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View Full Version : Found out the problem with my scalp, but the doctors don't believe me



Eryka
April 17th, 2009, 01:23 PM
About a week ago I posted a thread where I had a "spazzing" moment about my hair loss and the state of my scalp. This made me do some research and as it turns out . . .

I have a massive candida overgrowth problem in my entire body, particularly on my scalp.

Out of the 70 most common symptoms, I have 65 of them. Given time, I would probably have all of them, (except for impotence and prostate problems obviously.) So I rushed out and got some Monistat and what do you know, my scalp is getting less crispy and when it does, large flakes come off revealing soft smooth scalp underneath. Its a slow process but, for the first time in over 6 months, I have progress!

The bad news is, I went to the doctor and she said its highly unlikely that I have a candida problem in my whole body because I am not an immuno-compromised person. Which is funny because I do have Celiacs disease, which totally compromises your immune system, especially when you eat too many carbs, (like I did before I found out I had Celiacs.) :rolleyes:

Oh yeah, the real kicker about going to the doctors office was that they sent in an Osteopath (doctors of bones) to diagnose a possible fungal infection. She was very rude and enjoyed ignoring my symptoms and research.

To make a long story longer, I went to the local health food place, bought some Probiotics and some Grapefruit Seed extract with extra Zinc and Oregano oil. Its day 4 and I feel better. From what I've read the first 2 weeks are hardest because the fungus is dying off and releases toxins which make you feel like crap. (The preverbial getting worse before it gets better.) But yeah, finally found out whats wrong. Thanks doc. :rolleyes:

Fethenwen
April 17th, 2009, 01:28 PM
Good that you are getting the problem fixed by your own means :) Quite unbelievable how doctors sometimes treat their patients.

Runzel
April 17th, 2009, 01:33 PM
Hey, looks like you'll get the problem taken care of and get extra hair growth/thickness on the side! :cheese:

I've found that most doctors prefer patients who don't think for themselves. It takes hard searching to find one that'll actually listen and humbly reply with, "That's a good idea, lets look into it some more". (Thankfully I've been blessed to discover a couple.)

Hope you feel better soon!

girlcat36
April 17th, 2009, 01:39 PM
What you say makes sense to me!

I am allergic to yeast/candida according to testing done by my allergist six months ago.
I had long suspected yeast problems, but no doctors take it seriously.

I am so prone to thrush, yeast infections, fungal nail infections. I have also lost 2/3 of my hair volume over the last 20 years. Only recently did I begin to connect it to the candida, when I began using Monistat(an antifungal)on my scalp, which I learned about here at LHC.
I am actually awaiting results of my celiac blood test, but at the very least I am gluten intolerant.

I often suffered from sore scalp(but no flaking), which went away when I used Monistat.

I started a Candida thread on the Health and Body Beautiful forum a few months ago:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=16460

I am currently fighting a yeast infection, due to a course of antibiotics.

enfys
April 17th, 2009, 01:51 PM
Good for you for persisting with your own research.

I know it's not always the case, but quite clearly you have diagnosed yourself well.

I'd be concerned that you doctor doesn't have your notes mixed up with someones; once my mum found out her sister's notes had been mixed in with hers, so they were factoring a past head injury in while treating her for something. But that hospital visi was my aunty.

If they don't know you have a very related condition I'd get it checked out. Don't we have a right to see our notes now, with the Freedom of Information Act?

Anyhow, now you know what's better you and your hair should be thriving in no time, and not the candida!

melrose1985
April 17th, 2009, 01:52 PM
I'm glad to hear you have everything under control. I dont think all Dr act that way but i do think most think because they went though SO much school they much know more. The fact is it's your body, you know what's going on.

Darkhorse1
April 17th, 2009, 01:57 PM
That's terrible! I bet the itching is dreadful. I know that dandruff is caused by a fungus as well, but it sounds as if yours is a different fungus. The monistat worked, so that's great!

Can it be related to celiacs disease? Is there any other medical person you can talk to?

