Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good morning all,
I hate to bring up this topic, but it is a recurring issue for me...and I have not been able to find a solution this go-round on meds.
I am having to spend more time in the restroom then I would like
This, of course, puts a limit to most activities for me, and I am also aware of the internal issues that come along with chronic "D"...having dealt with this for so long.
I have tried to find a balance of foods, pro-biotics, etc. to hmmm...'eliminate' my current dilemma...but have not been successful, so now I am thinking along the lines of other culprits.
Currently, I am taking: Mepron Zith Omnicef Nystatin Methazolamide Amitriptyline Klonopin Albuterol inhaler
And supps of: L-glute Pepto pro-biotics
The Omnicef was the latest addition, and immediately caused an increase in restroom time.
I read the enclosed hand-out and discovered that the number one reason for discontinuation was C. diff, and "D".
I have been tested in the past a few times for C. diff when this problem occurred on other meds, but it was always negative...so, I think my body just leans toward elimination of toxins in this lovely manner naturally.
So, I suppose my questions are:
IF I am now dealing with C. diff, is there another method of cure besides Flagyl? (doc does not think I can handle that one currently)
Is there another less intrusive manner (as in non-meds) to try to remedy this problem that anyone is aware of? (I have had to use Questran in the past to stop this...and am not really wanting to add more meds right now)
And finally, has anyone on Omnicef with this particular issue continued with that med until the issue resolved on its own?
Thanks so much in advance for any help...and once again, please forgive the nature of the question!
My best, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Melanie, Mepron made me and my toilet best buddies for a few months. And it was no fun. Colonics helped, but what really helped was stopping the mepron after 3.5 months. My GI system really did not like that yellow paint.
-------------------- Jeff Posts: 533 | From CA | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
Well, it could be C diff, but if you have been taking a lot of probies, it shoudn't be the problem. Unless your probiotics are dead. I have been testing mine lately, and I have found that a lot of them are indeed no good at all.
But you could also have developed some colitis from taking so many meds. You should do a simple stool culture to find out for sure if you have it or not. At least you would be able to eliminate it as the cause. If it is C diff, then Vancomycin is the best choice by far - 250 mg tid. Vanco is also much easier on you because it is not absorbed...your liver doesn't have to deal with it. It's very expensive tho, and some Dr's will not Rx it unless Flagyl has failed to eradicate it.
If it turns out to be colitis, then you would probably have to stop the omnicef, and maybe try a different med.
-------------------- You're only a failure when you stop trying. Posts: 945 | From U.S | Registered: Oct 2004
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dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749
posted
Melanie,
My LLMD has had me start on VSL3, which is a probiotic powder that contained 450BILLION live probiotic bacteria per pack/serving.
I ordered it online from their site vsl3.com
I have only just started it so can't say yet if it will repopulate my instestines well or not.
DLL
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102
posted
whoa, you sure got alot of meds going on there. The most abxs I've been on at one time were biaxan, plaquenil, and tetra.
Started omincef (alone) over month ago...bathroom was where anyone looking for me could find me. After the first week I had to resort to Amodium AD on top of the probiotics. Took it the same time I took the Omincef.
Posts: 2675 | From ct, usa | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
I could not take flagal - the vanco is what worked for me and it worked like a charm!
Much easier on the system and I got almost immed relief!.
Best wishes!
Posts: 374 | From NJ | Registered: Aug 2006
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northstar
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7911
posted
Obviously if it is c.dif, then it is bacterial, then the above are best ways.
However...........
I had read that dried unsweetened coconut flakes are supposed to be good for the Big D.
My husband has periodic gout attacks and so takes something (allopurinol or colchicene) to bowel tolerance, which is the medical word for uncontrollable and long lasting D attacks!
During his last attack, he did the meds, and when "it" hit, he did the coconut flakes.
Voila ! D gone !
Also, maybe also increase probiotics, or trying Florastor (sacch. boul.) but I am not sure of effectiveness of latter.
