Dr. Jones thinks my 13 year old son Cody has C-Diff. He has had nothing but diarrhea for five days, not one solid bowel movement.
I had NO idea, I told him he has no pain or anything and I thought it was simply a side effect of the Rocephin. He didn't think so, and was very concerned. I have to take him tomorrow for a stool sample.
Anyone with experience? I thought it caused excruciating pain; but he said no, some people just have diarrhea and no other symptoms.
I am off to go research it, but would love to know if anyone has had experience? He also indicated it is contagious, could Cody have spread this around school if he does indeed have it????
Should I be keeping him home from school????? Are they going to make me keep him home?
If so, move over Swine Flu......
Posted by tickalert (Member # 7033) on :
Had it last fall. I experienced bad stomach pain, going to the bathroom not stop, along with nausea. If your son has C Diff he needs to get treatment ASAP. I met a lady in my pilates class who had it and her colon was on the verge of rupturing.
The treatment for C Diff is Flagyl or Vancomycin.
Please let us know what your sons Doctor says.
I had no knowledge that C Diff was contagious..concerns me since my fiance and I live together along with my two daughters..one has severe stomach problems.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
-
From my file notes:
Only Saccharomyces boulardii and, to a lesser degree, L. casei rhamnosus (GG) have been shown to protect against C. difficile.
S. boulardii is a unique probiotic in that it is known to survive gastric acidity, it is not adversely affected or inhibited by antibiotics . . . however, antifungals should be taken hours apart. see note at bottom of post. I suppose allicin, olive leaf extract and other supplements that have an anti-fungal nature fall into this category, too.
A) No, Florastor is not really like acidophilus but they are both probiotics. Florastor is non-pathogenic (good) yeast, not a bacterium like acidophilus.
Saccharomyces boulardii lyo has been studied by many researchers over the past 50 years.
Florastor and the capsule are gluten free.
Q) Florastor� has Lactose and I am dairy sensitive, can I still take Florastor�?
A) Yes. There are no milk proteins found in Florastor. However, it does contain lactose monohydrate in a very small amount. Many lactose and dairy sensitive patients have reported good results while taking Florastor. As with any product, be sure to consult your health care professional first.
Be aware that it's to be ingested - don't break the capsule open and mix in water as you don't want it in your lungs.
Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic yeast that is recognized to have probiotic effectiveness used alone and/or in combination with other probiotics to support digestion. It usefulness was discovered by a group of French physicians investigating intestinal issues.
DESCRIPTION/CHARACTERISTICS
Saccharomyces boulardii is considered a non-pathogenic, non-colonizing baker's yeast species, which is very closely related to brewer's yeast also known as S. cervesiae. The S. boulardii, although it is recognized as a yeast, is not related to the Candida species (Candida albicans, tropicalas, etc.), which can cause pathogenic infections in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts.
S. boulardii is a unique probiotic in that it is known to survive gastric acidity, it is not adversely affected or inhibited by antibiotics and does not alter or adversely affect the normal flora in the bowel. For this reason good friendly probiotic organisms (including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) can be taken at the same time as S. boulardii.
For optimal results it is recommended that the capsule be taken between meals, on an empty stomach, with un-chilled water. Each size #3 Vegetable capsule contains 3 billion CFU (colony forming units).
. . . Do not take the S. boulardii supplementation at the same time as any prescription antifungals like Nystatin, Diflucan, Sporonox, etc. Antifungals are recognized to kill S. boulardii and thus should be taken at a different time of the day (separated by 2 to 3 hours) as is recommended by the physician.
FULL DETAILS AT LINK
-.
