Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

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Machaon
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Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 11:50 am

Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Machaon » Sun Jan 17, 2021 1:02 pm

Hello... If you don't remember me, I'm the guy who "sanitized" his C-diff undies using boiling water because I am chemically sensitive.

My first C-diff infection: I took clindamycin for a dental infection Mar 16, 2017-Mar 25. I started feeling sick on April 18 (23 days later). My C-diff misery lasted five months from April 18,1917 until September 12, 2017 when I was finally cured via dificid.

It took 23 days before the c-diff infection caused symptoms and a significant infection. That makes me think that I can take proactive steps NOW to hopefully avoid another C-diff infection.

I've been taking probiotics and Saccharomyces boulardii and Monolaurin two hours after Cephalexin. I plan to keep doing this during the Cephalexin, and then for three weeks after the end of the Cephalexin.

I do not want to suffer from C-diff again. I would love to get suggestions and "possibly" any criticism. I value the wisdom and knowledge from the experts on this C-diff website, who were immensely helpful during my first C-diff infection!

Thanks, Bob
Last edited by Machaon on Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Male 77 S.Florida

900 weight lifts 750 knee bends day

Since 1987 had CHF afib asthma

I inhale $6 Flonase nasal spray for asthma :)

Ex C-diff (4/19/17- 9/12/17) after 10 days dificid

Diet:6 meals ~1500 cals 2 eggs 2 steamed broccoli, apple, bagels

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

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want D-diff AGAIN!

Postby NanciT » Sun Jan 17, 2021 1:14 pm

Hello Bob

Yes, I remember you well! Good to hear you have been well since we last heard from you. There is much controversy about dental infections. I do not want to judge or know your situation but I will say Keflex is a big offender. I had CDIFF in 2014/15 for a year.

Since then, I did take Keflex twice and had no issues for Kidney infections.

It was the 3rd time March 2019 that I ended up with CDIFF after taking it. Not sure why I got away with it the first two times.

Have you spoken to the dentist about an alternative? A lower offender and an antibacterial rinse? My dentist gave me an RX rinse which worked in m y case.

Just giving several options to speak with your dentist about

Wishing you the best

NanciT

Bobbie
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Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want D-diff AGAIN!

Postby Bobbie » Sun Jan 17, 2021 1:45 pm

Bob,
I second NancyT’s advice about double checking with your dentist. The oral rinse Peridex is an antibiotic rinse that is effective against minor oral infections.

We might be “borrowing trouble” but another bout of c diff Is a nightmare for most of us.

Here is a current list of offending antibiotics I posted recently.

https://www.singlecare.com/blog/antibio ... se-c-diff/

Best wishes and prayers. Keep posting,

Machaon
Regular Contributor
Posts: 254
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 11:50 am

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want D-diff AGAIN!

Postby Machaon » Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:55 pm

Hi NanciT, it's great to "see" you again! Thanks for responding.

> I had CDIFF in 2014/15 for a year.
>

I had it for five months and, at times, didn't think that I would make it! I got very weak and sickly. I can't imagine how terrible it was for you to suffer with C-diff for a year! Goodness!

> Since then, I did take Keflex twice and had no issues for Kidney infections.
>

That is great information! My eyes lit up when I read that! Thanks! At least I know that it is possible to take Keflex and not get C-diff! I'm currently on 500mg twice a day.

Then... sadly, you were infected with C-diff after taking Keflex a third time! That tells me that I have to take preventive measures to "hopefully" avoid another C-diff!

> Have you spoken to the dentist about an alternative?
>

He does not acknowledge a connection between C-diff and antibiotics, and doesn't know much about it.

I'm actually bouncing around dentists looking for one that is honest and good.

NanciT, thanks for sharing your experience with Keflex! It gives me hope that my plans for using probiotics and saccharomyces boulardii has a chance of working!

Take care... Bob
Male 77 S.Florida

900 weight lifts 750 knee bends day

Since 1987 had CHF afib asthma

I inhale $6 Flonase nasal spray for asthma :)

Ex C-diff (4/19/17- 9/12/17) after 10 days dificid

Diet:6 meals ~1500 cals 2 eggs 2 steamed broccoli, apple, bagels

Machaon
Regular Contributor
Posts: 254
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 11:50 am

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want D-diff AGAIN!