I also read where the c. diff likes a non-acid environment, and I wondered if the pepto might be contributing?
Also, I thought the l-glutamine was a potential neuro excitotoxin? (try a search here).
Apples are used for bowel issues of both types, for some reason. I learned that eons ago in a neonatal ward volunteer phase in high school. And rice for bulk.
Northstar
Posts: 1331 | From hither and yonder | Registered: Sep 2005
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Woah melanine that one long list of meds. God Bless
I have heard a combo of vancomycline(sp?) & flagel is used for C-diff. Have you been tested for it?
Maybe want to send a stool specimin to smokylabs too, because there are quite a few other causes of bowel problems.
In the mean time I would really tank op on the pro-biotics and water with electrolites in them.
You may want to e-mail condor at www.wildcondor.com she has had alot of experience with c-diff & there are some goos links at her webb site.
Any way just wanted to say I hope you can feel better soon Dana
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
posted
I think you mean "Immodium" It is over the counter and always works for me.
Also the kinds of acidipholus kept in the fridge stay live and work best. My fave is Primadophilus which has a time-released one-a-day.
lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Hey there Miss Mel!
Sorry to hear of your troubles. I spent almost a year getting to know all bathrooms in the tri-state area a bit too well.
If it's not CDiff, perhaps you are getting yeasty and leaky gut???
Here's what worked for me (and other family members who have chronic IBS issues) -
SuperCritical Omega 7 (by New Chapter)
Rebuilds the lining of the intestinal tract. All herbal. Stuff is AMAZING!! And I lived off it for over a year while on abx.
I always keep it handy just in case... Take 2 with a glass of water. I think I pretty much was on 2 a day - 1 with lunch, 1 with dinner, for the majority of the time. But for 'emergencies', popping 2 at a time does the trick.
Details: Description Supports Mucous Membrane Health of the Digestive, Urogenital Systems and Supports GI Tract Regeneration
Skin Restorative Scientists believe our most delicate body tissues, like the skin and the mucous membranes that line the digestive and
urogenital tracts, have the greatest affinity for Omega 7 fatty acids. Environmental stressors (such as sunlight and pollution), improper foods
and even normal aging can challenge those sensitive membranes, and Omega 7 fatty acids are now being hailed as norishment that may protect,
repenish, moisturize aand restore. Buckthorn's "rescue role" are a naturally occurring rich array of carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols and sterols. To
complete the protective benefits, this product adds supercritical extracts of Calendula and Rosemary, which both have profound anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1.00 Softgel Servings per container: 30.00
Reliable Sources: Vitamin Shoppe (www.vitaminshoppe.com) or Vitacost (www.vitacost.com)
Hope this helps!!
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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stymielymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10044
posted
TRY OTC DIAREHHA MEDS IMODIUM WORKS GOOD BUT ALSO CLOGS YOU. IT WORKS FOR SEVRAL DAYS ,MIGHT WANT TO TAKE HALF FIRST.
MAY ALSO NEED SYSTEMIC DIFLUCAN OR VFEND IF GETS WORSE.
DOCDABVE
Posts: 1820 | From Boone and Southport, NC | Registered: Sep 2006
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
I had diarhea two days after I ran out of digestive enzymes.
In general, I've had loose stools for a while. My LLMD had me increase my digestive enzymes, and I noticed that they firmed.
My pancreatic enzymes have been elevated for a year now. That's why I'm on the enzymes.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Adding a warning to stymie's post:
OTC Anti-diarrheal meds like Immodium cause an increase in blood pressure. Those with high BP should check with their doctor first.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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One thing to consider possibly, after the C. diff is treated - a med. called Ketotifen. It is an antiinflammatory for the gut. It is great for people with lots of gut issues, especially allergic inflammatory stuff like gluten intolerance.
The only place i know that makes it is a compounding pharmacy in WA. If you are interested, please email me, and I can give you the info.
