3 Day Rule Before Testing

[Ajs]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am trying to follow the 3 day/3times rule before re-testing. Today is the 3rd day. I have experienced urgency, abdominal pain, as well as lower rt. side abdominal pain. Seems that as soon as I eat shortly after I feel I can’t get to the bathroom quick enough, although I usually accomplish very little. I’ll do my best to keep this far from the TMI section. First two days in my opinion qualified for the 3times rule. Today has only shown slight improvement. Again, I may go 5 or 6 times but only manage to accomplish something significant 2-3 times. My main question is: does the D have to be WD to qualify? Would the other factors play a role such as urgency/abdominal pain? Do these quick trips with very little accomplishment qualify? By Monday I will have to make a decision on whether or not to retest. My GI will probably suggest strongly that I retest, and he’ll probably suggest a colonoscopy due to the pain in my side. He has already agreed to perform a FMT via colonoscopy if I test positive again. Again, today marks 5 weeks post Dificid, and prior to the last three days or so I was doing great! The only thing I’ve done is take mucinex for my sinuses early in the week. Another question, does anyone know if cold medicines can trigger a relapse? I’m guessing no, but just want to make sure. Sorry if this question on the 3 day rule sounds repetitive, I’m just trying to follow it strictly. If I went on how I feel I would want a retest immediately, but I certainly don’t want to endure another treatment if not necessary. Thanks to all!

[beth22]

I would retest if you are still having symptoms by Monday. Cold medications don't make you relapse, but they can upset your stomach.

[Ajs]

Thanks Beth22. I will most definitely be calling the GI first thing Monday. I just hope I can wait that long. My symptoms are getting worse, and this morning I noticed some B. I can’t believe I’m relapsing after this last round of Dificid. I was doing so much better! Ran 5 miles last Saturday...

Can you or someone else tell me if it’s standard procedure to be given a round of antibiotic leading up to a FMT?

[roy]

If your going downhill that fast you should see a Dr today, even if that means going to ER.
FMT is preceded by a course of c.diff meds to kill off as much c.diff as possible.
FMT then seeds the colon with "good" bacteria that hopefully multiplies faster than any remaining c.diff and overcomes it.
The meds before the FMT are an important part of the procedure.

[Ajs]

Thanks Roy. I want to know as much as possible, in case there is a conflict in what the doctor says. So far he seems to be pretty up to date.

[Ajs]

Is there a standard choice (vanco, dificid) on the antibiotic used for the FMT prep, and is it typically administered for the standard 10-14 days? Again, I just want to be well educated on the latest procedure in case it conflicts what the GI recommends. I really appreciate all the help!

[beth22]

It used to be vanco that was given for a minimum of 4 days, but usually a week to ten days. I think since Dificid has come out it is also given.

[Ajs]

I had less symptoms with Dificid, so maybe he’ll go that route. Thanks

[Ril]

Were you any better today or did you have to contact your GI and/or retest? It can be very confusing as symptoms of PI IBS can cause some abdominal cramping and more frequent stools in recovery if you are not having frequent watery d. Of course if you are unsure and feeling very poorly what to do is a decision for your GI.
Rita

[Ajs]

Stomach cramping is slightly less, but BM’s are worse. I’m pretty satisfied that it’s back. If it is, the doctor has agreed to do the FMT. He sent me to the local hospital for testing. Hopefully I’ll have the test results back in a couple of days.

[Ajs]

So, it’s back. The GI is sending me to an ID specialist for possible infusion before FMT on Aug 23. I don’t even know what an infusion is. Not what is was hoping for....

[roy]

Are you back on meds?

[Ajs]

I’ve got an appointment today at 1:30 with the ID specialist to come up with a plan. Possible antibiotic infusions that lead up to the FMT on Aug 23. Does anyone have experience with the infusions? Are they better on the digestive system?

This is very discouraging, but I AM thankful they are moving quickly. I also really appreciate the resources that this forum provides

[roy]

I have never heard of that treatment.
Infusion might mean self administered Faecal enemas.
Or they might be thinking about IVIG (imunoglobin)
Much more likely you will be back on meds untill 2 days before the FMT.

[Ajs]

By infusions they mean IV administered antibiotics. She said I would either come to their facility for that, or if insurance covered, they would teach me how to do it at home. She said this was just an option. It’s really up to whatever the doctor decides