| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| penguins |
Posted - 02/25/2012 : 06:41:56
Hi Everyone,
A year ago I posted a question about systemic yeast issues. I got a number of responses that told me it's TMS. I so want to believe that to be so. I tried (albeit half-heartedly) to do the Sarno stuff for it, but then the anxiety associated with the idea that yeast is overrunning my body just took over.
So here I am, a year later, having gained more weight, bingeing terribly (I have an eating disorder) and am once again convinced candida is running the show.
Here is a question for you. I have toe nail fungus that has returned. I had it years ago, took the 6 month long drugs for it (that are supposed to be bad for the liver unfortunately) and it went away. Now it's back and that is just adding fuel to the candida fire.
Here's something interesting. This past summer I ran out of yeast infection meds (since I got one every month). My doc (regular not gyn) wanted to wait to prescribe me more so that she could see if I was truly getting yeast infections (she does believe in mind-body stuff). Well, would you believe that after that, the symptoms still came, but never got bad enough that I needed meds. They would just go away.
So all through the fall up until now, I just get that itchy feeling and tell it to stop and over the course of a few days it does. BUT, last week I had my yearly gyn exam and they called with results saying I have a yeast infection. The thing is, at the time of the exam I didn't have itchiness there. So now I'm on Diflucan and am once again convinced I have a systemic issue. Oh and over the course of the year I have developed rectal itching (sorry TMI) that occurs after I eat spicy foods. Naturally I convinced myself that I also have parasites.
Sorry this is so long-winded. I guess my main question is how do I deal with the nail fungus? Is that something that I could make go away by thinking of it as TMS? I do believe that because I am LOADED with anxiety ALL the time that all of these yeast issues could be caused by my brain. But at what point do I actually need meds?
Regarding systemic candida, there is no way I can do the anti-candida diet. I did the Paleo diet last year and that led to terrible rebounding, bingeing, etc. Because I am so eating disordered, the minute I feel deprived, I am a basket case. So there is no chance I can give up all sugars now.
Oh and one last thing. Ever since the gyn called with the yeast infection results, I started getting a rash under my arms. Now I'm convinced that that, too, is from systemic yeast.
I went back through loads of old threads and have copied and pasted into a Word document the ones where people are adamant that yeast is a TMS equivalent. I guess I just need some more people to tell me to knock it off.
Thanks in advance Everyone. I am truly in a bad way right now and just want relief from the mental craziness that has taken over me. Sarno was a gift from above years ago when I was dealing with neck and back pain. Truly saved my life in that sense, so I do believe in TMS. This one is just so hard. I feel like I am being ruled by yeast and I can't stop OBSESSIVELY thinking about it. It's really bad...
Thanks.
--Jen
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| 12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| penguins |
Posted - 02/29/2012 : 18:01:06
Oh Wavy, thank you. Your post really made me feel good. In fact I have copied what you wrote to my file. What was especially comforting was:
"and really, there is nothing to worry about. You're going to be okay, one way or another."
and
"Don't worry. Something may have happened long ago that put your nervous system in an anxious spin, but it's over now."
I am sorry to hear about your cancer. I haven't been here in a while. Are you okay? Thank you again. I will take what you said to heart and try to do what you said about focusing on the tiniest thread of good feeling, expand that until it becomes a new habit instead of the old anxiety one.
Thank you!!
--Jen
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| Wavy Soul |
Posted - 02/29/2012 : 08:38:11
I want to just offer some love and healing, Penguins. It can be confusing and make you more anxious trying to figure out how to help yourself! Not a healing emotional experience! It can be stressful trying to figure out "is it TMS or not?" It can make you even more anxious, or make you feel judged if you need to explore physical solutions.People on this board are basically committed to the TMS diagnosis, and it's a difficult path to move into understanding that things that SEEM physical are actually TMS. And then sometimes they aren't (as in the case of my cancer last year - oops!).
The spin of anxiety that you are in over how to fix yourself is familiar to all of us, and really, there is nothing to worry about. You're going to be okay, one way or another. Sometimes I've just had to put all this physical thinking - even about TMS - aside and just focus on the tiniest thread of feeling good, and then expand that until it becomes a new habit, instead of the old anxiety habit. All these problems exist mostly between our ears, as you said yourself. Don't worry. Something may have happened long ago that put your nervous system in an anxious spin, but it's over now.
Love is the answer, whatever the question |
| kenny V |
Posted - 02/29/2012 : 06:00:29
quote:
Originally posted by Wavy Soul
Good news! I recently found a different and effective physical solution for systemic yeast (below).
When I took ACV for a while (for other reasons) I got a screaming yeast infection ("female"). I remember in the yeast cult where they worship at the feet of yeast, they used to say ACV or any vingear could make you worse.
