Last day of Vanco - Round 1

[Meshell]

Have been utilizing this site for weeks. Ready to ask some questions. Have not been able to work for 2 weeks. I am 40 and have a 2 and 4 year old. Husband is caring for the boys. This has been so hard!!! Acquired CDIFF after Wisdom Tooth extraction and 2wks of clindimiacin. Had a mild-mod case WBC count was 10.8 but cat scan showed ulcerative colitis. Metro made me seriously ill and switched to Vanco. This is my last day on Vanco.

I’m scared of stopping Vanco. Also currently using kefir and florastor.

1) Other than being super tired and lack of appetite my bm’s are 1x a day in the morning, fully formed, no M for 1 day. I’m on such a good progression, is there any literature supporting extending to 14 days instead of 10? I just don’t want to stop the healing.

2)First day off Vanco will be tomorrow (Saturday). My doc lined up another course of Vanco at my pharmacy just in case. If I start back with symptoms WD, M, should I immediately start the 2nd regimen, especially since my symptoms have been so well controlled?

3) In case of relapse is it protocol to head for the Er to test WBC and get a CT, or just restart vanco.

4) How soon on average does a recurrence happen?

Thank you!!!!!

[NanciT]

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

I think most of us worry as we finish medication but it sounds like you have responded well. It is really just time to heal now, often things can take awhile to get energy back, stick with a bland diet until you feel better.
As far as dose, generally it's 10 days, initially I was on 10 days of Vanco. There are alot of people who do well on their first round so give yourself the time to heal

If the D did return ( generally they say wait 3 days) but check with your GI. I am not sure why you would need another CT ect. If it were an actual relapse, I would ask for DIficid.

Wishing you the best!

NanciT

[roy]

Healing only starts when meds are finished.
My opinion is that the least amount of meds taken (to kill the active infection) the faster the gut flora returns, prevents a relapse, and completes a cure!
Each extra round of meds actually DOUBLES the chance of relapsing again!

I can't see why a CT scan was done if you have a mild case, (Drs payday possibly!) it's not a lot of use in diagnosing c.diff.
Best it will show is thickening of the colon wall and that could lead to a diagnosis of UC, be cautious about that diagnosis!
Blood tests including WBC are next to USELESS in confirming C.diff.
C.diff is diagnosed using a stool test, and looking at your clinical symptoms.

[Meshell]

Thank you both so much. It’s a very emotional morning. Just took the last vanco. Your encouragement means a lot. Truly! I have been down for so many weeks that my mom in particular is starting in with the accusatory get off your pity party and fight this commentary. Whilst all along I fight more than ever. Eh, some people just don’t get it.

**Roy, You mention to “be cautious about the UC diagnosis”. Could you explain? When I presented to the ER with all my active CDIFF symptoms, WD for 1.5 days, M, Dehydration. They did a stool test, blood work, and cat scan. The c diff test came back positive and the CT led them to diagnose me with UC-CDIFF. Are you suggesting yhat the UC will only be temporary or now a lifelong issue?

[Meshell]

EDIT— I just checked D/C paper work and it says I was treated for ” clostridum difficule colitis”. And the info pamphlet is specifically for Antibiotic associated D -CDIFF.

Glad I looked to reclarify. Thank you again!!!

[NanciT]

I am sorry you are going through this and not feeling supported. No one really understands how difficult it can be. But now that you took your last pill, this may be it for you! It can take some time to feel better but we have had members here who do so rather quickly.
We all understand the terrible fear of relapse and wanting your life back...it can be very wearing.
We are here to help, look under the Vent section and you will find so many frustrated and in fear. It actually goes along with CDIFF. A GUT/Emotional relationship and it takes time.

Hoping for the Best!
NanciT

[roy]

I hope you can relax a little now and you can stop worrying about the UC part.