Candida Diagnosis and Answers for Recurrent Yeast Infection - My Story

Getting a proper Candida diagnosis is not always easy. I went to numerous regular doctors - known as general practitioners here in Canada. At first, this seemed to work.

The doctor confirmed it was a yeast infection from doing a pelvic exam, also known as a vaginal exam, and taking a swab. They did not do a systemic Candida test though, just tested for a localized yeast infection.

The doctor then would recommend treating it with an over the counter anti-fungal medication.

But, I soon got tired of using anti-fungals and knew there must be more to it.

After getting my fourth or fifth yeast infection in a row - I was frustrated.

I decided to go to a gynecologist who after testing for anything and everything, concluded that it was...

Again, I was told to treat with antifungals - this time prescription oral antifungals.

These worked - for awhile.

But, I still was bothered with yeast troubles more than 3 times a year.

I still had no Candida diagnosis - just a diagnosis of a yeast infection.

I was becoming really disillusioned with going to doctors. They wanted to simply treat my yeast infection symptoms.

I wasn't figuring out what was causing these chronic yeast infections and systemic candidiasis. I had noone able to give me a Candida diagnosis

I had doctors tell me it happened to all women. It was just something women had to deal with.

I even had a doctor tell me I needed to eat chicken (I was vegetarian at the time) to get rid of my yeast troubles.

A friend recommended I go to a Naturopath. I was embarassed to admit that I didn't even know what a naturopath was.

I grew up in a family that was very conventional went it came to healthcare. If you were sick, you went to the doctor, got drugs, and got better. End of story. How or why you got sick wasn't an issue.

Ohhh - did I have a lot to learn. This was back in 1994.

When I went to the naturopath, I found myself reading pamphlets in the waiting room which explained "what a naturopath was".

I was reading the diplomas on the wall to see if they were 'real' doctors. If they actually went to school to do this. I was very intrigued.

Now, I hope you can appreciate how I was feeling - nervous, out of my comfort zone, but also desperate for some new insight.

In fact, it was kind of energizing to feel like I was taking a risk and being proactive with my own health.

But what the heck was a VEGA test (*see below) and why did I have to put these little balls under my tongue???

The VEGA test ended up being a fascinating process. I learned about some foods and chemicals that I tested as sensitive to. It also ranked the Candida in my body on a scale of 1-10. I was 10+.

Wow - at least it wasn't all in my head. I finally had someone giving me a Candida diagnosis. My Candida levels were off the map.

I didn't care if there were some people who questioned the scientific validity of a VEGA test.

I had tried the regular doctor route and I wasn't satisfied.

Doctors wanted to treat the symptoms, but not treat the cause.

My naturopath put me on a simple candida diet, and some other methods for treating yeast infections.

I finally felt better - and I felt validated!!

A proper Candida diagnosis enabled the right treatment plan to be used.

When symptoms surfaced again - after some self-treating and some doctor visits (I know, hard to teach an old dog new tricks), I ended up back at the naturopath, in denial that candida albicans yeast was an issue.

I thought it must be something hormonal going on.

Well, I was wrong.

Even though I was older, wiser and much more nutrition savvy, I discovered that it is hard to be truly objective about your own state of health.

But this time, the treatments were faster and improved.

Without a doubt, I think that the best way to get a definitive Candida diagnosis is to find a health provider knowledgeable about Candida Albicans yeast.

For me, that turned out to be a naturopath.

However, the naturopath would have taken alot longer to figure it all out if I hadn't been doing some work on my own.

I was diligent at writing down what I ate, even what time I ate, and how I was feeling right after and later. I took note of how I felt in the morning when I woke up and tried to jot down whenever I was feeling a little off.

I also kept a record of any prescriptions, supplements, treatments or home remedies I used.

All of this information was critical to helping get a clear picture of my health status and a proper diagnosis.

Yes, it was alot of work.

But, it was so worth it.

Now, not only am I feeling better, but I truly feel empowered to be my own health advocate.

Anybody, can diagnose a yeast infection (there are even at home test kits available now), but not everyone can diagnose a systemic yeast infection or give a Candida diagnosis.

I hope my Candida diagnosis story helps guide you towards some answers.

Good luck!

VEGA Testing

*I also did some food sensitivity testing at my naturopath. It is called VEGA testing. This helped give me an idea of many foods I was sensitive too. It was a great addition to my food diary. Here is a link to a description of VEGA testing. The link is to a clinic that I haven't been to, but it will give you an idea of what this testing involves. My naturopathic doctor, is Dr. Ted Sleigh - fantastic health provider. Myself and 2 of my kids have visited him for different concerns. All of us were very happy with our treatments and recoveries.

Candida Diagnosis and Answers - My Story
by Lisa Geary B. Ed., M.A.
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