Posted by MY3BOYS (Member # 17830) on :
c-diff also usually has a very distinct (bad) odor with it. can cause GI pain, nausea. with kids the rules always kinda change though
glad Dr is doing testing tomm. and not holding off, sounds like best plan of action.
as far as contagious: use "contact" precautions. keep lysol type wipes handy- wipe down toliet after he has used it, spray lysol is good then wipe down with wipes. or can use bleach solution. i dont know if it is practical for him to have his own restroom right now? Let Dr make the call about school and passing along that info. C-diff if dx. and school matters.
ask Dr too about B.R.A.T. (bannana, rice, apple, toast)-that is more used for nausea/vomiting but if digestion is a problem ask what diet or what other foods are suggested for him at this time.
watch for dehydration. and gatoraide/pediolyte any eletrolyte/vitamin waters be careful with how much. those can have lots of salt and cause an imbalance.
water, broth for now.
best of luck with your son, also may be good to ask about pro-biotics as well??
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Thanks so much for the info; my son is very small for his age too, only about 75 pounds.
I'm concerned I have to buy the probiotics online and worried about not getting them for a week or so.....but I'll order it right away.
Posted by bpbri (Member # 5444) on :
I'm pretty sure the other probiotic (L. rhamnosus GG) is the product Culturelle which you can pick up at most chain pharmacies. Hope things work out for your son.
Posted by 4Seasons (Member # 14601) on :
Jarrow Formulas make Saccharomyces Boulardii that can be found online or at most health food stores.
I have heard that all of us should be on it all the time to prevent c. diff.
I hope the stool sample turns up negative. I've had a few bouts of severe diarrhea and c. diff. tests that were negative.
Posted by JKMMC09 (Member # 15795) on :
My daughter had C-Diff last year, the symptoms are similar to the symptoms she has daily-- so we just assumed she was having a "Rough week"-- until the LLMD suggested a stool test be done-- "just in case"-- she was taking probiotics all along, but I guess it wasn't enough.
She was eventually admitted to the hospital b/c of dehydration and they pretty much quarantined her-- it's very contagious, from what we've heard.
Hopefully it's just his body adjusting to the new abx.
Take care!
Posted by pamoisondelune (Member # 11846) on :
You said "I'm concerned I have to buy the probiotics online and worried about not getting them for a week or so.....but I'll order it right away."
You can get it in 2 days priority mail from iherb.com, or overnight if you ask.
Posted by lemonsnotlymes (Member # 19926) on :
I do not have C-diff but I take two kinds of probiotics as directed by my LLMD:
Saccharomyces Boulardii - 3x per day Theralac - 1x per day
I was wondering why I was on two different ones. Now, I think I know why my LLMD insists on both.
Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :
I also use the Jarrow brand and get it from the Vitamin Shoppe.
It is room temp stable and inexpensive.
(I also take a reg probiotic)
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
I'm on my 3rd relapse of C. Diff. Yuck.
When you get your stool test - be advised, it's not always a reliable test (is any test reliable?)...
3 tests, on 3 different days, from the different samples is best. And they need to check for both toxins A and B.
Some places only check for one or the other, but you want to check for both.
Like so many things - some labs are better than others.
Yes - it can be contagious. Emphasize handwashing!
As for treatment - don't take Immodium, anything like that.
Flagyl or Vancomycin is best. I prefer vanco because flagyl is intolerable for me. Vanco stays in the GI system - so no systemic herx, or major side effects other than feeling better and better.
And yes, yes, yes - probiotics are a must. Additional S. Boulardii is essential!!! You can buy it at a health food store, or order it overnighted online.
For symptom relief - If he's had liquid diarrhea that won't stop, then a liquid diet can help to rest the GI tract.
Google Wild Condor's article "One Tough Bug" - it was in Public Health Alert a while back. Good info there, too.
Think I could write a book on C. Diff right now, there's so much more I could say, but don't want to overwhelm you. If you want more info, you are welcome to pm me.
Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
Yep, there is a Jarrow brand of Saccharomyces boulardii at the Vitamin Shoppe that I will probably start getting after I am done with the FloraStor I have.
Also, I don't know if this is everywhere, but my CVS does carry FloraStor, but it's behind the counter at the pharmacy. You could always go in and ask about it. Better than ordering on the Internet and waiting a week or so.
