How long to wait?

Please limit your post to questions only. You can ask multiple questions in the post. (One post per person per day about yourself. See exception in General C. diff.Discussion.)
Dale
Brand New Poster
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2018 11:19 am

How long to wait?

Postby Dale » Thu Oct 18, 2018 12:18 pm

Background information—have been treated for Cliff twice.
Second time was different as the first antibiotic didn’t work.
So they went to Vancomycin and it worked.
Have had Nissan Fundoplication surgery which has helped
but has side effect of causing gas throughout most days.

Fast forward—Was out of town n woke up middle of the night
With abdominal pains, gas and liquid bowel movements.
For last two days I’ve been going to bathroom with same symptoms and using bathroom 10-15 times a day.
Have lost six pounds as nothing stays down for more than 10-15
minutes after eating or drinking.
Slept through the night and only had gas n loose stool this morning.
Should I go ahead n try to eat or just go to the Dr.
Hate to go in if it’s not cliff.
Please advise.

NanciT
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 3035
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:01 pm

Re: How long to wait?

Postby NanciT » Thu Oct 18, 2018 3:30 pm

Hello Dale and Welcome to the site Please read the first thread for all new posters

If you just had surgery, please follow up with your surgeon and explain your symptoms. They will also be able to tell you if they gave you any IV antibiotics. If so, they may consider testing.
It's difficult for us to give any information if you are Post Op.

Hope you feel better soon!

NanciT

Dale
Brand New Poster
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2018 11:19 am

Re: How long to wait?

Postby Dale » Fri Oct 19, 2018 1:25 pm

Sorry if I wasn’t clear. I’m not post op. I had that surgery
several years ago. Just gave as background info since it helped
with acid reflux but has greatly increased my gas output and
resulted in a much more sensitive digestive system.
I did go to my GI dr yesterday and they did an anal swab to check for CDiff. Should get results later today.
Still having d and stomach/abdominal cramps now day
three.
First time for the swab anal test as they normally have me
bring in a sample. Is this a new method and is it a better
more reliable way to check for CDiff?
Based on my first post here what are the questions I need
to ask my Dr. concerning treatment?
Thanks in advance for your support.

roy
Administrator
Posts: 4193
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2014 1:05 am

Re: How long to wait?

Postby roy » Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:09 pm

how long ago were you treated with vanco?

Dale
Brand New Poster
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2018 11:19 am

Re: How long to wait?

Postby Dale » Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:13 pm

Three to four years ago.

Ril
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 1837
Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2012 2:45 pm

Re: How long to wait?

Postby Ril » Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:33 pm

Have you taken any antibiotics or been exposed to anything that would put you at risk for c diff?
Sorry-I don’t know anything about the anal swab method for use, only research about it, but perhaps someone else here does.
Hope it turns out negative.
Rita

roy
Administrator
Posts: 4193
Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2014 1:05 am

Re: How long to wait?

Postby roy » Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:46 pm

Anal swab is an effective method of testing but its usually only done in suspected illius when someone cant produce a specimen.
Drs much prefer to hand you a container than poking a swab up you! ;-)

Dale
Brand New Poster
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2018 11:19 am

Re: How long to wait?

Postby Dale » Sat Oct 20, 2018 11:50 am

Found out that my CDiff was negative.
Would have bet that I had it as the cramps, gas, D, and smell
was identical to the last two times I had it.
Day three since the above started and nothing has changed.
So where do I go from here? They didn’t call me back about
a plan on dealing with this?
So now it’s the weekend and of course no one is in the office.
I even wonder if the test might have given a false reading
is that possible?
Please share your thoughts as I’m anxious n angry and having
a hard time dealing with this mentally, emotionally and
physically.

NanciT
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 3035
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:01 pm

Re: How long to wait?

Postby NanciT » Sat Oct 20, 2018 1:35 pm

Dale

You need to speak with your GI, it could be possibly something else. Make sure you don't get dehydrated and drink smart water. I would stick to a very bland diet, chicken soup, toast, crackers, all bland. Someone is on call over the week ends
If you are going 10-15 times/day it will wear you out, they need to get to the bottom of it. If you are feeling poorly, possibly go to urgent care or ER
It sounds like additional testing is needed
Sorry you are going through this, happy to hear it's not CDIFF
NanciT

beth22
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 10852
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:23 pm

Re: How long to wait?

Postby beth22 » Sun Oct 21, 2018 1:41 am

I would ask to be tested for other pathogens through a stool culture and a test for ova and parasites. If all that is negative, then the GI will have to run other tests. Malabsorption can cause those kinds of symptoms too. I had it. But, best to rule out other pathogens first.


Return to “Questions about Clostridium difficile”



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 17 guests