Resistant Yeast that will not go away!

[ehcapakori]

Hello all, is it possible to have a strain of yeast (on nipples) that is actually resistant to all meds & home remedies? It will be a year on Thanksgiving, and in this year I have tried to be so diligent on laundry/binky/household/diet routines that assist in killing yeast. I've now been to 3 Dr's a total of 5 times, which test and show that it IS in fact yeast, but still, no relief. I have had luck with the Gentian Violet, however, once baby & I do the 3 day treatment, in a week or 2 it's back worse than ever. We've been washing in hot water/white vinegar for probably 6 mos now, boil binky's daily, air out nipples, no sugar diet.... What gives? Has anyone had this stubborn of a strain- surely I'm not the only out here! The burning keeps me up at night.

[Meredith]

Have you been prescribed anything for it, like Diflucan? I believe that's just about the strongest antifungal for those really stubborn cases of thrush (someone else might know more about that than me).

Have you tried grapefruit seed extract (GSE)?

I remember using Gentian Violet for a lot longer than 3 days. If I recall correctly, according to Jack Newman's thrush protocol, you're supposed to continue using it for a full week if you notice some improvement after 3 days - you're not supposed to stop after 3 days. I'll find the thrush protocol for you.

ETA: Here's the thrush protocol (http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Candida-Protocol.asp). Here's his instructions for using gentian violet (http://www.kellymom.com/newman/06gentian_violet.html).

[JudyJudyJudy]

I know that many people say that diet doesn't matter, but I disagree, especially at the point where you are now. Besides sugar, what else are you leaving out of your diet? Are you still eating yeast? Vinegar? Are you drinking juices? Eating moldy foods like cheese, cantaloupe, or peanuts?

What treatments have you used besides gentian violet?

[Ma_Whit]

In addition to Judy's questions... Are you still eating refined carbs? (White bread, white rice, etc.?)

[Amy_G_]

Yeah a 3 day treatment isn't long enough. GSE used for much longer than 3 days would be ideal, and can be used in the rinse water for bras. For sme a prescription of Diflucan is in order however there are actually yeasts that are resistant to it as well as Nystantin.

You also have to treat/toss anything that touches your breasts, your baby's mouth or even your breastmilk. it sounds like you've tried that, but go back and check to see what other sources may be out there.

Sometimes it's as simple as yeast spores hanging out in the lid of the tube of lanisoh from treating yourself and "double dipping" by going back to the tube twice with the same finger used to apply to both breasts.

Have you been sterilizing your bottles, pacifiers, bottle nipples, pump, and even your breast pads and bra, baby's teething rings and toys that go in the mouth, baby's toothbrush, as well as anything that touches baby's bottom (yeast does come out down below!).

You can do an experiment to see how much yeast is in your house by mixing up flour and water and leaving it on the counter and if it starts to smell like sourdough bread in a couple days, you have a nice healthy environment of yeast in your house. Of course, most people do if they've ever cooked and eaten much bread in their kitchens.

[ehcapakori]

Hi all, thank you so much for your replies & words of wisdom! Yes I've done the Nystatin & Diflucan numerous times, (Nystatin is a waste of $ in my opinion - haven't heard of anyone it has worked on) GSE a couple times and numerous months in a row of doing ALL laundry in hot water & white vinegar. Boiling binky's & toys, plus bleaching toys that can't be boiled. I have only been wearing my washable nursing pads & bras once, then laundering. Maybe it is the diet-- I thought it was just breads & sugar to steer clear of for at least 30 days; I didn't know refined carbs were something to watch out for. We eat wheat breads only, but lots of white rice! Anyone have any tips for the best use of GSE? I haven't had any positive results w/ it, but maybe my dilution was too weak/strong? I was doing 20 drops per 1 oz of water in shallow bowl, then leaning over & soaking boob in for 10 minutes. (Couldn't find a mist-er to spray on)

[kasumisniper]

Has your baby been treated?

[Nipple_nectar]

I would be happy to mail my mister, we have retired it here:) I strongly recommend misting the nipples as often as hourly and swabbing baby's mouth before each feeding.

I had to keep DD1 on a probiotic for THREE YEARS until we got her yeast overproduction under control.

In the meantime GSE and this link was our saving grace: www.drjaygordon.com/development/bf/thrush.asp

Have you ever tried silverette? I don't remember? I know we tried alot to help you in the past.

I also agree with Amy, if you have ductal yeast, you may have to use GSE for up to 4 weeks to make sure it is all gone.

Are you washing bras after each wearing? Are you using distilled water? Applying GSE after every nursing session? That's all I got for now:)