Be patient, you will get better.

[Sadiesadiemarriedlady2003]

October 7th, 2007 - Given a deep intramuscular injection of a strong broad spectrum antibiotic in California for suspected ear infection and sinusitis. Put on 7 day course of Cefuroxime for infection, and an anti-diarreahal (diphenoxylate/atropine sulphate). Had diarreah from the beginning of antibiotic course and used antidiarreahal to keep it under control.

Developed chronic diarreah, Saturday, October 20nd, 2007 went to emergency, diagnosed with C. Difficile. (cramping, diarreah, weight loss). Prescribed a course of Metronidazole (Flagil). Became ill from medication (around October 22nd, 2007) and went back to ER with shaking, vomiting, diarreah, weakness. Diagnosed with dehydration, 3 bags of IV rehydration, Zantac and Zofran. Metronidazole dosage changed from 2 tablets 3 times per day to one tablet 4 times per day.

Finished the full course of Metronidazole (over 2 weeks). Developed yeast infection, cured with over the counter medication. Saturday, November 10th, 2007 cramping and diarreah again, sweating, low grade fever, severe body pain. Monday, November 12th, back to the ER after 48 hours of diarreah. Stool tested antigen positive and toxin negative. Started a second course of Metronidazole on Tuesday November 13th, 2007. Finished 2 weeks with a short tapering off period towards the end. Another yeast infection, cured with an over the counter medication. Diagnosed with anaemia, and put on an iron supplement. Also taking an acidophilus supplement for about a month - as of January 11th, 2007 (1 daily).

Back to the ER on December 28th, 2007 with diarreah and cramping. Given liquid Vancomycin at the hospital (2 doses) – tested positive – started oral caplet Vancomycin on December 28th, 2007. Saw Dr. Chai on January 3rd, 2008. He prescribed 2 more weeks of Vancomycin (4 pills per day, evenly spaced – 125 mg) in addition to what I already had – with the decision to use Vanco. as a therapy and to taper off gradually at the end. I have an appointment to see Dr. Chai again on January 21st. (Asked about Fecal Flora Replacement – he was going to confer with the specialist in Kelowna to get more information).

The above were my final notes on C. Diff. It is now September 2008 and I am C. Diff. free. Nearly a year later, I have normal visits to the bathroom and have resumed all of my normal activity. I was so devastated by this disease emotionally and physically, I though I would never be the same...but...here I am! I have regained all of my weight and then some. I can eat pretty much whatever I want and have most all of my energy back. I think people believe that once they receive the 'all clear' from C. Diff. that your body will return to normal right away. I did not realize that the infection does wreak havoc on your digestive system...and you need to be Patient with your recovery. Go slowly with food and take care of yourself. My best advice is: Eat yogurt each and every day always, take a really good probiotic...the best you can get your hands on...even if you think it isn't working...take it anyway (I took Healthy Trinity - Dairy Free...expensive...but isn't your health worth it at this point?), eat healthy...be kind to your bowels...rest and drink water...and for me...Vancomycin was the only thing that helped...but only on a very long tapered therapy...3 months and then some. Don't lose hope. Do all you can to stay 'up'....I used Ativan (when I was feeling desperate), light therapy, humor, funny movies...anything that will keep you positive. I know it is hard in the dark hours...but just believe that a therapy will work for you and you will be okay. It will take time, but it will come. I pray for all those in the world suffering from this often not talked about disease. My thoughts are with you and I ask you for yours...so that I may stay C. Diff. free. God Bless!

[TheVike]

Hot TEA wice three times daily a cup and a banana as well in the am with at least an apple a day too :) I alternate with a DA yogurt or Avtivia drink as well as what you said every day and now C Diff free going on 18 months!!!