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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?
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Yes I eliminated red meat for now as well not able to digest this now. I am sticking with organic fruits and vegetables. And as for bread sticking with multigrain gluten free bread.
I find the more fruits and veggies solve constipation. Don't like putting chemicals in my bidy
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1 ReactionI was only eating all cooked veggies. I saw an Infectious disease doctor two months post antibiotic and he asked me to start eating raw veggies to help with the good bacteria growth. Basically he asked me to eat diverse diet to replenish my gut. I haven’t found anywhere a good diet to follow post c Diff that’s why I am working with a nutritionist.
Seems l've only been off Vanco for 2 weeks in 7 months. Nausea is biggest issue right now
I really hope for you this would be the end of it. Nausea was my biggest issue woke me up at night and felt sick all morning. I still get nauseous up until now sometimes I get it almost every couple of days but not as bad as before.
On first two rounds of meds, I took Florajen (5 strain bacteria based probiotic —lactobascillus and bifidobacterium ) daily. But after reading on this form and other places, I learned that vanco and metronidazole kill all good bacteria. So people were suggesting sachromyces boulardi, and I switched. It was harmed for me to give it up and for days I took both, but then I read there are better bacteria based probiotics (more strains) so I’m looking into those right now. So I’m only on sb now, but getting ready to add back a bacteria based.
I agree so many contradictions. The only reason I think people move to raw veggies is if there stomach can take it, otherwise it’s cooked. My biggest frustration is I cannot find a consistent diet for when you are fin vanco, while your weaning off, and while you are first off it. Even doctors disagree with each other, if you can get them to talk about it.
Interesting. You have constipation and the fruits and veggies help alleviate that? Which fruits and veggies?
Yes, I’m gluten free now too, as I was told it irritated the colon. So stay away until colon back to normal. I never had trouble with it pre cdiff.
So true, my family doctor doesn't know what to tell me. He's never had a patient with reoccurring C Diff.