Glad you found an answer though!! And that it's clearing. what a relief!!

jera
April 17th, 2009, 02:32 PM
Kudos for doing your own research and solving the problem yourself. Traditional doctors are so closed minded about self research and treatment. I'd give the doc the boot and spend my time at the local health food store. It holds more solutions to illnesses than most people realize. :)

Pierre
April 17th, 2009, 03:24 PM
I bet your hair would love coconut oil - and your tummy would too. Monolaurin, which is the monoglyceride of coconut oil, was part of my candida treatment.

I agree: fire the doc. Look for a doctor who trusts you to know your body. And check at the HFS too.

I also took garlic (raw, and I still do; as well as garlic oil) and pau d'arco (a big South American tree related to catalpa which is also called lapacho, taheebo, and other names).

JamieLeigh
April 17th, 2009, 03:31 PM
I'm sorry going to the doctor wasn't helpful at all - and I can't believe how rude they were to you!!! You'd think they'd appreciate someone making their job easier, instead of ignoring your concerns and being a know-it-all!

But I'm glad that you feel confident that your problem is able to be cured by your own methods, and that you know what to do in this situation! I'm pretty sure I'd just panic until the problem was beyond me. It's great that you're able to handle the situation. :flower: I hope everything goes well for you!

dearladydisdain
April 17th, 2009, 03:35 PM
I'm glad you're getting better. I had candida problems when I was little. When I was older, another doctor thought I had Celiacs, but I tested negative. However, I've been eating low carb for a while and feel better than I ever have. Good luck with everything!

RancheroTheBee
April 17th, 2009, 04:06 PM
I'm really happy that your scalp is feeling better. Doctors aren't infallible, unfortunately.

Loviatar
April 17th, 2009, 04:37 PM
I dont know a lot about candida, but one of my friends has good results taking the Dida supplement. She used to get lots of 'down-there' yeast infections and she got the supplement in Holland and Barrett health food store.

Here's their site I think: http://www.didacandidasupplement.co.uk/

Eryka
April 17th, 2009, 04:51 PM
:crush: to everyone. Your comments and support made my day. While I know I'm doing the right thing, it would have been nice to have medical support. They took blood but, who know how long that will take to get results from. :rolleyes:

Girlcat: Hopefully your test gives you some good information. Many Celiac tests are false negatives. You have to be very glutenated to have it show up, and often many of us only get tested because we've cut out carbs and gluten and feel better. Ideally they want you glutenated for 2 weeks before testing. Personally, 2 weeks of eating gluten and carbs would put me in the hospital. I can't stand one "normal" meal as it is.

But yeah, I've lost around 40% of my hair over the past 2 years and I know its the candida thing. I used to take hardcore antibiotics for some very severe bacterial cystic acne for 9 years and then suddenly went off of of them to move overseas. Got sick for about 4 months solid. Moved back to the US for 3 months, got sick here, took a course of antibiotics, moved back overseas got sick again. This is all the while being SEVERELY stressed out and not knowing I had Celiacs and eating carbs like crazy. Looking at all that, it is no wonder why my body is screwed up with Candida.

The progress is slow but it is there. My only complaint is that the hair that is coming back is so blonde its transparent and quite thin. I've heard this is because the Candida feeds on keratin, this is why hair growth is slowed and thinned out. So yeah, the follicle isn't damaged or else it wouldn't grow hair at all, (I think.) Its just annoying.

Flynn
April 17th, 2009, 05:41 PM
If the whole deal with the antibiotics was recent, I'm shocked that a fungal infection wasn't the first thing your doctor suspected. I'm afraid I don't know about the mechanism of it, but I know for certain that antibiotics make you more prone to fungal infections (I am an "immuno-compromised person", and have been through all that! *Laughs*), and you have to take a great deal of care with that, especially when you're on antibiotics long-term. I really think you need a new doc.

I'm really glad you worked it out, though, and have been able to help yourself!

