Azithromycin - Terrified of C-Diff Returning - Advice Needed

[iheartcats]

I had C-Diff in late 2011/early 2012 that took two rounds of Flagyl to treat and was an awful experience.

I've avoided antibiotics until this year. In February my cold turned into bacterial bronchitis and I had to take Z-Pack/Azithromycin to clear that up and avoid pneumonia. My doctor and I have been careful with antibiotics because of my history.

Last week, I had an emergency root canal that was infected (and they said I had to take it otherwise I could get an infection in my bloodstream). They wanted to give me amoxicillin (which gave me C-Diff in 2011), but I was not comfortable taking it so I just completed another Z-Pack today.

I'm eating yogurt, taking probiotics and trying to stay positive but I had a bad round of diarrhea today. I'm so afraid it will continue (C-Diff made me so ill in 2011 I can't imagine going through it again). I do have other health issues that are mostly under control, but it probably makes me a slightly higher risk. I had a colonoscopy last fall and am being treated for anemia and have a small camera endoscopy coming up at the end of the month so I already have issues with my stomach/bowels.

In 2011 C-Diff just came on suddenly. And the bathroom use was non-stop for two days until they tested for it (sorry TMI). I know you can have diarrhea from antibiotics that's entirely normal, but what can I watch for to tell the difference?

Thank you kindly. I'm very worried but am trying to stay rational.

[NanciT]

It's been a long time since you have had CDIFF which is fantastic. I think we all worry a great deal with any antibiotic but the reality is sometimes you have to take them.
It sounds like you have a good doctor who makes all every effort to avoid them. We can't take away your worry, just know there are many on the site who have taken a Z Pak and not relapsed.
Do exactly what you are doing, take your probiotic, eat yogurt and think positive. I wish we didnt have to live with the worry but it is something we all do
Hopefully a few other's will jump in here who have taken a Z Pak

Hang in there

NanciT

[Ril]

I understand why you are worried. We all would be. If it is any consolation many who have recovered from c diff have taken z packs without relapsing. Taking probiotics and eating yogurt definitely helps. If you are not taking a Florastor I suggest you start that ASAP 2x per day. While not proven, it is widely believed that Florastor helps prevent c diff from recurring. Other than that, just do what you are doing and watch for multiple episodes of watery d ...we use the 3 day rule. More than 3 episodes of watery d / day for 3 days is reason for concern. Try to stay calm and not think the worse. Hopefully you will be fine.

Good luck,
Rita

[iheartcats]

Thank you both so much for your reassurances.

I've had one watery D today (but just one) and an upset stomach. My doctor wants me to do labs if I have more watery D 'just in case' but since it's not too frequent hopefully it's just a normal reaction.

It is hard knowing what C-Diff is like and have to take antibiotics. Maybe my one time was a fluke - it happens! Let's hope!

I hadn't heard of Floristar - I'm using Target-brand Probiotics - but I will pick some up because they sound exactly like what I need. There were so many options I didn't know what to get so thank you kindly.