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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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Probiotics are Florastor. I 'm in Canada so don't know if it's in the states. Aren't they all the same?
This is Boulardii yeast base yes it is good. I pray for you that you don’t relapse.
Me too:8 months is a long time
@wty2020 ..... well any conversation or discussion about c.diff and other bowel issues can never be positivie while active... I had radiation damage to bowel many many years ago.... then the rushes to bathroom and accidents in clothing....especially if ate anything spicy, tomatoes, salads etc; got worse and worse over the years....they called it IBS-D, but who knows? Looking bacck I got diarrhea every time I took an antibiotic which were given to me freely as lot of bladder infections then end of 2017,beg 2018 drs gave 6 antibiotics in 5 months which allowed the C.Diff in my body (which apparently mot people harbour) to take over and feces 24/7, running down legs, showers at 3am, cut off my nightie etc. etc. I also lost weight, about 20 lbs. Thing is at same time diagnosed with narrow angle glaucoma... but could not continue 4 hour drive each way to specialist due to diarrhea. By year end I had isolated myself and had physical and nervous breakdown wont go into detail but dr. put me back on an antidepressant I was not supposed to take with glaucoma and took me off a "benzo" I had been on almost 20 years. Big problem. Needless to say it was a rocky road for a Senior. I ended up spending most of 2019 and 2020 in my bedroom (another story too long for here) and it wasn't until 8 weeks ago I broke that cycle when left by myself with dog when husband had to go out of town for 3 weeks heart surgery so I was forced to get out of my room and deal with household/pet issues and look after myself.... I am only now getting back to real life and still have diarrhea - Imodium is what I take - and now am getting painful pressure and even shaking inside.... I wish I was younger I would pursue a fecal transplant. Overshadowing this depression and anxiety... I sometimes surprise myself I am still here to tell the story! However!!! There is hope and I have read of many "bowel issue success stories" so don't give up hope... sometimes its nature, good doctor, meds, and the way the stars are aligned! Take care.
@mhi @wty2020 The loose stools, diarrhea problem is something I have to watch or try to control everyday.. I have Gastroparesis and then had 20 powerful radiation treatments Radiation Oncology... in the past couple years.. for that Prostate Cancer treatment the Oncologist inserted a "spacer" material between the prostate and the bowel... that space was really important to help minimize the diarrhea problem usually associated with the Radiation.. Then on top of that I had a sinus infection that needed an antibiotic.. My Primary Care Doctor prescribed the antibiotic and she prescribed the Boulardii Probiotic available OTC from the drug stores.... It was a saving grace... it really helped... On top of that a bacteriologist friend told me to drink Pedialyte.. the Electrolyte solution, keep hydrated he said.. I keep a stock of both now in my pantry... ready to spring in to action at a moments notice.. I have only had to use Imodium 1 time in the last month when all else fails.... I relate to the horror stories... but I got through that and things are much better with my arsenal in the pantry.. I have to use Gas X as well to help ... even have some Papaya Enzyme to help with the bloat on occasion.. Ken..
mhi and dilly69, Thank you both for input and your support. As I said, I’ve been working with a dietitian whom I really feel is benefitting me as there is so little out there on diet during and after vanco. Coincidentally, this week I began looking for a doctor who stresses homeopathic treatment and is knowledgeable in cdiff. A bit of a challenge, so still looking. But I will read about antimicrobials. Thank you again for your advice. Do not hesitate to give it.
dilly69, good luck as you come off vanco. I too will be praying for your recovery. You asked about probiotics. Others on here know more than I, but I switched from a bacteria based probiotic to a yeast based probiotic (Florastor) during this last round of vanco. Two 250 mg capsules twice a day. Because I’m still on vanco, I’m still taking it. I plan to take it after I go off vanco, but I will add a bacteria based probiotic when I go off the vanco. By the time I go off the vanco, I’m hoping my system will handle prebiotics, both supplements and foods, fermented foods, etc to help support the good bacteria.
Glad to hear you are getting the support from your dietician What’s your diet like now? What is she recommending?
Fresh, organic, non gmo, non gluten foods: Very balanced between protein and vegetables (those containing both soluble and insoluble fiber), some starch, very little fat. Steel cut and rolled oats. Fruits, primarily bananas, but introducing blueberries and strawberries. Slowly introduce more insoluble fiber. Slowly introduce natural probiotics (e.g., sauerkraut, kefir, etc). A lot of Smart Water (it has a lot of electrolytes) and regular water. Stay away from sugar, gluten, high fats. If I eat food with labels on it, the ingredients are minimal and should comply with above. At some point add certain supplements, but I do not know yet what those will be.
Is that consistent with your understanding of what should be done while still on vanco, while tapering/pulsing, and after off vanco?
This is similar to my diet now and have to be careful with high FODMAD food. But this sounds great. Hope all this continue to work for you! Let me know what supplements she will add. I am currently only taking probiotic and took a prebiotic powder only for couple of weeks.
I agree, and I believe that’s because no one seems to know whether I also have IBS now as a result of cdiff. I haven’t even thought about whether I have the other cdiff “spawned disease” — SIBO.