Stool Test + for Clostridium

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belly
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Joined: Thu May 17, 2018 7:18 pm

Stool Test + for Clostridium

Postby belly » Thu May 17, 2018 7:24 pm

Hi
we did the Ubiome stool microbiome test for our daughter, age 14, who has had severe stomach problems since she was placed on daily antibiotics for 3 years as a baby/toddler. We have done the ubiome microbiome dna testing four times now and every time she is positive for Clostridium. It does not say Diff. The ubiome team said to take her to her GP for this. The GP so far is not interested in learning more or treating this at all. The thing is that my kid has severe and i mean severe constipation....miralax does not even work. She takes one Dr. Schultze's intestinal formula and a stool softner daily. Dr. S is mostly senna and I want her off of it but there is no relief otherwise. The poor child.
WOndering if anyone else knows anything about this or where to turn?
Also, the ubiome tests are free right now..very interesting to see what all is going on in there.

In addition, neither my husband nor I have the Clostridium in ours.
Thanks,
Angela

beth22
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Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:23 pm

Re: Stool Test + for Clostridium

Postby beth22 » Fri May 18, 2018 1:22 am

Hi Angela and welcome to the site. Please read the first forum for more information for new posters. There have been a few people who have used Ubiome, but they may just list clostridium that is not toxigenic. There are many varieties of clostridium. If your daughter has severe C, it is unlikely that she has an active c diff infection. I have tested positive on PCR for almost two years, but have not treated. Lately, I have had C too.

I don't know in which state you live, but I see a motility specialist who tested me for SIBO. One form of SIBO gives C. A breath test can determine if she has that. If I were you, I would seek out a GI and see what he or she says. Perhaps the GI might alter her diet as well. If it were me, I would not want to throw more antibiotics into the mix. Tell your GP that you would like to see a GI if you need a referral. The C issue should be reason enough.

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

Re: Stool Test + for Clostridium

Postby roy » Fri May 18, 2018 3:44 am

As a diagnostic tool those tests are next to USELESS.
Theres many many forms of clostridia, some good and some bad, Tetanus is a clostridia!
Some clostridia might even be part of the good flora that keeps c.diff in check and in some countries is used as a suppliment to prevent c.diff.
There would be many other potentialy pathogenic bacteria discovered by that test including E.coli, Staph, etc.
Be thankful your Dr is knowlagable and refused to treat!
They are all normal.

We don't know much about constipation but regular use of medication to treat it causes problems, the body relies on the meds and gets used to them meaning higher and higher doses are needed, that's not good!
If she is on painkillers that can also cause it.
I would be trying to solve it naturally, a dramatic increase in fluid intake, increased oily food (fish, nuts, olive oil etc) and lots of fibre.
Look for black rice, it's got 3 times the fibre of most other foods and is an unusual tasty addition to any diet.
I don't think c.diff is a consideration.

MKW
Regular Contributor
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Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2016 9:49 am

Re: Stool Test + for Clostridium

Postby MKW » Fri May 18, 2018 7:25 pm

Hi, I recently had a comprehensive stool test done. I was a recurrent c Diff sufferer that had an FMT. But, I ended up with SIBO now and am seeing an integrative medicine specialist for treatment.
I tested positive for Clostridia species on that test. But I also tested negative recently for a c Diff pcr test, which tests for toxigenic strains.
So as others have said Clostridia species are a normal part of gut flora.
Methane SIBO is associated with constipation. The test for SIBo is about $250 but not covered by insurance. It might be worth it to test her just to see. It is a non invasive breath test that can be done at home and put in the mail. Also, there are GI doctors that specialize in motility problems. I don’t know how you find one! But they exist, and this might be worth seeking out and getting an opinion.
I have a 14 year old daughter. I struggle every day with GI problems at age 46, and barely cope.
I know it’s got to be hard for her, and you.


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