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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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Hi, maybe l can help.l had 3 bouts of C diff in a year.not much l haven't tried.
Hello good to hear from you! How are you feeling now?
My C diff is basically under control. Side effects still hang on though, my diet has changed dramatically since having it. Mostly diet consists of fruit and veggies, protein a bit. Lactose free and try and stay away from gluten. Lost 40 lbs. All together and only gained 5 back.but if l go off this diet l don't feel well.
Got fissures from the violent diarrhea so still dealing with that. Looks like doc is going to try botox injection to help heal them. Anyone else dealing with this??
As far as staying on Vancomycin I was terrified briefly since I am sensitive to most other antibiotics and suffered anaphylaxis once. I’ve since accepted that I need to stay the course with this second 10 days of Vancomycin.
I added Nexabiotic Saccharomyces boulardii a few days ago and am feeling a lot stronger with normal appearing stools once a day. I’m sticking with my doctor recommended c diff diet. The swelling in my lower limbs is going down.
That’s where I’m at now and keeping a positive outlook!
You are not having any good carbs like Quinoa or sweet potatoes and brown rice? This will add fiber to your diet. I hope you get better soon. I am nowhere near back to normal and my gut is not the same as pre c Diff don’t think it ever will. But I pray everyday that c Diff doesn’t come back ever again. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery and stay well!
Boulardii is excellent choice. 10 months post c Diff and I still take it sometimes and I take a probiotic as well. What did you doctor recommend for c Diff diet? Wishing you a speedy recovery!
I eat alot of vegetables and fruit, l try not to eat too many carbs. Don't want to get constipated as have the fissures thanks to C Diff.
I still take S boulardii every day but starting to wean off. It's been 5 months and getting stronger but my diet will never be the same as before C Diff
Glad you are on the road to recovery. Been 10 months for me and again still not perfect and I still take Boulardii on and off I wonder if we can continue taking boulardii in the long run. I am taking a daily probiotic as well. I hear you my diet completely changed as well and will never be the same prior to c Diff. Ar eu our bowel habits back to normal? Or you still go more than once to the washroom?
I take boulardii once a day plus a probiotic-I think more out of fear of the C Diff coming back. I do eat chicken and fish but no red meat. just lost my appetite for it,plus it was hard on my stomach during the 3 bouts of C Diff
Bowel movements are usually twice a day,if I have anxiety,it`s more. I really have to be diligent on the diet though, if I get constipated,it`s not pleasant!
With having C Diff 3 times, I got very depressed,on the second one,I was one step away from the hospital. Because of covid I didn`t go. I probably would have gotten better sooner. My first bout with C diff was treated with flagyel,I had a reaction to that and my platelets dropped to a scary level, so on top of C diff I had to deal with that.
Needless to say, it was hell!
I`m here to help in any way!!!
Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. I can imagine the horrible time you went through I had 2 bouts of it and it left me with horrible depression. 10 months in now and I thought I was getting better. Nausea started again yesterday and very loose stools multiple time per day and no appetite. We have repeated the C Diff stool test and waiting to see. I am praying it is not back. It’s been 10 months and no antibiotic use nothing and been very careful with my diet. I just cannot believe c Diff can come back on it is own after 10 months 🙁 Fingers crossed