Recovery, retesting, and looking for success stories
Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 5:04 pm
I was prescribed clindamycin for cellulits at the beginning of September and began experiencing diarrhea while taking the antibiotic, but was encouraged to keep taking it. I had strange, increased bowel movements that gradually progressed to 20+ per day (with mucus), along with nausea. I did not have fever or severe abdominal pain. I asked to be tested for c diff and my doctor agreed, but did not think I had it. Well, the result was positive. The doctor at urgent care prescribed oral Flagyl and Vanco, but I could not tolerate Flagyl. From what I understand, prescribing the two together is not standard practice anyway. I began feeling much better and stopped having diarrhea completely on day two of the vancomycin. I continued to have gas and a "noisy" stomach after treatment ended. While on vacation last week, I had some loose BMs and began passing mucus, I was terrified that I was relapsing. My doctor advised me to take Pepto, which I did. It helped tremendously. Once I returned from vacation, I stopped the Pepto to see what would happen. The next day, I had two loose bowel movements, followed by over 36 hours of no bowel movements at all. Today, I had a small, formed bowel movement and there was mucus on the toilet paper when I wiped. Since mucus was a symptom of my initial infection, I am panicking. I finished vancomycin 31 days ago. Should I retest or just wait to see if it progresses? I am still afraid that I will infect my family. I am still keeping them out of my bathroom. I bleach all of my laundry and wash it separately. I work as a speech therapist in a daycare setting and we have multiple children that have previously had c diff. Should I see them for therapy or ask another therapist to see them? I have searched and searched for stories of people that were cured with one course of antibiotics and never looked back to encourage myself, but I can't seem to find any! This group has been a wonderful resource. I am so thankful for all the help you all have given me!