I need some advice (c diff w MS)

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copesjc
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Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2018 9:46 pm

I need some advice (c diff w MS)

Postby copesjc » Fri Feb 16, 2018 10:12 pm

My mother (61) has late stage MS. She has been in a nursing home for the past year and recently diagnosed with c diff. The nursing home took her off treatment without testing and the c diff came back (I don't think it ever left) and within a week she went from talking just fine to sounding kinda funny to pretty much comatose. She is now hospitalized and back on antibiotics and is due for a fecal transplant. She seems to be coming back some...can nod yes or no etc but very week and can not speak. Her neurologist says he thinks this is due to the c diff exacerbated by the MS (or maybe the other way around)...and that she might be back to talking in a week or so. The nursing home and the some of the ER nurses are trying to tell me it's all from the MS and she is pretty much going to die....I think they are wrong. The problem is she is not holding any food down for the past week. ER is not giving her any sustenance. She can get a few sips of ensure down but spits most back up. I guess my biggest question is why can't she hold anything down? Is this normal with c diff? Will it get better as treatment goes on? Should I be pushing for a feeding tube? Also I noticed her hands look a little swollen...is this normal? Any advice is welcome. Thank you

NanciT
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Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:01 pm

Re: I need some advice (c diff w MS)

Postby NanciT » Fri Feb 16, 2018 10:28 pm

Hello and Welcome to the site Please read the first thread for all new posters

First I am so sorry you had to find us with your Mom so ill. It's a tough case when you have 2 illnesses going on at the same time.
I highly recommend getting a GI or and ID in to see your Mom. If she has a GI, then ask for an ID.
Always best to get 2 opinions. I find it frustrating the ER nurses are telling you MS is making her weak, CDIFF can cause terrible weakness especially if you have nausea and are unable to keep anything down.
I had vomiting with CDIFF and was extremely weak. Make sure she is getting fluids and talk with them about antinausea medication. She is probably on Vanco which causes nausea and it can be severe.
I would get either of those physicians in there and have them make sure she is getting everything she needs. We often also add probiotics to fight this, but with severe nausea that can be tough, that needs to be addressed first.
Wishing your Mom the best....
NanciT

Bobbie
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Re: I need some advice (c diff w MS)

Postby Bobbie » Fri Feb 16, 2018 10:54 pm

Agree with Nanci. Demand specialists see your mom.,

Unfortunately our society does not revere age.
As your mom’s advocate, they might listen to you.

Best of luck to both of you. Keep us posted.

roy
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Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2014 1:05 am

Re: I need some advice (c diff w MS)

Postby roy » Sat Feb 17, 2018 9:46 am

Sorry your mom is so I'll at such a young age.
Would she want invasive treatment like a feeding tube?
Can't diagnose by internet but swollen hands might indicate water retention and that she has some degree of organ failure.
hopefully she recovers.


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