Candida of esophagus

[Anastasia]

Hello all.
I'm having a really hard time with candida in my esophagus. I've had the symptoms for months before I was diagnosed at the end of March.  I saw a gastro in May and he did an endoscopy with biopsy and diagnosed candida. It was treated with Fluconazone for 7 days and improved. I had 2 good weeks and then back it came!  He called in another 7day prescription and it did nothing. My rheumatologist gave me Nystatin suspension.  Nothing. I went back to the gastro, saw his NP who prescribed 21 days of Fluconazone. That was a week ago. I still have pain and discomfort and it's really affecting my eating.
Any suggestions?
Thanks so much!

[irish]

I would think that a dose of more than 7 days would be necessary. It seems that I have been on Diflcan for a couple of weeks and several times over the years. Also, I am thinking that IV may be the way you might need to go.

The states with the least humidity sound good to me and I would rather have cold in the winter than exist in dry heat like Arizona. I would think that you will have to do a search online for all the states that interest you. Find the one you want and maybe rent for a while before buying a place.

The other thing you could do is to rent a place in the state that you are considering for a month or so to help you decide if you like the weather and the area. There will always be pros and cons to every state. Good luck in your endeavor. Irish

[gurs]

I had this before, so I feel for you. Its super painful and serious if not controlled. I have to take 100mg of diflucan everyday, and have been for the last 4 years. I also take the nystatin suspension once a day, and I get a nystatin compounding powder that I take twice a day. This has no sugar in it and I get it from my CVS. I also take tons of probiotics and yeast fighters and so far, it hasn't come back in my esophagus. It takes along time to clear, but I would def get your doc to give you a three month course of diflucan.

Hope your feeling better soon.

Gursin

[Anastasia]

Thanks for the feedback, Irish and Gurs.

I guess Diflucan and Fluconazole are the same, so it looks like I'm on the right medication. So you are permanently on it, Gurs?  Do you notice any side effects?  I will ask my rheumatologist about it when I see him on Friday.

Thanks again!
Anastasia

[gurs]

Yes, because of my other immune dysfunction issues and severe systemic candida, they left me on it. I actually think it helps with fatigue. I haven't noticed anything. The problem is its probably not working anymore? I seem to still get some mild thrush and vaginal yeast. My doc does labs and my candida levels are always high. Ive always had a problem with it because of the sjogrens and the dryness.

I remember how bad the esophagus pain was. Maybe you can try some Vicodin. I actually cut my Vicodin up and only take a small amount when my pain gets really bad.

Im sure your aware that staying away from all sugars etc really helps fight the yeast too.

Gursie

[Anastasia]

Gurs - thanks for your responses. 

I got in to see my rheumatologist today and we discussed my treatment plan.  I'm on Plaquenil with not much improvement - there was some at first but that seems to have faded.  His next step is Rituxan, but he doesn't want to start it with the candida issue.  He is contacting my gastro to have a repeat of the endoscopy to see what's going on.
How did you fare on Rituxan?  Especially with the candida?
I'm a little nervous but my symptoms of fatigue, achiness that comes and goes, tingling/burning feet, are persistent.
I guess I'm willing to give anything a try to feel somewhat better!  The treatment options seem so haphazard!

Take care.
Anastasia.

[gurs]

I would def wait a few months and stay on diflucan, have a follow up endoscopy to make sure yeast is gone, then proceed with the rituxan. Im actually trying to schedule mine now In about 6 weeks. Its been years since I had an infusion of Rituxan, I don't remember it helping with my dryness at all, but I think it helped with my energy a bit, some neuro issues, and my hair seemed better. At this point I have no options. Ive tried all the other oral medications and the side effects were horrible. The methotrexate is what trigged my Yeast in the esophagus. Imuran worked great for about a month, and suddenly, I began vomiting all the time....fun!

Hope your feeling better soon.

Gursie

[jazzlover]

Ask your doctor about Oravig... it's hard to deal with but it worked for thrush in one day for me.

Are you following a good diet to avoid sugars in all forms?

Best of luck with it!

[Anastasia]

Thank you, Jazzlover!  I never heard of Oravig but will ask. I do avoid sugar but not dairy - I'm vegetarian so it's hard to eliminate it. I eat a lot of yogurt and plain kefir - which should help with the candida.

My rheumatologist is puzzled because my eyes are slightly dry but not bothersome. Same with my mouth -  diminished saliva but not troublesome - a little more noticeable at night. But raging candida, malaise and tingling/burning in extremities. But I have the speckled ANA and SSA!  I keep wondering if there's something else simmering! 

Take care.
Anastasia