Recently I've found a product called Candex, which is a special enzyme that eats candida for lunch, as long as you don't eat sugars. Then an hour later you take this super-duper probiotic that they have to send on ice, called Floragen 3. You can get both on Amazon (and shipping is free if you have Amazon Prime). This REALLY WORKS. I found my mood swings, yeasty symptoms were gone in DAYS without all the usual endless die-off and related misery (you have either experienced die-off or you haven't, and believe me, you don't want to!).
Good luck.
Love is the answer, whatever the question
Yes Candex works well and probiotics are always essential to have on board when you have a gut out of whack.. GFSE ( grapefruit seed extract) is effective too in moderate amounts.
Like mentioned the key is not to FEED the yeast / or underlying condition. So like in anything else you need to starve it off or get rid of its culprit . Again this is only the management part that requires taming the yeast beast. Many folks don’t realize the yeast is die off from another condition / problem. Both require maintaince and tightening the belt . Another words if you have recurring yeast issues you have other problems that have not been addressed yet
My Best
Kenny V
Always Hope For Recovery
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| penguins |
Posted - 02/29/2012 : 05:51:33
Thanks Kenny and WavySoul.I greatly appreciate your time!
I am feeling so confused because I've read some past threads on here where people swore their issues were TMS. I want that to be the case because I don't want to think that my future is going to be me having to go on a super-restrictive diet. The thought of that sends me into a tail-spin. I understand the viewpoint some have that I should just accept that that will be the cure, but I just can't.
I did try Candex last year (while sticking to the Candida diet for all of a few hours, though I was doing Paleo). So I never got results that people talk about. I certainly think die-off was starting as I didn't feel well and saw it in my stool.
Anyway, I keep re-reading the posts from those like Suz and Jaya (and others) who were adamant that the yeast was in their heads (meaning they were giving themselves the infections). I believe I could be doing that too. I've got to follow Darko's advice though and start focusing on my anxiety because that in itself is going to do me in. There are days where I feel like I am truly going crazy! UUUGGHHH. Hate all this... |
| Wavy Soul |
Posted - 02/28/2012 : 19:16:02
Good news! I recently found a different and effective physical solution for systemic yeast (below).
When I took ACV for a while (for other reasons) I got a screaming yeast infection ("female"). I remember in the yeast cult where they worship at the feet of yeast, they used to say ACV or any vingear could make you worse.
Recently I've found a product called Candex, which is a special enzyme that eats candida for lunch, as long as you don't eat sugars. Then an hour later you take this super-duper probiotic that they have to send on ice, called Floragen 3. You can get both on Amazon (and shipping is free if you have Amazon Prime). This REALLY WORKS. I found my mood swings, yeasty symptoms were gone in DAYS without all the usual endless die-off and related misery (you have either experienced die-off or you haven't, and believe me, you don't want to!).
Good luck.
Love is the answer, whatever the question |
| kenny V |
Posted - 02/28/2012 : 08:02:07
quote:
Originally posted by penguins
So all through the fall up until now, I just get that itchy feeling and tell it to stop and over the course of a few days it does. BUT, last week I had my yearly gyn exam and they called with results saying I have a yeast infection. The thing is, at the time of the exam I didn't have itchiness there. So now I'm on Diflucan and am once again convinced I have a systemic issue. Oh and over the course of the year I have developed rectal itching (sorry TMI) that occurs after I eat spicy foods. Naturally I convinced myself that I also have parasites.
Sorry this is so long-winded. I guess my main question is how do I deal with the nail fungus? Is that something that I could make go away by thinking of it as TMS? I do believe that because I am LOADED with anxiety ALL the time that all of these yeast issues could be caused by my brain. But at what point do I actually need meds?
Regarding systemic candida, there is no way I can do the anti-candida diet. I did the Paleo diet last year and that led to terrible rebounding, bingeing, etc. Because I am so eating disordered, the minute I feel deprived, I am a basket case. So there is no chance I can give up all sugars now.
Thanks.
--Jen
Jen, I am truly sorry to hear of your recurring problems .I don’t know how long you have suffered or how much success you have had over time. But would like to offer you some encouragement with a nudge to change some of your thinking and or strategies. From what you wrote sure sounds like you have allot going on and possibly a few things you have NOT dealt with either. Sure sound like you have some GI issues too. Btw out of control systemic yeast issues will invite parasite activity from the die off. As far as the toe you may want to try putting some Vit E on it daily, it does wonders for the nail.
