Questions answered on several threads

[Vikingjeff28]

I am first time poster but have found this site most helpful the last 5 months. I contracted C diff from 2 rounds of Chlindomyacin. I relapsed once. I lost 35 pounds over 4 months and have now gained back 25 in the last 2 months. I have had, in addition to the C diff:

Colitis
IBS
Rashes
Thrush
Irregular Heartbeat
Found a cyst(unrelated and benign) on my Kidney
GERD-bad
Blood clot

I now take Nexium twice a day,Toprol(for heartbeat) Zertec, Probiotics and Lunesta for sleep. I was hospitalized for 30 days total, 5 different times. I took Xifaxin for 2 weeks after I got out of hospital for the last time. They then put me on two rounds of Colestid. That stopped the D's and allowed my stomach to heal, along with the gluten free diet.

I am doing much better and I was in total misery and sinking, pain severe, it hurt my stomach and throat to drink even water. Here is what helped me: I finally went Gluten free and within 3 days my stomach pain went down immensely and I was able to eat a little. I drank 6 ensures a day and still do, for the most part. I still do not feel "normal" but way better than I did before. It takes a long time to get your gut right. I pass this along because I was lost and had no idea how to get out of it. Anyway, I hope this helps someone, you are not alone. FYI- I am 47 year old male who worked out 5 days a week and was in very good shape so it was totally weird having my body tell me what it was going to do and ruling me. I learned a lot through all this, mostly, more compassion.

GOD BLESS.

[Vikingjeff28]

I was on 3 rounds of Flagyl-oral and IV once. Vanco liquid in hospital and got Red Man's syndrome but got enough in me.

[Vikingjeff28]

Thank you, I have read the board for months and it really helped me. I did not even know what C diff was until it rocked my world! I have met wonderful doctors and nurses through the whole thing that I never would have known prior to this stuff. PLus, I bet 100 or more people came to the hospital at various times. I REALLY pray for all going through it, I know exactly what you are going thru and understand completely.

[TheVike]

original Vike here Read my posts thru the search window! 47 y o herer too

[Nancy1]

Vikingjeff28,
Even though it sounds like you've beaten cdiff, and you've already done a lot of reading on the site, here's the official welcome. Welcome to the group that no one wants to join. Be sure to read All Users Read This First, Dr. Borody's article, Dr. McDonald's article (in the FAQ section under Articles by Experts), and all areas in FAQ that interest you.

Thanks so much for posting to help others. It makes such a difference to know we are not alone in our fight with the beast. I wish you all the best.

[Bobbie]

Vikingjeff28,
I've had many of the same health issues as you have after a long bout with C. diff.

Clindamycin is a "bad one." It was the first antibiotic ever linked to C. diff. See FAQ-Antibiotics.

You are another exception to the theory of many in the medical commuity that C. diff. is an infection of the "aged and unwell." Not always so.

Keep exercising. It won't help "cure" C. diff. but will help improve you stamina.

Do be careful about taking antibiotics again. Some can; some can't without another bout of C. diff.

[Vikingjeff28]

The thing that really frustrated me was when the ENT put me on Clindo(2 rounds) he did not say word one about C diff, probiotics, nothing. That was an expensive lesson for me. Now I respectfully question every drug, every procedure, everything and my new set of doctors are great! I joke and tell them I have a specialist for nearly every part of my body now. I pray everyone on the board is doing better today. GOD BLESS.

[Bobbie]

Yep, check, check, and recheck. I check meds. with a pharmacist as well as the doctor and do some research on the Internet.

It's impossible to protect ourselves against any possible calamity, but it's wise to be aware.

[HennyPenny68]

Hi VikingJeff,

What kind of colitis did they say you had? It seems I've had many of the problems you describe. I was wondering, when you were going through it, did you have anything that seemed to affect your breathing?

[Vikingjeff28]

They did not say what kind I had, just that CT scan and Colonoscopies showed it. That, coupled with GERD and Gastritis was the source of my intense pain. I could not eat at all and drink only a little for weeks. I did not have any breathing problems but I did flush very easily. I now take Align probiotics every day along with a couple of yogurts. I am working out about 90 minutes a day now and gained back the 30 pounds I lost. Tough tough road as everyone here knows all too well. I pray all get well, totally and that I can continue on this road, one day at a time. GOD BLESS