Get it early

[careful]

hello

I care about what I learn and how I do so. My sister neglected her symptoms of CDiff until it was so advanced that 9-11 was called and shes been in hospital ever since. It is going to be a 6K bill to clean this infection out of her rental apartment as she lost control on rugs and had poor hygiene throughout. I can only say that if you suffer, get educated, clean with bleach on the surfaces of your home, get tested, avoid cross contamination, encourage repeated visits if possible (to your doc) to aid in your healing- wash your hands-I am certainly far from an expert, but I get it- this infection will kill you left untreated. Take action, get results- get better- overuse of antibiotics is a playing card of increases. Doesn't mean that CDiff sufferers are dirty- but in the big picture it can be managed with good practises- if you suffer from this I am empathic- but don't wait until the costs are your overall health- or pocketbook- or life, because this hardy germ will.....take that.

After all I have come to be forced to realize with this virus for my sisters sake, I am compelled to join this forum, even if I can simply offer support, for this life threatening issue is a true epidemic.

If I can offer support, I will, whole heartily. I sympathize with your condition.

[Lisa33]

STANDARD INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to the site. Read the first forum “All Users Read This First” and subtopics “Site History” and “Information and Guidelines for Posting to our Discussion Boards.” (Note limits on posting.) This will guide you in using the site and answer some of your questions. Read Dr. Borody's articles. Also see the topics under “CDI” – particularly Recent CDC Report, C. diff. Bible, Tests, Antibiotics, Hygiene, and Nutrition.
“Doctors” lists physicians our posters recommended and also a worldwide list of C. diff. specialists with contact information. (Many perform FMT's.) See the forum “FMT’s and FE’s” or “Media Reports” for new information on C. diff.
The majority of patients (about 70%) recover with one to two rounds of Flagyl, vancomycin, or Dificid. An unfortunate small percentage doesn’t and can suffer for months. Most recover unless there are factors such as advanced age or other severe health problems. New treatments include FMT's, which have a high cure rate. Other drugs and treatments are in the pipeline, and there is increased recognition of C. diff. 20l6 will be a year of many advances and HOPE.
Help us make others aware of C. difficle – which will lead to further advances in treating and/or preventing the infection. If antibiotics contributed to your C. diff, be careful about taking them. Some people tolerate them; some develop C. diff again. Don’t take medications for C. diff. unless you are tested.
For more information, see other support groups including http://www.peggyfoundation.org, Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) Support Group, FMT Discussion, Fecal Transplant Foundation, C Diff Foundation, and the UK Support Site. There is also information on some of the better medical sites like Mayo's, Medscape, and WebMD, and the CDC website. Don't use "Dr. Google" to diagnose yourself.
This is a support site not a medical site. We can’t give you medical advice but can tell you what worked for us and offer support. The best protection for you and others is thorough hand washing (soap and water are preferable) and good hygiene by you, those around you, and your health care providers.
No one will understand what you are going through except someone who has/had this unpredictable disease. All of our moderators and frequent posters had/have C. diff. (or a loved one with it) and know how physically, emotionally, and financially disabling it is.
Again, welcome. Remember, the odds are in your favor. (End of letter.)

Welcome to this site, but so sorry that your sister is going through this awful illness. I hope that she is improving. C-diff can be dangerous and deadly, but most do recover. Unfortunately, it can take longer for some to recover than others. We are all here to offer whatever support and info that we can through our own experiences. If you have any specific questions or concerns, do not hesitate to post.

Lisa