Chronic Male Candida

Hi Folks,

I am not really sure how to start this, but I have been suffering from chronic yeast infections in my body for the best part of 20 years now and am wondering if there is anyone else out there in the same boat as me? I am a male in my mid-30s.

I've been to see my doctor and various specialists over the years and they either tell me there is nothing they can do to treat it or make me feel like this is all in my head. I got various blood tests done and they all came back clear so they seem to think it's not serious at all.

My main symptom is all over itching (from my toes to my head) without a rash. The itching when I am in a bad period (like I have been for the last year) is incessant and feels like there is something crawling (almost a burning sensation) inside me. Along with the itching, I get chronically dry hair, tender scalp and brittle nails. Things like showering and shaving have become an ordeal at this stage.

I also sweat profusely under my arms. Mostly, though, I just feel awful all the time - that awful icky feeling you get after being on a long haul flight but 24/7. On top of that I get headaches and am tired all the time. I am assuming this is because my body is constantly fighting infections and doesn't have the energy for much else.

As well as the above, I have lost alot of weight in recent years and have a very pale, sickly look all the time. Since the onset of this latest, chronic bout a few people have asked me if I am 'sick' (the bad kind) of late, which is worrying.

My doctor sent me to an immunologist before xmas and she focused on the idea of over-training as I used to run a lot but I was not happy with this and I got very little for the 300e I forked out for a private appointment. It also took the usual two months and a series of phone calls before getting as much as my blood test results back.

My GP has since focused on the yeast element and put me on a 6-month course of anti-fungals, but after an initial boost, I am now three months into the course and feeling worse than ever. I have also been given strong antihistamines for the itching but they have zero impact.

About three weeks ago I went back to the GP with my other half in tow and explained that the meds were having no impact and that I was worried about my health. I think she could see how much weight I have lost and how pale and unwell I looked. We discussed the idea that the infections might be a manifestation of an allergy/intolerance/condition I have and my body's way of dealing with it (though I have had all the main allergy tests and they have been mostly clear). She took more blood for further testing and has suggested I go for an endoscopy, though that was a month ago and as usual I have heard nothing back!

Anyhow, whatever is wrong with me - whether it is just chronic candida or something else - it is controlling my life at the moment, and it has done so for a very long time in spells, though I may not have admitted this to myself. It's affecting my relationships and personal life drastically. Just getting through a work day is a challenge at the moment and I feel so bad that socialising and playing sport are not an option.

I am not looking for medical advice here obviously, but am wondering if there is anyone else out there who has anything like what I do or has been through it? It's very difficult thing to discuss with family or friends as it's complex and I have no clear diagnosis. Most of my family are completely unaware of how unwell I have been and it took a while for my OH to understand the extent of it. Also, dealing with doctors and specialists can be a hugely frustrating (not to mention costly and drawn out!) experience and it has taken me an awful long time for anyone to take me seriously.

Thanks for reading.

Arbie

Hi dancinpants, it sounds like you are in a very frustrating situation. When a condition isn't visible it can be hard for others to understand how you are feeling.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I have been suffering from chronic yeast infections in my body for the best part of 20 years now ... I got various blood tests done and they all came back clear

Who diagnosed the chronic candidiasis? Did they take skin/nail/hair samples?

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Mostly, though, I just feel awful all the time - that awful icky feeling you get after being on a long haul flight but 24/7. On top of that I get headaches and am tired all the time. I am assuming this is because my body is constantly fighting infections and doesn't have the energy for much else.

As well as the above, I have lost alot of weight in recent years and have a very pale, sickly look all the time. Since the onset of this latest, chronic bout a few people have asked me if I am 'sick' (the bad kind) of late, which is worrying...

She took more blood for further testing and has suggested I go for an endoscopy, though that was a month ago and as usual I have heard nothing back!

Was the endoscopy to check for coeliac disease? Have you called them to enquire about the results?

Hi Arbie,

Thanks for reading, and thanks for your reply.

I have never actually been diagnosed with chronic candida, though the doctor has admitted (very reluctantly, for some reason) that what I am experiencing is chronic yeast infections.

