IBS or C-diff?

I have had  bouts of diarrhea since May, 2010, after many antibiotics for 2 sinus infections.  My gastroenterology
doctor did a colonoscopy, small bowel study, stool culture & blood work. I already have chrones disease &
divertucula.  He did not see any changes in either of these & all tests came out negative.  He told me to take
imodium (immodium).  When I take the imodium (immodium), it will help control the diarrhea for a day.  I cannot go anywhere because
of the diarrhea problem.  I saw his physician's assistant on Nov.22, 2010.  I questioned her about the possibility
of C-diff.  She said that they would have seen the C-diff during colonoscopy.  She felt sure that I had IBS.
She wanted another stool culture done & prescription for Hyoscyamine for the IBS.  Also a strong over the
counter acidolphus pill & metamucil. Wanted me to eat a lot of fiber foods  Again the stool  culture did not show anything.  I understand that it is difficult to get an accurate diagnosis for the C-diff.  I have taken the IBS med & acidolphus for 2 weeks & have not had any improvements.  Is there a more positive way to get a diagnosis for
C-diff?    Thanks so much for any assistance.              Neva

[CalGal]

Neva, C. diff testing requires it be done in triplicate. It can be missed in a single sample. You may have to take probiotics for several weeks to note a difference. In addition, some probiotics work better than others for some individuals. You may want to consider trying a different brand if one doesn't seem to help.

IBS is a 'generic' catch-all for 'this person has a GI problem, bowel issues, pain, and we don't have any test results that show anything.' If you've got Crohn's, you don't have IBS. What medications are you taking for the Crohns?

[CalGal]

Neva, C. diff testing requires it be done in triplicate. It can be missed in a single sample. You may have to take probiotics for several weeks to note a difference. In addition, some probiotics work better than others for some individuals. You may want to consider trying a different brand if one doesn't seem to help.

IBS is a 'generic' catch-all for 'this person has a GI problem, bowel issues, pain, and we don't have any test results that show anything.' If you've got Crohn's, you don't have IBS. What medications are you taking for the Crohns?

[nevagayle1]

Thanks so much for responding.  I am taking Asacol for the Crohn's disease.
I take 400mg - 6 tabs daily.