Question: Hi-

Just to follow up. I had asked you about GERD and difficulty swallowing three weeks ago. I had blood work done. No H Pylori, or food allergies, but I did test positive for Candida. I was put on Diflucan and Nexium (40). I have enough of these medications for treatment through August 21st. I have read of relapse occurring, so I will ask that Nexium to be continued. I feel I may take a bit longer to heal-since I really had a horrible time of it with the antibiotics and with the GERD itself. Who knows? I may heal quickly. :)

I seem a bit better at this point. I don't actually have challenges with the act of swallowing, but after a few seconds I feel the need to belch. Food goes "down"-but I feel a bit of a need to belch! Not every time, but frequently enough to be not quite right yet. I am not in any pain when I swallow-it's just not easy all the time. I know it's only been three weeks-and I am very impatient! No problem at all with fluids of any "thickness". I am eating soup, with crackers/bread in it and high protein shakes daily. Not a bit hungry! :) Also drinking a lot of water and taking vitamins. Pills are a bit challenging, but I really do feel that anxiety plays a HUGE roll in my handling of this situation.

Also. I am actually wondering if there truly is something called "Candida die off"?
Candida Die off Symptoms;

An article I found.......

"Being on an anti-candida diet or taking anti-fungal (Candida) treatments will eventually cause Candida cells to "die-off".
This is a good thing because it is a sign that the Candida Yeast is actually dying but, the down side is that the dying cells of Candida may release toxins in high amounts and as a result, you may end up feeling worse than you did before you started your treatment. This is because the toxins are released often build up faster than the body can deal with via the natural elimination process. This 'die off' process is known as the Herxheimer Reaction. Common symptoms of Candida Die Off include;

• flu-like symptoms
• dizziness, brain fog
• headaches
• diarrhea or constipation
• skin rash
• sweating"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/0000

I am feeling really tired and very GASSY-and have headaches. I was thinking though that since I have cut way, way back on caffeine and sugar, maybe I am just feeling more sluggish than usual. Still, I noticed belching was also a part of this Candida thing too. Is this the case?

Well, I would also like to know if you feel Lexapro and Nexium can be used together. I have been given conflicting information.

So:

1. Is belching typical of GERD?
2. IS Candida die-off an actual process?
3. Can Lexapro and nexium be used together?
4. I am going into week four. Should I be further along, or is this about typical? Feeling better-no heartburn, but still some swallowing issues at week three.

Thanks so much for your help. You got me moving to get tested for Candida-glad I did!

Thank you. I have just been concerned that I should be feeling MUCH better by now and eating normally (meaning no belching/trouble swallowing). I guess I will just wait out the next four weeks. I am very impatient to be done with this. :)

I do feel slightly "better" regarding swallowing-just not brave enough to eat "real" food-due to the belching issue, and the fact that I feel that things aren't quite right yet. I don't want to choke. The feeling isn't really hat something is "stuck"-rather I swallow and then a few seconds later-feel like belching?

I don't "think" I have a hernia, or anything else going on, because I am in no pain what so ever-just the swallowing thing gets to me. I don't have the horrible heartburn any longer-so something is working! I guess I seem to find it hard to believe that GERD can cause so many swallowing issues.

I am going to my cousins big Italian wedding next weekend-and all I get to eat is soup. Hahahaha. Oh well. There will be many more weddings to go to!

Yes, I am concerned about the Lexapro as well. I'll talk with the doctor here. UGH.

QUESTION: Does it usually take 4-8 weeks to resolve the swallowing? It seems that it took this long before, but I am just so tired of it..... My concern is not so much any "pain" I may have had, but the swallowing thing makes me crazy....also, I sing, and really need to protect my throat (as does everyone of course). So.....GERD CAN actually cause the swallowing/choking?

QUESTION: Does it take longer to "heal" due to the fact that I had/have candida-not just GERD caused by the stomach problems from antibiotics? I mean people do take antibiotics and have GERD flareups without Candida in the picture.

Ok-after this, I will leave you alone! Thank you!