So Happy, I Could Cry - I Get To Eat!!!

[Melbel]

As a little background, shortly after discharge with DD2 two months ago, I developed a bad case of thrush that has not responded to treatment (6 or more prescriptions plus countless natural remedies) and became systemic (milk ducts, mouth, flu like symptoms). If that wasn't enough "fun", poor DD2 has severe reflux being treated with Prevacid. Between these two ailments, my diet has been limited to organic meats and vegetables. I have lost too much weight (10 pounds below pre-prego weight and I was under weight to begin with) and I have been weak and frustrated. My doctors have provided completely conflicting advice. I have a colicky baby and have not been able to eat ANY comfort foods or drink wine through twisty straws. And did I mention that I am starving ALL OF THE TIME. It has been nothing short of a miracle that I could continue BF. Two months of many meds, sterilizations, and diet restrictions, the thrush is just as bad as ever and the GERD does not seem to improve with my diet. My new and improved pediatrician, along with the pediatric allergist that she consulted, has given me the green light to eat anything my heart desires, except nuts. The new theory being that my restrictive diet has compromised my immune system allowing the yeast infection to thrive. Go figure. On Friday, we will regroup and determine whether or not to do RAST testing on DD2. I will still avoid the heavy sugar and yeasty breads, but I will eat a pretty normal diet for a few days. I may regret this decision later, but for now, I choose to eat! :cheerleader1:

[bubbaray]

So happy for you!

FYI, your new advice is pretty much what I've been told by our specialists at Childrens (DD#2 had an anaphylactic reaction to fish while I was BFg her still). Food allergens don't pass through the BM. I know others here don't agree and I had the opposite advice from a different ped. allergist (who was a complete jackass, he didn't test for fish allergy and its one of the top 9 allergens, DD#2 could have freakin' DIED from his negligence).

Anyway, I hope you can get your system back to normal. You've definitely been through the ringer!

Hugs

[elaineandmichaelsmommy]

Holy Cow!!! Congrats to you mama for continueing to breastfeed. I don't know if i could have done what you've done. Wow, Just wow.:applause: :applause:

[LBW]

Hooray! I'm amazed every time I see one of your posts that you are still struggling with this, but haven't given up. It's really inspiring to see you fight so hard to continue breastfeeding.

So...what did you have for dinner??!!

[o_mom]

Mmmmm..... foood. I hope they find something to help you guys soon - I am amazed at your strength. :)

[Elilly]

Have you looked into the specific carbohydrate diet? This diet basically starves the yeast from the GI tract. I'm sure that you would still require some meds, but this has worked like a charm for me when I canno get a yeast infection under control. I also suffer from a compromised immune system. Taking more than the RDA of zinc, and vitamins A,C,D, and E has helped me as well. I hope you feel well soon. Meanwhile, enjoy some sugar free ice cream!

[ThreeofUs]

Oh, yay, congratulations! I've been lurking on your threads as you negotiate this very difficult path, and just wanted to send my best wishes to you.

Have a great time eating!

[purpleeyes]

Oh, yay, congratulations! I've been lurking on your threads as you negotiate this very difficult path, and just wanted to send my best wishes to you.

:yeahthat:

I am so glad for you! Enjoy!!

[gatorsmom]

I've been waiting to hear how you are doing. So glad to see there is something positive happening right now! Yummmmy- enjoy!

[Melbel]

Have you looked into the specific carbohydrate diet? This diet basically starves the yeast from the GI tract.

I would really appreciate more information on the "specific carbohydrate diet." Other than taking antibiotics for my CS, I have no idea how my immue system became so compromised to allow an infection to thrive so long.

Thanks everyone for the support along the way. It really does keep you going and gives you a boost when you are feeling low. It is hard to remain positive and hopeful day in and day out when you are sick, sleep deprived and hungry. DS and DD1 have probably exhausted a year's worth of TV and video game time, but hey, we are in survival mode! DD2's sweet baby smiles and cuddles between the colicky spells also keep me going.

For dinner last night, we ate out at Cantina Laredo to eat mexican food, my prego crave. I enjoyed yummy fajitas with sour cream and cheese, along with fresh guac and even some chips! With the pediatrician's blessing, I also had a margarita just after BF! It is amazing how a meal that I would have enjoyed, but taken for granted, can make you feel. DD2 appeared to appreciate the indulgence too, as she nursed well and had one of her best night's sleep so far. :yay: Any of you with GERDlings know that they do not sleep well!

Here's hoping for a good day with DD2. Even if it is not the greatest of day, I have some renewed strength to walk her in the sling or otherwise comfort her. I plan to go grocery shopping without the depressing feeling that I cannot eat 80% of what is in the store.

Thanks again everyone! I will keep you posted!

[firsttimemama]

I am in awe of your determination.. you're an inspiring mama. So glad to hear things are slowly getting better.

[Elilly]

Here's some info on the specific carbohydrate diet:
http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/
If that is too extreme for you, you might just try weaning down on the antibiotics, with your Drs okay of course. By killing off the bacteria, it gives yeast the room to proliferate. Also, a good high potency probiotic would be beneficial for anyone, but especially if your immune system is shot. Probiotics should be given after you discontinue the antibiotic as the antibiotic will just kill of the probiotics. Also, a good multivitamin with tons of Bs, A, C, D, and E are very helpful to the immune system.
All that said, I do all of this with DD. Our DS has an immunodeficiency disease and even though DD doesn't have it, she does have yeast overgrowth issues. We did the diet for about 3 months to get it under control, with a few doses of diflucan and compounded amphotericin, and now she eats a low sugar, mostly gluten free diet, and the vitamins I mentioned above. We just don't have good immune systems in our house :( I hope that you find some of this helpful and that something works for you.