Posted by billclo (Member # 12939) on :
My LLMD had me on Tindamax, which he said would work on both Lyme cyst form and C-Diff and I did not get a return bout of C-Diff. My first treatment with Doxycycline, I got a solid case of C-Diff, and lost 20lbs in one month. Scary to say the least.
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
Billclo - ouch, the weight loss is no fun. I lost 10 lbs one week, during the worst of it. This time around there has been less weight loss but many ER and hosp visits.
How long did you take Tindamax?
I did two 10 day courses of Vanco and we're now doing a tapered regimen - I'll stay on it for quite some time, tapering slowly down.
Tracy, I hope your son feels better quickly and that you get this under control soon.
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
Make sure he stops ALL antibiotics, gets on Florastor 4x per day, and is taking Flagyl or vancomycin long term. Also, bleach EVERYTHING its highly contagious. Have him tested 3x for c.diff toxins A & B by stool test.Make sure the samples get to the lab on ice, and within an hour.
........... One Tough Bug - Clostridium difficile by WildCondor
How many of you read the drug information sheet that comes with your antibiotic prescription? If you have, you'll notice that every antibiotic comes with a warning label that reads something like this. ``Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with the use of nearly all antimicrobial agents, including this antibiotic, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to potentially life threatening colitis.''
In laymen's terms, pseudomembranous colitis is the most serious form of Clostridium difficile (C.difficile) infection. Named because it is so difficult to culture, Clostridium difficile is also becoming increasingly difficult to treat.
As if having Lyme disease and multiple co-infections to battle weren't enough for my body to handle, I had the unfortunate displeasure of experiencing C.difficile up close and personal. It began for me on Christmas day 4 years ago, during my antibiotic treatment.
First came the stomach cramps, which left me slouched over the porcelain throne, crying like a baby. Next came unrelenting diarrhea and nausea so overwhelming I couldn't leave the bathroom. The cramping pain was so intense I was drenched in cold sweats, cuddled in a fetal position on the bathroom floor. When I developed a fever of 104 degrees, my family took me to the Emergency room. The doctor I saw said I had the stomach flu, and sent me home and rest.
After 2 weeks of constant fever, and unrelenting bloody diarrhea, I collapsed from dehydration and woke up in the hospital ER. I begged one of the nurses to put me to sleep because the pain in my abdomen was so severe. After some fluids, painkillers and antidiarrhea medication, I was back home in my bathroom again, with no answers, and still suffering.
It took another week, and 2 more doctors' visits to get a stool test order. Finally, after seeing a Gastroenterologist (GI), I was diagnosed with C.difficile colitis. My GI then explained to me all about intestinal flora, and how mine had been disturbed by taking antibiotics.
My GI explained that our intestinal tract contains hundreds of types of bacteria. Most bacteria are friendly, and help our immune system to function properly. The good bacteria play a vital role in suppressing the growth of harmful organisms. When you take an antibiotic for an infection, the friendly bacteria are killed off along with the bad bacteria that are causing your sickness. When the friendly bacteria are destroyed, dangerous bacteria, like C. difficile can quickly grow out of control.
It's very easy to become infected with C. difficile because it produces spores that can survive in many environments. C.difficile spores can be found anywhere people go, and are very contagious. The most common places to find C.difficile spores are hospitals, nursing homes, schools, furniture, bed rails, door knobs, linens, and any private or public bathroom. This is why hygiene and proper daily sanitation are so important. Everywhere you go, always wash your hands!
Not everyone who comes in contact with C.difficile spores becomes symptomatic. As in the case of numerous other infectious agents, C.difficile carriers are present in the general population. In my research, I have noted that it generally takes the combination of the ingestion of a C. difficile spore, plus a disruption of intestinal flora by antibiotics to develop a full blown infection. C. difficile spores will usually lie dormant inside the colon until you take an antibiotic. However, there have been cases where patients have developed Pseudomembranous colitis without having taken antibiotics.