I have also seen a nutritionist to work on my diet (to zero avail; I just started to lose more weight on diet as I cut back on carbs) and she said I had 'chronic candida' straight away after looking at me and talking to me, though advised not to do a stool test as the results would be affected by the meds I was on. However, the nutritionist was of the opinion that there something else causing all the infections.

As for the endoscopy, I think it may be to rule out something like Crohn's. One of the blood tests I did a few months ago tested for coeliac disease and it came back negative. I had lots of stomach problems in my 20s (bloating, constipation and loose bowel movements), though these have eased off in the last few years, so I am assuming they want to look into this side of it too.

I haven't called back for my latest set of results as I was told the doctor would get back to me when she had them. It was just another blood test (I must have had my blood taken 15 times at this stage) so I have no doubt they will show up clear again.

Thanks...

Graces7

Deleted User wrote: »

Hi Arbie,

Thanks for reading, and thanks for your reply.

I have never actually been diagnosed with chronic candida, though the doctor has admitted (very reluctantly, for some reason) that what I am experiencing is chronic yeast infections.

I have also seen a nutritionist to work on my diet (to zero avail; I just started to lose more weight on diet as I cut back on carbs) and she said I had 'chronic candida' straight away after looking at me and talking to me, though advised not to do a stool test as the results would be affected by the meds I was on. However, the nutritionist was of the opinion that there something else causing all the infections.

As for the endoscopy, I think it may be to rule out something like Crohn's. One of the blood tests I did a few months ago tested for coeliac disease and it came back negative. I had lots of stomach problems in my 20s (bloating, constipation and loose bowel movements), though these have eased off in the last few years, so I am assuming they want to look into this side of it too.

I haven't called back for my latest set of results as I was told the doctor would get back to me when she had them. It was just another blood test (I must have had my blood taken 15 times at this stage) so I have no doubt they will show up clear again.

Thanks...

Have you tried an exclusion diet? That would show any food sensitivities? Google it?

stefanovich

Alcohol. How much do you drink? Cut it out completely for a while and see how you feel. I lot of these long term recurring fungal infections are caused by overindulgence.

Wesser

Is seems that you do not have evidence that you have candida. Google is not evidence of candida . Neither is a nutritionist, what kind of qualifications does she gave? Souvds very wishy washy to me. Why would you be surprised that your GP Is reluctant to treat you for a condition that you have no evidence that you have? With medications that are potentially quite toxic? Sounds to me that you did well to get 3 months out of her as you did. Anyway they didn't work so that means it's not candida.

How u s your diet / lifestyle?

stefanovich

stefanovich wrote: »

Alcohol. How much do you drink? Cut it out completely for a while and see how you feel. I lot of these long term recurring fungal infections are caused by overindulgence.

Hi. Thanks for the reply. I barely drink and cut it out completely for months to no avail. Alcohol is not an issue.

Graces7

Graces7 wrote: »

Have you tried an exclusion diet? That would show any food sensitivities? Google it?

Hi Graces7. Thanks for your reply.

Yeah, I have tried everything. Cut out grains, sugar, alcohol, dairy at various points. Worked with a dietician and nutritionist on an anti-inflammatory diet but nothing really worked. I have also had the usual testing for food sensitivities and nothing showed up.

Wesser

Wesser wrote: »

Is seems that you do not have evidence that you have candida. Google is not evidence of candida . Neither is a nutritionist, what kind of qualifications does she gave? Souvds very wishy washy to me. Why would you be surprised that your GP Is reluctant to treat you for a condition that you have no evidence that you have? With medications that are potentially quite toxic? Sounds to me that you did well to get 3 months out of her as you did. Anyway they didn't work so that means it's not candida.

How u s your diet / lifestyle?

Hi Wesser. On this, I have invested lots of time, energy and money and seen many doctors, GPs and specialists in the hope of sorting this out. All agree that yeast or fungal overgrowth is an issue, though agree that it may not be the root cause.