Edit: damnit, now you've made me feel all itchy. >_o

Natalia
April 17th, 2009, 06:25 PM
*Sighs*.... Im always saddened to hear of yet another doctor who isnt willing to listen to or care for their patient. If its not their idea or isnt best treated with "traditional" medicine then it cant be possible and your a hypochondriac (im im DEFFINATLY not saying you are, far from it). Ugh now im mad. But on the flip side im very happy youve found a system thats working for you :D ! That awesome to hear. Im seroisly about to chuck all this medicine stuff, im on my third GP and second specialist and a passing up a year of constant sickness and being housebound. I don like to mis percriptions and herbs but the RX's arent doing me any good so i'll suffer till i find the right thing. Maybe you could trow some of your luck my way?!?! Im really glad for you and i hope you find a better doc!

Flynn
April 17th, 2009, 06:47 PM
*Sighs*.... Im always saddened to hear of yet another doctor who isnt willing to listen to or care for their patient. If its not their idea or isnt best treated with "traditional" medicine then it cant be possible and your a hypochondriac (im im DEFFINATLY not saying you are, far from it). Ugh now im mad. But on the flip side im very happy youve found a system thats working for you :D ! That awesome to hear. Im seroisly about to chuck all this medicine stuff, im on my third GP and second specialist and a passing up a year of constant sickness and being housebound. I don like to mis percriptions and herbs but the RX's arent doing me any good so i'll suffer till i find the right thing. Maybe you could trow some of your luck my way?!?! Im really glad for you and i hope you find a better doc!

Stick with it. I wonder, is the best place to find a GP really the pub rather than in a formal setting? We have an excellent GP, who is also (now) a family friend, who is very attentive, and works both forward from symptoms and backward from any possible diagnosis we might come up with (thanks, internet!) or had suggested to us (say, by a nurse or something). He worked on emergency wards before he became a GP, so he's very, very sharp. I've heard other people say similar things about one of the doctors in the University health clinic, too, so they're out there... you just have to keep an eye out! (And to remember that nice doctors aren't neccessarily good doctors. On the job, our GP is often very gruff, (he's lovely the rest of the time, though!) and some people find him rude, but even they have to admit he always gets it right.)

RavennaNight
April 17th, 2009, 08:55 PM
Another vote for firing your doctor! Isn't it unbelievable how sometimes they just don't believe their patients? It took prescribing me 3 different allergy drugs to find out what I already knew. I am allergic to allergy drugs. :rolleyes: I am glad you found what is ailing you! Wishing you a speedy recovery:)

Darian Moone
April 17th, 2009, 09:11 PM
Oh yeah, the real kicker about going to the doctors office was that they sent in an Osteopath (doctors of bones) to diagnose a possible fungal infection. She was very rude and enjoyed ignoring my symptoms and research.



I think you are thinking of an orthopedist. ;) An osteopath is different. From osteopath.com: "An Osteopath is a specialist with knowledge of the muscular and skeletal systems. Osteopathy is the body of medicine that originally used strictly manipulative techniques for correcting somatic abnormalities thought to cause disease and inhibit recovery. However, over the past century, osteopathy has embraced the full spectrum of medicine (to different degrees across the world), including the use of prescription drugs and surgery, in addition to manipulative techniques."

In my experience , osteopaths are more open to natural health cures than MDs.


Regarding your use of oil of oregano - I LOVE that stuff! It's amazing how quickly it helps.

You know your body and you know if you're seeing improvement with the things you are doing. I say if the doctors you have now aren't responsive to your needs, I'd look for someone else.

I'm glad you're seeing improvement. :flower:

SimplyLonghair
April 17th, 2009, 09:25 PM
I am so sorry Eryka that you are having Dr. problems. I think that part of the problem may be that Dr's don't understand celiac because they think that it is so rare. It isn't.

Yes, many celiacs deal with all kinds of other immune system issues. Both I and my DD have had a major shed due to the celiac and other issues, so I feel your pain. We have found what our problem was, it was low iron and other things.


