I was diagnosed two days ago and need some advice.

[melissaann8118]

I had a colonoscopy two days ago and the results have not come back yet but I did however test positive for C diff. I know absolutly nothing about this except what I have read online. I dont have the normal symptoms of this disease, I havent gone to the bathroom since the colonoscopy and the night before the colonoscopy 2 laxatives and 14 caps of miralax didnt make me go. I was concerned because it seems everyone else has opposite problem. Also, my stomach feels like it is going to explode from all the bloating and cramping and my doctor's nurse doesnt seem to want to help me. I am very confused and scared at this point. They have me on Flagyll and Xifaxan and protonix. I was reading the side effects of xifaxan and it can cause c diff?? I feel very scared and honestly, feel very alone right now. I have had a fever since monday night and my hands and feet are clammy. I dont know if this is normal with this or not? Any advice would be greatly appriciated. Melissa :)

[AThurston]

Melissa, I have read on this board of others that have/had c diff that didn't have D either. Flagyl does have some nasty side effects and makes one feel worse before they start feeling better. The bloating and cramping could be left over from the colonoscopy,the flagyl and/or the c diff. Most people with c diff do have a temperature, that should get better the longer you are on the Flagyl. The colonoscopy has most likely stirred your gastrointestinal system up more up even more. With c diff the healing process starts after treatment is completed. Good personal hygiene, handwashing is most important. Cleaning of bathroom, household with bleach and h20 is a step to kill off spores that may be around the household. you have to be your own advocate and be persistant with your dr's nurse, don't give up , if you are feeling constipated, ask for a recommendation. This sounds gross but maybe prune juice with miralax might be beneficial. But always check with your dr, xifaxin may need to be decreased some, I also would double check w/the dr regarding the protonix. Gastric reflux, indigestion & acid stomach meds are not recommended for those with c diff or have had it. Zantac (rantinidine) is one of the safer meds for those problems. There is a med/treatment forum on site that can provide you with more info. I am not a dr or am I giving medical advice, these are my experiences and opinions. I wish you well soon.. Please do keep us posted......

[Kathy George]

I’m a little confused…but if I understand you correctly…. You stated that you haven’t had motions since your colonoscopy (2 days ago), but you did go the day of the colonoscopy. Mostly likely, the clean-out from all of the prep prior to the procedure completely eliminated all feces from the intestinal tract. It will take time for you to have another movement. The cup (intestinal tract) is usually half full and/or half empty and this is what you need in order to have proper stool elimination. Most individuals do not have a BM right after this procedure. It takes a few days for that cup to be replenished. It appears that your doctor is treating your infection aggressively and I have no reason not to believe you will be cured with the first round of antibiotic therapy. Xifaxan is used to treat C-Diff; It’s probably not advisable to be reading all that fine print as it can make anyone panic. Fever is normal during active C-Diff and the clammy hands and feets could be from anxiety and/or side effects of the Flagyl medication. I think you will be just fine!!!! Take care now and please keep us updated!!!!!
Kathy

[melissaann8118]

Thank you so much for your responses....it really has put my mind at ease. I need to clarify, I'm not a "regular" daily bathroom user. Before my colonoscopy it had been over a week since I had gone and the prep for the procedure took a lot to get it going. He had me finally drink magnisium sulfate and that did it. I am definatly anxious right now because I am 31 and have a son with a heart condition that I don't want to be exposed to this. It was not what I was expecting to hear when they called me. I have been through so much this year (double jaw surgery and sinus surgery) this has about put me over the edge. I am trying so hard to keep my head up. I appriciate the responses so much and is very reassuring. Thanks again!