Take good care, Theresa
Posts: 364 | From California | Registered: Sep 2005
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trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348
posted
I'm sorry about the "you know" and everyone gave good advice but...
Have you considered giving the Omnicef a rest and seeing if it resolves?
Personally, as far as anti-D remedies. They worry me a little. My thinking, and I could be waaay off base, is if you're full of toxins and they need to get out... I'm not sure you want to keep them in.
-------------------- more light, more love more truth and more innovation Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005
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I tend towards the "d" also. For me, parasites are usually the culprit. Routine testing is poor, Great Smokies and Diagnos-Tech are one step above, and for me energetic testing has ben the most reliable.
Also, have you tried adding a fiber such as ground flax seed or slippery elm?
I agree with True, stopping the d will just lead to build up of toxins.
take care
Posts: 628 | From the south | Registered: Dec 2005
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mojo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9309
posted
I used to have serious IBS and know what you are going through. Just wondering if you are a coffee drinker. If so (and you can bring yourself to do this) stop the coffee and see if it helps.
God Bless Molly
Posts: 1761 | From USA | Registered: May 2006
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
CSM--the same as questran may help--just to absorb the toxins and get the poopies settled down. But may be hard to take with all the meds since it needs to be taken hours apart from meds and vitamins.
I take psyllium --fiber --every day with full glass of water 16oz. and it helps to absorb stuff as well keep things running smoith in my engine.
My sympathies are with you---toilet time is no fun.
maybe I shouldnt bring those roasted green chiles for you? Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Melanie, I used to be like you until I had complete body lab testings done 4-06, and found out I have MAJOR FOOD ALLERGIES!
gluten ... wheat and rye;
casein ... cow's milk, cheeses, egg whites, and garlic
Meridian labs tested me for 90 food items for around $100!
for 30+ years I had a 24/7 SICK GUT but never knew why; now I do and trying NOT to eat those foods, but occasionally slip up bad!
I suggest food allergy testing. I used to have 6-18 bms DAILY plus ALL the peeing; much more than that! that's down now too!
I have a life now outside of bathroom!
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good morning again!
My most sincere thank yous to each for helping with suggestions and ideas...sometimes; I just don't know where I would be without the wonderful volunteers here at LymeNet who always share so willingly their collective knowledge.
Please forgive me for not addressing each one of you individually, but just know that you are so appreciated.
Yes, I am on a few meds right now...but actually not as many as I am supposed to be taking. I had to cut everything out a few months back due to toxin overload yet again, and have been trying to increase the number of meds and dosing amounts very gradually to avoid that pitfall which seems to plague me.
In the next couple of weeks, I am to add back in Art, and up the others once I ``get comfortable''. It is just the getting comfortable part that is holding me back
I suppose I should have explained that the L-glutamine and Pepto are due to a lingering URQ burn that is suspect of H. pylori. My doc felt that these combined with the Zith and Omnicef should take care of this issue eventually...and the L-glute would help to heal whatever tummy damage was caused along the way.
The pain has lessened considerably in intensity and frequency, but is still there too often for my comfort, so I persist.
My doc also felt that Lyme and Babs were flaring out of control due to symptomology, reaction to meds and testing results...so we are trying to attack both equally. I also feel that Bart is still an issue due to GI problems...but at this point, ya know...I think everything just exacerbates each disease. So, it is an ongoing trail and error and trail and progress...pretty typical for us each.
The probiotic increase was my first choice of recourse. But, I have to admit that when any meds are in the fridge...I simply forget to take them regularly. So, now I am doing so called shelf-stable probiotics, and certainly do realize that this is always a gamble as to viability...but given the choice of taking them or not...it seemed I would at least have a better chance of taking them when I could actually SEE them.
So, I do believe that a change of tactics is in order...perhaps a few florescent ummm, what are they called- those sticky papers...are in order. IF I put them where I look regularly...such as the laptop, or the coffee pot? (or perhaps the restroom door!)
