Livjames, i really feel for you. That must have been awful. My stomach was soooo moisy last night. Luckily i was at home, because it was making those really embarassing fart-like noises that some of you mention, and it was a few hours before it settled down. It can't be 'normal' as the docs say, and i've never heard anyone else'e tummy making those sort of noises.

Help wanted - u said that u were feeling sick for the first few weeks and that was due to the die off reaction - would that not be a sign that you had a candida overgrowth? I am also worried about going on the diet and missing out on important food groups and nutrients when i don't even need to be. I'm also finding it really difficult to try and work out what i shouldn't be eating. Seems like most things are out but i can't starve myself and i don't want to make myself ill. Maybe i should make a visit to a nutritionist...

Thumb, you mentioned a course of Diflucan from your doctor. How long did the treatment last? I have only ever tried the over-the-counter single dose capsule for thrush treatment, but my mother told me that she had been given a longer course of treatment by her doctor too. I have bought Caprylic Acid, Garlic capsules and Milk Thistle, but am trying to cut out sugar and yeast/fermented products from my diet for a few weeks before i start taking them. Has anyone tried Pau D'Arco? I've heard that it may help. I also saw quite a few supplements in Holland & Barrett designed to rid the body of Candida overgrowth. Does anyone know if these are any good?

ok it may sound silly but what is this candida?
and i have a question...like how long have you guys had this, im only 15 and ive had the noisses and stuff since the end of december 07 and i just dont think i could handle it much longer

livjames, first of all... I feel for you on that test. I've done the same before. I attribute most of my mediocre grades in college to the fact that I missed so many classes in my first years.

candida is a type of yeast overgrowth that can gather in your intestines. I know many people are looking for products to rid it, but I've read that you should accompany that with a colon cleanser. You'll kill the candida with your treatments, but it will have no where to go. You have to get a cleanser to get it OUT, not just dead. Anyway, throwing that out there.

I've had this since I was about 15, when I started a treatment of antibiotics (that I've just ended... shame on me). I also had incredible levels of sugar and fatty food intake, and also birth control... which when combined, are an equation for disaster. I've never fluctuated in weight and am relatively skinny and I appear in shape, though I cannot always find the energy to support that. I sleep a lot lately, and never quite feel right. If that helps, I hope you don't feel as alone. Some on here have had this for an unimaginable time.

Your nutritionist should help drastically.

livjames, just google candidia, there will be thousands of results, theres so much information on its its a massive condition.

Welsh girl - it doesnt confirm i have candida, it could have been die off or jsut my body adjusting to the fect i was only eating pure natural food and making me feel sick becasue it wanted sugar, bread and all the things itwas used to.

its pretty easy to know what you can and cant eat when you get enough information, there are many helpful books and websites. I too took milk thisltle and caprylic acid when i was doing the diet.
i took a course of 'anti candi' from holland and barret, but it did absolutly nothgin on its own. it just has the same purpose as csprylic acid, which you need to take with the diet for it to work. if you really have candida, none of these treatments will work alone.

And coheed, youre absolulty right about the colon cleanser, if you dont use anytihng to get rid of all the waste, you end up with dying candida sat in your system and reabsorbing all the toxins their giving off when theyre dying (hence die off reaction). i used aloe vera cleanses when i was doing the diet.

Hang in there livjames..! if i were you, at 15 and still in school, I think I'd probably have to explain the situation to someone? If its come to the point that you're having to miss so much class, you need to get someone on your side - whether its a parent or someone in charge at school - so that your situation can be explained. There may not be a quick fix so you might have to fight your way!!

On the plus side though, there could be plenty worse things wrong with us, eh?

Pix et al, cheers for the further attempt at the diet stuff. I reckon that it would need the whole demographic but - thanks for the try!! I'll let that one fade into the oblivion..!

help_wanted etc. Those candida killer cleanser combos. Did they actually work for anyone? Wouldn't be my choice now but still interesting to hear.

Anyway lads, things are quieter on this forum thing. As far as my own progress goes: *Generally* I feel better than I used to. I think a year or so ago I was much worse and that was all psychological for me. Like I was saying before, when the thought of walking into a bookshop scares you, you know you're in trouble!! But alas, I've managed to get over my fear of.. ahem.. the bookshop by going in there with that 'screw it' mentality. So I'll probably end up applying that to all my other phobias and do so one by one. I'm still keeping to a healthy/routine/monotonous diet and I would say it helps because at least you can rule things out if the noise starts. I've tried some of the gluten-free foods and if I am allergic to gluten - I will not be eatings those sub foods because they are disgusting. I'll simply just eat things that don't contain gluten as opposed to finding a substitute. Like I said, screw it.

But I don't reckon I'm about to alter my diet again anytime soon. Right now I'm managing. If my situation changes then maybe I'll re-evaluate things.

