To Christina

[Nancy1]

I just read your update and am so glad that you are still off of vanco. You've been off since October, yes? Hurray! I really hope that you have finally beaten the beast!! Is the J strain of cdiff the new nasty one that produces so much toxin? I hope that Reglan helps your nausea and the other difficult symptoms you've been having. Hugs!

[Christina]

Thanks Nancy. Friday will be ten weeks off. I'm waiting for #12. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed but I do feel like for now it is gone. I would be very surprised if anything happened based on the way I feel. Unfortunately, my stomach is now in rough shape but it sure beats c-diff.
The J strain is not the B1 which is the new virulent one. From what I read last night it caused outbreaks in the 80' and 90's. That is also the info Dale Gerding gave me.

[Bobbie]

Christina,
Way to go. I think you are "almost there." I'll bet you have the same strain I had during the '90's -- not as lethal as the "new" form but still hard to eradicate.

Sorry you are having other problems. Acid reflux is miserable. I don't think I could function with taking a PPI but know it increases my chances of C. diff. I've been off the Zpak for three weeks now, but who is counting?

Again, a cautious (but optimistic) congrats.

[Christina]

Thanks, Bobbie. I too am being very cautious. I know the deal to well.

Whatever the strain may be it is an extremely clever little bugger!

Unfortunately, I think we'll all be counting forever.


Keeping my fingers crossed still for you.


Christina

[Nancy1]

Christina,
I just read your case history update. Lymphocytic colitis! I've never heard of it, but I learn new things here all the time. Good luck in dealing with it. I have a friend whose daughter has UC and takes prednisone; is this an option for you? After her doc told her she had to have her colon removed or she would die, she looked into other alternatives. She has been able to reduce her prednisone dosage and control her UC better with diet. And she still has her colon.

[Christina]

Hi, Nancy. There were two steroids that were options but I can't remember the names. One was Asacort but I forget the other. For now, I'm going to try the Pepto but I'll have to take 8/day as 4 last month did not help. The only way I will need the steroid is if I can't control it w/Pepto or Immodium. Also,the anti depressant may help as well but it'll take another 4 weeks for it to kick in if it's going to do anything. There are no other treatments for it at this time.

[Bobbie]

Christina,
Sorry you still have problems, but glad you are over C. diff. -- "almost for sure."

I am not a doc. (or am I paid like one), but I'll bet this colitis is caused by the C. diff. & will eventually resolve. Try Imodium. It works far better than Pepto for me, but everyone is different.

If you are on a PPI, consume extra calcium as now PPI's have been linked to improper absorption of calcium & bone weakening. I've been on one for 4 yrs. & have osteoporosis already.

Nine weeks today since stopped the Zpak! Know you are still "counting down," too. Hang in there. You beat the Beast.

[Christina]

Thanks Bobbie. I shall survive this, too.

Also, thanks for the info. on the PPI. I've been on it almost two weeks now. I'll start taking extra the calcium.

So glad you've eluded the beast thus far. Keep it up!