Trying to recover from a c. diff infection (Clostridium difficile)

Posted by acres @acres, Apr 12, 2016

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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musicflowers4u | @musicflowers4u | Sep 23, 2018

In reply to @gina1963 "I wish a mayo clinic was close to me" + (show)

It is very worth the travel.

musicflowers4u | @musicflowers4u | Sep 23, 2018

In reply to @gina1963 "So i went to the doctors and i have follicitic the gave me kephex antibiot and..." + (show)

I was prescribed Ciclopirox shampoo and Clobetesol foam which had done the trick for me.

gina1963 | @gina1963 | Sep 30, 2018

In reply to @musicflowers4u "It is very worth the travel." + (show)

How do i find out what insurances they take

abixby413 | @abixby413 | Sep 30, 2018

For c diff it’s worth traveling to a medical center with most updated treatment. I contracted c diff when I was 87 after 3 months of antibiotics for uti and sinus infection. I had it recurrently for 18 months and it was the worst thing that ever happened to me! I also developed a rash all over that no one could diagnose which went away when I was cured. I was hospitalized repeatedly for dehydration, treated repeatedly with flagl and vancomycin and spent 3 months in isolation in rehab. I finally learned of a clinical trial for fecal transplant at nearby medical school center. I was on the list when an infectious disease doctor tried dificid ( which he managed to get me for $8.00) and 2 weeks later I was cured! Recovery takes time and patience. You may have ibd symptoms for some time plus you learn what foods may not agree with you. Your colon has been damaged after dealing with c diff but there is light at the end of the tunnel! You have to persist and find the most knowledgeable medical professionals and don’t give up. I am now looking forward to celebrating my 90th birthday ( a little older and wiser) I no longer indulge in pizza but I’m really as healthy as I was before this terrible disease caught up with me. Best of luck and good wishes to all who are fighting c diff.

richardbuckner | @richardbuckner | Sep 30, 2018

In reply to @gina1963 "How do i find out what insurances they take" + (show)

Look up Dr. on Healthgrades or call or go by

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 1, 2018

In reply to @abixby413 "For c diff it’s worth traveling to a medical center with most updated treatment. I contracted..." + (show)

@abixby413 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

I'm so pleased that you shared your amazing story of persistence and self-advocacy! What a remarkable ending to a very difficult journey. You have provided an example of the self-directedness that is needed in order to overcome difficult obstacles in life.
Thank you for posting this uplifting story and I hope that your 90th birthday is a great one!

musicflowers4u | @musicflowers4u | Oct 1, 2018

In reply to @hopeful33250 "@abixby413 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I'm so pleased that you shared your amazing story of..." + (show)

I agree.

proudmommmy1128 | @proudmommmy1128 | Oct 17, 2018

What do u do if ur trying to recover from c diff and I just moved to a new state and I have no health insurance right now I was on the antibiotic the v one for 7 days and then 14 days and I just finished it 3 days ago and my stomach is killing me I don't have the runny stool or anything but my stomach hurts really bad I have no energy I have the funny taste in my mouth and I just tried starting a new job and I can't get up and go to work like this but my depression is at a all time high I'm just so tired of feeling this way so tired of being sick when does this ever end