My nutritionist is very well qualified - I've seen her qualifications and am happy that she knows what she's talking about - and has been meticulous in her approach, and is far from wishy washy. In fact, she brought up the idea of this being a potential deficiency or malabsorption of some mineral or vitamin months before by immunologist and GP looked at it. For what it's worth, she seemed convinced I have candida (possibly in addition to or because of an underlying problem), though suggested not doing an expensive stool test as I it would be compromised by the anti-fungals.

Just to be clear, I never asked my GP to treat me for any particular condition and never mentioned the word candida to her. She treated me for the symptoms I presented with, but did say there is no way to test for a yeast infection or candida. The anti-fungals she prescribed are on the weaker side (normally to clear nail infections) and she conducted full liver tests before going on them and a month into the course.

Why would I be lucky to get three months out of her? I didn't ask for them and would have no idea why you think someone is lucky to get treatment for a condition that is having a devastating impact on their life. Also, the fact that the anti-fungals didn't work is not proof that I do not have candida as you say. I had an initial boost on them but it looks like the yeast has taken over again.

With regard to diet/lifestyle, I have a very clean diet and am (at least I was until a few months ago) very fit and active, which is why all of this is so frustrating. As far as I can tell, there is nothing in my lifestyle/diet causing this.

Thanks.

stefanovich

Deleted User wrote: »

Hi Wesser. On this, I have invested lots of time, energy and money and seen many doctors, GPs and specialists in the hope of sorting this out. All agree that yeast or fungal overgrowth is an issue, though agree that it may not be the root cause.

My nutritionist is very well qualified - I've seen her qualifications and am happy that she knows what she's talking about - and has been meticulous in her approach, and is far from wishy washy. In fact, she brought up the idea of this being a potential deficiency or malabsorption of some mineral or vitamin months before by immunologist and GP looked at it. For what it's worth, she seemed convinced I have candida (possibly in addition to or because of an underlying problem), though suggested not doing an expensive stool test as I it would be compromised by the anti-fungals.

Just to be clear, I never asked my GP to treat me for any particular condition and never mentioned the word candida to her. She treated me for the symptoms I presented with, but did say there is no way to test for a yeast infection or candida. The anti-fungals she prescribed are on the weaker side (normally to clear nail infections) and she conducted full liver tests before going on them and a month into the course.

Why would I be lucky to get three months out of her? I didn't ask for them and would have no idea why you think someone is lucky to get treatment for a condition that is having a devastating impact on their life. Also, the fact that the anti-fungals didn't work is not proof that I do not have candida as you say. I had an initial boost on them but it looks like the yeast has taken over again.

With regard to diet/lifestyle, I have a very clean diet and am (at least I was until a few months ago) very fit and active, which is why all of this is so frustrating. As far as I can tell, there is nothing in my lifestyle/diet causing this.

Thanks.

What about soaps and whatnot that you use? Could something like that be a trigger? Or fabric?

stefanovich

stefanovich wrote: »

What about soaps and whatnot that you use? Could something like that be a trigger? Or fabric?

I've tried it all. Stopped using soaps and shampoos, changed all my washing powders etc but nothing has changed. It's hard to explain, but the itching I am experiencing feels far worse than an allergy to anything like that could cause.

Thanks for the reply.

Northern Monkey

Have you tried something like driclor for the sweating? I suffered massively from this but using it has made a huge difference. The first month or so is uncomfortable but once you get it loaded it isn't too bad. I probably only apply it once every 8 weeks now and use normal deodorant the rest of the time.

http://www.boots.com/driclor-solution-roll-on-applicator-10050231

Certain fabrics (polyester mostly) also cause me to itch/sweat so I try to avoid clothes with a high % of it. Nike drifit for the gym bizarrely doesn't cause me any issues but all other brands of sportswear do! Similarly, with bed clothes I always have to go for a high % cotton content.

Thanks a million for that suggestion Northern Monkey. I'll certainly try that for the sweating.

At this stage my suspicion - and more importantly that of my doctor and immunologist - is that this is all being caused by a vitamin or mineral deficiency in my body.

I had more targeted blood tests last week but when I called the doctor for the results I was told the blood could not be tested due to some problem and had to be done again. So, another two weeks down the drain and more frustration!

