Meds failed, but nature worked... Success!

[beth22]

I know a few people have used apple cider vinegar for stomach issues and for yeast and said it helped.

[KateC]

menttthanks Beth- yes it got me thinking.
C diff doesn't like acid.
We are de acidfied where we need it from so many meds & foods.
ACV is considered the best alternative treatment for reflux because it really is a problem
from not enough acid where we need it.
HInd sight... ugh
By improving your digestion it is supposed to assist your immune system & help clear toxins,
thus also helping joint pain.
I got so overwhelmed with all the other stuff I have been tkaing- enzymes, probiotics etc etc..
that I let the ACV go.
Will consider it again
Debbie told me in a pm that after the FT not to take all the supplements.
Is there a protocol to follow after the FT?
I thought probiotics would be good especially prebiotics which I get from my soluble fiber
supplements (organic acacia powder, great stuff for ibs symptoms).
This is so exhausting......
KateC

[beth22]

I think most people continue to take probiotics after a FT. I think Kathy George did and I did too. I started taking Pepto Bismol, which probably was not a good idea, as it has anti-microbial properties, so when I do mine again, I will try not to use it. I think high doses of vitamin C are also not good. The doctor in Duluth, who does the NG transfers does not have any limitations -but I think any of those natural products that are used to kill certain bacteria like oil of oregano, pau' de arco, grapefruit seed extract, etc. are probably not good.

I know people who have also taken glutamine and colostrum with no problems and it made them feel better. I would probably research any supplements first before you take it after a FT just to be safe. Make sure it doesn't have anti-microbial action. I don't know about the ACV after a FT. I've never taken it. I will look at Dr. Borody's protocol and see if it says anything about it and let you know if it does.

[AThurston]

The ID that did my FT kept me on Florastor 3x daily or 30 days..

[Kathy George]

I tapered off the Florastor for the duration of three months post Home Infusions. First month 3 times a day, Second month 2 times a day and Last month 1 time a day per doctors advice!!!!

[debdee]

Hi Kate, When I said not to take supplements after a FT, I meant supplements like Vit C and anti microbial supplements. Probiotics are great to take. Beth explained it perfectly! Sorry you misunderstood my PM. Hope you got the FT and are feeling better!!

[deanne]

Here's an update after a year. Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor and this NOT medical info and I don't own stock in any company whatsoever.

My update is that I am still c-diff free. My regimen was so-called "natural" (not pharma) so I'll explain.

First, I'm a visual person so I need to envision what the bacteria are doing. I like the "colony" and "slime" concept. The bacteria gather against the colon wall and cover themselves in slime when under threat, such as by antibiotics. So when flagyl or vanco threaten, the colony slimes up and stops feeding until the flagyl or vanco stop, then the colony reemerges to feed again. This makes sense. Especially to explain how "leaky gut" happens.

My story: After I took an antibiotic for a rash, I got c-diff. First I was on flagyl for 10 days. I asked my doc to extend it and he wouldn't. If I had taken a longer first course of flagyl it might have worked but it didn't. BTW I changed doctors. Nerts to him for not listening.

New doctor who listens. 14 days of flagyl, then vanco for 14 days, then vanco for 28 days with a slow taper. My doc referred me to a specialist who showed me a model of the colon. OK. Then he advised a colonoscopy to look for damage. Nerts to him too. A colonoscopy might do even more damage than it would find. I chose not to. Back to my doctor who said he doesn't know more, but if I find something to try, he'll help.

So I went to a health food store, which owner I find is well-known in town for good advice. She suggested grapefruit seed extract and oregano oil. 30 drops extract + 4 drops oil in 2 oz of water 3 times a day on an empty stomach. YES it tastes horrible and it's harsh but I took the whole amount. Wait 30 minutes then take a 50 million (at least) 10-strain probiotic. Don't eat sugar, no yogurt (even plain is loaded with sugar). I ate a lot of beef/black bean/veg stew. After 2 weeks I added psyllium fiber mixed in a 8 oz of water. After 3 weeks I had no symptoms and still don't.

There's five possibilities:
- The extract/oil didn't threaten the "colony" so they didn't slime and died in the acid environment.
- The extract/oil ate through the slime and the colony died in the acid environment.
- The extract/oil regimen requires a no-sugar, no-yogurt etc diet. No sugar? Bye-bye bacteria.
- The extract/oil regimen requires an empty stomach three times a day. That's 3 times a day with no food for 3 hours. Big interruption for hungry bacteria. Bye-bye bacteria.
- The extract/oil regimen is crock and low intake starved the colony.
Why did it work for me, who can say? We all need to encourage more research.

So there's my update. If there's a particular you need, I'm happy to answer off list but above is it, start to finish. I should add that my diet now is pretty normal but I try to avoid processed food, cookies, crackers off the shelf. But peanut butter or chocolate or ice cream I'll knock you down to get to it! If I sense a change, I cut back.

C-diff is so awful and it's great to have this forum. My very very best to everyone!
DeAnne

[Bobbie]

Thanks, Deanne,
The meds might have worked; your alternative program might have been the answer. "Whatever works for you."

You had the gumption to try new things. We can't recommend any of it on this site but are happy to list what you did and applaud your ingenuity.

So glad you are well. Keep in touch.

[ppp67]

Myself? Dark chocolate is great. No sugar either.
You should try it.