Almost Back to Normal

[virginiajo]

Hi Everyone,

I've read your posts over the past few months, but never posted myself. They really were a big help to me.

I got C-Diff in the fall (October-ish) of last year. (I didn't take the entire course of prescribed antibiotics - I know now how dumb I was!) I started the disgusting, terrible Metronidazole in late November when we realized what it was. The months following have been extremely long and painful -- with worse symptoms than when I had actual C-Diff (it seems like it, at least). I have had severe problems with eating (gas, constipation, even prolonged hemorrhoids, possible ulcers, and lots of aches and pains that would wake me up). The worst thing is that I have always beat myself up over why I have these problems in the first place. (If I had followed directions, I would have been spared this!) I have felt like such an idiot.

I eventually learned that I couldn't drink milk at all any more, even though the Dr. took blood for allergy tests and said I am not allergic and not lactose-intolerant, per se. I just have a hard time digesting milk, with no bacteria in there. (Has anyone else experienced this milk problem?) I went on and off Nexium a number of times, which seemed to help. The Dr. still insists that it is all PI-IBS, and she says she thinks it will last for at least a year. I take a probiotic daily, eat yogurt daily, eat fiber supplements, and have been told to take Prilosec every few months to keep my system calm. Does anyone have similar experiences with extreme IBS at this stage? I've also re-started Zoloft for anxiety. (This seems to be a common theme among C-Diff sufferers. Why??)

I am happy to report that it's now July (so, 8 or so months out) and I'm kinda-sorta getting back to my old tolerance for food. (Flair-ups still happen, now and then.) When I get really, really burpy I also get sort of nauseous (the worst of my symptoms these days).

Also - this might be of interest - my mother found a recipe online for a special tea for upset stomach that I drink a couple nights a week. I'm not sure if it helps for-real-for-real but it at least makes me feel better. (Like I'm not just sitting around being whiny.) It is equal parts dried mint, chamomile, licorice root, and fennel seed. It is really very delicious.

Thanks again for your posts. It really does help more people than you might think -- for readers like me who don't have the courage to post about such private issues (at least right away).

Onward ho.
-Ginny

[beth22]

Thanks for posting. I'm interested in how to make that tea. I drink chamomile or mint every evening, but have never made my own. Where do you get the ingredients and how do you do it? If you could post the recipe and directions, that would be great!

[virginiajo]

I go to a natural foods store around here (Rebecca's) and they have dried herbs and things you can buy. Then I make the mixture at home. Once I have boiling water, I stir my mixture in. (1 tablespoon per cup of water.) I let it steep for 15 minutes and then I use a fine sieve to drain. It's pretty sweet, but I have in the past added a little honey.

[Bobbie]

Ginny,
Glad you are feeling better. Many people can't tolerate milk products after a bout with C. diff. - or any other form of diarrhea -- because it reduces your ability to digest lactose. This might resolve but could take some time. Some people take an OTC product called LactAid - check with your doctor first.

Don't "beat yourself up." You've done the best you can. Focus on what you've done right.

Many also develop IBS after C. diff. See CDI - IBS and CDI - Three Day Rule to help you tell the difference between the two. (It's not medical or "scientific" - just a "rule of thumb.")

Did you have an endoscopy to determine if you have acid reflux or ulcers? Prilosec (and other PPI's) have been linked to C. diff. See Media Reports or do a search on "PPI's." I was on one for years without a problem but was finally able to take an acid reducer - the generic form of Zantac. Actually it's helped me more. (I have a hiatal hernia.) Acid reducers aren't linked as closely with C. diff. Your doctor does seem cautious, however, since he doesn't want you to stay on it for a lengthy time.

Some wind up on anti-anxiety or anti-depressive meds. C. diff. is hard on you physically, emotionally, and financially. The worst thing is the uncertainty. You can feel fine in the morning - and awful two hours later. The anxiety and depression can be overwhelming. There is nothing wrong with taking medication for awhile, but do try to get off the meds. eventually as most are addictive. Again, check with your doctor.

We are glad you are feeling better and that the site helped you. You are not alone -- cases of C. diff. is increasing. Be sure and practice good hygiene - see CDI - Hygiene and try not to take antibiotics unless they are absolutely necessary.

Best to you. Thanks for posting.

[Patient2apoint]

Glad you are doing better. It is good to read other people's stories and experiences once in awhile.
This is my 1st post on here, and my story and timeline mirrors yours, beginning with Clindamycin last Oct (2010), Flagyl in Nov, then Vanco in Dec-- and ever since. My GI doctor was only renewing Vanco every 14 days, and I "relapsed" regularly within 4 days until I saw an infectious disease specialist in April.

I am now taking oral Vanco 125 mg once every-other-day thru 7/31, having been up to 1000mg a day for the whole month of April after i was finally able to see an infectious disease doctor at U Penn whose main interest area is C Diff, (and thank God for her!). She has gradually decreased the dosage over these intervening months. I also took Rifaximin for 2 weeks ending 7/24. So, the plan is I will be off all meds after 7/31. And I have heard repeatedly this was unusual severity for a male and anyone my age (64) given my general good health.

Periodically, I have problems with diarrhea, gas, burping, nausea, & acid mostly following each Vanco adjustment, but am usually nearly "normal" (will the "product" ever return to normal firmness and frequency?). I was told those symptoms were NOT a part of C Diff. I believe they all are as I never had them before. I, too, took PPIs while on Clindamycin, as it affected my stomach. I wish I had just discontinued that damn antibiotic, it was brutal and caused all this.

I cannot tell if any particular food bothers me, except too much fat, (which I ought to cut out anyway) as in ice cream and chips-Vanco or no. I believe I can have small amounts of even those foods with no problems, but I increasingly avoid them, as I am being "weaned" from the Vanco and trying not to precipitate problems when it is removed. I am now sticking to lean meats, heavy on grilled or stewed chicken and rice. Lotsa rice.

Florastor and Culturelle do not seem to be helpful, though I am taking both right now. I have upped my intake as I get down to the end of Vanco. This is on my own, reading entries on this site. The specialist thought pro-biotics were not helpful with C Diff. I am assuming my problems now are the remains of the infection--maybe IBS, so, I hope Florastor and Culturelle will sustain me for a while.
My PCP prescribed an anti-anxiety med in Feb, but I decided I would rather be an anxious me than an anxious zombie. Even one pill made me dull and drowzy all the time. If I had been employed through this C Diff process, I probably would have been fired. This has been a nightmare, especially before April. Now I am anxious about what might be coming after Vanco is removed.
After this, I cannot wait to get back into the world and the workplace! C Diff is the most isolating illness and so generally unknown. I live alone, and fam and friends apparently think I am a total hypochondriac. Believe me, i get no sympathy-noone even asks. It is a most disgusting topic. Who knows what would happen if I needed to ask for help with a fecal transfer-GOD PLEASE FORBID. If I had lost some weight, and I did not not, they, and docs early on might have been more convinced. I spent too much time in bed with the covers over my head all winter I was so depressed and ill. That kept me from losing weight AND totally screwed up my fitness level and worsened existing arthritis (which really was not too bad) through inactivity. Staying as active as possible would have been better.

I wish you, and all, continued improvement and good health. Great gratitude for this site.

[debdee]

Ginny, I hope you're doing better. I too had problems with milk that I never had before c.diff. I was tested for milk intolerance, but the tests came out fine. After 18 months, I still can't tolerate milk. I think it takes time. I miss my latte's! I also got the anxiety too. It must all be part of the c.diff. It should get better over time. Keep us posted.