After speaking with my nurse friend yesterday, I am starting to think this may not be C. diff afterall, based on a few lacking, very descriptive, C. diff experiences of countless patient stories of hers. So, that was good news.
Now, I just need to try and get whatever this is under control. Her suggestions were very similar to yours...treat the cause AND the symptoms. But, not really knowing what the cause is...assume past history of new ABX reactions will reflect future reactions...and proceed from there.
Sounds pretty logical to me. I don't know about you guys, but I CRAVE logic during flares with all these illogical illnesses.
Soooo, when I return home, I will try to find a good LIVE refrigerated probiotic to add into the mix, give your other non-meds suggestions a shot as well, up the fluids and electrolytes and see if things ``get comfortable'' before proceeding with other tests or measures.
Once again, thank you each so very much for your help...I will save this link with all the valuable info it contains for future reference!
Much love, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
theralac is BY FAR the best around and is shelf stable! it says to refigerate but the company says it is shelf stable for up to 30 days.
buy two bottles and get free shipping
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
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trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348
posted
sticky papers = post-it notes
-------------------- more light, more love more truth and more innovation Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good morning all,
I am so sorry to bring this BACK up again, but am needing to ask another question.
I am back up to full dose meds, including Omnicef again (had to stop for a time due to insurance issues)...
and the restroom time is back to fulltime again too
So, I started taking capsules of Psyllium Husk fiber to help `bulk' up a few days ago. So far, I am taking 6 capsules a day at 520mg each. I take these with my pro-biotics and away from other meds.
The problem is...this is NOT working for me.
The adult dosage at the bottom of the bottle reads `` 5 capsules one to three times daily''! Do they actually expect one to take 15 capsules a day? This would equal 3,750mg a day.
Does this sound right? Anyone else talking this much Psyllium Husk for this same reason?
PLEASE, do not tell me to try something else right now, although I SO appreciate your help...I just can't afford to keep buying things that don't seem to work for me. And, since I already have purchased this...I am only needing to know IF the dosage seems correct.
Thank you all so very much in advance for your help with this question! Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
hi melanie-i didn't read all of this so i might repeat some stuff already said. i was teaching phys ed and taking huge orals doses many years ago and i had to control the d with:
a good acidolphilus-taken 2 hrs away from food-up to 6-8 caps a day
nystatin-the little brown pills-no sugar in them-also away from food-up to 20 a day
sbc-the regular dose the bottle says
mostly i ate brown rice, broiled chic and steamed veggies
NOW: my new llmd suggested theralac (theralc.com)and i have just started it-but i think it is going to be a really good product(insted of acidolphilus) (they also make an enzyme that may or may not help your problem)
also-they give you a banana, applesauce, rice diet for d.
and my dog who has recurring gastritis w/ bloody d. always has to get back on track with a 24 hr fast first and then add rice-chic or turky-and steamed veggies slowly
for me: i remember this clearly-i controlled the d with the nystatin...i could get constipated if i took too much...remember about having liver checked while on it
and i assume you know c diff is very serious and you really need to make sure it isn't that. some nurses can describe the specifics of what you will see (smell?) if it is c dif...it's pretty unique-my son had it. take care.
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Check out the Immodium website. A family memeber had an intestinal flu and I debated giving Immodium thinking the toxins needed to be out. After reading their site, it explains what "D" actually is - not allowing the body to absorb the fluids as it passes through the intestines.
Taking Immodium may actually be beneficial for you because if your body isn't absorbing the fluids, you can become dehydrated AND, more importantly, your body may not be absorbing the proper amounts of medication that you are on.
Hope you find the solution quickly!! Karen
Posts: 154 | From Medford, NJ | Registered: Jun 2006
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posted
Um, if the capsulse is 520 mg and they suggest up to 15 of them a day that is actually 7800 mg.
If there is 71 mg of fiber in 100 mg of psyllium, then the upper limit they suggest would give you 5,538 mg of fiber a day, or 5.5 g.
