Clostridium Difficile

[hwygourmet]

My father 75 year old man, began experiencing the symtoms of Clostridium Difficile on July 24, 2009. August 18 to August 21 he was in the hospital. He was released and told to take Vancomycin.

He was a very active physically fit man of 190 pounds. He has lost 30+ pounds in the last 20 days and still cannot keep food in. The doctors have prescribed a low residue diet, and he continues to lose weight and strength.

Is this a natural progression of the disease. Are there articles I can read that help us understand this condition?

We are very concern. Any input is appreciated.

[whisperwolf]

I had C.Diff a year and a half ago and I will tell you that sometimes the toxins from the c.diff will cause a lot of pain and will make you feel ill for a long time.  Since you had it for so long undiagnosed, your body will take a long time to recover.  Be sure to get on probiotics.  I take Acidophilis and Sacchromyces yeast tablets.  Also, there is a type of powder which they can give you I can't remember what it is called that will bind toxins in the gut.  That will help too.  You can still relapse.  I did three times and if you do, have the doctor put you on Xafaxan.  It is a really good medication that specifically targets the gut and is usually used for travellers diarrhea.  The feeling like you have to pee a lot might be a urinary tract infection.  Just a warning;  since you have had C. diff once, be very careful about antibiotics.  If you have to go on antibiotics again, load up on probiotics.  Next time you have diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days, go to the doctor!  Do not suffer for so long!!!!!! Hugs....Get well soon.

[CariLynne]

i have had C.diff for 2 1/2 months. I have only been diagnosed for 2 weeks. Im on Vanco 4 times a day. I am about to be done with the medicine, and not well yet. I have been sick for so long, I dont even know what to do anymore. The Vanco has helped the D* but my stomach still hurts and I am still sensitive to food. Im so tired all the time and I just feel like I have to pee every 25 mins. Is that normal?? I am want to go see my GI doc tomorrow because I am so scared of that pain coming back. I feel like I would go crazy if it happens again. I live on baby food rice cereal for 2 months. I did not eat meat for 2 months. I just want to know if I need to take the medicine and not stop because I dont want to relapse. I am so glad you all are here to talk to. I am so sorry everyone has had so much trouble. I had no idea it was this bad and long.  I thought I would take Vanco and it would be over. I missed 2 hours past when I was to take my medicine and I was sick and cramping and I wa so scared. Im taking 125 mg 4 times a day.

Thank you for letting me talk! Cari Little Rock AR

[CalGal]

Hwygourmet, go to cdiffsupport.org and read the info there. Also check out the posts. You'll find a lot of people who have either had it, or have it, and you'll find a lot of help and support.

If your father isn't working with an infectious disease doc, my suggestion would be for him to seek one out. C. diff can be tricky to treat and it can be difficult to get rid of. You want to do everything right so the problem doesn't reoccur or cause future problems.