Spores

[Dona Donato]

I was told that once you get c diff you alway have the spores that the spores stay with you for life.Does anyone know if this is true? Dona

[Bobbie]

Dona,
Read Dr. Borody's article. Yes, the spores can stay with you for life but not necessarily cause further problems. This is why it's important to stay away from antibiotics in the future after you have C. diff. -- unless absolutely necessary.

Many bacteria produce spores. Ask your doc. as I'm not in the med. field.

[Dona Donato]

Once again thanks Bobbie.

[Susanne]

I am so far from a biologist, Dona, and this subject perplexes me, too! The way the Epidiomiologist explained it to me was...something to the effect that when the c.diff is in it's bacteria state it can be killed by the vancomycin. If, however, it senses the vancomycin and has the time it will change back into it's spore state and stay there until the vancomycin is gone (or enough good flora has returned). She said this is why we can't tell if an individual still has the c.diff remaining, even after being "cured." I'm probably not saying this right! I hope this helps!

[nsewell]

Thanks susanne that helps and makes sense. I think soon as the diareah or loose stools return our doctors should put us back on the vanco at a high dose to kill it again.