First Post

[Jule]

Hi Everyone,

So glad I found this site. I was diagnosed with C-Diff in November of last year. My infection resulted from heavy use of antibiotics. I had a traumatic birth with my daughter in June of 2014. I ended up with an infection in my c-section incision. It required several rounds of antibiotics. A few months later I developed c-diff. It has come back several times. I've been on Flagyl and Dificid. I haven't tested again lately. In April of this year I had flare up. Shortly after my muscles began to twitch. I have been terrified ever since that I have a deadly nerve disorder. I was evaluated at the Mayo Clinic in May for the c-diff. No one mentioned that the c-diff and twitching could be related. I had an EMG done and I belive the diagnosis was Peripheral Nueropathy. I go back next month because I am terrified something is very wrong with me. Ever since the infection I have really struggled with health issues. My OB allowed me to go very much past my due date with my daughter and then I labored for over 30 hrs before he agreed to a c-section. I was very sick by the time they opened me up, which is likely the reason for the inital infection. Im grateful to have my daughter however it's been a rough go since last yr. If anyone has had any similar symptoms please feel free to share.

Thank you!

[seekingcure]

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.)

I just wanted to welcome you to the site. I'm so sorry you have had so many problems after the birth of your baby when you should be enjoying getting to know her.

I don't know if you took Flagyl for your c-diff infection, but it has the known side effect of peripheral neuropathy, which can last for months for some, but hopefully will eventually go away. I had some mild tingling in my fingers and toes while I was taking it, but it did resolve shortly after I finished the Flagyl. If you are still having symptoms of peripheral neuropathy or the twitching, it would probably be helpful to be evaluated by a neurologist. Are you free of c-diff currently are still struggling with it? Hope you can find out what is going on and things get better for you soon. Enjoy that precious baby.

[Jule]

Thank you so much for your post! Very helpful! I was treated at least twice with Flagyl. I was going to re-test in late July however I found out I am expecting my 2nd baby! My dr decided that we should hold off. I still get some symptoms but I think I've improved since the onset of symptoms last year. As far as the twitching goes I saw a ALS Specialist (a Nuerologist) at Mayo's. He diagnosed me with Benign Fasiculation Syndrome. Basically means harmless twitching. I have felt worse since seeing him (stiffness in joints, pain body wide) so I'm seeing him again soon. Needless to say this whole experience has driven up my health anxiety. Thank you for your kind words about my daughter, she is amazing. I switched to a new OB and feel this birth will be much easier.

[beth22]

C difficile toxins can also cause joint pains and muscle aches. So can IBS and SIBO because they too, produce toxins.