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

Hi, @acres, I'm so sorry for all you are going through. C. Diff. is notoriously difficult to get rid of and can persist through many treatments. Most people get it from a round of the antibiotics that end with -mycin, and Clindamycin in the worst offender. Flagyl and Vancomycin are horrible Rxs, but they can work (they probably gave you that weird taste in your mouth, but that could also be undigested food or activity in your gut doing that). If they DON'T work, however, you can try Rifaximin. Rifaximin has no side effects and makes you feel human again, and works well. Keep taking the Florastor, but take the max dosage. It is the probiotic yeast S. Boulardii and it kills C.Diff. and you can take it while on treatment because it's a yeast, so antibiotics don't kill it.

And the VSL3 can help restore other Flora killed by the antibiotics, but you need at least 3-4 pills/day. I don't know that taking them with Rifaximin will help, as they will be killed off by the mediciine, but right after you finish treatment, you need to load up your system with probiotics and VSL helps. Other natural sources include kefir (if you have dairy issues you can find a non-dairy one), Mountain High or Chobani yoghurt (not all yogurts have probiotics in them, but these two do...MHY has less sugar). A nutritionist can help you with finding other natural sources.

I had a family member with C. Diff. We went through it 4 times and Rifaximin helped the most--it was wonderful. It made a huge difference. A Mayo doc who gave us the Rx that took a while to get filled because it was tough to find and it was an off-label use, so try that but be prepared to persist.

Another approach is to taper off Vanco by skipping doses for a day or two to let the spores grow, then killing them off with the next dose. I wouldn't try that without a doc's supervision.

You must persist in finding relief, as gut infections are tough to conquer. There is a radical treatment called fecal transplant that is a miracle cure. Research that. there's a doctor in Canada who makes pills for this, I'll try to find his name in my notes later this week. If you can get treatment at Mayo, they are the best docs. You need support as losing weight and suffering is not an option. Good luck!

Sorry to hear you are having issues @acres When I had taken to much antibiotics I also had C-Diff. I had a colonoscopy after as well to make sure it wasnt stuck in any places. When I say getting stuck , I had ulcers when I was younger and beyond the c-diff bacteria can stay in those spots or any area. I would suggest to do it., there maybe more there or your body just is over load with antibiotics now and they are not working. Transplant is a great option. I was having issue with my gallbladder and it was removed before I had c-diff. I have issues with bm because of my chronic pancreatitis, I check my bm always and forever. I also have IBS, but that was checked after c-diff. Which I have been a vegan, vegetarian and gluten free. Nothing really worked for me or help my IBS issues. I am glad I went to the Mayo clinic, which they found everything and I had seen many Dr. By then as well. I hope your doctor's are talking to each other or you are going in circles. I just had my 10th colonoscopy since I was 32. Write everything down the doctor says and ask questions. Good luck and keep us updated.

It's fascinating reading about fecal transplant. Does anyone know if it's ever used in treating ulcerative colitis? Thanks!

It is very fascinating! It saved my son’s life, along with prayer! However it’s my understanding that Fecal Microbia Transplant is only recommended to cure C-DIFF at this time. Scientists are researching to see if these transplants can help treat diabetes, obesity, and other things. I watched videos on this and it educated me so much. I never knew the importance of having a healthy gut. I encourage everyone to learn about gut health!

My 16 year old son needs help. He was diagnosed with C Diff Infection after taking Clindamycin. In about 6 weeks he has lost nearly 30 lbs. His Gastro Doctor prescribed Flagyl to treat C Diff but it had horrible side effects. After finishing his Flagyl we started him on Phillips Brand Probiotics. His diarrhea has started back. He is depressed. He has no appetite still. Please give us advice. I’m familiar with other antibiotics to treat C Diff and I’m familiar with fecal transfer. We are in Central Alabama and have been to hospitals 3 times. They just send him home. We have seen a Gastro Doctor. He is not concerned. My son is very sick. Any advice?