Stool consistency while on vancomycin and its significance

Posted by wty2020 @wty2020, Jan 17, 2021

I apologize up front if this is not the right “board” to ask this question, but can anyone share with me what I should expect regarding my stool consistency while on vancomycin? I am on my second course (actually in the first week of a four week taper right now) and the consistency of my stools seem to have regressed back to what they were after I had been on vancomycin a few days. When I started the vancomycin, my stools were watery diarrhea with small flecks in it. After a few days, I had formed but very soft loose stools that did not stay intact when flushed. Then they progressed to firmer but still soft stools that partially stayed intact. After I started Florastor (saccharomyces boulardii) 10 days into that 14 day course, my stools started firming up to well-formed small stools (usually three or four at a time). I thought that was a sign of curing cdiff. Then I read that saccharomyces boulardii can cause constipation, and figured that could be the cause of the firm stools. I was dejected. Then about the time I started on the taper, I started having softer looser, stools, like a step or two better than watery diarrhea. Then a couple days of firm stools, then back to very loose, soft “stools” nearly the consistency of diarrhea. Is this a sign of recurrence? If so, how can that be when I am still on vancomycin, albeit a lesser dose?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Infectious Diseases Support Group.

@erikas

@wty2020 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

You are taking vancomycin for C diff and experiencing stool changes. You want to connect with members that have been through the same thing and may be able to offer help and support.

You will notice that I added this discussion to the Digestive Health group as well as keeping it in infectious disease. I did this so you could talk to members like @sarasally2 @david33 @ngorman25 @losthope @mhi @dilly69 @cece55 @mhi @pines in a central location.

Below I have linked a previous discussion related to C diff. If you haven't already done so I suggest reading through the past comments.
- C Difficile: Do you have memory issues, disoriention, confusion? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/c-diff-4/

May I ask when they will retest your stool for C diff?

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Hello please share any information regarding FMT specially Reybota. Currently on my second cdiff occurrence and my GI is pushing for the FMT?

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@dilly69

2 weeks was my longest between episodes. I keep getting UTI'S which require antibiotics. Just a viscous cycle

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This may not help but I had the same problem until I doubled cranberry juice with 4 times dose cranberry capsules each day, very hot water and bleach for all-cotton underwear, and a product called Vanicream which I applied to the affcted external areas twice a day or more often if needed. No underwear at night or pajamas, just gowns. Hope this helps in some small way.

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