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New to C Diff: Will This Be the New Normal for Life??
Newly diagnosed w C Diff due to “preventative antibiotics “ for a dermatology procedure 5 wks ago. I never heard of this infection before now but learned a lot from research. Med professionals saw no urgency in my earlier symptoms of high fever/diarrhea/fatigue until after 13 days, I insisted on fecal testing. Vanco worked but gave me a horrific debilitating stiff neck and shoulders after six days. I weigh hardly anything, and believe the powerful drug was brutal on my body, as neck pain went away soon after finishing Vanco. I'm wondering if I now have a reoccurrence after 1-wk off Vanco, or did I eat soft veggies too soon, as I worked to encourage positive gut health. Back on the BRAT diet but that’s not yet working. And when does nutrition take a hit, and we get another illness? Wondering too, if I'm over-hydrating which continues the watery diarrhea? I'll see a dietitian and GI specialist soon, but med staff seem clueless up til now. I miss real food and feeling like myself, which was athletic and very healthy as a retiree. Is this now the new normal, constant hyper-thinking on this? Needing to always stay near home? No more fun socializing midst great food? Is it like C Diff is “in remission “ until someday it shows up? This is all so unbelievable, maddening, sad, and honestly scary. Feel like I'm walking on eggshells yet can’t eat the yummy omelet. Any hope and guidance appreciated. Thanks, Everyone.
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@jmvarela57
Hello! I wrote the original email on this very long thread way back in January. My little update toward the end of this...but first, JM, hang in there, you got this! Remember too that all of your home has to be disinfected with straight bleach mixed with some water. Every little thing. I soaked items like pens, mascara tubes, and the smallest of things we touch in a day all in a bowl with bleach. Some things I boiled in water on the stove. I got a spray bottle and made my own solution for surfaces. I washed laundry in hot water if possible. I felt like a germophobe on steroids; a true housekeeping fanatic at the time constantly cleaning every doorknob, handle, and the like, but I presume it helped. In public, VERY mindful of germy surfaces and washing hands.
Positive note to all others on this thread: I've been back to myself for many months now. With the C-Diff, I had lost 10 pounds and much physical muscle/strength, and mental health but after speaking with a medical dietician, I worked diligently at eating per her direction . It was a slow and steady comeback. I always ate healthfully, but feel as if I am even more conscientious without being crazed about it all - I'm just more aware and respectful of my intestinal tract/biome. I'm mindful of a well-balanced diet, take Florastor, workout regularly, limit sweets, eat kefir/plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, and other important healing foods. Mental health therapy proved very helpful too. I am so grateful and incredibly blessed to have made it. Education is key so know what you're dealing with and find ways to put the knowledge learned from medical experts into practice. Search for and utilize your support systems. Good luck, Everyone! This is a great forum for all of us. All best! - Kat
@cas924 if I'm not mistaken patents are good for 20 years. Dificid was new in 2011. In 5 years the patent will run out a genetic drugs can then be created. Back in 2011 that drug was $2300 without insurance and $320 with insurance. Inflation is clearly upon us.