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

@judy75 .. when i had c.diff and on the lengthy vancomycin treatment i already had ibs-d ... when on vancomycin could not take anti-diarrhea meds so it was doubly horrible .... i lost either 15 or 25 lbs over the summer... dont remember now... but didn't take a probiotic, nor yogurt, just what husband and I were eating but maybe 1/4 portions.... definitely no tomatoes or spicy sauces; scrambled eggs ok, bread, bland foods...I bought a book on cdiff which i now see advertized on internet which was overkill and so scientific, scared me and made situation worse... but I can look in there and see what she suggests as optimum foods - let me know and i can copy.... i dont take vitamin pills but looking back I dont think was getting enough nutrition esp. cos of the constant diarrhea... am sure you will get lots of idea from comments here, good luck judy

I’ve probably asked this before, but can’t recall, but I’m curious as to what foods you eat for your meals during the day when dealing with c-dif. I try to eat yogurt during the day, but just wondering what particular foods you have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Thanks, Judy

Am beginning to think C.Diff has a mind of its own! Am wondering if there are different strains of it as some people seem to recover reasonably quickly while others, like me, didn't or don't. Also, what type of damage was done to the bowel. Judy...so true, we know our bodies! In my "next life" I would like one of my daughters to marry a Doctor! Or, live near a teaching hospital or clinic. Or, be a bit healthier! Take care everyone, June

@acres and @judy75 I wonder if it would help you to eat plain yogurt (you could flavour it with fruit perhaps) for a while after you finish your course of antibiotics. It would replace the good bacteria that the antibiotics kill along with the bad bacteria and may ease stomach discomfort ...?

I’ve been making a pest of myself to the gastro office staff since the end of October when I got diagnosed with diverticulitis. I had divert back in 2008 and things just seemed different this time, although maybe being older made a difference. But since there are three drs in the practice there are quite a few office staff. I think they all know my voice by now. But I was scared. Then another bout of divert at the end of Feb and then the antibiotic for that led to c-dif. My gastro was pretty responsive, but I think running out of ideas so he sent me to a Dr at Georgetown Univ. But as Virgo said, you know your own body and when things don’t seem quite right you need to try to find out why.

Hi dilly. Been following these chats about chronic c-diff. Again, always learn from all of you. As you know (don’t want be redundant) I also had a positive test for c-diff after my colon resection. Two rounds of antibiotic after over two months of complaints to my surgeon. (I emailed my pcp, she sent back to the surgeon). I wouldn’t have the second round if I hadn’t become a total pain in the a... about it. So, I guess what I am saying is the test is expensive and some doctors sometimes ignore the symptoms if not bad enough. I know this because it happened to me. I was told by my surgeon’s nurse (never talked with my surgeon after my 20 minute post-op) that the office didnot retest and I was to stop calling the office with my complaints. Now, I’m not saying that your doctor (office) is like that. I am saying that you are your best advocate and-it seems like if you are experiencing this rollercoaster of infection/antibiotic treatment, maybe it’s time for a different approach. Not a doctor, so don’t know what it is. I’m sure there r qualified medical staff that can address your issues. All you have do is read the history of chats to see that other members have had the same ups and downs of c-diff. Covid has brought good hygiene education to many, which is a good thing. Don’t stop asking your doctor(s) for answers. They r not living your life. My “new” normal after 11/2 years is not my “old” normal”. I’m not-settling for anything but the “best” of my situation. If that means sending emails or going over the dr’s head to administration, I will and have done it. Your body, your life. Virgo

Hi June, l believe l can get a FMT. So far the C Diff is not coming back. I'm just now off of the Vancomycin so fingers crossed. Still a bit weak, energy still low and some nausea, hoping all that will go away soon.

@dilly69 ... just found 15 mayo emails in spam with lots of posts I missed... not sure how that happened... I think you said you cand have colonoscopy but can you have fecal transplant dilly? sorry, so many comments to get caught up on plus the ones I was getting in In box.... I meant to keep in touch. I would take a f.t. in a minute if I could get one... but too late for me.....June

@judy75 and all Oh just found 15 mayo emails about responses in my Spam file! ugh Judy i also washed my hands a lot but dont forget you can use hand cream after... I had a tall container of Vaseline intensive care with pump on top... dont forget to wash the white cloths separately or yu will end up with bleached patches on your dark clothes.. I ruined a lot. Cant remember if i lost 15 or 25 pounds over that C.Diff summer....yet my dentist's assistant said her husband had it and just made sure he washed his hands..she did nothing else special: makes one wonder how many people are walking around with cdiff and spreading it....ugh J.

@judy75 I could do with a hug right now... well when we consider that many , especially older patients in hospital, can die from c.diff it puts the infection into perspective but it seems many are walking around who have it and don't know.... why it hits some people harder than others.... I already had bowel issues and why I took I think 5 antibiotics for uti without questioning my doctor I dont know! Fosfomycin finally did me in...Well I used a LOT of bleach and later read it is not good to breath in.... but I wonder with all these places using disinfectants for Covid, how safe the air is...such as my dentist, pharmacy... it truly is a horrible situation in all aspects. Thanks for the reply, June