I know how miserable you are. It is the worst. Good Luck
D.
I feel your pain! I had similar symptoms a few years ago. I went to a few different Doctor's who all diagnosed it as a yeast infection. I had a feeling it was more than that, so I got a referral to a highly recommended obgyn. She knew immediately by looking that it was not a yeast infection. The Dr. did a skin test and found out that it was strep B. The symptoms are now gone ( it ran it's course ). Best of luck, be persistent to get an answer :)
