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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
@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.
Interesting this is why I am doing the low FODMAP because I might have IBS now post cdiff and that’s why I am still not feeling great. Didn’t think of SIBO but I have an appointment with my GI in couple of weeks and will ask her.