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Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 5:04 pm
by meg1000
This is my first post- Hello all, I am a 23 year old female who was diagnosed with c diff back in late August/early September. I tried taking flagyl but I simply could not tolerate it so I was switched to vanco. I finished my meds a little over a month ago. I followed up with a GI specialist and scheduled a colonoscopy and EGD for this morning.

Last week, I started feeling sick again (D, cramping in the morning, nausea) and thought the c diff might be back, my doc ordered a stool sample, which came back an hour ago as positive, HOWEVER- my colonoscopy was this morning, and the doc said that everything looked as though it was healing up.

I know that you can still test positive for c diff months after the infection is over, but I'm just concerned about how ill i was feeling this past week. The doc recommended that we just keep an eye on it and he doesnt want to prescribe any antibiotics.

Should I be concerned? Has anyone else had this experience?

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2017 10:35 pm
by NanciT
Hello and Welcome to the site

Good news the colonoscopy looked great, especially right after CDIFF. If you symptoms continue, I would go back to the GI. Treatment is often based on symptoms and if they all come back and continue you need to talk with your GI about treatment. I would not put it off if diarrhea continues along with your other symptoms. I would also go easy on the diet and give the gut a rest especially after going through the prep for the exam. I continued on a probiotic and still take it, not sure if you are taking one. I take VSL#3 once a day.
Hopefully things will calm down and you will feel better soon
NanciT

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2017 9:55 am
by meg1000
Thank you, NanciT! It's hard to tell though because I've seemingly always had underlying stomach issues, ever since I was a kid. The doctor said that you can have "colonization" of c diff but not have it be infectious or diseased. Is this true? I just don't understand how it can be positive, I havent been feeling well, but the colonoscopy turned out good and it looked like i was "healing". I wish I would have asked more questions, but my GI doc is super short and doesnt even let me get a word in- is that how specialists are usually?

Thanks again

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2017 12:36 am
by NanciT
I often tell people to get a second opinion, especially when dealing with CDIFF. I had several GI's which is not something I ever do but I could not get well. I would see someone else if they are not hearing you and your symptoms continue. If the GI feels you are dealing with Post IBS there are medications for that. The Prep can upset your system but you mentioned you starting feeling bad a week before.

See if you can see someone else

Take care
NanciT

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 12:49 am
by georgina
If your colonoscopy shows that your insides are looking fine and you have no classic Cdiff symptoms like : frequent D , abdominal pain , fever and generally feeling ill , don't just jump on treatment just because you had a positive test. Take your doctor advice and keep a close eye on symptoms , at this point they can improve or they can go south.

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 2:16 am
by beth22
I've had a positive PCR test since June 2016 and have not treated. However, the EIA test is negative for toxins. What type of test did you have? The hospital where I test, sends all positive PCR tests for further testing to avoid over treating. If the EIA is negative, they consider that a negative test.

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2017 4:55 pm
by meg1000
Thanks for the replies! Last night was hard, as I kept waking up to cramps and having to use the restroom. My doctor called and he decided I should go back onto vancomycin, which I'm picking up later today. He also recommended that I try the probiotic Florastor after i finish the vanco. This will be my second round of antibiotics for c diff I hope its my last :(

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 1:18 am
by georgina
Meg
Those symptoms you had last night definitely need treatment. Have you looked into Dificid? Do discuss with your doctor about trying a course of Dificid , is a much better option then another course of Vanco , has a higher cure rate and might be your magic bullet. Florastor is a good probiotic it's a friendly yeast that can be taken along with meds for Cdiff , helped many on this site including me.
Sending positive vibes your way for a quick recovery!

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 12:00 pm
by meg1000
My doc decided to refer me to an infectious disease doctor and have them treat me. He didn't want me to take the vancomycin because last time it caused ringing in my ears. My appointment isnt until next Friday, so I will be going a week and a half without any type of antibiotic or treatment. Should I be concerned? The person on the phone from my GI made it seem like "no big deal"

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 12:17 pm
by roy
If your test is positive but you don't have frequent watery D then it truly is "no big deal"

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 5:43 pm
by amg
On the other hand, if you are getting sicker with symptoms indicative of a c diff relapse, then waiting a week and a half IS a big deal and you could get VERY SICK during that time.

If you are getting progressively sicker, maybe you can call the infectious disease office and say your doctor thinks you have a c diff relapse and you are getting sicker and can you be seen sooner.

My daughter, in 24 hours, went from feeling just sort of yucky with cramps, to serious fever, chills, so tired she could barely crawl out of bed, and with a white blood cell count of over 15K. Please be careful.

Re: Positive stool sample but colonoscopy shows otherwise

Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2017 9:00 pm
by meg1000
amg- yes that is my exact concern. I feel like theres nothing I can do at the moment though. the infectious disease office said they couldnt do anything since they havent seen me yet and that there arent any openings until my appointment next friday. I guess all I can do is take it day by day.

I'm not any worse than I was yesterday or the day before so as long as I'm stable I'm hoping for the best??