Tuesday, February 24, 2009


That picture is a much prettier thrush than the one I've got going on. Well, the only site of it is in Oscar's mouth and it's not that bad, but still.....

So, just how long does it take to get rid of thrush anyways? I've been on the meds since Friday but my nipples are still on FIRE and the white spots are still all over Oscar's gums and tongue. They haven't lessened at all.

Here's the scoop on the medication:

I was told by the lactation consultant to put the Nystatin topical cream on nipples and areola before and after each feeding until symptoms clear (plus 2 more days).

I also have to give Oscar 1 ml of the liquid Nystatin four times a day after nursing (which he loves).

BUT, he's spit up globs of the Nystatin cream twice now and it's making me very nervous. Seriously, it comes up in a big GLOB. A big yellow glob.

The doctor's prescription noted to only apply the cream twice a day after a feeding, so that's what I'm going to do to avoid my little guy having it sitting in his stomach. It just can't be that good for him if it's sitting there in a pile until he throws it up.

I'm going to see a community nurse in the morning (and hopefully meet other new moms!) and will ask her what she thinks. I'm also going back to the lactation consultant on Thursday so I'll bring it up during our visit as well. After all, her directions for the remedy and application are on BC Women's Hospital letterhead, so they've got to be on to something, but I really would like to know why they recommend one method and my GP recommends another.

I want it to clear up, and soon but I don't want to see Oscar sick with the stuff.

Any suggestions?

In the meantime, Donald has just brought me back some cabbage to put in my bra to ease some of the soreness and burning. I shall report back.


S.

8 comments:

Robin said...

Although it has been years since I've breast-fed (almost 23!...YIKES!), I remember going through what you are. Someone (maybe grandmother?) told me to eat no sugar or breads (essentially low carb) and to eat a lot of protein. It really did help.

Hugs...I know this is tough. I care!s

Anonymous said...

Get a referal to the Breastfeeding Center in Vancouver. These are Dr's who specialize in breastfeeding, not lactation consultants. big difference - BIG
http://www.breastfeedingclinic.com/aboutclinic.htm


As for the yeast infection I can't remember how long it took to go away but your topical should contain 3 parts, I think they were : Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflamatory. You need all 3. I was originally prescribed an ineffective topical and found out when I visited the Breast feeding clinic.

MsGreene said...

Hi, Pregnant Steph! I know e-Patient Dave already sent you some URLs about thrush, but just in case you missed them, I'll send you my favorites -- http://www.drgreene.com/21_1205.html and http://www.drgreene.com/21_932.html. There's more on DrGreene.com plus a great place to ask your questions from a community of parents http://www.askanswerlearn.com/questions.aspx.

All the best,
MsGreene

Anonymous said...

I used gentian violet twice when I had thrush, and it was extremely effective (I felt relief within just a few hours). You can get it at drugstores, though sometimes they won't know what it is or whether they have it, so call ahead! Here's some detailed information on how to use it:

http://www.kellymom.com/newman/06gentian_violet.html

It's definitely worth a shot as it's not expensive, doesn't require a prescription and can work really well. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Don't use the cabbage leaves for an extended period of time as they quickly affect the milk flow you produce, like 20 minutes/day max if I remember correctly.

On the up side I found them very effective!
M

Anonymous said...

Have you tried Gentian Violet? I know that Kellymom (http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/thrush/thrush-resources.html) has a whole section on Thrush. Diflucan was the only thing that eventually worked for me. Best of luck.

Unknown said...

Wow...I love how responsive and informed your followers are. You are getting such great support. The thing about sugar and simple carbs rings very true on an intuitive level given what thrush is.

I'm so sorry you are having such a difficult time with this - it sounds really hard. You and Oscar are getting through it with love. Sending you lots of light and intentions that you receive the perfect guidance of how to clear this.

Stephanie said...

@Robin, no sugar or breads? EGADS! But thanks for the tip!

@anne: thanks for the heads up on the Breastfeeding centre, I didn't know it existed until your comment. The lactation consultants at BC Women's mentioned it after you did and that if I'm not feeling better and there's no clearing up by mid-week, I should definitely get a referral. And I will if I need to. There's so much help out there, it's fantastic!

@MsGreene: thanks for the links! ePatient Dave rocks, he's sent some great ones too. And thanks for the askanswerlearn link! :)

@Meagan Francis: gentian violet was mentioned to me as well to try mid-week if Diflucan isn't doing the trick. Glad to hear from someone who has used it. Thanks for the info!

@alix: Thanks for the support from Peachland! Yes, I'm definitely getting lots of info from folks, and I so appreciate it. Makes me know that I'm not the only one who is/has gone through this (even though, you know, I'm the only person EVER to have given birth, lol!!!). Actually, it really helps to know there's hope and that it will end! I can't have thrush forever!

 
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