Hello everyone. I’m having a problem I need advice. Oral Thrush has been treated in the last 8 years off an on. Nystatin has lost effectiveness. Recently referred to immunologist who has put me on fluconozole for 90 days at 100 mg. My Rheumatologist does not know yet, but I know once again he will take me off plaquenil as diflucan and plaquenil interfere possibly with heart rhythm. How will I cope without hydroxy? For 3 months? I am at a low dose prednisone of 3 mg. Have taken all sugar out of my diet. Has anyone else had this problem? Should I begin taking methotrexate which my rheumatologist has suggested but respects my decision to stay on hydroxy. Maybe take it every other day?
Any advice is welcome. MrsMarigold
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I am so sorry you are experiencing this, and I hope someone pops up with similar experiences.
I think if I were in your position I'd be reaching for the phone book to find a herbalist (someone who specialises in plant-based medicine). I'm not that into alternative medicine at all (though I don't really see herbalists as alternative per se), but thrush is one of those really tricky things that there don't seem to be many medical solutions to. It's very hard to shift. There are also some self-help books on managing candida.
A parallel experience for me is my reflux. Medical solutions are hopeless (PPI's send my body into shock), but I've found enzymes and marshmallow root really helpful.
I don't know about coping without hydroxy. I've never come off it, and wouldn't like to. I wonder if there are other medicines you could find and suggest to the docs after doing some research?
I have oral thrush almost every time I have antibiotics, and need oral medication same as you, as nystatin doesn't touch it. This last time, I have had live yogurt every day for breakfast, keep checking my throat and it seems to have worked (or maybe it's coincidence !). I've never had to consider stopping hydroxy thank goodness but I do wish you well. Heather
Thanks to you three. What do you mean by live yogurt? I eat it too it says live yogurt cultures? Treetop I’m going to seek a functional medicine Dr here. Many people say he’s very good. You are right the medical community does not offer much and I’ve read stories where folks get rid of it and it’s only through functional medicine. I really liked the immunologist but he is strictly limiting me to this path. I just started taking a medical grade probiotic too so I think it will help. Thank you for kind replies. MrsM
Hello, I have a very similar problem with hydroxy and oral thrush, please can you tell me if you stopped hydroxy immediately when you started your flucanozole or did you have to stop the hydroxy a number of weeks before starting your flucanazole. I also use nystatin but the oral thrush keeps coming back. I am on methotrexate also and I find when I stop mtx the oral thrush seems to go away. I am trying to prove if it's the mtx or just being immunosuppressed that is causing the thrush. but I have the same conflict with hydroxy and flucanazole. trying to find out when it's safe to stop and restart hydroxy before and after the flucanazole is a problem. can we share experiences? many thanks
lindy my rheumatologist got back to me after a week or more I had taken myself off hydroxy. He is advising me now to take it but go see my GP periodically to determine if the Q T pronation/a rhythm in heart is normal.
My immunologist who is very good told me this will likely never resolve completely because I’m sick. Well I understand his point of view but he’s a medical person and not going to share the likes of functional medicine with me.
I am gargling with coconut oil and one drop of oregano. Oregano is strong. If you follow this plan use the one drop. Candida loves sugar. Do not eat it. Look up Candida diet. The answer to your question is we are immunosuppressed so medical doctors believe it is intractable.
I’m going to take my plaquenil. I’m going to begin tapering prednisone from 3 to 21/2 monthly at .05 dose until I hit 0. I tried before and can’t get past 3 mg.
many thanks, does the coconut gargle keep the candida away ? I am also told flucanazole and hydroxy do not mix and cannot be taken at the same time. I take methotrexate and it still causes oral thush for me. I stopped my hydroxy but it did not make any difference to my oral thrush. my ra needs the hydroxy - it's out of control and flaring now. I was blaming methotrexate for the oral thrush but it could just be down to being immune suppressed.
I use tea tree gargle and coconut toothpaste. permanently using nystatin but not sure that works. flucanazole helps but the oral thrush keeps coming back. I did not have oral thrush problems before I took methotrexate.
hi lindylou. I’m back on hydroxy per rheumatologist and taking fluconozole 100 mg daily. I’m to go in weekly for EKG. But I bought the incredible gadget on Amazon where I can do my own EKG and send the results to my Dr.
Coconut oil is anti fungal and and antibacterial. Oregano oil is also. One drop is all you need. It will burn your younger. I believe this can become a permanent problem with people having immune issues. Candida diet is necessary.
Do you already have “HEART ISSUES” in conjunction with LUPUS?
I HAVE never heard of this Heart Issue PROBLEMS w/other DRUGS - until the past 3 years & it became a new HOT BUTTON.
Drs / Rheumatologists “never asked” if we had “HEART ISSUES” before PRESCRIBING Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus 🤔💜🤔
So, it makes me wonder if there is an “overcautiousness” or NEW RESEARCH that has come about with “our “10-30 yrs” use of Hydroxychloroquine that was only a PROBLEM with “EYE TOXICITY” that was ALWAYS a CONCERN.
I HOPE some of the NATURAL HEALTHCARE ideas can help bring BALANCE back to your SYSTEM 💜
Maybe offer to CUT BACK to 50% of Hydroxychloroquine for 2 wks- idea ??
It’s hard for the BODY to REGAIN GROUND - remember- Hydroxychloroquine STAYS in Our System for MONTHS and leaves slowly. Since it takes 4-6 MONTHS for Hydroxychloroquine to BUILD UP its dosage to help w/LUPUS PAIN & other SYMPTOMS.
Thank you Djlr. I have not read your posts but I will. Apparently hydroxy and fluconozole both have the possibility of affecting heart rhythm called QT longation
One of the medications seems very low risk. But two together is a Level one risk here in US and my Rheumatologist last time I took fluconozole 2 weeks said no to hydroxy at same time.
I have a heart murmur but they are so common. Thx again for your information. I will ask if I can stagger it as you suggested.
Hi.I have been on methotrexate now for nearly 10 years. It has been a game changer for me. I was in a cycle of steroids every 3 months or so. But after taking methotrexate, my joints are looser, virtually pain free. I would recommend that you try it. Hopefully it will have the same beneficial effects that I have experienced. Good luck.
I take both hydroxychloroquine daily and methotrexate injections weekly. It seems to have helped although like you I was very loathe to start methotrexate. I think the rheumatologist must consider that the methotrexate will be of benefit to you or she wouldn’t prescribe it.
Maybe try it for a few months to see how you get on. I found the tablets made me feel sick which is why I now have methotrexate by self injecting.
Thanks BK for the encouragement. I have the syringes for it. I chickened out couple months ago. I think it is day 5 without hydroxy. Some people I guess don’t feel the effects of the withdrawal so bad for awhile but every joint in my hands, feet, knees are rebellious. I am a couch potato
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Incredibly sore throat won't go away! 
Thrush😝
does anyone get sharp stabbing pains that take your breath away?
Ick! Thrush or something - advice?
Do flares ever completely go away? 