Anyway, that's me done for the time being. Best of luck to all: Never, ever give up. If you do, you'll be hearing from me!!! And not in a good way!

I have no cure for the noises, but I did want to offer a quick fix to get through test,classes, meetings, etc..

I found that taking 2 digestive enzymes before and 1 after a meal helps a lot! If I'm still getting the noises then I will take 2 phazymes. I'm usually good to go for hours. Before the noises start, take the enzymes even if you don't eat, the noises should subside within 10 to 20 minutes.

Also, all digestive enzymes are not created equal. I've tried many and the only 2 that I can swear by are Essential Enzymes by Source Nature, and Super Digestive Enzymes, by Life Extension. I prefer the Essential Enzymes though, for some reason they seem to work the best for the noises, gas, and bloating.

Again, these are quick fixes and I'm still trying to find the cause and cure for these noises. By the way, I have added Manuka Honey to my list of supplements. I don't know if any of you have heard of this honey, but it's supposed to heal the digestive tract, and it's good for gastritis, GERD, H.plyroi, acid reflux, IBS, heals wounds, etc.. If you have time, please google, "manuka honey."

Hello Everyone,

I know I have not been here in while, but I just wanted to update everyone on what I have been trying. I did the Candida diet for 3 month's and I would take Milk Thistle, Caprylic Acid, Pau D' Arco, Zinc, Calcium, Grape Seed Extrat, GrapeFruit Extract, L Glutamine, Metamucil, Papaya Enzyme and probiotics.

It was so hard to stay on this diet and keep up with everything and keeping with taking those pills. I felt somewhat better while I was on this diet, but I can't swear that I felt that much better.

I have recently seen 2 GI's and I'm working on seeing a 3rd. The first GI that I went to did blood work and a stool test and stated that everything came back well. He pretty much just gave me different pills that he thought might help. I took Flagyl and Cipro and then Pamine and Finally something that was like Prilosec. I actually thought the Pamine was working decently until I had to go to the hospital. Pamine is used to slow down the muscle contractions in your stomach. I remember I took Reaglan and this increases muscle contactions and wow it made things worse. I asked my first GI if it would be possible that I have Candida and he stated that everyone has bacteria in their stomach and he did not think that this was my problem.

My second GI gave me some Alinia to rid my body of Giardia (SP?) which is like a parasite that is hard to detect, which seemed to help at the time. I took some CAT scans and drank some Barium, which caused cramping and stomach noises the following days after taking that. My second GI also did an Endoscopy and stated that everything looks well. They drew blood and stated that this came out well, but stated that there was a little bit of blood in one of my stool samples and that the doctor wanted to do a colonoscopy on me. I really didn't like the idea as I am still young (26) and I thought that it may cause more problems.

I am going to make an appointment with another GI that this guy from work was telling me about, so I hope this goes better. I've noticied that taking Metamucil like before a meal really helps and if your able to have a bowel movement after you eat this also helps. Also carry some metamucil pills with you so you can pop them if you feel noises coming up. I have also noticed that enzymes help alot as Growl mentioned.

Growl I am so glad you mentioned about the Manuka Honey I have been reading about it for a couple weeks. I know you it brought in from New Zealand and it's quite a bit more expensive than regular honey. I was reading into it, because I thought that I may have H. Pylori, but my second doctor said that I don't have it, but you never know they can make mistakes.

I am going to make a large order, but I'm trying to find the least expensive place. There is one place Tradekey.com where you can buy in bulk like import stuff and I'm thinking about doing like a 10 bottle order, if they are cheaper in a large quanity.

I will start the Pamine again on Friday as I have a meeting tomorrow and I do not want to experiment right now. I'll let you guys know how that goes. Well the best of luck to everyone.

Just a few things to add: i've tried the manuka honey and it gave me an upset stomach but i'm particularly sensitive to new things so it'd say it's definatelty worth a try but just buy a small amount to begin with incase it doesn't agree with you.

Eric-sounds like you're giving it everything to find the cause for this, good for you! I've had 2 colonoscopies, one when i was 17 and one at 22 and they've never made things worse for me. It could be the key to finding a cure for you and examining your intestines is very important if they found blood in your stool.

Livjames, irish lad is right, you should talk to your school and make them aware of the situation-they might be able to make allowances eg, taking the tests in a separate room, letting you leave class when you need, get catch up notes from other people. Good luck with it, ask for all the support you can get your hands on!

thanks guys! and ya irishlad it could deffinatly be worse!

eric youre very brave and very clever to be getting all these tests and gettig everyhting checked out.. wish i could doit

im really getting sick of these late night noises now, no matter wht i do i get really bad noises starting around 10.30/11 everynight, really getting me down now

Eric I'd suggest Manuka Honey, but purchase 1 to see if it helps before buying in bulk.. It's too soon to tell and I don't want to jinx myself, but it might help. Also, the Essential Enzymes (by Source Naturals) that I've been taking are good too. They are at a Health Food store. They cost about $9. I will report back soon...Like I said, I don't want to brag and jinx myself.

