Candida Testing?

[rache]

I have read all this information about candida. the symptoms seem to match me to a T. i go to the Dr on Monday (april 3rd), so im trying to put together as much as i can before i see her. I was wondering if there is a candida test available, a blood test maybe? How can this be checked out, and how should i ask my Dr. about it. I hate to go in and say- "I think i have this, can you test me." I dont want to seem like im self-diagnosing myself! But i would like to know that my dr. is understanding my concerns and i'm getting all the testing that i can. I have been diagnosed with celiac disease for a year & IBS for about 5 years, but i still think i may have some other condition. im sick of going for so long with being told theyre not sure whats wrong, b/c sometimes i dont feel that i'm really being tested as well as i could. i dont want to actually say this to my Dr. because shes wonderful and has done a good job, i just dont feel that everything has been taken care of and im sick not feeling too great. i am writing out a list of all my symptoms and problems to take with me to be sure that theres nothing i leave out! any advice would be great!

[Rachel--24]

There is no "legitimate" test for Candida and most doctors do not believe in it so its not likely you will get anywhere with that. Its pretty much only recognized by alternative doctors and they treat it with diet and supplements. If you have a classic yeast infection or thrush then your doctor can treat you for that. I'm not sure that Candida is really the problem its made out to be. I think Candida is a sign of something else not right in the body. Like when people have undiagnosed Celiac...they would likely have an overgrowth of Candida as well but the Candida is just a symptom of Celiac. We all have candida and its harmless...there is really no *proof* or reliable method of testing that shows Candida can wreak the kind of havoc you read about. It *can* become serious for those who have severely compromised immune systems (like those with AIDS) but not proven to do so in people with normal functioning immune systems.

[rache]

I noticed that my "candida-like" symptoms got worse over the time period when i was on antibiotics for 3 weeks. i was so much worse while taking them. i would have rather just suffered out the bronchitis and sinus infection.

[Rachel--24]

Did you take probiotics while on the antibiotics? Its always important to replenish the good bacteria while on antibiotics. Do you take any now?

[rache]

No, i didnt really know anything about Probiotics until after i was about done with the meds. i have been looking them up online, and i think i may start to take them. im just not sure where to get them from, not sure if there is anywhere around here or if ill have to order them online.

[StrongerToday]

Check some of the "alternative" labs - Entrolab, Great Smokies, etc. My dr. mentioned these labs to me, saying i may want to send in some "test samples" - you do have to collect your poop I think....

[Rachel--24]

Probiotics are easy to find. Look in a health store like Whole Foods (the refrigerated kind are best quality).

The best way to control candida if you have an overgrowth is stay off sugar, and high carb starchy foods like potatoes. More important is identifying what might be causing the overgrowth to begin with...maybe you have another food intolerance like casein? Gluten intolerance can lead to an overgrowth so I'm sure any other intolerance that may be delaying or hindering healing can contribute to candida as well.

[rache]

what exactly would be on label of the probiotics? is there a more specific name? There isnt any place like Whole Foods around where i live. so i would more than likely have to order online or something, im not sure!

[jerseyangel]

I bought Culturelle at CVS. It was around $22 for a month's supply. It did not agree with me, and I stopped taking it after a week. I believe the problem for me was the lactose. If you have a problem with lactose, it would probably not be the right one for you. There is a lot of info. on probiotics--just google it--that's where I found out about the lactose. I found that there are some that are better than others, based on your symptoms and sensitivites. You would be the best judge of that .

[rache]

I bought Culturelle at CVS. It was around $22 for a month's supply. It did not agree with me, and I stopped taking it after a week. I believe the problem for me was the lactose.

Yeah- no lactose!! i dont even have a CVS around me... Geez I live in the middle of nowhere!

[jerseyangel]

Yea--definately don't try it, it would be a waste of money. I have that partial box in the cabnet--more money wasted on something that didn't agree with me! What stores do you have to choose from? Do you have a small, local health food store? The one in my town has a very knowledgeable owner.

[rache]

No local health food store... My selection of stores consists of Walmart, Rite Aid, Giant Eagle. Thats it. We have another drug store that is opening soon, but its not a big chain one.