c-diff infection with ileostomy

My wife has had an ileostomy about 5 years.  She has been diagnosed as having a c-diff infection and has severe diarrhea.  She was prescribed Flagyl and it does not seem to be helping after about 7 days.  She is a type I diabetic and has been a diabetic for 45 years  

Also, We have read that it is extremely rare for someone with an ileostomy to get  a c-diff infection.  How rare is this and what other options are there for treatment

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
I presume that she has undergone proctocolectomy with ileostomy.
These patients may develop c.diff enteritis. But this is a very entity and only about 15 cases reported in literature.
If she is not responding to flagyl, discuss with your doctor about using vancomycin.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.