Connect
Stool consistency while on vancomycin and its significance
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?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Infectious Diseases Support Group.
Connect
Just vancomycin so far. Waiting to hear from the Gastroenterologist on next step. I'm sure they'll figure something out, we usually have to wait a month to see a specialist in BC.
Good luck and hope you hear from the specialist soon. Keep us posted.
Your experience with inconsistent stools sounds identical to mine, except that I am not yet on medication. My GI is currently investigating my case with tests, etc. Although he wants to do a colonoscopy, I'm told I am at considerable risk due to 3 blood clots which resulted in 2 small strokes, plus I have Giant Cell Arteritis, and multiple other issues. I meet with him on Tuesday for a final decision regarding the colonoscopy.
Has anyone else ever had a colonoscopy when advised they are at risk? My GI said I would have to stop blood thinners for 2 or 3 days before the scope and 3 or 4 days afterward. I was on Zarelto at the time of the most recent clot, December 21st, and switched to Lixiana, and then on 10 mg Eliquis twice a day for one week, and now on 5 mg Eliquis twice daily.
Feeling pretty anxious!
Thanks for any input.
Laurie
.
Just checking, how are you doing? Any improvement in the cdiff and any luck hearing from your gastro?
Hi, if you have C Difficile, my gastroenterologist said no colonoscopy fir a year unless life threatening illness
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIs there a reason he said no colonoscopy for a year? I did a colonoscopy myself 2 months after cdiff. Not sure if it was the right call but oh well it is done now. How you feeling now?
Hi, l'm on a weaning off stage now. Still have nausea and weakness when its toilet time. Guess it's just part of the C Diff
Unfortunately this is what cdiff does. I still get nauseous up until now. I really hope you get out of it soon. Did you doctor explain why no colonoscopy for a year after cdiff?
Hi, said the intestinal wall is too fragile and could tear.
Sorry to hear about the nausea and weakness. Weaning off? Is that a taper or pulse of vancomycin? If, so, would you mind sharing what the taper/pulse actually is? Also, do you mind sharing your stool consistency during vanco full strength and also during the weaning? If not, I understand, or if private msg would be better, let me know.