Colser

I remember either reading or watching a story about someone with similar issues as yourself OP and after years of trying to get a diagnosis it turned out that they were allergic to something in their teeth fillings and got better very quickly after getting them replaced.Any chance you could be experiencing something similar?

Colser

Colser wrote: »

I remember either reading or watching a story about someone with similar issues as yourself OP and after years of trying to get a diagnosis it turned out that they were allergic to something in their teeth fillings and got better very quickly after getting them replaced.Any chance you could be experiencing something similar?

Hi Colser. Thanks a million for the reply.

To be honest, many of my issues go back years and predate ever getting fillings - I am lucky enough to have had just one filling a couple of years back - so I don't think it is that, but it probably is something equally small or seemingly innocuous that is doing the damage.

Exileire

The investigation(s) for generalised pruritus without a rash is well defined (i.e. there is a defined step-wise approach used to rule in and out several conditions). Without posting the tests that HAVE been performed, it is unclear if your GP and/or Immunologist have performed all these tests and/or accounted for possible false negative results. Have any of your doctors looked at your skin under a Wood's light (or as another poster alluded to, analysed skin and nail scrapings?). Were you on a restrictive diet when the coeliac screen was performed?
In any event, I know it's no consolation to you because you seem to be having very distressing symptoms, but if you aren't getting better on appropriate anti-fungal therapy, I think you know what you DON'T have.

Exileire

Exileire wrote: »

The investigation(s) for generalised pruritus without a rash is well defined (i.e. there is a defined step-wise approach used to rule in and out several conditions). Without posting the tests that HAVE been performed, it is unclear if your GP and/or Immunologist have performed all these tests and/or accounted for possible false negative results. Have any of your doctors looked at your skin under a Wood's light (or as another poster alluded to, analysed skin and nail scrapings?). Were you on a restrictive diet when the coeliac screen was performed?
In any event, I know it's no consolation to you because you seem to be having very distressing symptoms, but if you aren't getting better on appropriate anti-fungal therapy, I think you know what you DON'T have.

Hi. Thanks for your reply.

To answer your questions, I am not 100 per cent sure what has and has not been tested for to be honest. I have had nothing other than a series of blood tests and I have been told that they have all been clear so far other than a slightly low white blood cell count.

On my last visit to the doctor I specifically asked about coeliac disease and was told I had been tested for it and it was negative. I was on a restrictive diet when the tests were conducted and I queried this but was told that had there been an issue here I would have had a positive response (in other words I would have felt better) to cutting it out, which I didn't.

Neither my doctor nor the immunologist have looked at my skin at all and I have not had any skin or nail scrapings looked at.

As for allergy testing, that was done about five years ago in the Blackrock Clinic - I did the full skin prick test - and my GP has been using those. They didn't really show anything.

With regard to the anti-fungal medication I am on, I queried why I am persisting with this if they are not helping and I was told my skin and nails should improve if I stick out the full course. Again, I was told that just because I was not getting results on the anti-fungals it did not mean it was not a fungal issue.

Thanks for your input.

Exileire

Deleted User wrote: »

Exileire wrote: »

The investigation(s) for generalised pruritus without a rash is well defined (i.e. there is a defined step-wise approach used to rule in and out several conditions). Without posting the tests that HAVE been performed, it is unclear if your GP and/or Immunologist have performed all these tests and/or accounted for possible false negative results. Have any of your doctors looked at your skin under a Wood's light (or as another poster alluded to, analysed skin and nail scrapings?). Were you on a restrictive diet when the coeliac screen was performed?
In any event, I know it's no consolation to you because you seem to be having very distressing symptoms, but if you aren't getting better on appropriate anti-fungal therapy, I think you know what you DON'T have.

Hi. Thanks for your reply.

To answer your questions, I am not 100 per cent sure what has and has not been tested for to be honest. I have had nothing other than a series of blood tests and I have been told that they have all been clear so far other than a slightly low white blood cell count.

