Oral Thrush Conundrum

[dogdayafter12]

I have been at stage 2 for a few years. I am on three immunosuppresents (one for kidney and two for psoriatic arthritis). Dealing with thrush is a constant. My former nephorologist refused to give me anything stronger than Nystatin. Told her multiple times it didn't work, and multiple times was re-prescribed Nystatin as she believed Fluconazole could be too damaging to the kidneys. I have probably have had it constantly for last 18 months. I have a new nephorologist now who has deferred treatment to an infectious disease specialist. He basically said my gfr (76) suggests that it should be fine to take fluconazole and let me make the decision; so I did. Day 13 of 14 of 200mg per day and there is no improvement. I really don't know what to do. To compound the problem I am on Seroquel, which in most situations shouldn't be used with fluconazole; and I use a sleep apnea machine that I can't imagine helps! Advice would be appreciated.

[Kam73]

what immunosuppressant are you taking for stage 2 kidney disease? Have they determined the reason for the thrush?

[dogdayafter12 in reply to Kam73]

I recently decreased to 720 mg myfortic daily as new doc said 1080 mg was overkill to treat f.s.g.s. Prior to this, when the thrush started, heavy and prolonged doses of prednisone, followed by cyclosporine (which was unpleasant). I guess thrush can be common for the severely immunocomprimised. (I'm also on cosentyx and methotrexate for the arthritis). So if I don't treat it, it can spread to internal organs, if it hasn't already, which isn't good. Treat it with stronger medication and run risk of further kidney damage. I can get why first nephorologist didn't treat it adequately, and why second one has deferred. This must be a common situation?

[NWRobin in reply to dogdayafter12]

I would recommend you seek the advice of a naturopath and also go to a reputable health food store. Be sure and ask for a thrush remedy that won't be harmful to the kidneys. I nearly died from Candida until I found the right doctor. Candida is a imbalance in the intestinal tract of the harmful bacteria versus the good bacteria. Thrush is a form of Candida. It might be that you can't clear up the oral thrush until you address the intestinal Candida. Good luck!

[NWRobin]

I also have greatly benefited from the books "Stopping Kidney Disease" and "Stopping Kidney Disease Food Guide" by Lee Hull. Mr. Hull has controlled his kidney disease for 20 years by following the information he has published in these books. The books are also very reasonably priced.

[CKDnomore3953]

I have treated a couple of occurrences of oral thrush by eating plant based low sugar yogurt. Clean your tongue and the inside of your mouth with a soft toothbrush before eating the yogurt and swish the yogurt around all the surfaces of the inside of your mouth before swallowing. Then clean your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide to prevent re-infecting your mouth.

I have not taken any antibiotics since having partial knee replacement surgery in 2010 - most antibiotics are hard on your kidneys.

I wish you well on your healing journey - always be your own health advocate and listen to what your body needs to heal itself.

Lynne

[dogdayafter12]

Thank you to those that took the time to reply.So much for the adage "if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck..." Tests came back and it's not thrush. Being referred to ears, nose, throat doctor.

All these times over last few years swishing nystatin for no reason.

Not sure what is more surprising: that it's not thrush or the first super-careful-run-every-conceivable-test nephorologist who uncharacteristically assumed it was.