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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
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Teresa, hi. I am sorry to hear you are struggling. It's, unfortunately, you have all these symptoms. I struggle with Cdif myself and haven't experienced any bleeding, so I can relate to some of your problems. I hope you get well soon!
Hi, I was prescribed Metronidazole 500mg. It helped at first. But, the symptoms returned. After this treatment, I took it upon myself to figure out the best solution. I find that a tablespoon of Cinnamon and Pure Honey helps along with the strongest versions of Probiotics. I find that keeping stress at bay, staying busy, and eating healthier help. I avoid what troubles my stomach, and only eat veggies, fruits, shrimp, unbreaded, and ironically I eat Subway Cold Cuts with loads of veggies and that is the one thing I can eat without any problems. I am still searching for other ways to cope and to recover. Unfortunately, I am not fully recovered.
Thank you, Claudia. I am learning the ropes, so I am thankful to have your help.
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1 Reaction@kanaazpereira sorry it's my first time on this site and having a bit of an issue navigating. I'm learned though.
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1 ReactionI don’t know what blood tests were done, but concerned about prolonged bleeding. A complete blood count would show anemia and low platelet count. Are you taking aspirin? Could be a vitamin deficiency, like Vitamin K. Check with Dr. for results on that.
When I went to do labs I had the wrapping on for 25 minutes and when I took it off blood started leaking down my arm.
I've been tested for food allergies, chrons, colitis, gallbladder, etc.. Nothing is showing up but I am continuing to lose weight, abdominal pain, cramping, etc.
@teresa
This all first started with just nausea but since February I started having rectal bleeding but no bowel issues until after the colonoscopy that identified a bacterial infection and within a week or two ended up catching parasite that I experienced diarrhea, mucus, and stinky stools. Not too long after that, I had a kidney infection that caused vaginal bleeding even though I had a hysterectomy, three weeks ago I started having terrible diarrhea and my GI doctor did a stool sample which showed C.Diff. When I get lab work done it takes 30 minutes for it to stop bleeding.
Thanks so much for sharing your insight about dairy, @j8k1nw69 and welcome to Connect. May I ask if you were prescribed any medications that might have helped? Do you feel that you're fully recovered now?
Hello @claudiabrende,
Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms and can only imagine your worry! I'm so glad you joined this group. You may notice that I moved your message and combined it with this existing discussion. I did this because you mentioned testing positive for C.diff, and I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you click on VIEW & REPLY in your email notification, you will see the whole conversation and can join in, meet, and participate with other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.
You might wish to view this discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/c-diff-23fc30/ where @itsohard just recently posted her experience with c.diff as well.
@claudiabrende, you mentioned, "I have a difficult time with getting my blood to stop bleeding after a blood test..." Would you be able to share a bit more about this symptom? Have you been tested for other GI conditions like colitis/ulcerative colitis? How are you managing your symptoms?
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