I posted previously regarding a yeast infection. I have been to the doctors 4 times over the past 7 weeks or so. I have tried various treatments, including a 2 week course of using Nystatin (Nilstat). I went back last Thursday as I still don't think everything is quite right, the doctor took a swab and said to try another 2 weeks of Nystatin twice a day, which I'm doing.
The swab results came back today, and they were clear of everything, however I'm thinking that may be because I had only stopped using the Nystatin a few days prior and maybe the cream lingered and so prevented an accurate test result.
Anyway, now I'm noticing an unusual discharge. It's a beige/brown colour, there is only a little bit and it looks like and seems to have the consistency of dried snot (apologies for the analogy, but I can't think of how else to describe it). Any ideas on what this could be? is it yeast cells??
Posts: 77 | From: Australia | Registered: Dec 2010
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posted
Wow, sounds like a difficult long problem for you. Good on you for hanging in there with these treatments! When they took swabs, did the doctor also check for other infections like bacterial vaginosis and STIs?
It's hard to say what your discharge is. It could be normal thickened discharge for this time in your cycle. Other possibilities include infections apart from yeast, the beginning of a period or perhaps some residue from the cream you're applying. Are you returning to see your doctor after the 2 week course? It's probably a good idea, especially if this unusual discharge persists.
-------------------- "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare."
posted
I'm not exaxctly sure what they tested for, only that on the first swab there was "heavy growth" of candida albican, and then on the second nothing.
I was tested for STI last year and given I haven't had unprotected sex (although have had protected vaginal sex) since, I assume the possibility of a STI is low?
With fingers crossed the issue will clear up, but if not it will be another trip back to the doctor. I know this is not a major issue, and there are far worst conditions out there, but given that thrush is generally fairly easily treated, it is very annoying and frustrating (especially for me but also my casual sexual partner) that this infection is lingering for so long! Plus, I'm concerned the symptoms could get worse.
Posts: 77 | From: Australia | Registered: Dec 2010
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
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posted
HI There,
you could give your doctor's office a call, explain the situation, and find out if they think you need to come in again. You could also ask if they tested for anything else besides thrush.
With the duration of your treatment, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the cream is still working it's way out of your body.
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
so, went back to the doctor today. I had to go to another doctor though as the doctor I have been visiting is through my uni and the surgery is on holidays for 2 weeks.
The doctor listened to me, looked at the area but did not take a swab as the sample would have been compromised as I used an internal cream this morning (I didn't know I was going to the doctor today, but finished work early and luckily got an appointment).
After examining me the doctor said she did not think it was too swollen/irritated etc and there was no visible discharge (there has been previously). The doctor instructed me to stop using Nilstat (in case I'm having reaction to it) and gave me a script for a different cream, which is to only be applied if symptomatic.
The doctor said that if things were not okay then return in approx 5 days and they can do a swab and further analysis.
I guess part of me wanted to believe the doctor that everything, essentially, was okay. But thinking about it now, I'm wondering if I should have been a bit more adamant, that in fact I do have symptoms and this is not *normal* for me.
Then another part of me thinks that I'm just overly sensitive about the issue at the moment and maybe I'm reading more into 'symptoms' then necessary.
I don't really have a question, just more of an update really, and a shout-out to the universe that I hope the thrush (and any other infection etc) is really gone and I can get on with my life.
Posts: 77 | From: Australia | Registered: Dec 2010
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posted
Are you having any other symptoms besides the unusual discharge you described in your first post? Sometimes brownish discharge can just be a little bit of old blood mixed in with normal discharge, so it could just be that you had some very light spotting.
I'd give your body some time to sort itself out and get over any reaction to the Nilstat that might be happening, and if you're still feeling that things aren't right in a few days, then check in with the doctor again.
I know how frustrating ongoing vaginal infections can be, so I hope you're back to normal soon!
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5347 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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and yes, I thought i'd wait and see and if things are not back to normal, so to speak, I'll see the doctor early next week.
Posts: 77 | From: Australia | Registered: Dec 2010
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My symptoms are still there, so I went back to the doctor on Friday, had swabs taken and will get the results on Wednesday.
The situation is really distressing. I feel like I'm never going to get rid of this thrush (or whatever else it may be). I don't want to have this forever!! I feel like I'm doing all the right things (except for my diet which is not great but given I have had all major forms of eating disorders over the past 10 years it's still reallt difficult for me to maintain a healthy diet, let alone cut out ALL sugar).
Plus, I have a casual sex partner, but haven't been able to have sex for 3 months and although he's been understanding, I can't expect him to wait forever.
Again, I know there are people with conditions far worst than this, I just wish I could snap my fingers and the thrush will be gone. I often find myself in tears about it all Posts: 77 | From: Australia | Registered: Dec 2010
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Hi There,
I'm sorry to hear this is still going on. Medical problems that won't go away are frustrating, no matter what they are. Wnat to talk through the aspects of this that are most frustrating and bring you to tears?
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Most frustrating aspects, in order of most frustrating to least:
- the possibility that this problem won't go away for years or ever!!
- the fact that I can't have sex. a) having to tell my sexual partner I still can't have sex
b) This frustration is heightened because if I can't have sex then I can't have any intimacy with a man, since it's unlikely I'll ever be in a relationship again. And even if I were to be in a relationship in the future, if this health issue is still prevalent that will make it difficult.
- the fact that exercise makes it worse and I really need to exercise to lose weight
- spending time and money on doctor visits and treatment and still getting nowhere
If I'm busy I don't tend to think about the above issues as much, but when I have some down time I start to worry and get upset.
I do have a tendency to have all-or-nothing thinking and focus on worst-case scenario and obviously that's not helping the situation.
Posts: 77 | From: Australia | Registered: Dec 2010
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
You're not able to engage in intercourse right now. Does that mean that you can't or aren't engaging in other sexual activities? Are there other things that you experience as physically intimate aside from intercourse?
Chronic health problems are frustrating. It sounds like you're getting some good health care. are you currently undergoing any treatment, or are you waiting for test results to determine what the treatment will be?
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Being worried about the illness being never-ending is fear talking. In fact, there would be very few people who make it past their child and early adult years who have been sick 100% all the time. So I don't think you need to worry about it lasting forever.
Also, having a positive attitude makes a big difference to most if not all illnesses or conditions. Posts: 521 | From: Australia | Registered: Feb 2011
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Hey...don't worry about being a pain...this is stressful. It's also not something that I imagine you feel free to discuss with just any random person who happens to be around.
Best of luck at your appointment.
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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