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

Since you mentioned dietary issues I am dropping this prepared note into the chain. You may take it for what it is worth or simply delete. If you would like more information I can explain what I did (lots of phone calls and food logs ); you may write me directly if you want any of the back story.

My Symptoms – vomiting, nausea, achy stomach, bloat, weakness. Trouble talking, thinking, listening. Pain in left shoulder. All symptoms started slowly and slowly resolved after vomiting at the three to four hour mark. Had asthma as a child. Recent problems started 3 – 4 years ago. I am in very late middle age. Average weight. My symptoms are almost completely under control now and I can look back and figure what I did wrong and remember for next time.
Medical - Had “every test.” GI doctor finally told me to just “avoid trigger foods.”Problem: Couldn’t figure out what trigger foods were. Turned out the problem for me was the preservatives IN the food
Solution: avoid preservatives, especially sulphites which are rarely labeled. I am ever vigilant. Note: If I do happen to eat too much or the wrong thing it sometimes helps to stand up, walk around, take a shower, take deep breaths. Sometimes.

What I Can Eat

Beef, organic chicken, eggs, food after removing skins (apple, avocado, watermelon, etc) canned tuna, maybe lamb. Salad bar items not otherwise excluded. Also yogurt, milk, cheese, fresh fruits and veggies (limited quantities), ice cream (yay). Also cookies, cake – all that stuff you want to keep away from. I ask for a cheese plate for dessert . One – two tablespoons of just about anything. Most food in Europe or Africa. TV dinners – Swanson’s Hungry Man, Amy’s Organic. Always small meals and snacks. Sips of liquids at meals only. Between meals, fine. (I have only ever drunk water or coffee, don’t know about other liquids.) Am never hungry and amazingly have lost some weight.

What I Can NOT Eat

Marinated beef, NON organic chicken, PORK!, most seafood. Canned or frozen or otherwise preserved fruits or veggies or potatoes. Eggs that pour from a carton. Cruciferous vegetables (sort of figured this out) – even fresh. Any of these things that come in a package (note: this is a simple question to ask in a restaurant –“is ______fresh or does it come to you in a bag or is it frozen from another location?) Canned food (except tuna), boil in bag rice, large meals, Worcester Sauce (the worst!). Meal kits (especially Blue Apron). Spicy or fried foods. Large amounts of water or coffee – 8 oz or so – at meals. Wine. Don’t know about other alcoholic beverages. My list could be much longer; I have enough food to satisfy me with my “Can Eat” list. You will want to make you own list.

Again, you may write me directly if you want any of the back story.

I am so sorry this happened to you and I think Colleen explained it perfectly. I didn't understand what you were saying at first either.

Now to speak to your idea of an infectious disease doctor - I think it is a superb idea. My husband had a horrible infection - some hospital borne bacterial infection. His urologist and GP were striking out and recommended an infectious disease doctor and my husband was completely cured. It was 10 days on very expensive (but insured) IV medicine. A nurse installed a port at our home and he infused himself, painlessly every so many hours 3-4-i forget and the nurse returned to check everything every day or so.

We were forever grateful

I hope you come back to the site - i have found it enormously helpful as I go through some of the challenges you describe.

Good luck to you and Godspeed.

@colleenyoung I agree, no hard feelings!!!!!

@itsohard @cupcake420 and @claudiabrende
It appears that there has been an unfortunate misunderstanding that I would like to nip in the bud before this escalates unnecessarily.

In my interpretation, @cupcake420 was recommending that @claudiabrende see an infectious disease specialist.

@itsohard, it appears that you interpreted cupcake’s suggestion differently, possibly because she signed off with “Godspeed” confusing the message with religion. But this does not warrant an attack on someone’s choice of pseudonym.

I am confident that all 3 of you wish to support one another here. Let’s return to the discussion at hand in helping one another through sharing experiences and support.

@itsohard thank you for your support.

@astaingegerdm they did but nothing of concern. I never take aspirin so it's just a bit odd.

You are one horrible, disgusting human being. I am reporting you. These people signed up for support, and awful people like you come along to upset people who are already struggle. You should be ashamed of yourself. And cupcake isn't a good name for you.

Sounds like you need an infectious disease Dr, Godspeed

@itsohard I'm also thankful for your courage to share your story. I hope there are other people on here that may relate to me and my symptoms.

Please research the Fecal matter transfers. They are having more than 90% cure rate here in Australia.