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Trying to recover from a c. diff infection (Clostridium difficile)
I am trying to recover from a c.diff infection. This started with taking clindamycin in mid January and 3 days later I became ill with diarrhea and felt sick, loss of appetite etc...Went to the er twice, tested negative for c.diff on my 2nd visit. The Dr. told me to take imodium to rest my colon since I tested negative. That evening I had diarrhea and took the Imodium. Became constipated with pain lower right side. I went to a GI dr. pleading for help, I did another stool test and it came back positive for c.diff. I tried flagyl but could not tolerate the side effects. Tried vancomycin for 10 days. Did not work. Tested positive again, Went to a new gi doctor who prescribed dificid for ten days. I am 31 days post dificid and I have almost constant gut rumbling and urge to go. My 1st bm in the morning is usually semi normal, but after that they are always either pencil thin and or small pieces (2 to 5 times a day). This has been my routine since the vancomycin. I do not get dull blown diarrhea..... My dr. wants me to have a colonoscopy but I an scared that the cleansing will wipe out all my good flora. I currently take 2 florastor pills and 1/2 vsl3 per day. I eat fermented pickles for the probiotics as well..... I have many food intolerances since this whole mess began (fiber, many vegatables, dairy). I also have a strange taste in my mouth most of the time, have very little energy and fight with depression. My primary gave me Xanax .25 but I only take them at night when I cannot sleep...... Went to a nutritionist who put me on a no wheat, soy, dairy, gluten diet. Does not seem to be helping or hurting. I lost 20 pounds and cannot gain any weight (I weigh 120 at 5'7")... I am thinking it might be sibo, or candida but cannot find a dr. to test for these....I am in the right place for help or advice ? The urge to go is awful and limits my once active lifestyle.....
Thank you, Scott
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The VSL probiotics are a good place to start. I purchased it from Hannaford Supermarket’s Pharmacy. You have to ask the pharmacist for it as it is kept in a cooler.
Makes sense. Thanks for sharing.
Why wouldn’t you find a gastroenterologist and discuss fecal matter transfer. Rather than the last thing drs I’m Australia are finding excellent results achieved with curing c diff in the Majority of cases.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/clinical_services/advanced_endoscopy/fecal_transplantation.html
I hope so because I am going through this now. I am on my second course of Flagyl and taking probiotics. I am undergoing a CT scan of lower GI track in two weeks, and then a colonoscopy if I continue to have symptoms. The GI doctor said that other causes for my problems may be ulcerative colitis, or microscopio colitis. I am not sure they know yet. We have to not give up and keep looking for answers.
I thought I posted a reply but it did not go through. Yes, to your question, but it is a process of trial and error. My GI doctor thinks I have SEBO and is treating me for that but I don’t think he knows for sure. They are treating symptoms. My next steps are CT scan of gut and possible colonoscopy. It is a long process to get answers and it is frustrating and isolating. I recently found blood in my stool which the doctor said could be the inflammation and diarrhea I have suffered for twelve weeks, I don’t have anemia at this point. I try to keep a positive attitude but often feel discouraged. Thanks to everyone for posting here and your support.
Are you immune-suppressed? Usually, people with normal immune systems do not get C. Diff. The stuff on your tongue is likely fungal; have you had it tested in the lab? The fact that you have Clostridium Difficile AND what sounds like an OVERGROWTH of Candida Albicans say that your immune system is not working as it is supposed to. If I were you, I would get another stool test a few days after you have completed the 2-week course. I picked up a case of C. Diff in the hospital and it took 3 courses of Vancomycin to get rid of it. Don't worry about infecting others unless they are elderly, newly-born or otherwise have abnormal immune function. How would you lose your job? Hopefully, you can be honest with your employer. You picked up a disease and you can get a letter from a physician which attests to that fact! You may be anxious and cry daily if you wish but, frankly, I would suggest that you educate yourself with regard to C. Diff , Candida Albicans AND tests to find out whether or not your immune systemn is working!! Furthermore, it sounds like you are in need of some emotional support!!!
Thank you for your reply. I do not know if I am immune surprised. How would I find out? I have been tested for fungal with negative results twice. I go to an oral pathologist Oct. 2 because my ENT is stumped. I'm nervous about my job because my boss is fed up with me missing time from work for doctors appointments and I am unsure of my protected rights in that regard. I am attempting to get psychological support as well as I agree I need that badly for more than just the c diff. I worry about everything. I'm scared I will spiral into a depression so deep and want to die. These antibiotics are not working I do not feel and am nervous my symptoms will intensify when I finish them. Then again, what am I not nervous about?
There is no such thing as "negative results" because we ALL have fungi in our mouths!! Get a copy of the lab report and look it up yourself. If you are honest with your employer about what is going on and you get terminated,,,,,,,,,,,that would be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tell your Primary Care Phusician (or, theretically, ANY plysician or Nurse Practitioner) that you want to find out whether you are immune deficient or not. OR see an Infectious Diseases specialist. You are the person who knows whether or not the Vancomycin is working; unfortunately, most physicians will need lab proof before prescribing another round. STAND UP FOR YOURSELF! Is the prescribing physician someone with whom you can talk honestly? The more you know, empirically, the better off you will be.....so look up Clostridium Difficile!!!
I was having diarrhea and mild upper left abdomen pain. Weeks before my tongue became very dry and now had a white coating in the back that will not go away. It's not bacterial or fungal. I went to a GI for my bowel problems and they gave a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy which had good normal results. I also had blood and stool testing. I got results 24 hours AFTER colonoscopy. All results fine except I have c diff. I got vanco 125mg for 14 days. I'm on day 11 and the slight pain is still there, my stool is orange with black flakes in it and slightly loose. I'm nervous that the antibiotics are not working. Is this normal? I'm also scared to infect others. If first treatment doesnt work will symptoms intensify? My anxiety is through the roof and I cry daily. I lost a relationship with my girlfriend over this, I'm scared I'm going to lose my job, and I'm scared to die. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks for listening.
Hello @rtg103,
Welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to other members who are talking about c. diff and much of what you are experiencing.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole discussion and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.
I'm so sorry to hear about your anxiety, and glad that you've joined the Connect community - you will see that you aren't alone. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic that you may wish to read:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/c-difficile/symptoms-causes/syc-20351691
Another great resource is the Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Page on Connect, where Mayo Clinic experts talk about fecal transplants and much more: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/
@rtg103, could you share a bit about your diet before your symptoms, and at present?