The true nature of the beast, C. difficile produces two known toxins that inflame and damage the lining of the intestines. The toxins destroy the normal colon cells and produce pseudomembranes, which are visualized on colonoscopy as yellowish-white plaques of inflammatory cells on the interior surface of the colon. The hallmark symptom of C. difficile colitis is mild to severe watery diarrhea, although you can have C.difficile without severe diarrhea in milder cases. Other symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea and weight loss. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
In severe cases, C.difficile can lead to life threatening complications such as toxic megacolon, peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity), perforation of the colon, sepsis, and death. Stool testing is the most widely used test for diagnosing C. difficile colitis. There are two different toxins, toxin A and toxin B, both capable of causing severe infection. In my experience, I found an alarming number of hospitals and laboratories only test for toxin A, when in fact, patients can be ill with toxin B, as I was.
It is also important to do 3 stool tests from 3 separate bowel movements in order to ensure accuracy. The testing for C.difficile toxins is far from perfect, as false negative tests can occur. Often a colonoscopy is necessary to look for the pseudomembranes on the inside of the large intestine.
Antibiotic associated diarrhea can occur within days of completing a round of antibiotics, or up to several months later. Therefore, if you have new symptoms of diarrhea, it is important that you see your doctor. Most antibiotics can cause diarrhea, so it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of this common drug side effect with the symptoms of C.difficile. If your symptoms persist, it is always a good idea to do the stool testing to make sure.
Ironically, the treatment for C.difficile is more antibiotics! In patients with mild colitis, stopping the antibiotic that caused the infection may be enough to cause the colitis and diarrhea to subside. There are only two drugs, Flagyl�/metronidazole), and vancomycin that treat the infection. A typical first-time course of treatment is 2 weeks of either medication. Relapse rates for C.difficile are extremely high. Because C.difficile forms spores which are very difficult to eradicate, and the infection often persists despite adequate treatment. It can take multiple courses of Flagyl� or vancomycin to eradicate the infection.
Relapses can occur even a day or so after stopping treatment. The surviving spores can hatch, multiply and produce toxins again, and again. It is a vicious cycle, and one that is tough to break. Relapses of C.difficile can require many months of Flagyl� or oral vancomycin therapy. Many GI doctors are now experimenting with a newer drug Xifaxan� for relapsing C.difficile.
Because of the resilience of this germ, physicians are experimenting with pulse dose antibiotic therapy. Pulse dose therapy involves treating the patient for several days with antibiotics, followed by several days of no medication. The idea is that by stopping and starting antibiotic therapy, the C.difficile spores hatch, and are then killed by the next pulse of antibiotics. Physicians also use long, tapering courses of vancomycin, where the doses are gradually reduced over several months.
Doctors are struggling to find new ways to treat this stubborn bacterium. It has been labeled as a ``super bug,'' and has reached epidemic proportions in some areas. In Quebec, Canada, an outbreak of C.difficile killed over 200 patients last year. The outbreak in Quebec was the start of a new, virulent strain of C. difficile that produces large amounts of both toxins A and B. The epidemic strain produces more severe symptoms than the common strains, and has a much higher mortality rate. In addition, the currently available diagnostic tests cannot distinguish the new strain from the older strains.
Some physicians use cholestyramine (Questran�) to help remove the toxins caused by C. difficile. Cholestyramine, typically used for reducing cholesterol levels, binds bile acids and other substances in the intestine. It is thought that by binding the toxins produced by C. difficile, they will be removed faster from the intestine, causing less damage.
Cholestyramine can be difficult to tolerate because it can bind to the antibiotics, pulling them out of the body, thus weakening the treatment protocol. For this reason, cholestyramine is usually used following a course of Flagyl� or vancomycin. In addition, proper supplementation of beneficial intestinal ``good'' bacteria is essential. Patients must try to restore the balance of intestinal flora. This is why it is so important to take probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus bifidus, and saccharomyces boulardii both during, and after antibiotic therapy. It is also essential that you replenish your ``good'' bacteria by using the highest quality probiotic you can find.