The recommended fiber intake is 25 grams a day. So, 5.5g is about one fifth the daily intake goal.
I don't know anything about that product, I eat metamucil bars, I stay away from any added pills when I can. And I do have cognitive problems, so my math could be off, but if you have the big D. this should help.
Posts: 243 | From chicago | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Flagly helped but Vanco kicked right away, imidiate relief. Also had a number of colonics done while on the vanco to flush out the c.diff cysts. I also had a final flush of Bifidus with the colonics. Pounded bifidus probiotics.
Posts: 582 | From milwaukee wi | Registered: May 2005
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posted
i've been lucky. the on D is when i do a detox. as a nurse the BRAT diet is really a good idea. it has been around for years, and will give yoiu some nutrition for your gut. it seems weird to feed the D but you need something going thru your system.
good luck this may sound stupid, what is omnicef. not on it and not sure whaat it is for. i herx so bad, i'm only on 50mg zithro every other day. this just got started. had to stop rocephin, and 125 of zithro due to herxing. have chlamydia pneumonia that needs to be treated. can't seem to take any more antibiotice.
Posts: 76 | From Kalispell, Montana | Registered: Dec 2006
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
quote: So, I started taking capsules of Psyllium Husk fiber to help `bulk' up a few days ago. So far, I am taking 6 capsules a day at 520mg each. I take these with my pro-biotics and away from other meds.
I would not take probiotics with the psyllium. I would think that the probiotics will not work as well and may not have a chance to be absorbed correctly.
I know you don't want to hear recommendtions for other products but....
You probably would feel better if you take something to help with endotoxins - like questran. Some people have difficulty with die-off from killing bugs and this would help quite a lot.
You might try kefir. It is the greatest at repopulating the gut. Better than anything I've tried. I have a certain time of day that I take it which helps me remember to take it. Go to the health food store and buy one bottle. You can quickly see if it makes any difference. It really is amazing stuff.
Hope you feel better. Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
quote:Originally posted by TerryK: I would not take probiotics with the psyllium. I would think that the probiotics will not work as well and may not have a chance to be absorbed correctly.
My doctor told me to take my probiotics with psyllium. The psyllium helps the probiotics stick to the gut wall long enough to get established. It doesn't interfere at all.
trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348
posted
quote:Originally posted by Melanie Reber:
So, I started taking capsules of Psyllium Husk fiber to help `bulk' up a few days ago. So far, I am taking 6 capsules a day at 520mg each. I take these with my pro-biotics and away from other meds.
The problem is...this is NOT working for me.
The adult dosage at the bottom of the bottle reads `` 5 capsules one to three times daily''! Do they actually expect one to take 15 capsules a day? This would equal 3,750mg a day.
Does this sound right? Anyone else talking this much Psyllium Husk for this same reason?
Melanie
Yes, that sounds right! (Sorry, sweety but 6 a day probably isn't enough from where you;re starting.)
I have Metamucil capsules and the dosage is up to 5 capsule 3 times a day. (I usually do once or twice if I'm using it.) Make sure to drink at least 8 ounces of liquid with each dose (5 caps most likely).
When I used to take this as a powder I took 3 glasses of icky stuff a day. But you only have to do this for 3 days to see if it works. That's about how long it takes. After you're under control you can adjust the dosage accordingly for what works for you.
So, I'd try to get down the 3 full doses and appropriate liquid with it for 3 days to see if it does the trick. After that you may find you need much less or that one cleverly timed or smaller dose works well enough.
Try not to take this at the same time as meds as it may push them through too fast.
Also the Doc had told me at one time to take this near meals. I'm not sure that matters but if you take this the same time daily and it works you will also eliminate the same time each day. (Ahem, in a perfect world!)
I have done this before and it work well. For both the problem you're having and the opposite.
Sorry, I seem to have taken the really long way around to saying try the full dose for 3 days.
