Vanco allergy feeling blue

[hopesprings]

Hello all, I am so glad to find this site. I was diagnosed with c. diff (positive stool test) a month ago. I got it from taking clindamycin for a tooth infection; this was a substitute for penicillin which I suddenly developed an allergy to last year. Only on the clindamycin for three days and boom, my life is changed forever it seems. Flagyl made me so sick I was bedridden and had to come off of it. One day on vancomycin and I had a severe allergic reaction: throat closing up, wheezing, rash, etc. A trip to the ER and I was off vanco. I've now seen an infectious disease specialist. I've been trying to use some alternative therapies like probiotics as well as food grade hydrogen peroxide. I thought I was better and slipped a couple of days on the hydrogen peroxide and now I'm sick again. the ID specialist told me if I got really sick again he was going to have to admit me to the ER observation unit and give me another antibiotic which is similar to the vanco while the ER doctors stand over me with a crash-cart. I thought that was behind me. I think I'm just having a low day, as I stopped the things that were working thinking that I was "better" -HA. I just ordered the book "Bacteria for Breakfast" as someone on this site recommended, and I hope to get some ideas from that. Has anyone else heard of a severe allergic reaction to vanco? Any other miracle antibiotics for this? Thanks for being here...

[gm37]

I am so sorry that you are having trouble with c- diff. It can be so overwhelming.
I finally took Dificid and have had good luck with that. Probiotics can be a lot of help after your treatment to help get your good bacteria healthy again.
Your doctor sounds like he is watching you carefully. Some people have had great successs with fecal transplants. If you cannot tolerate the antibiotics, this might be something to think about.
I know you are frustrated and that is so normal with c- diff. It is just A very dufficult condition to deal will. I hope you have better luck with the next treatment!
Keep us posted.
Anne

[getwellsoon]

So sorry you are having a rough time. I would definitely try the Dificid. Many people have been cured by it. I took it and am playing the waiting game now after a Vanco taper. Hope today you feel better and don't have to go through that crash cart scenario.

[hopesprings]

Thanks guys, and I do feel better. Good to know on the difficid. I'm not sure which antibiotic the ID specialist put in my chart. I'm thinking I'll have another appointment with him after I do some more research. He was very knowledgeable and caring. It is very nice to know that there are people like you guys who truly understand what I am going through!

[beth22]

There was a poster, Debdee who was allergic to vanco as well. She was able to tolerate Flagyl and she says she also felt good on Xifaxan. Xifaxan does not work on all strains of c diff though - Dificid is a better choice, but that is up to your doctor to decide. Dificid is specifically for c diff, while Xifaxan is not.

[hopesprings]

Thanks Beth22. p.s. my name is Beth too! my username means "hope springs eternal". :)

[Bobbie]

hope springs eternal,

Hi - First let me give you the standard introduction: Welcome to the site. Read the first forum ALL USERS READ THIS FIRST and its subtopics - especially the announcements: PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU POST and GUIDELINES FOR POSTING TO OUR DISCUSSION BOARDS. They will guide you in using the site and answer some of the most frequent questions. Read Dr. Borody's and Dr. McDonald's articles and some of the topics in CDI - formerly FAQ - especially Hygiene, Nutrition, and Testing.

The majority (almost 80%) recovers with one to two rounds of Flagyl or Vancocin, but an unlucky small percentage does not and can suffer for months. Everyone eventually recovers, however, unless other factors are involved such as advanced age or severe health problems. There are new treatments “out there” now such as infusions and the new drug Dificid.

If antibiotics contributed to your c diff, be careful about taking them again. (See CDI - Antibiotics). Some people can tolerate them without a problem; some develop c diff again. (See Dr. Borody's article).

For further information see http://www.peggymemorial.org or peggymemorial on Facebook. Also check out the better medical web sites like the Mayo Clinic and Web MD sites.

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. No one will understand what you are going through except someone who has/had C. diff. It is a strange, unpredictable disease. Your best protection (for you and for others) is thorough hand washing and good hygiene.

Although we all know how devastating this disease can be -- physically, mentally, and financially -- this is not a fund-raising site. Anyone attempting to raise funds through the site will be permanently banned as a member.

Again, welcome. Remember, the “odds” are in your favour.

Several others on the site have been unable to tolerate Vanco. but as the others said, there are alternatives.

I love the quote "hope springs eternal." Best of luck. Keep us posted, Beth.

[AThurston]

I welcome you on board too!! I'm sorry that you are going thru c diff and allergic to vanc... I just feel awful for you.. C diff is so overwheming. There are some other tx options that you should discuss with your dr. This site has a wealth of information and many people that share their experiences of what has worked for them. One forum you might want to explore is Treatments. Try not to get discouraged, stay positive and know we are here for you. best wishes! Please keep us informed.