Yeast Infections After Ileostomy: Seeking Advice and Prevention Tips

I've hesitated to ask about this, thought it might actually be too personal for this site, but here goes...

I'm nearing 6 months with my ileo, and since before I left the hospital, I've had a yeast infection that's been dismissed as it wasn't a UTI. It took until my privates were swollen and bleeding when I learned that yeast infections are common with us ostomates, as losing your colon interrupts natural microbiomes (good bacteria) in your digestive system, or lack of it. I just started treatment and am searching for preventative help. I already take massive pre- and probiotics and started a supplement for balancing flora and pH. Someone please tell me that they've experienced this!! TIA

Nothing is too personal here!

I may have had this problem without knowing it exactly. I had a terrible diaper rash problem before my surgery because pressure from the tumor, damage from radiotherapy, and fistulas cause the worst kind of incontinence. I was swollen and bleeding and in a lot of pain. I practically could not sit at all.

As a result, I am very sensitive to the slightest thing down there and very quick to slather on diaper rash cream. I really like Calmosetine because it also cools the skin. So I think the quick application of the cream keeps the infection from getting out of control and ensures I stay comfortable. It might help you to try the same thing after you're healed up.

Thank you for the suggestion!

I'm so sorry you've been in so much pain and dismissed by medical care! I have struggled with a lot of yeast issues in my life, and after my surgery and all the antibiotics 7 weeks ago, I'm being really proactive about trying to maintain microbiome health to avoid this. I take a large dose of Visbiome probiotics (4 caps/day of 120 billion cultures), which seems to crowd out the yeast, and nearly zero sugar, including cutting out all dried fruit and most fresh fruit, though that's so hard when figs and plums are falling off my trees!

Creams can be helpful for sure, and I've found that inserting boric acid powder (in a vegetable food-grade capsule - available at health food stores) for a few days really clears the vag yeasty beasties, but I've had to wear cotton panty liners to absorb the drip.

Again, so sorry you're being gaslighted by medical people. Your experience is valid and real, and you deserve to be taken seriously. People who haven't had your experience don't get to tell you it's not a problem!

Thank you so much for your reply. I was afraid I was losing my mind! I was born with a rare primary immunodeficiency and have lived on IV immunoglobulin infusions for over 30 years. Now, I have to take a preventative antibiotic daily, which doesn't help with matters. I don't eat much sugar either, but I had overlooked fruit. I've read about the boric acid and wondered how it worked - thank you so much!

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