It is important to avoid antidiarrheal medications such as Imodium�, since diarrhea is the body's way of removing the toxins from the colon. If you take antidiarrheal medications, the toxins remain in the colon for prolonged periods of time, and make the infection worse. Most patients have to stick to a very bland diet, and stay very well hydrated during acute illness.
According to Dr. Kelly Karpa, author of ``Bacteria for Breakfast,'' in order to obtain the best results from probiotics, supplements are often necessary. Dr. Karpa explains on her website, bacteriaforbreakfast.com, that ``...studies have repeatedly shown that probiotic products from different manufacturers vary tremendously. Some products don't contain any where near the numbers of live microorganisms that they claim to possess.
As consumers, you don't want to waste your money on a product that contains few (if any) live bacteria when you purchase it. Likewise, you don't want to purchase a product that doesn't possess a strain of bacteria that has truly been found to be safe and effective.'' Dr. Karpa goes on to explain the importance of probiotic supplementation both during and after any antibiotic therapy.
In my experience, I found the best probiotics to take should have high numbers (billions of living organisms) per dose. After I completed my antibiotic treatment for C.difficile, the products which helped me most were Theralac�, Florastor�, and VSL #3�. Theralac� is one of the highest quality probiotics available. With 20 billion CFU (colony forming units) per capsule, Theralac� helps reduce bloating, gas, heartburn, poor digestion, constipation and diarrhea, safely and effectively. Florastor�, in particular, has been useful in treating C.difficile because it is beneficial yeast (saccharomyces boulardii) which can inhibit the replication of C.difficile, and out compete it for space inside the colon. VSL # 3� contains 450 billion live bacteria per dose, and can be a great help to anybody on antibiotic therapy.
It is important to remember that what you ingest daily probiotic wise is what you have in your intestines. Most probiotics do not multiply inside of you. Any time you require antibiotics, daily supplementation with a high quality probiotic such as Theralac�, and choosing foods with active cultures in them such as yogurt, are essential to prevent C.difficile.
During my bout with C.difficile, I found it alarming at how easy it is to be misdiagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or the stomach flu, when a potentially life-threatening bacterium was eating away at my insides. These ``super bugs'' are becoming more common and dangerous. It can be very frightening situation if you get a serious bacterial infection requiring antibiotics, when you have chronic C.difficile infection. Imagine the challenge of treating a chronic Lyme disease patient, with chronic relapsing C.difficile. You cannot take antibiotics, so you are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Luckily, there is a treatment of last resort for relapsing C.difficile, it is called fecal bacteriotherapy. This involves infusions of antibodies, by using fecal enemas from a healthy donor. Feces from non-infected donors are made into a suspension and administered as enemas to the patient. The normal bacteria from the donor's stool displace the C. difficile, and cure the patient. It may sound disgusting, but it can be a lifesaving treatment for people suffering from life threatening C.difficile colitis.
I was very fortunate to have been able to overcome C.difficile thanks to an excellent GI doctor, and modifications to my diet and lifestyle. Although the threat of ``super bugs'' and horrifying infections is very real, the human body has an amazing ability to heal. Remember that treatment for serious infections such as Lyme disease require long term antibiotic use.
The mistake most people make is when they insist on a prescription for antibiotics for a common cold. Antibiotics are necessary and life-saving medicine, with tremendous value. Using antibiotics without an accurate diagnosis should be discouraged. However, the benefits of properly prescribed antibiotics for legitimate reasons usually far outweigh the risk of developing C. difficile. Remember to read those warning labels, and always take your probiotics!
Thanks for all the information. Got the stool sample, Blake is off to the lab with it. It isn't watery, it is exactly like soft mud.
