Dificid taper or FMT

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Ajs
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Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2018 12:29 pm

Dificid taper or FMT

Postby Ajs » Fri Jul 27, 2018 4:38 pm

I am a 40 yo. Male who was diagnosed with cdiff after multiple rounds of antibiotics for sinus, pneumonia, etc. I started with Vanco prescribed by an ENT. Still had minor symptoms, so my primary care doc prescribed flaghl. Made little difference. Finally went to a GI and he put me on dificid. Finally started feeling closer to normal. Made it 4 weeks post dificid. Now I’m on my second day of cramping, low rt side stomach pain, and D with M. I’m trying to follow the 3 day rule while praying it’s something I ate. My GI has already agreed to a FMT via colonoscopy if the cdiff returned. I know this is strictly opinion, but would most prefer the FMT over a Dificid taper? I have read of the many successes both ways. I have also read about those who have had IBS complications due to the FMT. I feel really blessed that the doctor is willing to move forward so quickly with the FMT, I just want to make sure that’s the right direction to go. Do complications from FMT seem to be rare? Are they generally less than complications from another round of antibiotics (like dificid taper). I just want to have a solid answer to give my GI if the cdiff has returned. Thanks so much for any insight that can be given!

beth22
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Re: Dificid taper or FMT

Postby beth22 » Fri Jul 27, 2018 5:31 pm

Hi Ajs and welcome to the site. Please read the first forum for information for new posters.

I never did a Dificid taper, but I did a vanco taper that did not help me. The only thing that did was FMT. I did get a lot of IBS and SIBO post FMT, but I also had it between relapses. I think the vancomycin contributed to that much more than the c difficile. The more I took, the worse I felt.

I would probably try a Dificid taper first if your doctor is willing to do that for you. If not, then I would get the FMT and prep with Dificid.

Ajs
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Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2018 12:29 pm

Re: Dificid taper or FMT

Postby Ajs » Fri Jul 27, 2018 5:41 pm

Thanks beth22! I’ve actually read about your post FMT IBS and SIBO, and that was one reason I decided to post this question. I just wanted to see how common it was to have complications from a FMT verses antibiotics. FMT sounds like such a kick start to your immune system regarding the replenishing of good bacteria, but I certainly don’t want to end up with an additional battle like SIBO when it’s all over. So hard to know what to do. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Hope you are continuing to recover well!

beth22
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Re: Dificid taper or FMT

Postby beth22 » Fri Jul 27, 2018 5:45 pm

SIBO can happen even without FMT. My specialist that I see for that says it is common following any GI infection. He actually advised me over the years to do FMT enemas at home, which I have done and it in no way worsened my symptoms. He said getting FMT from the top down - via NG tube or upper endoscopy is what usually causes the problem. My first FMT was via NG tube. Having it by colonoscopy doesn't pose the same risk. I would ask that they do not put any stool into your small intestine. Sometimes they deposit it n the terminal ileum, but they can just go the length of the colon and not put it there.

Ajs
Regular Contributor
Posts: 139
Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2018 12:29 pm

Re: Dificid taper or FMT

Postby Ajs » Fri Jul 27, 2018 6:12 pm

Good info!! This forum has helped me so much! A friend of mine who has been through much of the same told me about you guys. I’ve learned so much. If I decide on FMT I’ll ask the doc to stay away from the small intestine.

NanciT
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Re: Dificid taper or FMT

Postby NanciT » Fri Jul 27, 2018 9:47 pm

Hi

I did a Dificid taper, at the time (2014/2015) no one was doing them and I found a research paper so my GI had me do it. It was a long 3 month taper which caused me Post IBS which I still deal with 3 years later on and off. There are several on the site who have done a 30 day taper and it's worked great.

I found taking Difcid the 2nd time around( I also failed the 10 days) was more difficult and it was harsh on the system.

I do believe it really works, we have so many on the site that are CDIFF free!

Wishing you the best!

NanciT

Ajs
Regular Contributor
Posts: 139
Joined: Sat Jun 30, 2018 12:29 pm

Re: Dificid taper or FMT

Postby Ajs » Fri Jul 27, 2018 9:58 pm

Thanks NanciT. I’m glad to hear that it worked for you. I’m sorry that it left you with IBS. That is one of my fears. It’s so hard to know which route to take that will cause the least side affects...

Thanks again!


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