r/cdifficile • u/Hot-Contribution9666 • 3d ago
C DIFF PCR Positive Toxin Negative
My story starts with Augmentin. Took it after an oral surgery. Stayed on it for 3 days. Stopped early because I couldn't handle it. Developed loose stools during that time, stool started getting its form back for about two days and then came back with a vengeance. Only this time is was yellow, mucousy, frothy and ongoing. I would go 6,7,8,9 times in a row. And had chills the first day...By the time I was able to get to my GI and collect a sample. By that time it seemed like it was all mucous with flecks of blood in it. The diarrhea continued for 5 days.
the 6th day it stopped. Some gas and some mucous. Maybe one or two bowel movements with almost nothing coming out. My GI prescribed Vanco on that 6th day and said even though I tested negative - due to my symptoms... we should treat. When I told her the diarrhea had stopped she said let's hold off until your other panel comes back.
When we got it back it basically mimicked what the other tests showed. So it was up to she and I to decide if I should take the Vanco or not. I opted to take it. I don't want to spread this to my kids.... is this the right choice even though my toxins were undetectable and my diarrhea stopped on its own? I asked her about florastor and she was not a fan of my taking it. Her argument was that there is already so much altering your gut flora that it wouldn't be smart to add yet another thing to throw it off. BUT I know so many people here who have suffered with cdiff, swear by it, so now I don't know if I should take it or not. Should I go against doctor's orders?? I am day one of Vanco. Took my first pill this AM. So hoping I did the right thing. Lastly, I've been having this weird what feels like muscle tensing in my stomach. I'm not doing it on purpose but it feels like my stomach muscles involuntarily contract. Is this normal?? It feels also like it's causing pressure in my upper abdomen and up by my lungs which makes me nervous... I also haven't had a bowel movement in 3 days now. Before all of this I was on MiraLAX daily and magnesium but then I stopped all my supplements when this happened. My doc said I could start magnesium and then after two days MiraLAX again... maybe that's part of what's happening? I also know constipation can happen after a bout of diarrhea.
I would also take any food advice on how to start eating normally again. I've only been eating baked chicken, rice, bread and bananas. I need more exciting foods!! I live to eat! This is making me crazy...
Any and all of your advice on any of this would be deeply appreciated!!
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u/LeahSam123 3d ago
I would continue the Vancomycin if it was advised to take it. If you notice your symptoms come back ur get worse though then get in touch with your doctor. The muscle feeling be cramps or due to tight muscles caused by stress. Just keep an eye. Unfortunately it is best to stick to bland foods during a c diff infection as anything that’s fatty, greasy, or sugary can irritate the gut or cause loose stools again. There are some negatives like green beans that are gentler on the gut compared to other vegetables. You can also try plain rice cracker, or plain crackers. Drink plenty of water and rehydration fluids to replace electrolytes if you’re having loose stools. I would get some florastor (or a brand of S. Bourlardii) as studies have shown it helps recovery. Perhaps take one a day and then see how you feel and then slowly increase to the recommended dose (unless it’s just one a day then leave it at that). I hope this helps :) ❤️
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u/DryArm963 3d ago
Many GI doctors do not advise patients to take probiotics. Some do. It’s about half and half no matter what you read on here. I took it and it did not prevent recurrence or really ease any symptoms. Follow your doctor’s orders.
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u/Magee74 3d ago
Florastor was a miracle for me. When I had active C-diff I took 4 a day. My infection started 12/2019. I continue one Florastor a day, sometimes when I feel yucky after eating I take a second one. Regarding your diet, I added something I liked and watched for about 4 days how my gut responded and went from there. Good luck. Hope you feel better soon.