[getwellsoon]

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 smallpercentage does not and can suffer for months. Everyone eventually recovers, however, unless other factors are involved such as advanced age or severe health problems. 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 and visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Melissa I wouldn't worry too much about not having a BM yet. It took me 5 days for one after my colonoscopy. As far as the fever, it will probably take a few more days for the meds to kick in but if you continue with this or if you are so very anxious I would contact my Dr. now. If it were me I would insist on speaking with the Dr. about the cramping and bloating, he could call in a script to help with these symptoms. I wouldn't be satisfied with just taking his nurses word for anything. The anxiety and nervousness are par for the course with CDiff, we all go through it. These are only my opinions and I'm not a Dr. but I wouldn't let your symptoms go on especially if you are upset and fearful. Call your Dr. back and insist on some help. Welcome to the site and we are here for you and will keep you in our prayers.

[Kathy George]

Constant constipation is another issue and of great concern!!!!! Have you consulted with a GI in regard too this particular health issue????? I’m believe a specific diet would be recommended along with stool softeners, etc. On another note, proper hygiene is all that is needed to ward off contagious spores. A combination of bleach and water is effective to assure proper cleanliness, especially in the bathroom. I am not a doctor and the above post is solely my opinion!!!!! Take care and please keep us updated!!!!
Kathy

[Kathy George]

My grandchildren have constipation all the time; result of picky eaters and no veggies in their daily diet. Many adults fall within the same line in dietary needs. Time to solicit dietary feedback from your doctor!!!!

[beth22]

Constipation CAN be part of c diff. I had it and I have checked with several doctors, GIs and IDs. With my first relapses, I got C with tons of M and some B. So, it is possible. Did you actually ever test positive for c diff? I don't see it in your post here. C diff doesn't usually cause C, but if it does it also gives other symptoms like the M and B that I had. SIBO or some other types of IBS can give C. The treatment for SIBO is Flagyl together with Xifaxan - maybe that is what your doctor is treating and not c diff.

[Bobbie]

I was one of the "rare" exceptions. After a month of D during my last episode of C. diff., I developed C. but kept testing positive on the PCR. Difficult to know what to do. (After years of IBS following lengthy episodes of C. diff. in the '90's, I finally "went to the other side" & developed C B4 my latest bout of C. diff.) Returned to it after a month of high-dosage Vanco.

After years of being on this site, I heard of few cases of C. as a symptom.

I ate lots of raw veggies & prunes and doc. suggested Benefiber which is "gentler" than some of the other fiber products. BTW, its manufacturer (Novartis), has stopped sending it to stores so when I tried to buy it again, I couldn't I called & got a "run around." They have recalled another of their products - Gax-X - but not the softgels. They've also stopped making some of their animal products - a heartworm med. I've had my dog on forever. Don't know what is going on.

I found a similar product at Walgreen's - Fiber Powder with same effect.

Warning: DO NOT try any of these suggestions unless you check with your doc. lst. I am not in the medical field and my only medical knowledge is from "The school of hard knocks." Some docs. don't recommend fiber.

[melissaann8118]

When they did my colonoscopy they also did a stool sample that tested positive for C-Diff. They did the colonoscopy bc 3 weeks prior I had D and went to work and filled the toilet up with blood....sorry for the tmi. At the ER they thought I was bleeding internally but the cat scan came back normal so they sent me home with levbid. I waited to call the doctor because I just thought I had a bug and I was fine. The cramps started again so I called the doctor they reccomended who is a colon specialist not a GI doctor. They got me in that day and had me scheduled 3 days later for a colonoscopy and stool test. I still havent gotten the results from my colonoscopy only know they found 2 polyps. This has to be the most frustrating year of my life. I go back Tuesday to retest and although I feel better, my stomach still hurts after meals and then the nausea sets in. I am praying I test negative.

[getwellsoon]

A retest will put your mind at ease. I had stomach pain after meals and also the nausea. These are all common symptoms during and after CDiff. It takes quite a while to get back to normal. I'm sure when you go back to the colon specialist he will give you more info on what exactly is going on in your colon. Try to relax and are you able to take anything for the nausea and pain? I would solicit feedback from your Dr. and ask what you can take to alleviate your symptoms. Until you see him I hope you feel better and keep us posted. You are in our prayers. Carol