He is still feeling fine, acting normal, just hasn't had a solid bowel movement now in six days I think. He says they all look like that, like mud.
Do you think it could be something else, since it isn't so watery and he isn't sick or in pain?
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
The doctor's order just says:
Stool culture
C Difficile H Pylori
I could just copy it and bring in three samples three days in a row if that is really better.
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Only a mixture of bleach and water will "kill" c. diff.
Not soap and water and not lysol.
It is contagious and often a problem in hospitals and nursing homes.
I hope your son doesn't have it, but I know that
Everyone I've worked with that had C. diff
Had to have their clothes laundered in bleach,
Seperately from all others,
Utensils, etc. Gloves had to be worn when in the patient's room.
Not everyone knows about the bleach though.
Even hospital grade cleaner, unless it contains bleach,
Won't kill the germ.
Hope your little guy feels better soon.
If it is C. Diff, ask about precautions other family members should take.
As well as asking about his classmates.
Hoping for the best outcome for your little guy.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
I'm thinking more and more it is just a side effect of the Rocephin. His stool has absolutely no odor at all, not even the regular smelly odor. Sorry for the TMI, but odor was mentioned as an indicator.
He continues to have the wet muddy looking diarrhea, and we did bring the sample to the lab. But he has no symptoms and it is listed as a side effect of the Rocpehin. I mean he has no pain or other symptoms other than the diarrhea. It isn't really really watery.....like wet mud.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Just an update, his diarrhea has really increased today. He was only getting once a day, then yesterday twice a day, but today four times. The last time was in his pants, he couldn't even make it to the bathroom.
He is still reporting no symptoms, has no fever, and the stool has absolutely no smell to it at all.
I withheld all his evening meds. At the very least I think it is a side effect from the Rocephin.
Posted by billclo (Member # 12939) on :
quote:Originally posted by cactus: Billclo - ouch, the weight loss is no fun. I lost 10 lbs one week, during the worst of it. This time around there has been less weight loss but many ER and hosp visits.
How long did you take Tindamax?
6 months as I recall.
Posted by Alv (Member # 15192) on :
check this by VICTORIA BOWMAN .I already have ordered the COLON reflorastation for my son since a year ago.
Every time he would get diarea( due to his leaky gut and ruined by tick borne illness) I would inject this in HIS Rectum( sorry if I offend anybody).The probiotics will stop the diarea imidiatly .Also give him high dosages of probiotics and have him on HOLLIDAY DAYS ( stop antibiotics when you give this to him).
I also have treated my son with LIGHT and homepathic nosodes for it ( after did the testing from an ND in europe we found out and we ordered the NOSODES ) .Seems under control .
Progurt my as well help but your son is in antibiotics so is not worthit to try it now.Maybe in the future.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
So far today, he has only had diarrhea once. I am withholding his abx for now.
Now I have diarrhea also....and am unable to get out of bed, lower back pain, slept till 5 pm, very shaky and tremulous. Hoping it isn't the C word.
Posted by luvdogs (Member # 9507) on :
Omg I just read this whole thread. Did you get the florastor yet? Do you need anything? Really let me know if I can order anything or help in any way. How are YOU feeling now? When do you get the results back for Cody?
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
I didn't get anything yet, very herxy today and slept all day. But Ryan has informed me he had diarrhea today as well.
Cody's diarrhea cut back to just once this morning. I haven't had anymore. I am thinking reaction to the Rocephin? I didn't give it to him last night or tonight, but tonight did resume his orals.
If he has no more tomorrow then I'll assume it was a side effect. Question is, will he be able to continue on the Rocephin? And what can I do to prevent the diarrhea?
Posted by luvdogs (Member # 9507) on :
Tracy, what sorts of probiotics is he taking? And the rest of the family?
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Theralac, plus we have some others which I'd have to look to see what they are.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
His diarrhea seems to be stopping off the Rocephin. We withheld it the last two nights, and he only had one episode yesterday morning but none today.