On my last visit to the doctor I specifically asked about coeliac disease and was told I had been tested for it and it was negative. I was on a restrictive diet when the tests were conducted and I queried this but was told that had there been an issue here I would have had a positive response (in other words I would have felt better) to cutting it out, which I didn't.

Neither my doctor nor the immunologist have looked at my skin at all and I have not had any skin or nail scrapings looked at.  

As for allergy testing, that was done about five years ago in the Blackrock Clinic - I did the full skin prick test - and my GP has been using those. They didn't really show anything.  

With regard to the anti-fungal medication I am on, I queried why I am persisting with this if they are not helping and I was told my skin and nails should improve if I stick out the full course. Again, I was told that just because I was not getting results on the anti-fungals it did not mean it was not a fungal issue.

Thanks for your input.

A low white blood cell (WBC) count is neither here nor there because a low total number can be 'normal' for you; the differential of WBC subtypes is the important thing (e.g. what is the eosinophil count?). It's always a good idea to request testing and results from your doctor if you are seeing more than one; if for nothing else, for you to have a complete file on yourself if you visit another doctor.

The topic of restrictive diets is very complicated. Suffice it to say plenty of coeliacs get relief from their gastrointestinal symptoms (eg bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea); however, some still have weight loss and other symptoms. Most of the time it's because people don't adhere 100% to a restrictive diet (through no fault of their own because of the sheer number of foods that have gluten products in them, but aren't listed, etc). All that said, let's assume your doctors got a negative coeliac screen on you while you were on a restrictive diet of sorts and also assume that they also measured your IgA levels to account for the negative result.

Your doctors are treating you for presumed onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) +/- some sort of generalised fungal skin infection. I can only assume they are treating you with a prolonged course of terbinafine. In any event, it can take months to show results in the nails (if any improvement).
Treating you with whatever medication you are on does not necessarily mean this 'fungal infection' will resolve. And if that is the case and they still suspect a fungal infection, then at a minimum they are obliged to do scrapings to see if fungi are present +/- cultures to determine the appropriate antimicrobial. But, in the meantime, treating empirically with oral anti-fungal therapy is a reasonable approach.

Exileire

Exileire wrote: »

A low white blood cell (WBC) count is neither here nor there because a low total number can be 'normal' for you; the differential of WBC subtypes is the important thing (e.g. what is the eosinophil count?). It's always a good idea to request testing and results from your doctor if you are seeing more than one; if for nothing else, for you to have a complete file on yourself if you visit another doctor.

The topic of restrictive diets is very complicated. Suffice it to say plenty of coeliacs get relief from their gastrointestinal symptoms (eg bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea); however, some still have weight loss and other symptoms. Most of the time it's because people don't adhere 100% to a restrictive diet (through no fault of their own because of the sheer number of foods that have gluten products in them, but aren't listed, etc). All that said, let's assume your doctors got a negative coeliac screen on you while you were on a restrictive diet of sorts and also assume that they also measured your IgA levels to account for the negative result.

Your doctors are treating you for presumed onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) +/- some sort of generalised fungal skin infection. I can only assume they are treating you with a prolonged course of terbinafine. In any event, it can take months to show results in the nails (if any improvement).
Treating you with whatever medication you are on does not necessarily mean this 'fungal infection' will resolve. And if that is the case and they still suspect a fungal infection, then at a minimum they are obliged to do scrapings to see if fungi are present +/- cultures to determine the appropriate antimicrobial. But, in the meantime, treating empirically with oral anti-fungal therapy is a reasonable approach.

Thanks once again for your reply. I had to re-do a blood test yesterday as the initial one was compromised for some reason. My doctor did it, and although it wasn't a consultation, she confirmed my immunologist had concerns over my immunoglobulin levels. I have no idea what that means and she didn't elaborate as she had another patient. That was the first I heard of this and wasn't in the correspondence (letter) I got from my immunologist.

Anyway, the latest blood test was for B12 and Folic Acid. As you mention, I think I will start asking for more feedback on any test results as it has been frustrating not be fully in the loop about what it is they are actually ruling in and out at the moment.

Once again, thanks for your help.