Clostridium difficile (Cdiff) and worried about weight loss

@5chances, Good question. @dilly69 @pines @donnacarp @ngorman25 and @losthope may have some thoughts about weight loss, gaining it back and making sure you have all the nutrients your body needs as you recover.

This article suggests:
"Sometimes the diarrhea associated with C. diff may become chronic. If so, nutrient supplements that supply iron, B-12, and zinc may help. Talk to your doctor about taking vitamins and other ways that you can ensure you’re receiving adequate nutrition during this time."
- Clostridium difficile and Diet: Here’s What You Should Know https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/cdiff-diet

5Chances, do you still have frequent diarrhea?

I too experienced weight loss with my infection and even post infection I still lost weight. Now my weight seems stabilizing but cannot out on any weight that I lost back on. I am struggling with weight gain and was told this will take time. I am taking vitamin D and B12. I still take S.Boulardii and probiotics after 3 months of stopping the antibiotic. I am still experiencing 2 to 3 BM’s per day mostly in the morning and not that formed and funny Colors cannot turn brown. Anybody experienced this loose stool even after CDiff?

I am 7 days off of Vanco and no diarrhea. Stools have been pretty much formed since about 3rd day on vanco with one loose stool on about day 9(think it was a cup of green tea that did me in). I’m going 1-2 times a day in morning. I took half of my multivitamin today and have added plant based protein shake yesterday to see if that agrees with me. Didn’t feel so great today but no diarrhea.

hi,this is robert.about 4 years ago i was admitted with septic shock resulting from cdiff.horrible experience with acute organ failure.1st 7 days in ICU ( no recollection of events ).i lost some wt.but not radical.i would very much suggest vitamin supplement regiman.please consult your physican about probiotics to enhance your gut biome balance.just my opinion.good luck !

What were your symptoms for septic shock?
I’m on Florastor, keifer, Align. Going to try and add Benefiber. Stools were returning to normal somewhat but now are thinner yet still formed. The pale color is still there.

So sorry that you went through so much. Glad you made a turnaround.

@mhi, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry that you are still experiencing loose stools and no weight gain. I lost about 40 pounds when I was diagnosed and I went septic and it caused peritonitis When were you diagnosed with c-diff and how much weight did you initially lose?

I am sorry you went through all this and hope you are better now. I was diagnosed in July and went through two courses of antibiotic and finished the second one back in Early August. Lost in total about 16 pounds. But we are now November and I am still not great feeling all the fun stuff and the nausea. How long does it take to start gaining weight and for the loose stool and frequency to stop? And is it normal that I still experience nausea?

@mhi and others on C diff.. I too got C Diff when given strong anti-biotics.. only lost about 10 pounds.. but probiotics prescribed OTC type.. worked for me .. now each time I get an anti-biotic they write in the probiotic to go with it ... It works for me.. and every week or so I have to refresh the probiotic as I cannot tolerate the yogurt ... except soy yogurt.. Ken

Hi @mhi, I know that it took some time to normalize the way that I felt and to adjust my diet to gain a little weight back. According to some articles chronic diarrhea can occur and can also be a sign of infection again. Have you checked with your physician about retesting to make sure you haven't had a reoccurrence.