Way too many Dr's just discount personal research because they think that only hypocondriacs do that sort of thing. But with the advent of the internet patients are better informed and they need to deal with it. :shrug:

Good luck with your healing and hair regrowth! :cheese:

Redheaded Raven
April 17th, 2009, 09:45 PM
Best wish for you I am glad you are feeling better:grouphug:

Ndnlady
April 18th, 2009, 02:13 AM
Unfortunately, many people think doctors know everything, which is a common mistake. They are just as baffled as we are with certain things, otherwise we would not have to get second and third opinions.
If what you are doing is working for you go for it!

LuXious
April 18th, 2009, 09:08 AM
Good for YOU for listening to your body and NOT the doctors when you knew what was wrong. Good for you for taking care of yourself and trusting yourself. RIGHT ON. :thumbsup:

NebraskaChick84
April 18th, 2009, 10:39 AM
I am sorry that your doctor did not take you seriously. ((hugs))

How are you doing now? Is everything getting better still?

eadwine
April 18th, 2009, 11:46 AM
Wow geez.. so much for a a doctor.. I would change first chance I got. Hopefully you will be feeling better very soon!

Pierre
April 18th, 2009, 12:25 PM
Way too many Dr's just discount personal research because they think that only hypocondriacs do that sort of thing. But with the advent of the internet patients are better informed and they need to deal with it. :shrug:
Exactly. I've been finding out stuff about teeth, both by reading on the Net (and reading books I bought over the Net) and by experimenting, that my dentist refuses to believe. I found out that (at least) three symptoms that have bothered me for decades are symptoms of mercury, which he and preceding dentists put in my teeth. So I'm going to fire him and find another dentist who can take it out properly.

If you get another doctor, consider getting one who belongs to a different system of medicine. The doctor who treated my candida is a chiropractor and herbalist.

Natalia
April 18th, 2009, 07:53 PM
Stick with it. I wonder, is the best place to find a GP really the pub rather than in a formal setting? We have an excellent GP, who is also (now) a family friend, who is very attentive, and works both forward from symptoms and backward from any possible diagnosis we might come up with (thanks, internet!) or had suggested to us (say, by a nurse or something). He worked on emergency wards before he became a GP, so he's very, very sharp. I've heard other people say similar things about one of the doctors in the University health clinic, too, so they're out there... you just have to keep an eye out! (And to remember that nice doctors aren't neccessarily good doctors. On the job, our GP is often very gruff, (he's lovely the rest of the time, though!) and some people find him rude, but even they have to admit he always gets it right.)

Always godo to hear that they do exist! They may be a dying species but they are stillout there :). Very inspiring, thank you <3. Oh and as for being a little "gruff" id take Dr.House over any of my docs :p


Exactly. I've been finding out stuff about teeth, both by reading on the Net (and reading books I bought over the Net) and by experimenting, that my dentist refuses to believe. I found out that (at least) three symptoms that have bothered me for decades are symptoms of mercury, which he and preceding dentists put in my teeth. So I'm going to fire him and find another dentist who can take it out properly.

If you get another doctor, consider getting one who belongs to a different system of medicine. The doctor who treated my candida is a chiropractor and herbalist.

I am with you on the mercury. We could never prove it becasue we had the same terrible insurance back then as we do now but i had sudden onset pain in my knees that kept me from walking for months! The first few months were screaming pain and after i learned to cope with that i was in a wheelchair. I started to "grow" out of it after getting my fillings replaced and after having say 80% of them removed i was able to walk short distances and start building m muscles again. I still have a bit left in me just becasue some of the fillings were too far into the dentin to remove without casuing problems but its only trace amounts.

