Re: Kaiser/ infection check

[Guest guest]

Gail,

I saw my CNM today with what I thought were classic yeast symptoms. No

yeast showed up on the wet prep, but she did saw that I had a very large

amount of lactobacillus (the good, normal bacteria), and that they were

very big.

In Dr. Gordon 's info that was posted a few months ago, he stated that

he feels that this can be the cause of chronic or cyclic vulvovaginitis.

Sounds very possible to me, so I'm going to discuss the treatment regimen

that he recommends with my doctor. One question for you: I've often (but

not always) noticed a distinct odor of sour milk when I have these

symptoms, and that would seem congruent with a lactobacillus problem. Have

you ever noticed anything like this? Also, I am usually bothered by the

symptoms (itching and burning) more right after my period. Any cyclic

nature to your problems? Anyway, I thought it was very interesting and am

considering it as a possible factor in my yeast-like symptoms. Let me know

what your experience has been, and if your doc checked the lactobacillus on

your wet prep.

At 04:19 PM 12/15/98 -0800, you wrote:

>

>

>Hi everyone,

>

> First of all, Happy Birthday Diane!

> Next... I went to Kaiser again (for the last time) to get re-checked for

>a possible infection. I saw a *doctor* this time (ob/gyn). He did a wet

>prep and didn't find anything indicating any kind of infection... no clue

>cells or yeast. So, on the one hand I'm relieved I don't have to take any

>meds again, but on the other hand, I STILL don't know what's causing this

>internal/vaginal irritation! The vulvar pain for me has always been more on

>the outside and up higher, by the clitoris. This is something different,

>and usually when I have symptoms like these I have an infection. However,

>I did take Diflucan recently for three days, then 10 days of Nystatin. So

>now I'm left with a dilemma.... trying to decide if all this anti-yeast

>treatment has irritated my tissues and they just haven't recovered yet, or

>if there's something going on that they (at Kaiser) don't know how to

>identify. The NP I saw in October recommended douching 2-3 times with a

>betadine solution, which I did, but I really think it's too irritating. I'm

>also not sure that inserting yogurt or acidophilus capsules helps more than

>it doesn't. And the only things they can recommend are Aveeno, Elavil (no

>thank you!), and the Estrace cream (which I also can't tolerate).

>Aarrrrgggghh.

> Well, I'm dropping Kaiser the first of the year. They raised their

>rates and IMO (not humble in the least!), their service and lack of

>knowledge on this kind of condition really sucks! I'd be better off saving

>that money I shovel out every month in premiums and going to see *competent*

>doctors or specialists who might actually do me some good!

> Okay, enough ranting. I'm still at a loss to know how to deal with this

>new irritation. I don't have a good track record as far as anything

>topical, even when they're in a " non-irritating " base. Should I wait it out

>in case it's just residual from past infections or overzealous attempts at

>controlling them?? Any advice would be appreciated!

>

>Sincerely,

>Gail

>

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

:

>I saw my CNM today with what I thought were classic yeast symptoms. No

>yeast showed up on the wet prep, but she did saw that I had a very large

>amount of lactobacillus (the good, normal bacteria), and that they were

>very big.

>In Dr. Gordon 's info that was posted a few months ago, he stated that

>he feels that this can be the cause of chronic or cyclic vulvovaginitis.

>Sounds very possible to me, so I'm going to discuss the treatment regimen

>that he recommends with my doctor. One question for you: I've often (but

>not always) noticed a distinct odor of sour milk when I have these

>symptoms, and that would seem congruent with a lactobacillus problem. Have

>you ever noticed anything like this? Also, I am usually bothered by the

>symptoms (itching and burning) more right after my period. Any cyclic

>nature to your problems? Anyway, I thought it was very interesting and am

>considering it as a possible factor in my yeast-like symptoms. Let me know

>what your experience has been, and if your doc checked the lactobacillus on

>your wet prep.

Hmmmmmmmm. I've never been checked for that. I've seen a lot of

posts on it, though. Interesting. I really don't think I have a sour milk

odor. In fact, most of the time there's really not much of an odor at all.

I remember when I had hemophilus infection it usually smelled rather foul,

or like unripe pineapple... or something else rude! I don't have a lot of

itching or burning either, actually. Just irritation, some discharge, and a

little redness. I don't know if there are any doctors anywhere nearby who

know how to check for that kind of bacterial problem, but I'll look into it,

along with that invasive yeast possibility! (what IS the treatment for the

strange-shaped lactob., anyway?) Thanks.

Gail