-------------------- more light, more love more truth and more innovation Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
quote: My doctor told me to take my probiotics with psyllium. The psyllium helps the probiotics stick to the gut wall long enough to get established. It doesn't interfere at all.
Interesting. It's a bit confusing though since not much is supposedly digested after ingestion of psyllium but from what you are saying, digestion is not part of the process.
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/psy_0214.shtml PHARMACOKINETICS Following ingestion of psyllium, very little is digested in the small intestine. The psyllium polysaccharides are resistant to hydrolysis by the digestive enzymes. Some fermentation of the psyllium polysaccharides takes place in the large intestine via the action of colonic bacteria. The products of fermentation include the short-chain fatty acids acetate, propionate and butyrate, as well as hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The short-chain fatty acids that escape colonic metabolism are transported via the portal circulation to the liver, where they undergo metabolism.
Thanks for the information, I'll research this further. Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Thanks so much to each of you, really!
I am working under a few deadlines, so forgive me for responding so slowly...I promise to get back to this later on...
It just feels a bit like nap-time right now
Much love, M
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good morning all,
Thank you so very much for your help and suggestions...and for being so patient with me (Well, mostly...yes, I am talking directly to YOU Miss Nadia)
The deadlines I am working with are the Launch of the Memorial Project site...this is set for tomorrow, so I have been pretty much consumed with that work. I am also dealing with unemployment insurance paperwork, health insurance paperwork, student loan paperwork, etc., etc. And maintaining the LD work that I still do behind the scenes...
so, yes, things are busy, and this restroom issue has definitely put a kink in things.
And it seems like everyone wants stuff yesterday or more accurately months ago! But, I am, with help, whittling away at all of this a bit at a time in between herxing and life in general.
I will try to address you now individually to try and explain things a bit more clearly. And please forgive me if I repeat myself...seems like it just comes with the territory these days
Trails, Yes, I know that Theralac is by far the best according to many, including my doc, and I will be ordering them soon. Hoping your trip back east is wonderful considering all you are dealing with. Safe travels!
Bluebird, Thank you- Yes, post-it notes! I bought more of those last week in different colors, so we will see if that helps me to remember to actually take the pro-biotics! I will give the Psyllium husk a few more days t see what happens, I think I can see a difference already this morning! Even at the dose of only 6 caps a day. So thanks for your helpful advice, as always!
Miss Cavers, I did go to the grocery (which I hate), and bought bananas, an apple, brown rice and bread...so we shall see how that works too. I also have some `Emer'gen-C' packets in the cupboard, so thanks for reminding me to take that. Thanks so much! BTW, still waiting on that other email question I had for you????
Kayak, Thanks for your suggestions. I have the pro-biotics, Nystatin, and diet change covered. What is `sbc'? Yes, I am well aware of the C. diff possibility, but do not think I am dealing with that, thank Goodness. I actually Did have my nurse friend help with that.
KP, Thank you for the Imodium suggestion, but my doc asks us to stay away from that. I am pleased it worked for your family member though. Yes, I know the possibility of becoming dehydrated is serious, but I am constantly thirsty, so am replenishing fluids all day long.
Gambler, Lordy...and ya know what? I actually got out my little calculator to figure that amount of mgs...guess one has to actually push the right buttons though, hmmm. I too TRY to stay away from added pills- I am trying to decrease pills in my life, NOT increase! So, my friend suggested that I just sit down and empty out the capsules into a baggie and take a couple of tablespoons in water or watered down juice...think I may spend sometime doing that later on! Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your secret flushes John, I am so pleased that worked for you! Personally, I have had to put a moratorium on all spending...but may look into something like that down the road.
Hey Leogrl, Welcome and it is nice to have another nurse here on the team! Omnicef is another antibiotic that I am taking mainly for my flaring Lyme. I am so sorry that you are already running into issues with taking ABX, it is a tuff haul for sure. Just try to stay at low doses, and work up as you can. Sometimes we tend to think we can't take ABX, when actually, we can... we just start out too high and get a bad reaction (bad herx). So, please don't give up as of yet, OK? This takes lots of patience and perseverance!
