Connect
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
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.
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.
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
Makes sense. Thanks for sharing.
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.
Can anything more be done? What do you know about this? Will it ever get better?
Yes the antibiotics create disbyosis in your intestinal flora. Killed the flowers and left the weeds.
I don't think I have C-Diff. I think the Antibiotics that "Dr." Bender at the VA Hospital in Gainesville is what caused this. He left me on them for 2 solid years. It has damaged my bladder, stomach and intestines. I have been tested several times and it comes back negative.
When you eat out, always eat a piece of bread if you can. Crackers are good too, do it before you leave for the restaurant. If you are going to a steak house and sit down to eat a nice steak, with baked potato with the sour cream and butter you are guaranteed to have diarrhea. It has something to do with the high fat content that will get your stomach rolling. By eating bread or crackers, it soaks up some of the acids in your stomach. Eating crackers or bread prior to my meal helps me and taking Calcium Polycarbophil before I eat also really helps. I take at least 3 tablets before each meal. Also Beano helps me too. You got nothing to lose if you try it.
I am in Florida.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction