Life Stress and its effect C Diff

[nolagirl]

Does anyone know effects of personal stress on C Diff? I know that stress can trigger regular IBS. But, I am wondering how stress effects C Diff? I am going through a very stressful time with other personal issues and I am concerned about that having impact on my C Diff recovery.

Thanks in advance,
Heather

[beth22]

After a severe relapse last summer which was treated with vanco and Xifaxan chaser, I was c diff free for just over 100 days. Then I had a week with major stress which I guess lowered my immune system, I caught a cold and two days later had another relapse. I had not taken any antibiotics or medications that would have caused this - the doctor said it was unusual to relapse after that long without some trigger. I guess the trigger was the stress and the cold.

[wildwind]

Stress is a natural response to the effects of CD. I agree with Beth, my immune system went down the tubes with CD. It would be hard to tell if stress makes the CD worse or the CD makes the stress worse, everyone seems to have their own unique response to this infection. It wouldn't be fair to you or others to say that you can control it, or that your CD or stress is worse or better than others. I have read posts from a member who runs triathalons and I just shake my head, I would be happy to keep up with my dogs on a short walk. I can't relate to triathalons, but perhaps others can.

I think stress is a real physiological response to adverse situations. CD certainly fits into that category, we would all admit that. How you respond to the stress and what you are able to do for it will determine how badly it effects your physical condition. Some (like me) have taken valium or xanex to help us through the worst of times, but sparingly and for as short a period as possible. You may want to consider this with your doctor and see if it helps you. It also helps to have someone in your life to help you through this if it goes on for too long, some family members can even get frustrated and give up, but you can't. That's where this site can be very comforting.

Keep posting

[Bobbie]

Stress is a killer. I'm not sure it can cause C. diff. but C. diff. certainly causes stress. See FAQ for ways to handle stress.

I've had IBS since my lst bout with C. diff. (l993-l997 - pneumonia and other infections; Vantin caused the C. diff.). I had C. diff. again two years later (pneumonia again -- Levaquin). I've had pneumonia 4X since my first bout in l993.

I can't link the IBS with any particular food or stress -- sometimes it occurs several days later. I do know it affected my immune system (my GI agrees as have several other of my 100 specialists), and I have a lot of health issues I probably wouldn't have although genetics probably plays a part. Now I am having problems of those who are "over 65" (God help us all who are in that category). Since my mother's long illness and death, my IBS has been worse.

There is no escaping stress. Excercise has helped me the most. Without it, I would be a bigger mess. With it, I am a well-toned, more energetic mess. I take a dance form of aerobics 4 times a week and always come out feeling better. I fractured a vertebra in my back last year (osteoporosis -- probably related to malabsorption from C. diff. but also genetic) and hurt my knees this year but returned to aerobics.

Some (especially at the beginning of C. diff.) aren't up to exercising, but do what you can and see if it helps. Some swear by yoga. I've never been able to "get into" it.

C. diff. is an individual disease. What helps one person might not help another. Try not to make it your top priority. I've traveled with active C. diff. & worked most of the time I had it. It was an effort, but it helped keep me from obsessing about the disease -- and it is an obsessive disease.

Remember, most people do recover with one or two rounds of Flagyl or Vanco. It is the unlucky sufferers who are the frequent posters on this site.

[nolagirl]

Oh, your posts are great! I am going through some serious personal things in addition to my C Diff and I noticed when I get upset, I can feel a "burning" feeling in my colon area. I still on the Alinia until Weds and so far, so good. I posted b/c I am concerned about what possible effects the stress may have on me when I am finished the Alinia on Weds...trying not to obsess and stay busy with work.

I have an outdoor art market this Saturday and I am praying that I will stay healthy off the Alinia so I can work on Saturday! Another stress has been not being able to work for 2 months and gather income. I was on Flagyl and it totally debilitated me. The good thing is that this Alinia has made me feel like a new person and has allowed me to work and run errands, etc. I couldn't do that on the Flagyl.

Of course, I am already planning on called doc today to prepare for what may happen Post-Wednesday. I want to get a script for D just in case I get hit with this over the weekend when their office is not open. I think being prepared with some items may at least help alleviate some of my C Diff stress...the other stress I need to meditate and see if I can relax...

I will also try some exercise now that I am feeling better. Thanks to all you. Whenever I read these posts, I don't feel so alone...

[Vikingjeff28]

Trust me nola, we know exactly how you feel and what you are going through, all normal reactions. After 18 months of this nonsense I have valium and pain meds to use when I have to work thru a relapse or try and sleep. I don't lean on them but I use them for relief when necessary. That is for me only and not medical advice.