Hello all! I'm new here, but needed a place to vent honestly about this terrible bug!
March 2013, I had my wisdom teeth pulled. The dentist put me on preventative antibiotics (I can't recall which one). After I recovered from the procedure, I started with Diarrhea. I never had C Diff before, so thought I was just coming down with a stomach bug. After 10 days of 10-15 BM's a day, I decided to go to the doctor. She diagnosed me with C Diff, put me on 10 days on Flagyl, and all was well!
Until.... a few weeks ago, I decided to indulge on some cookie dough. (I know, I know...but it was pumpkin, HOW can you NOT!?) I had zero idea that something like that could bring back my C Diff, so when I started having many BM's a day, I thought maybe salmonella. Low and behold, 2 weeks later, I had to go to the doctor. I was going 10-15 times a day, having moments where I literally could not stop from going, and feeling generally fatigued and wore out. I'm a teacher, so going to the bathroom whenever I feel like it is NOT an option.
The doctor assumed it was C Diff again and put me on Flagyl. (How have I not seen ONE post about how dehumanizing and humiliating it is to give a stool sample in the doctor's office???) I'm on day 6 of Flagyl now, 500mg, 3x/day. Yesterday, I went 12 times, today, I've already went 5 and it's only 9:30am! My last C Diff situation was remedied by now. Anyone have any idea how long this will last? I did call the doctor because it has been almost a week, so I was checking on my labs and seeing if maybe I need something stronger. I hear people talking about a stronger more expensive option, and at this point I will try anything!
I'm trying to stay active and eat healthy, which isn't working in my favor. I'm in a weight loss program at school, not because I need to lose much but I needed a push to do more. I work out 5x a day already and was trying to add running to my routine. Although the C diff is helping me hit my numbers, it is KILLING my energy levels for any activity!
This surely is an exhausting bug... Everyone I mention it to says they have gotten a stomach virus too, and here I am screaming in my head, YOU DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND! It's hard to explain that you're suffering inside when people are saying they want to get your sickness so they can lose weight too. UGH! The fatigue, the cramping underneath your ribs, the constant GI movement.... Just Ugh!
Ok. Vent over. Thank you for giving me a forum to discuss this with people who understand what I'm going through! :) Happy Thursday!
Newbie!
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jacfran
- New User
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2015 1:04 pm
Re: Newbie!
Hi Lmtdply,
I am new to this thing too. It is interesting that you suspect salmonella. I think it is possible that a bout of bad food poisoning can create the conditions to let c-diff flourish. In my case I had campylobacter, another bacterial infection that my ID doc believes helped encourage c diff. Your lab can tell you if you also had salmonella if they tested for it.
As far as the more expensive option, you are probably referring to vancomycin. I read a lot about peolpe saying docs don't prescribe this first because of cost. But my doc said that is not true. He says that Vanco is a highly effective and coveted drug that the medical community is attempting to limit in the general population because they don't want to reduce its effectiveness. In other words, if they prescribe it too frequently they worry about increases in resistance to it in the community. The drug supposedly is very good at treating staff infections in the gut. Anyway, that's his reasoning. I will likely be on it after I finish this second round of flagyl (I feel good, but I think it hasn't cleared).
Working out. I am an exercise and health food nut. I love it. Unfortunately, 6 weeks of flagyl and I have only managed a few runs, some weights every now and then and zero boxing (my passion). Flagyl just causes too much drowsiness to stay as active as I want right now. Do what you can until you get better. I hope switching to vanco will have ZERO side affects.
How long does it last? You kicked it before, so perhaps you will in the same time frame as last time. I think this is just very individual. Some people (like you) beat it in one treatment (as before). I am headed to my third. Sadly, my doc said it can take people many months, sometimes years but that's rare. Doesn't sound like you will be in the later category.
Keep your chin up and keep moving!
Frank
I am new to this thing too. It is interesting that you suspect salmonella. I think it is possible that a bout of bad food poisoning can create the conditions to let c-diff flourish. In my case I had campylobacter, another bacterial infection that my ID doc believes helped encourage c diff. Your lab can tell you if you also had salmonella if they tested for it.
As far as the more expensive option, you are probably referring to vancomycin. I read a lot about peolpe saying docs don't prescribe this first because of cost. But my doc said that is not true. He says that Vanco is a highly effective and coveted drug that the medical community is attempting to limit in the general population because they don't want to reduce its effectiveness. In other words, if they prescribe it too frequently they worry about increases in resistance to it in the community. The drug supposedly is very good at treating staff infections in the gut. Anyway, that's his reasoning. I will likely be on it after I finish this second round of flagyl (I feel good, but I think it hasn't cleared).
Working out. I am an exercise and health food nut. I love it. Unfortunately, 6 weeks of flagyl and I have only managed a few runs, some weights every now and then and zero boxing (my passion). Flagyl just causes too much drowsiness to stay as active as I want right now. Do what you can until you get better. I hope switching to vanco will have ZERO side affects.
