MS and CDiff

[COCO49]

Does anyone have any experience with MS and CDiff.  I've had MS since 1987 relapsin/remitting - mostly in remission just some mild symptoms.  At the end of August I came down with CDiff with no previous antibiotic use.  SIx weeks - two procedures, 10 dr, visits 3 weeks of antibiotics and one horrific er visit and I still have it.  

They've mentioned since MS has the autoimmune component it may have contributed.  I haven't been to work in six weeks.  I have three kids, a husband and an elderly mother who all depend on me and I can't function.  

[Chardan10]

My husband has MS and also has C Diff with no prior antibiotic use.  We are experiencing our 4th bout with C Diff and it very debilitating.  He got over the first bout and was C Diff free for 8 months and then it came back.  It has greatly affected his mobility and strength.  

[patientx]

Unfortunately, I did have experience with both MS and C-diff.  But my C-diff resulted when I was taking antibiotics.  I was lucky - my case resolved with one course (10 days) of Flagyl.  From what I understand, the standard treatment if the first course doesn't work is a second course of flagyl, and then they try Vancomycin.

I agree with using the probiotics, both while you are on antibiotics for the c-diff, and for a period after.  I don't know if it helped or not, but I did take the S. Boulardii, as was prviously mentioned.  I took it during my course of abx, and then for a month after.  I did read where this is given as standard treatment in some European hospitals.

Also, I went crazy with cleaning at the time of my infection.  I cleaned the bathroom about every other day, using bleach.  I had read that it wasn't clear if the bug was resistant in some people, or if re-infection was a problem.  So I didn't want to take any chances.

[Quixotic1]

Hi, and welcome to our forum!  Karen is right.  There is no reason that MS would cause or contribute to a Cdiff infection.  There is no compromise of the immune system in MS such as would lead to increasxed infections.  This is a common misconception.  A part of our immune systems are hyperactive.

Also0 the DMDs do not suppress the immune system and we are not more susceptible to infections while on them.

I also agree with Karen that agressive treatment with probiotics along with your antibiotic treatments might be helpful.  The yogurt she was referring to is Activia, but it is marketed mostly for regularity.  I can show you good studies on Lactobacillus GG (brand - Culterelle) that show that it is effective in preventing the severe diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.

C diff can develop without prior antibiotic treatment, but I don't know much about this.  Have you had an Infectious Disease consult?

I might add that C diff - or any type of infection -can be a potent stimulation for an MS relapse.  that may be adding to your feeling so poorly.

If I get a chance I'll also check and see what the literature has to say.

Quix

[Karen99]

Hi and welcome to the MedHelp MS Forum.  Sorry to hear about your bout with cdiff.  I have no experience with it but found this:

"There is evidence that treatment with probiotics -- good bacteria that repopulate the gut -- makes antibiotic treatment more effective and prevents relapse. Saccharomyces boulardii appears to be particularly effective, although good results have been seen with Lactobacillus species as well."

There is a new product available (I can't remember the name) that is found in the dairy section, usually near the yogurts.  It is in a liquid form and sold as a "probiotic."  

Perhaps this could help you with getting rid of it once and for all.

I doubt that MS would directly or indirectly cause a cdiff infection.

Take good care of yourself.  I know that is easier said than done with all that you have on your plate.  I'll take a look around and see what else I can find for you that could he helpful.