Now if I build him up with Kefir, yogurt, and probiotics, do you think he will be able to safely take the Rocephin?
Posted by luvdogs (Member # 9507) on :
I think so / hope so??? I wonder if some of it could be coming from the GB effects of rocephin??? Is that partly why the diarrhea side-effect?
I think that you should get the florastor bc it seems like that one is specific to c diff per above people's recommendations. Or maybe run out and pick up the other one like it?
But not regular Jarrow-dophilus bc that is not the Saccharomyces Boulardii. Any way you can pick up the Jarrow Formulas Saccharomyces Boulardii at a health food store? I have left a message for my friend too who uses the florastor to see if he has any ideas. I will let you know if I learn anything interesting or useful.
Hopefully others will chime in with their ideas since I seem to be just repeating what others are saying since my brain is very mushy soggy these days lol!
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
OK, I just ordered him the Florastor from drugstore.com. It should be here in a few days.
Posted by Selection10 (Member # 19578) on :
The best hing for C Diff is a probiotic ENEMA. Empty out some probiotic pills, mix it in some warm water, and take it through an enema.
It is similar to a 'feacal transplant', a procedure of last resort for c. difficile infections -- it is where you get a donation of stool from a relative, then it is turnd into liquid and inserted into the intestines through an enema. Has a cure rate of about 95%
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Ugh, I thought I was done with this. I withheld Cody's Rocephin for 9 days, got him Florastor which I've been giving him twice a day, plus his regular Probiotic. I am ready to restart the Rocephin today.
Just now he tells me the diarrhea never stopped, yet he neglected to mention it to me. The first day off the Rocephin when I asked him he said it had stopped. But I guess it came back, later that day but he saw no reason to make me aware of this.
Today he tells me he had diarrhea four times, the most so far, though it has been daily. I am still going to restart his Rocephin. I never got the results of his stool culture. I did call Dr. J's office once last week but got no call back. I assumed it must be negative since no one called; their standard practice is to call only if you have a problem in your labs.
So now what???
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
I would contact Dr. J's office and let them know he is still having diarrhea, even off the meds and ask what they recommend next.
I believe someone suggested doing three stool cultures so you have a better chance of finding what is really there.
Of course it's a holiday weekend. Never fails!
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Of course. I was thinking of doing another culture. I photocopied the lab order just in case, when people were recommending the three. Maybe I'll just bring another one to the lab...IF I can find that copied lab slip.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i had c. difficile so bad i thought i was going to die. my poor butt was like hamburger....and the smell. i could go and the odor would go through the whole house.
my stomach and lower intestines also burned like you had put hot water in them. man, it HURT....
plus the nausea. i didn't vomit but wished i could.
also i was on a trip when it started and had to have long distance treatment. i was in utah!!!
ugh, never want to do that again. the flagyl did work tho but it took a couple of days.
thought i was going to end up in the hospital...
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
I guess I should have gotten a clue when Cody kept complaining about how sore and red his butt was; and that he kept using the Tucks. I just never thought to ask if he was still having diarrhea, I assumed he would tell me if he was!
Thank God for him if he does have C Diff, it isn't that bad. But there has to be some reason he still has this diarrhea and it didn't go away as I thought when I stopped his abx.
Dang it. He was nauseous yesterday and hanging head in toilet but didnt' vomit. He has very foul smelling gas.....
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
oh yeah, forgot the mention the "gas"....whew....smelled like a pig farm...foul, foul....
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Well, he still continues with the diarrhea today. I am giving him even more probiotics....hopefully not too many!
Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :
so sorry about all this, trace.
if i were you, i'd check on the lab results on this one to have peace of mind.
otherwise you are dealing with a bad case of antibiotic induced runs, and there are things you can do for that.
mo
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Yeah, I guess I can't find out now till Tuesday. What else can I do for the latter, I have him on all these probiotics but it isn't doing the trick!
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
The time that I tried taking activated charcoal, I couldn't go for three days.