Do most people get post cdiff ibs or sensitivity?

[Kat1234]

I'm 22 and i've been struggling with cdiff for about 2 years now, though for some of that time I didn't know what it was. I'm currently on my 4th antibiotic, it's dificid tabs, and I'm wondering will I be having complications with this sort of thing forever? I know it's normal to develop ibs after but does it eventually go away or is it the new reality if that happens? My dad has had ibs for years and years but I don't know if that sort of thing is hereditary. I'm just wondering what the new normal will be if I ever manage to kick this thing.

[Lisa33]

Hi Kat1234 - Welcome to the site, but so sorry you have been dealing with c-diff for two years at the age of 22. Please read the first forum for all new users on rules of posting, standard intro, etc.

I am not sure of your background on your battle, but is it definite that you are relapsing this many times? I ask this because the proper protocol is to treat based on symptoms alone and not from recurring positive tests. Also, are you immunocompromised or are there other health factors that are contributing to each relapse. I only ask because it's your 4th round at the age of 22. Are you on a probiotic regimen as well to help restore good gut bacteria? Now that you are on dificid, which has a high cure rate, you may want to discuss a Dificid taper as that has helped cure very stubborn cases for posters on this site after vanco tapers have failed. Also, have you discussed the possibility of an FMT as a next step plan, as that has the highest cure rate after rounds of meds have failed? I hope the Dificid does the trick, but always good to have a just in case plan in place. I also would make certain that you are surrounded by the right doctors who know c-diff well.

Now to get to your question.. Most people do deal with post-infectious IBS after c-diff, especially after long battles. I was fortunate and was cured by a 14 day course of Vanco after I relapsed once after Flagyl. However, I still had IBS for a long time. I am 3 years out, and I will get bouts from time to time. My gut was never the same after c-diff. I have a new normal now. However with time, things improved significantly. Everybody is different, and everybody's recovery is different. You are young, so your gut may bounce back quicker than others. But, I do think that IBS is somewhat of the norm for many after a c-diff battle. Many also develop food intolerances that they never had before.

I really hope the Dificid cures you once and for all. At 22, you shouldn't have to deal with this nightmare for so long. Stay positive. Hope you feel better soon.

Lisa

[Kat1234]

Thanks for letting me know. I don't have any immune system problems as far as I know, and I've never had the worst case of cdiff normally have issues 3times or less a day unlike what I've seen online. I've been having trouble since my dad had it and I was living in the same house with him then, but I didn't think anything of it. I was steadily getting worse and a year later I went to the doctor and I tested positive and went through two rounds of antibiotics, flagyl and something else I don't remember. I thought I was better but I steadily got worse over time again and went back again and tested positive again. Went through a round of vanco and had symptoms show up after a week or two then got tested about a month later for positive. So around 7 weeks after the antibiotic and they just put me on dificid. I remember hearing about the transplant but I haven't spoken about it with my doctor yet. My dad had to have that done to get rid of his case of it. What probiotics are best to be on? I've been eating yogurt but that's about it.

[roy]

When you submitted your sample was it liquid (D) or formed stool?

[Kat1234]

Formed

[roy]

https://gi.org/guideline/diagnosis-and- ... d-colitis/

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&sourc ... xeiSZriu0I

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&sourc ... xeiSZriu0I

Please study the above articles, you might want to consider seeing a different Dr!
Formed stool should not be tested, the lab should reject it.

[roy]

Labs Guidlines

http://laboratoryalliance.com/healthcar ... e-testing/

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/cdifffou ... iders/amp/

[Kat1234]

I hadn't known. I also remember the lab saying they gave me the wrong sample kit or packet, but that they could test it anyway. They gave me the one that you dip the q tip looking thing in the sample then put it in this container and it has a clear liquid in the bottom of the container that you stir it in?? I don't know if that sentence made any since but I hope you know what I'm talking about.

[roy]

C.diff is a natural bacteria that can be found in the human gut, it can be part of the normal gut flora.
If it overgrows it can cause a disease, c.diff colitis.
The first thing a Dr must consider is the symptoms, their suspicion that symptoms (D) are being caused by c.diff is then followed up by testing to confirm it.
Test results alone do not indicate c.diff that needs treating.
No symptoms = no disease.
Try to find a Dr that specialises in c.diff, trying to treat just to get a negative test result can be harmfull, it can even CAUSE harmless colonisation to become an active disease!

[Kat1234]

How do I find a doctor specializing in c diff in my area? I'm already going to a specialist at a center for colon disease. I didn't know about this place til my family doc referred me. Googling it didn't really come up with much. Maybe I'm not looking for the right things.

[roy]

What country/state do you live in?

[Kat1234]

America in alabama in the Huntsville area.

[roy]

Check this list.
One listed is below but you might already be seeing him
Joseph Brasco MD
The Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases
Huntsville Alabama 35801
Phone: (256) 533-6488

Drs that do FMT should have extensive c.diff knowlage.
I am in UK so not too up on US Drs but someone will reply soon who can advise you better.

viewforum.php?f=9

[Bobbie]

About one out of five develop IBS after a bout of c diff.

[NanciT]

You need to find a specialist. Roy has given you an excellent name, call and see if they take your insurance. If not, ask them who they would refer you too for an ongoing GI battle with either CDIFF or IBS.

The test you mentioned is not typical for CDIFF. Both CDIFF tests are done off samples with nothing in the container.

Its very important to see either a Gastroenterologist or a Infectious disease specialist. You can also check with your current doctor and tell him you want a referral, some insurances require one.

Let us know how you do
NanciT