ETA: I ordered the Manuka on Thursday night(last week) and it was delivered Monday(April 14). The order came quick!

Hello everyone.

I'm still around and, like everyone else, still trying to beat this thing. I completely cut out gluten from my diet (no more hamburgers, subway etc.), and it has made a difference. I notice that I almost never get the farting/popping noises coming from my butt area. Right now the biggest issue I'm having is the digestion noises that come right after eating. I've been trying to control them with the activia yogurt and with a healthy diet, and it does seem to be helping. I'm definitely nowhere near where I want to be, but I must say that things are getting a little better.

However, with all that being said, psychologically, I am still not in great shape. This whole issue still completely wears me down. It makes me so upset that something like this can and will keep from doing things in life that I want to do (in regards to work etc.).

Also, I must keep recommending Tums Smoothies. I try not to get too over-reliant on them, but they do help when I'm in a quiet situation and my stomach feels unstable.

HW - Thanks, I am willing to do what ever it takes to figure out the solution to this problem. I also made another appointment to see another GI the following Tuesday, I guess the 29th of April. I hope this goes better than with my other GI's.

I have to say that I started taking Pamine again and I feel better again. This medicine is used to slow down stomach contractions. Instead of feeling the noises in my stomach and intestines I feel like a quiet burp from my chest, but you really can't hear it. If you guys see a GI you should see if they can prescribe you some Pamine. I have a 30 day supply right now and I'll continue to take them until I run out. I am also going to try to read up on how I can slow down stomach contractions naturally as I don't want to take this for too long.

Growl I placed an order yesterday for the Manuka honey. I bought it on Amazon and I guess I got a pretty good deal. I bought 2 bottles, which are each 500 grams (17.6 oz) and are UMF 16 . You have to make sure they have the UMF rating, oh yeah these bottles only cost $28 each and it was like $64 with shipping and everything for the two bottles.

I noticied that when I was taking Alinia for Giardia that this also made my stomach feel better. I really think that trying to cut out bacteria in the stomach or any fungus is a good way to go. I'm going to try to get tested again for H. Pylori and see what my new GI says. I am also going to ask him if he can prescribe me some more Alinia and Pamine. I will also ask if there is a natural approach to slow down stomach contractions.

I'm also taking citracel and trying to cut down metamucil as I think metamucil produces a bit more gas.

Well good luck to everyone and I will keep you guys posted on any new information that I find out.

Eric, you got a good deal!!!

I think I will order from there with my next order. Also, I got the same size and strength as you(UMF 16 ). So far so good. Still too early, but I like the results.

I have pamine from my last GI. I've never taken it and have lots of samples. Also, I took lexapro 5 mg for about 3 weeks for my anxiety and to help me cope with the noises. I stopped taking it, I didn't see any difference, and felt it wasn't worth being dependent on px drugs.

I had purchsed some hypotherapy IBS tapes(Mikes Tapes) awhile back to help me deal with my aniexty and stress. I recently started listening to them again after lack of discipline the first time. Anyway, I'm on day 22(I think) and they really do help relax me. These tapes have been given great ratings/reviews for IBSer's. The hypotherapy tapes talks to the mind and gut and trys to disconnect the two. If you all have time, read up on them. They cost me $89. for 5 CD's. It's a 100 day program. People swear by Mikes tape therapy.

After eating fairly healthily and taking caprylic acid and garlic capsules the past week, i went home for the weekend as had a few things on and ended up having to eat out and at other people's houses. Didnt want to offend anyone or make work so ate whatever i was given. Although i managed to avoid wine, i still ended up having fruit juices, bread, cheese and puddings, and yesterday my stomach made the worst noises ever!! All day long. I could even hear it over the people talking and felt really uncomfortable. I am just so fed up of this. I've missed a lot of lectures the past couple of months and am more worried about the silence of the exam halls than i am about catching up on the work i've missed. I know that there are worse things that we could have, but i just wish that my stomach would shut the f**k up and let me get on with my life.

Not sure when all this started, but only noticed it when i stared uni sept 06. Since then the noises have gradually been getting louder and more frequent, so becoming more of a problem for me. It can't be normal as i never hear anyone else's tummy making these kinds of noises. It wouldn't be so bad if they did! Like coheed, i am also a prime candidate for candida overgrowth as i have had numerous courses of antibiotics over the years, have been on the contraceptive pill for 9 years, and have a sweet tooth and crave puddings and desserts. Although i have always been slim i do eat a lot, and that means the good and the bad. I will continue to try and eat healthily and incorporate some exercise into my routine, but i'm beginning to think that these noises are just something that i will have to learn to live with. I'm hoping that they won't be such a problem for me after i leave uni. At least i know i'm not alone, so thank you all for that!

welshgirl- it will take way longer than a week to cure you of candida (if u have it)... especially if you slip up and encourage it to come back again. its a good idea to do the diet for a couple of weeks before introducing the caprylic acid with it so as not to release too many toxins too quick...
good luck!

