COPIED FROM CASE HISTORIES - EARLE'S STORY

[earleyoung]

Sorry about my ignorance. What is PCR?

[seekingcure]

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a scientific technique in molecular biology to amplify a single or a few copies of a piece of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating thousands to millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence.

In layman's terms, it's a test that detects c-diff DNA rather than the toxins c-diff produces. It is a much more accurate way of testing for c-diff than the toxin tests and has become the "gold standard" test for detecting c-diff infection.

[justme]

I am so sorry the C. Diff has returned and you have to go back on the medication. I hope this works and you can finally be free from this horrible disease.
Take care and much aloha,
Anne

[earleyoung]

Does it take a special lab to do the PCR test, or can the lab I have been taking the samples to do it? I guess I should ask.

[beth22]

Not all labs do the PCR, but there is also one called LAMP, which is also DNA based. Where I live, one hospital does the LAMP and the other PCR. I think Quest does the PCR only if it is requested and stated on the order form. Otherwise, they do the old toxin test. I would check with the lab first and see. LAMP is ok too.

[earleyoung]

PLEASE NOTE !!!!!!!

Has anyone read an article in the latest issue of AARP magazine titled "Poop Pills May Halt Severe Gut Infection". It sounds too good to be true.

Dr. Thomas Louie, an infectious disease specialist of the University of Calgary in Alberta developed the procedure. He takes fecal matter from a healthy relative of the patient, filters and distills the microbes, and compacts them into triple coated gel pills that don't dissolve until they reach the stomach. The patient takes 24-34 of the pills on an empty stomach, and BINGO, no more C diff.

People who have fought recurring C diff for years are cured in one day.

Here is the URL for the article:
blog.aarp.org/2013/10/07poop-pills-may-halt-severe-gut-infection

Please give me your thoughts. In the meantime I will try to contact Dr. Louie.

[beth22]

I sent you a pm, Earle. There have been posters who have done this. I think the article is listed in media reports somewhere. A few had it done by Dr. Louie and I think there is a doctor in Florida who does that procedure as well.

[getwellsoon]

Yes, this is a wonderful thing. Hope they can make it a mainstream cure in the near future.

[Bobbie]

Earle, see the FMT forum - lots of info there plus names of posters who you can contact for info plus docs who do them throughout the country and Europe. I had one after my 3rd bout of c diff.

[earleyoung]

Bobbie,

Thanks for the input. Who did you go with when you decided to go with Dr Louie's procedure? Was it successful?

(not sure what FMT is, sorry)

[beth22]

FMT is a stool transfer. Bobbie did not take the pills that Dr. Louie makes. As far as I know, she had it done via colonoscopy, but I am sure she will post herself.

[earleyoung]

I completed the second round of dificid 4 days ago. I will wait for 10 more days before I submit the sample, in spite of the fact that my GI doc told me to do it in 10 days. I am waiting longer because of the advice I have received here. I will try to get a PCR test. So far, so good. I am eating pretty much everything. Make one trip to the bathroom in the morning with almost normal results. Here's hoping that I don't have to do an FMT.

[Bobbie]

Earle,
I had a regular FMT done by colonoscopy in Oklahoma City 3 years ago. It was successful although I still have IBS occasionally.

Most experts advise retesting 7 days to 2 months. A lot depends on your symptoms. The majority say 7 to l4 days. Some say you don't need to retest unless you have symptoms. If your doctor said 10 days, I would do as he/she says. If you develop symptoms, you can ask for another test later.

As the other moderators said, ask for a PCR or a LAMP. The PCR sample usually has to be "pourable." Ask your doctor or the lab for further instructions. Also, See "CDI - C. diff. Testing - Includes Recent CDC Report." Unlike the other forums, the most recent info. is at the end . It is most important to keep the sample refrigerated until you get it to the lab. I always mark it (in red) "C. diff. Keep refrigerated until testing."

Sounds as thought you are doing great. We will keep our fingers crossed for you.

[justme]

Earle: It sounds to me too that you are on your way to recovery. I am one of those people who did not get retested until I had a TIA a year after I completed one round of Flagyl. They tested me in the hospital and I was negative for all C. Diff toxins. I held off on the advice of an infectious disease doctor because I was no longer symptomatic. I was one of those lucky ones who did not relapse. However, since you did, your doctor is probably being cautious. I was a bit worried about you since we haven't heard from you in awhile. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Much aloha,
Anne

[earleyoung]

Good news ... I hope. Ended dificid on11/14. Per my GI doc instructions, sent sample in 10 days later on 11/225. Got the results back today. Negative for toxins A and B. It has been 14 days since I ended dificid. I can eat most anything, and have gained back 13 of the 30 pounds I lost. I continue to take Florastor and eat at east one sml container of yougurt with active cultures daily.