C diff ? Pcr positive toxin negative

Posted by trowb1946 @trowb1946, 2 days ago

Been having loose stools past 6 weeks abdominal pain had blood in the still and have had have some of these symptoms in the past I have a history of diverticulitis and this time my ct scan was negative I’ve had negative colonoscopies. My abdominal pain is better but still have loose stool at times . Went to gastroenterology and they order culture of stool came back positive on pcr test for c diff and negative for toxins vancomycin 125 mg 4 times a day ordered for 10 days . I’m scared to take as it is very strong and can cause other unwanted issues There’s a chance I don’t have the infection just the presence or the bacteria what do I do?

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 2 days ago

Hi @trowb1946 From my experience with C-diff, I’d suggest you take the Vancomycin. Even though you aren’t testing positive for toxins the bacteria is still lurking about waiting for an opportunity to bloom. Since you already have a history of diverticulitis, there can be pockets harboring the C-diff bacteria. So knocking down that bacteria count can be beneficial. Any disruption to the normal flora of the gut or weakening in the immune system can touch off a flare-up.

It’s also important to keep the gut as healthy as possible with a good combination of pre and probiotic foods. This helps to heal the intestinal walls and keep the gut biome happy.

I’m not a fan of having to take the antibotics either but vanco does work well. Since a capsule is taken 1 every 6 hours, set up a schedule that’s convenient.
If this helps, the timing that worked for me was 6 AM - 12PM - 6PM - 12AM That way it wasn’t too disruptive to sleeping.

I also ate 1/2 cup of plain free Greek yogurt (with active cultures) sweetened with a little honey or jam around 9AM, 3PM and 9PM. Keeping up with yogurt helps replenish the good bacteria destroyed along with the C-diff. But it should be 2 hours before or after the meds or the Vanco will kill off that bacteria too.
Avoid dairy products while on Vanco except for the yogurt. Aged cheeses are fine but not taken along with the pill. Can interfere with absorption.
Also, cut down on excess sugars.
I took my pill after a quick snack. During the day I made a small omelet cut in half to save for later in the evening. That way I had a ready snack at midnight. Or a quarter of a PBJ sandwich…that type of thing.
Stick with a softer diet for now with foods that are easily digestible. No heavy grains or nuts or fruits with skin. Peel apples or have unsweetened applesauce. But as your gut improves, start adding fermented foods such as a little raw sauerkraut, kimchi, etc. Kefir is another great product. However, it can cause bloating and gas so use it sparingly at first. Maybe just stick with yogurt initially.
Even when you’re off the Vancomycin, keep up with a serving of daily yogurt for continued gut health. The work doesn’t end after the prescription is over. Taking care of gut health is life long.
Tossing in a few links for you to read through. There are good articles online for gut healing.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/c-diff-diet-4773546
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Healing gut biome
https://www.healthline.com/health/gut-health
Building a healthy gut biome https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/weight-management-1/newsfeed-post/building-a-healthy-gut-microbiome/

You may also want to read articles about C-diff and preventing infections. This bacteria is highly contagious. Chlorine bleach is about the only household product which can kill the spores and bacteria.

I was wish you good luck in returning to a healthy intestinal track! Will you let me know what you decide to do?