Now I may be wrong but from your language I pick up on you are not yet willing to do some hard work and get to the core of your issues. Its possible you may need to discover and deal with your hidden issues. . Weather it is emotional causing the physical symptoms or the physical adding to the emotional stress you may need to go further to learn something about yourself.. If you have some unmet deep emotional issues that need the healing then throwing drugs and yeast aids will not end the cycle. Sorry to say but that’s up to you to discover for yourself kiddo… and no one Doctor will do it for you either . They can only assist you or pull a few tools out of their medical bag that may help relive some of the ongoing symptoms.
As far as the recurring yeast, Most likely your body is over burdened for a while and in desperate need of over haul. A CHANGE OF ITS CURRNT STATE (Not yelling just emphasizing). When the body is bogged down and one of its systems become over burdened over worked ,than it does not function correctly . Things get out of whack causing havoc and or stress/ balance. Often times it slows down another system and so on. They may need a relief and or jumpstart to start functioning properly again.
That’s about all I can say without going into detail or without getting more personal info from you. At this point I don’t think we need to either . Like others have suggested its up to you to make the needed changes while applying a multifaceted approach to start the process of change.
At this stage I would highly suggest you keep working on your mindset using TMS strategies. But in the mean time I would seriously consider investing the time to go to a good nutritionist / trainer and possible counselor for your eating disorder . Start to make some positive changes about your body / self . At the same time be willing to work on your core emotional issues . As you start to feel better about your self getting better your symptoms will improve over time. And the rest of the other yeast , fungus and Gi issues should clear up too.
My Best
Kenny V
Always Hope For Recovery
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| Darko |
Posted - 02/27/2012 : 19:15:53
My pleasure Jen!
I'm not suggesting you start drinking ACV and doing all the physical stuff to treat the symptoms indefinitely. What I am suggesting is to do it and after a period of time, if you are doing everything to address the Candida physically, and you still have symptoms then one can only assume you have TMS. Then commit to it 100%
Keep focusing on feeling your emotions and dealing with the negativity in your head. It's important you keep perspective on what you are doing and why youre doing or you will get lost in the process. Set some goals or review this post regularly. ACV should kill the Candida so if youre on it for an extend period then there is something wrong right?
Dont focus on your eating, Candida or any other issue.....the focus and work MUST be feeling your emotions and reducing your negativity. Read some of my older post as there is plenty of info that can help you.
I strongly suggest Emotional Freedom Techniques
focus focus focus on your emotions all the time! Ask yourself "how do I feel about xxxxx" and allow the feeling in your body without becoming an unconscious expression of it.
This is your journey and you're going to have to pull yourself through it, you will have set back but just focus on the work.
Search for 5HTP and L-Tyrosine in the site, I have posted about it heaps and it MAY help lift your spirits. Worked well for me.
You have an eating-disorder because you're suppressing something.......find it and release it!
good luck
D
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| penguins |
Posted - 02/27/2012 : 18:55:46
Lynn: Yikes! The thought of removing my toe nails is just... UUUGGHHHH!!! :) Thanks for your post!
Darko: Wow, thanks greatly for what you said. I needed that. I know my anxiety is all in my head, but have felt powerless by it. I liked what you said about changing the negative habit. That makes such sense. I'm trying to do that with elements of my eating disorder at the moment, so why not focus as well on the anxiety that runs all day?
I used to drink ACV twice a day for about a year. This was about 3 1/2 years ago. Ever since I stopped (and I don't really know why I had stopped), I will occasionally start again, but never consistently. I will resume again and be faithful with it. At one point I was drinking 2+ tablespoons twice a day, so maybe I got sick of it because it was so strong. I'm going to simply go with 1 tbsp two times a day. That's supposedly enough. Do you agree?
Thanks again for all that you wrote. I saw another post of yours to someone who felt trapped. Fantastic stuff you wrote in there and I will honestly take it to heart and start taking more responsibility for my thoughts. I really appreciate your time Darko. Cheers!
--Jen |
| Darko |
Posted - 02/26/2012 : 17:19:38
Hi Jen,
you sound like you're all over the place.....I think your approach would benefit from some structure. I'll give you the path I would take knowing what I now know, then it's up to you. Also it doesn't make a lick of difference what I or anyone on this forum says to you about you having TMS, the fact of the matter is we cannot be sure and more importantly it comes down to what YOU BELIEVE!
Firstly, you appear to be flip flopping about. Pick a path and commit to it or you will be stuck in nomans land forever. Go and see a naturopathic doctor about your Candida and start taking Apple Cider vinegar.
http://www.naturalnews.com/025452_vinegar_apple_cider.html
Basically you need to do everything possible to make sure you have addressed it from a physical approach, once you are satisfied that progress is not being made then you will find committing to TMS much much easier. If you have even the smallest amount of doubt your mind will use this to leverage you into worry. This is a must IMO
Secondly, address your anxiety will full force. Do not live with it or manage it....tackle it head on. You need to address all the concerns that give you anxiety and change this negative habit. There is nothing wrong with you in regards to anxiety apart from a out of control mind. Take responsibility for the creation of your anxiety, this gives you the power to go and uncreate it.