Terry, There are definitely mixed feelings on taking Psyllium with pro-biotics. Some say yes, and some say no...so it is hard to know exactly what to do at times. I am trying both now. The daytime doses with the Psyllium and the night pros without...how is that for a compromise? I have been on Questran in the past and it did help me tremendously...but that entails stopping meds again, and I don't want to go there right now...I JUST got back up to full speed after a hiatus. But, I do know from past experience that questran works, so that is my fall-back! Kefir may come later, as I stated earlier, finances are tight, and I don't want to add anything else into the mix right now before giving this a good chance first, but thank you!
Hey there Riversinger, Nice to see you, and thanks for your input! Hope you are doing well?
Bluie, You are always helpful! See answers above, dearie.
Now, as for you Miss Nadia from the Moon! I DID ask the pharmacist when I picked out the bottle. I explained the issues and his answer was, and I quote...''take one to three caps daily and see what happens.'' HA! Guess he wasn't into reading the label either! So THERE! (hoping today finds you ok, really)
Again, thanks to you each! Much love, M
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Mel, Have you tried Saccharomyces Boulardii? Inexpensive probiotic that seems to work wonders for alot of people.. I know you said that you were looking for something less intrusive. Surprised it was not mentioned, seems quite a few people use it here.
Natural Standard: News Copyright � 2006 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
Saccharomyces boulardii for Diarrhea A review found that Saccharomyces boulardii may be the only proven effective probiotic for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults and children.
Posts: 465 | From New York, NY | Registered: Aug 2005
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
Melanie,
How's it going? I seem to be in the same boat. Got real bad D when I was on clindomycin for 2 weeks. Now, almost 2 weeks off it, I'm still having problems.
I find I'm better when I stop taking magnesium and vitamin c. I know long-term that's bad, but until my gut heals I think I'll follow that.
I stopped all abx about 1.5 weeks ago.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Hi Melanie,
Sorry to hear you are still having so many troubles. Here's what saved me from chronic D that caused me to lose 50 lbs and suffer from severe dehydration-
Take 2 twice a day for a couple days - I'm telling you, this stuff WORKS. I'm off it now, but always keep it handy for when I fall off the wagon and end up back on Diflucan. Feel better!!
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Good evening!
Thank you so much for your help Marsy, Aniek and Lymein'.
Marsy, No, I have not tried Saccharomyces Boulardii, I am not sure I can even pronounce that one But, I will keep that suggestion handy just in case these other methods fail, thanks!
Aneik, Thank you for asking, actually, and I whisper here...I think I am doing MUCH better with only the Psyllium capsules, and only with a dose of 6 per day!
I have never been able to tolerate Mag either, same reasons. And I have tried many brands and doses. So, I try to eat food high in mag to supplement when I can.
I DO hope that you can find relief as well, and resume your treatment soon!
LIH, Thank you for your suggestion of the Omega 7 product! Again, I think the routine that I am trying now is actually working, so I will hold that name in mind for the future just in case, OK?
Again, thanks to all! Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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The restroom was my colon's favorite friend for over a year. Lost all my weight in that room.
All of it was not related to any abx - since i didn't have a diagnosis for LD.
I learned about the yeast situation and started to treat that- I have my days where the situation returns but - much milder.
I hear most doctors recommend fiber and psyllium.
You are on lots of abx - that can reak havoc. - The probiotics help- how about the goat yogurt -whey?... have you looked into that.
My intestines would burn with pain- -Not sure if it was the toxins ( since i was not on abx) I ended up using glucosamine HCL and aloe vera gel- You certainly must know how we all feel about this -- no fun - but ---don't give up !! hope you get better with this
mags
Posts: 259 | From California | Registered: Mar 2006
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