C Diff

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My 80 year old mother was just diagnosed with C diff and is on medication now to clear up the problem.

She lives with me,and I have heard alot of conflicting reports about whether or not this is highly contageous.  Could you please clear this up for me?  Obviously, if you come in direct contact with the feces, this is contagious, but just living with her is there a problem?

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[Brenda]

Well I'v had C-Diff for almost a year now.  The antibiotics they
use to treat this I have an allergy too.. I was hospitalized for two and a half weeks and almost died.  I am now on a special bland diet, I try and eat the foods I like and it brings it right back.  My case was severe enough that I almost died and I now have another problem called "Irritated Bowel Sydrome" which doesn't help when you are being treated for c-diff.  I would like to know if there is a total cure for this.  I go to the doctors now twice aweek and see my GI doctor once a week.  I'm on other drugs to take away the pain and discomfort, but I still live a full life.  Does this disease cause you to become tired alot easier, or take away pep and drive?  My strength disappears and I get lite headed alot more.

I have alot more to say, but I will come back on later.

[hedy]

Is C diff contagious through airborne? Can I get it by just being in the same room with someone who has it?

[hedy]

Is C diff contagious through airborne? Can I get it by just being in the same room with someone who has it?

[marie]

C-diff is very contagous,  The spores can live for years on any surface, even though it is an anorobic bacteria which means it can live without oxygen.  simple bleach can be used to wash clothing, wipe surfaces in the bathroom, etc.  Eating yogurt will help replinish the good bacteria which was destroyed by the antibiotic.

[helen s]

my step mother has been on antibiotics for up to 10 days twice to clear up c diff caused by antibiotics she was given to clear up pneumonia which killed the good bacteria as well as the bad. after a few days off the antibiotics to clear up the diarea it comes back. this has been going on for weeks in a nursing home she is in for rehab for her weakness and a slight stroke. she is 92 yrs old and is losing weight and eating very little.she has been very healthy prior to these recent incidents. is c diff serious and difficult to cure?

[HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf]

C. diff is contagious, particulalry if stool is smeared onto different articles.  Handwashing is essential to prevent spread of the bacteria.

This information is presented for educational purposes.  ASk specific questions to your personal physician.