In my experience anxiety is a big part of TMS.....however it still needs to be addressed regardless.
Start meditating so you calm your mind......your out of control, negative mind is the problem here so focus on that, then your emotions.
You have to take action if you want a different result.
Good luck
D |
| lynnl |
Posted - 02/26/2012 : 14:11:12
Well, it's a pretty drastic solution, but having the toenails removed will rectify the fungus issue.  That's one positive about ingrown toenails.
I've had 4 removed, and am spring-loaded to have others taken off if they ever start hurting.
The process is pretty inconvenient, due to the necessary post-procedure care and maintenance for 2 or 3 weeks. But once they're gone you don't miss them a bit. ...no lingering sensitivity or tenderness.
Lynn |
| penguins |
Posted - 02/25/2012 : 15:32:41
Hi yogaluz, thanks so much for your reply. Honestly, the irony is that right now I should be almost stress-free. I recently finished up a grad program and had a change of heart about actually wanting to pursue what I went to school for (mind you this was my second Master's because I've never been happy in what I was doing). My husband is all for me taking some time to just chill and finally explore yoga like I have wanted to. My son's in school all day, so I have many hours to myself. As much as I have dreamed of having this kind of time, once I had it, I felt so guilty. It took almost 2 months for me to finally be able to say that I am now enjoying the time and have let go of a ton of the guilt.
My problem is that I've been anxious forever. I can't ever just enjoy the now. I am always worrying and fretting about the past and future. It's terrible. I was on various anti-depressants over the years, but finally went off them when I realized the particular one I'd been on was making me more anxious.
I don't know what to think. My regular doctor does not believe in yeast being an issue. She says that if I had yeast issues, I'd be in the hospital hooked up to IVs. The old threads I found on here were very encouraging about people swearing their yeast stuff was TMS. One person in particular did the candida diet for many, many years and still suffered. Then he/she applied the Sarno principles and it went away for the most part. I know myself and that I am capable of creating many forms of pain. It's been going on for years. This one is just harder to believe. Though if it is TMS, that would make sense since I was able to get better from neck, back and foot pain so well. Maybe my brain was like, "OK, clearly I need to step up my game. She'll never believe yeast is TMS!"
Also, years and years of therapy (multiple therpaists too) did not help me. I know I have underlying anger at the moment regarding my husband's job and where it leaves me. That sounds crazy because like I said before, I am now free to not work and just basically focus on myself for a while. However, because of the nature of his job, I can't put down roots and settle into a career in one place. Also, I want to be as fully present as I can for my son due to my husband's hours and time away. So in that sense, there is definitely anger that I am limited in what and how much I can do (even though I have no clue what that would be). Maybe I need to focus on that anger for a while. It is very real and always there.
Thanks again for your post. I hope to also hear from those who may have kicked this beast to the curb. It's such a horrible thing to think you have this because you feel like there is no way out of it.
--Jen
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| yogaluz |
Posted - 02/25/2012 : 12:31:24
Jen, I'm sorry you're going through this... I hear the fear in your message and we've all been there. From my limited understanding of yeast overgrowth, the part I see TMS playing in this is that your anxiety and perhaps other emotional/mental issues may be suppressing your immune system. A healthy immune system keeps yeast in check and then, as you're already aware, adding sugar to the mix is just fueling the fire. Have you been throughly checked out by an immunologist? It might be worth it to have some blood work done to see what's going on there. I went through a couple of years of being constantly sick with respiratory infections/asthma and they went away on their own. I see now this was all TMS related. This was just after I'd had my children and my body and emotions were taxed. Being sick 'allowed' me to rest and distracted me from the pressures of being a new mother. What's going on in your life that may be contributing to you being run down and/or in need of a major distraction?
I hear what you're saying about the diet and that it would be difficult for you but one book you might want to check out is "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" which talks about restoring intestinal health and that usually after a period of a couple of years, a person can resume 'normal' eating without symptoms returning. Oftentimes, Candida and leaky gut occur after extensive antibiotic use. Was that the case for you?
Re: your question about when you should take meds for fungal infections, I would have your liver values checked before taking any more. Did you tell your gyn that you've been taking these meds over a long period of time? Better to be cautious with Diflucan.
I wish you luck in getting to the bottom of this and in the meantime, try probing the psychological realm to see if you can unearth some underlying issues that may be contributing.
pain is inevitable, suffering optional |
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