Hi Welshgirl,

Yeah, we both seem to have set ourselves up for this. Luckily for me, my classes end this week for the summer... I will have about 3 months to myself as I'm not taking classes again until fall. I am going to do my best to stick to a diet.. ah but we all know how rough that is. I think I'll try the Candida treatments again, and some kind of cleanser.

I'm sorry to hear about your trouble lately, but in my case I started mild, then got REALLY bad, and now .. I'm leveling out I think. They aren't gone, but I don't have as much anxiety or worry over them as I did, which is probably about as horrible as anything. Perhaps that will be the similar pattern for you? Once you find something that doesn't irritate you. granted, I find myself starving a lot at a loss of what to eat.. and having to plan what I eat in accordance with what events are coming up... But, so far, I'm going to go ahead and figure out how to live with it for now. Do you exercise much, Welshgirl? I'd like to start that up over summer, and hopefully Yoga if I can.

I'm not sure if you have tried Paragone, but it got me through last semester completely without worries. I haven't had the patience to keep up with it this time around.. but even just taking the capsules whenever I felt that my stomach would act up helped me a lot.

But, like helpwanted said, it's going to take a long long time and a lot of patience to alleviate candida... but, at least we're all trying together rather than alone.

Hi all,

Just thought i'd check in. Having a very stressful week with work-had to sit through lectures yesterday and again tomorrow. Yesterday's went fine although i was very nervous, just tomorrow to get through. The relief when you walk out of the lecture theatre in one piece in unbelievable!

Had a bit of a funny turn last week, had pins and needles and blurred vision. Im seeing my gp tomorrw about the anaemia so will mention it then-i wouldn't be suprised if it's stress related but i'll let you know how i get on.

Im thinking more now that this is something i've got to learn to live with. I know which situations i can manage and which are a definate no-no, i've really improved my diet which has helped hugely, now if i could just get a grip of the anxiety. I do worry about the state of my mental health.

Might give those tapes a try growlgirl.

Welshgirl, so many times i've wanted to shout at my stomch "will you please just shut the f*@k up!!". I try and be kind to it mostly though, i imagine there's horrible stuff in there and it's trying it's best to function, it's not our own bodies fault, it's something from outside that our stomachs trying to battle with-does that make anysense?! Just my little way of trying not to feel that my own body's against me!x

I really can't stand this! Managed 2 go 2 a few lectures yesterday and today. It was a bit of an ordeal to be honest, and i was crossing my fingers the whole time just hoping that my stomach would keep quiet. To be fair it did behave quite well. A few noises for the first hour after getting up in the morning, but then it settled. With only an hour to go of my final lecture today, i felt bubbles starting up. I tried to keep calm. There were a few noises but they weren't loud enough for anyone to hear. The bubbling in my abdomen built up and i managed to get out of there before the noises really started. They haven't stopped since - i can constantly feel and hear bubbles popping (i find the popping and the creaking/whining noises are the worst kind). I had one now which was really loud and i was just thanking my lucky stars that i was at home! This is really getting to be a problem for me. How on earth am i meant to concentrate on my work when all i can do is sit there and pray that my stomach keeps quiet?!

Coheed, no exercise for me lately. I did used to try and do some form of exercise 2 or 3 times a week, but with all my uni work and travelling back and forth to home i just haven't had the time recently. Do you find that it helps?

Hi,
I had the same horrible noises for about 3 yrs and they f$%# up my grad life as much as they could but last yr in my GYN I realized that I was getting yeast infections wayy too often and no amount of diflucan could rid me of it and it kept coming back. Thats when it struck me that these noises could just be candida. I tried all sorts of stuff diflucan, probiotics, the yogurt, also the incredibly torturous candida diet (when I lost about 25 pounds and looked like a skeleton!!!). Thats when I tried Threelac cause really when nothing really works then this couldnt possibly hurt and well, its worked miracles for me. The noises have almost stopped. I must thank coheed though cause I didnt consider doing a colon cleanse so far, but I'll add that to my regime and would let you know how it worked out for me. My stomach is not perfect as yet, but its infinitely better than before. For one, I pulled off a 4 hr meeting with my advisor recently....
Also Welsh_girl, I think exercise does help. I think anxiety just makes this worse, and exercise really helps cut down on anxiety. I try different kinds of stuff like running, basic abs, yoga etc to make it lively.