How long does it last? You kicked it before, so perhaps you will in the same time frame as last time. I think this is just very individual. Some people (like you) beat it in one treatment (as before). I am headed to my third. Sadly, my doc said it can take people many months, sometimes years but that's rare. Doesn't sound like you will be in the later category.
Keep your chin up and keep moving!
Frank
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Dobies#1
- Long Time Contributor
- Posts: 457
- Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2014 9:32 pm
Re: Newbie!
I don't think raw cookie dough can cause C Diff. It can cause other illnesses which is why they tell you not to eat it. Your doctor should not have just assumed C Diff and should've tested your stool before prescribing anything, in my opinion. If you told them you ate raw cookie dough, I just don't know why they didn't think of salmonella or other food borne illnesses before they thought of C Diff! I'm no doctor but I've done a ton of research and no doctor of mine, including my GI and ID doctor's never mentioned raw food as a cause of C Diff. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about certain foods or raw foods causing C Diff. You had C Diff the first time in 2013 and the Flagyl got rid of it, correct?? That's over two years ago. I'm sorry you had C Diff and possibly have it again, but I really think you should've got tested. Antibiotics should not just be prescribed on an assumption. That's what creates super bugs and it diminishes the gut flora which can cause C Diff to flourish. With all this said I'm NOT saying you were in the wrong to follow your doctor's instructions. I just wish doctor's would use better judgment, especially for those of us who have had C Diff in the past before assuming and prescribing anything!! I hope you feel better soon and please keep us posted! HUGS!!!
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NikaNik
- Long Time Contributor
- Posts: 699
- Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:52 am
Re: Newbie!
Hi, lmtdply!
I agree with Dobies - I've never heard of raw cookie dough causing c diff. Seems more like ecoli, salmonella or something like that which can last over a week in some cases and cause the symptoms you described. (Or maybe there was enough GI upset to disturb the gut flora and allow any leftover c diff spores from your previous bout to turn active? Not sure.) Also not sure why the doctor would assume it was c diff without running a PCR test before prescribing you something but I don't blame you for following your doctor's advice as it can be so scary when you're going that much and don't feel well.
Keep us posted and I hope you feel better soon. Hugs!
Nikki
I agree with Dobies - I've never heard of raw cookie dough causing c diff. Seems more like ecoli, salmonella or something like that which can last over a week in some cases and cause the symptoms you described. (Or maybe there was enough GI upset to disturb the gut flora and allow any leftover c diff spores from your previous bout to turn active? Not sure.) Also not sure why the doctor would assume it was c diff without running a PCR test before prescribing you something but I don't blame you for following your doctor's advice as it can be so scary when you're going that much and don't feel well.
Keep us posted and I hope you feel better soon. Hugs!
Nikki
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Lmtdply
- Brand New Poster
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:09 am
Re: Newbie!
They did test me for the C Diff this time, I will hopefully hear today or tomorrow on the results. I did mention the cookie dough and that I thought it could be Salmonella, and she still thought C Diff. What Nikki was saying sounds like what the Doctor was thinking, and she thought since I had C Diff before, the upset and made the spores become active again. We will see. It feels exactly the same as the first time I got it, but I will let you all know when I get a yes or no.
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Lisa33
- Long Time Contributor
- Posts: 2430
- Joined: Mon Sep 29, 2014 1:45 pm
Re: Newbie!
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.)
Welcome to the site, Lmtdply. Here is the formal welcome letter.
Please let us know the results of your stool test. I hope the doctor also tested for other pathogens as well. If you got c-diff from eating raw cookie dough, then I really will scream with frustration on top of my lungs at c-diff because that is CRAZY! I have never heard of that before. All medical info says that c-diff will thrive when there is no good bacteria to ward it off. The biggest cause is taking antibiotics that kill off the good gut bacteria. Without antibiotic use or being in a hospital or nursing home, I cannot see how c-diff would come back after all of this time from eating raw cookie dough. I am praying so hard that your test is negative because I think a lot of our jaws will just drop.
Regardless of the results, I am so sorry that you are suffering with this and on Flagyl again. I do hope you feel better soon.
Lisa
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.)
Welcome to the site, Lmtdply. Here is the formal welcome letter.
Please let us know the results of your stool test. I hope the doctor also tested for other pathogens as well. If you got c-diff from eating raw cookie dough, then I really will scream with frustration on top of my lungs at c-diff because that is CRAZY! I have never heard of that before. All medical info says that c-diff will thrive when there is no good bacteria to ward it off. The biggest cause is taking antibiotics that kill off the good gut bacteria. Without antibiotic use or being in a hospital or nursing home, I cannot see how c-diff would come back after all of this time from eating raw cookie dough. I am praying so hard that your test is negative because I think a lot of our jaws will just drop.
Regardless of the results, I am so sorry that you are suffering with this and on Flagyl again. I do hope you feel better soon.
Lisa
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