I have a highly sensitive body especially when it comes to drugs/chemicals so i wouldnt be supprised if it copuld have been proven. All i care about is that it is over with now and that people are getting in charge of their health care instead of being lead blindly into the unproven or such. Self advocacy is a beautiful thing :D

Natalia

Flynn
April 18th, 2009, 08:19 PM
They are out there, but there are plenty of surprisingly shoddy ones too. Ferinstance, I broke my arm when I was nine, and our GP was away. Another doctor at the same practice diagnosed it as "just a tendon strain" and sent me home, still clutching it and in tears, having refused to give a referral to get it x-rayed. Just short of three weeks later, our GP got back, we went straight to see him, and he said "that's broken. I think we'll find it's a greenstick fracture right there", (gesturing with pen). He was dead right. Nuisance is, because it was unsupported (bandaged as for a sprain, but no cast or splint) for so long, I'm developing arthritis now around the break site (and I'm only 21!)

As for fillings, yeah... the official position still seems to be that enough of the mercury can't migrate out of the fillings to cause health problems, but I've seen analyses (in a forensic chemistry class, actually) of concentration and location of metals in filled teeth, and let's just say I'm making damn sure that if I ever get any fillings (none yet!) they are a heavy-metal-free ceramic, no matter how much it's going to cost.

Linda K
April 18th, 2009, 10:09 PM
I bet your hair would love coconut oil - and your tummy would too. Monolaurin, which is the monoglyceride of coconut oil, was part of my candida treatment.

I agree: fire the doc. Look for a doctor who trusts you to know your body. And check at the HFS too.

I also took garlic (raw, and I still do; as well as garlic oil) and pau d'arco (a big South American tree related to catalpa which is also called lapacho, taheebo, and other names).I was thinking VIRGIN Coconut Oil too! above 76 degrees: crystal clear liquid - pleasant scent; below 76: pure snow white - pleasant scent! I prefer Tropical Traditions. Spectrum tastes & smells rancid in comparison.

If your in the states - or able to go to La Crosse Wisc: Make an appointment at Allergy Assoc. He'll fix you right up. Excellent Doc. DH friend no longer has "arthritis" symptoms; my sis no longer sick w/ one thing after another. Both treated for Candida (Diflucan pill). When I've had antibiotics, if I'm lucky I can get a doc to 'script 2 Diflucan pills. It's a good start. My sis is $ ahead flying from Ohio to see this doc. rather than a local doc just in the manner sublingual drops are dispensed. PM me if you need further info.

Eryka
April 19th, 2009, 02:39 PM
I think the Candida die off symptoms are starting. Everytime I take my Probiotics or eat yogurt I get the flush of heat and a very funny headache. Somewhere between general discomfort and pain. That and having some muscle weakness and being tired all the time. I've heard from a few sources that this is normal, and is actually a good thing.

Can anyone else confirm this?

girlcat36
April 19th, 2009, 02:48 PM
Sounds like die-off. I had it kind of bad yesterday. Woke with every joint feeling achy and bloated. Yes, weirdly, my joints felt bloated. Headache, diarrhea. Just blaaah.

Eryka
April 19th, 2009, 03:02 PM
Yea mine feel kind of funny too. Kind of like after working out really hard and then all your muscles are heavy and filled with concrete feeling. Problem is, I get that first thing in the morning. Blarg.

Girlcat, seems you and I are in the Candida trenches. *Raises water bottle in a toast, wishing it was something else, like soda*

girlcat36
April 19th, 2009, 03:05 PM
Girlcat, seems you and I are in the Candida trenches. *Raises water bottle in a toast, wishing it was something else, like soda*

**Toasting**
But my water has ACV in it!

avraea
April 20th, 2009, 09:23 PM
I followed a very strict candida diet for about a month last year, and those definitely sound like die-off symptoms. I had them first thing when I woke up too, and I figure it was because during the day I'd eat yogurt and take probiotics and anti-fungals like coconut oil and stuff, and then they'd get to work, and overnight the amount of bad flora being killed off and releasing toxins would build up to high levels without me drinking water or going to the bathroom to flush them out of my system, since i'm asleep. So first thing in the morning was when I would feel the worst. It felt like a mild flu actually, especially with the muscle achyness. But then it'd feel better as the day progressed.

I can't tell you how much better I felt afterwards though. I've since gone to a much less restrictive way of eating, but I still eat low carb in general and avoid sugar and white flour, etc. Best thing I've ever done.