I need advice! Raw nipples/thrush

[my3peanuts]

Ds has had thrush for 7 months and I've managed to only get it once a while back. Well, I have it now and it hurts so bad. On one nipple the skin is completely raw. We've been using GV, taking acidophilus, and Diflucan for two days now and I see no improvement. It hurts so bad to nurse. How much longer will it take before it starts to feel better? :

I have tried everything to get rid of ds's thrush and nothing has worked so far.

[christmasevetwins]

: I know exactly what you are going through. I've had thrush practically since my twins were born and it is so painful.

We just did five nights of GV and it seems to be working. I boiled my bras and their binkys for 20 minutes as well. Also, I've been using miconazole (monistat) and clotrimazole (athlete's foot medicine) creams on my nipples after every feeding and then wiping off the excess. (I rotate between the two creams.) My plan being I'll kill the yeast before it has a chance to recolonize.

I kind of have a feeling that I'll be dealing with this for as long as I nurse, but at least with periodic gv and the nipple creams, it seems to keep it under control. Also, if the pain is too bad, take Motrin - it dulls the burning.

FWIW, I had thrush when older dd was a baby, and Diflucan cleared it up within hours. I've taken two doses this time around, and it doesn't do anything. I think the yeast has built up a resistance to it.

[my3peanuts]

Thanks. I'll try the monistat as well.

[quirkylayne]

Have you tried Grapefruit seed extract? Have you tried vinegar wipes on nips after nursing? I make mine by quartering a paper towel and soaking in - 1 part vinegar, 4 parts water.

[my3peanuts]

Originally Posted by quirkylayne

Have you tried Grapefruit seed extract? Have you tried vinegar wipes on nips after nursing? I make mine by quartering a paper towel and soaking in - 1 part vinegar, 4 parts water.

I've used the vinegar. I have GSE but I haven't been using it. I should.

[stormgirl]

I'm right with you! So itchy and sore. Not so pretty, dry and red. I use GSE and Motherlove nipple cream for thrush, and I take probiotics. I haven't had a lick of sugar in a month, I feel like I hardly eat anything I usually do, and still; no change in the thrush.

Finished one 7 day run of gentian violet, and will try again in a couple of days, hoping it might make a dent.

I want to love bf'ing. I do love bf'ing, but I want a sweet non-fungal relationship. Is that so much to ask??? Same thing happened with ds1, but I don't know if I have the patience to nurse for 3 plus years feeling intermittently like my nipples are the itchiest, burniest things on the planet!!!!!

[quirkylayne]

Do the GSE - it has been really helpful for me but I have to keep it up 3 or 4x a day. Hard for me to remember but sooo worth it!

[christmasevetwins]

Originally Posted by quirkylayne

Do the GSE - it has been really helpful for me but I have to keep it up 3 or 4x a day. Hard for me to remember but sooo worth it!

What is the GSE dose? Do you take pills?

[quirkylayne]

OP- how are you doing?

PP- GSE is grapefruit see extract, I take it in pill form but it is also avalible in liquid. Check your local health/vitamin store.