Postby Machaon » Sun Jan 17, 2021 4:09 pm

Bobbie wrote:
> The oral rinse Peridex is an antibiotic rinse that is effective against minor oral infections.
>

Hi Bobbie! Good to "see" you again!

I have a significant, nasty infection with pain and swelling. I let it go too long. I did not want to take antibiotics and was hoping that it was just a nerve problem because of a problematic bite.

I don't want to switch antibiotics because it might compound the risk of C-diff. So, I am now caught between a rock and a hard place!

Bobbie, thanks for the information and your response!

Take care. Best of luck and health!

Bob
Male 77 S.Florida

900 weight lifts 750 knee bends day

Since 1987 had CHF afib asthma

I inhale $6 Flonase nasal spray for asthma :)

Ex C-diff (4/19/17- 9/12/17) after 10 days dificid

Diet:6 meals ~1500 cals 2 eggs 2 steamed broccoli, apple, bagels

beth22
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Posts: 10852
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:23 pm

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby beth22 » Mon Jan 18, 2021 1:56 am

Hi Bob - I remember you well too. In fact, I was thinking about you not long ago and wondering how you were doing amidst the Covid pandemic. Just to let you know that my mother, when she was in her 90s took Keflex post c diff and did not relapse. She also took other antibiotics and never relapsed. So, yes it is possible and your plan to continue with your probiotics is good. Let us know how you do with all of this.

Ril
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Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2012 2:45 pm

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Ril » Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:34 am

So sorry Bob. I too remember you.
The only other thing I would suggest is to find out what the dentist ultimately plans for treatment for that tooth. If it will will require a root canal or an extraction the specialist might not need you to take antibiotics because the infection might be able to be removed when that treatment is done. I have had both those experiences. Unfortunately too many dentists are very quick to order antibiotics instead of looking at alternate treatment and are not as aware of the dangers of c diff. I think more education is needed of some older dentists.
That might not be relevant in your case but it would be worth asking about.
In any case good luck and hopefully you will survive this no worse for the wear!
Rita

Machaon
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Posts: 254
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 11:50 am

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Machaon » Mon Jan 18, 2021 3:47 pm

beth22 wrote:
> Hi Bob - I remember you well too. In fact, I was thinking about you not
> long ago and wondering how you were doing amidst the Covid pandemic.
>

Hi beth! So nice to hear from you! :)

We are still running as fast as we can to stay one step ahead of Covid! I hope you are staying well! :)

> Just to let you know that my mother, when she was in her 90s took Keflex post cdiff and did not relapse. She also took other antibiotics and never relapsed.
>

That is really good input! When I last followed the posts here, I thought that almost ALL antibiotics had a high risk of resulting in a C diff infection. Knowing that taking an antibiotic like Keflex didn't always result in C diff gives me hope that I might not get infected again! At the same time, I do realize the harm that Keflex does to my gut flora, so I intend to take steps to minimize the threat.

My wife just got over a reverse total shoulder replacement and is taking chemo for metastasized ovarian cancer. As her caregiver, I MUST NOT bring something like C diff into our home and I can't become incapacitated.

> So, yes it is possible and your plan to continue with your probiotics is good. Let us know how you do with all of this.
>

Thanks, beth, best luck and health to you!

Bob
Male 77 S.Florida

900 weight lifts 750 knee bends day

Since 1987 had CHF afib asthma

I inhale $6 Flonase nasal spray for asthma :)

Ex C-diff (4/19/17- 9/12/17) after 10 days dificid

Diet:6 meals ~1500 cals 2 eggs 2 steamed broccoli, apple, bagels

Machaon
Regular Contributor
Posts: 254
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 11:50 am

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Machaon » Mon Jan 18, 2021 4:06 pm

Ril wrote:
> If it will will require a root canal or an extraction the specialist might not need you to take
> antibiotics because the infection might be able to be removed when that treatment is done.
> Rita
>

Rita, thanks for the input. I'm going to the "dreaded" dentist Thursday.

Regards, Bob, best of luck and health!
Male 77 S.Florida

900 weight lifts 750 knee bends day

Since 1987 had CHF afib asthma

I inhale $6 Flonase nasal spray for asthma :)

Ex C-diff (4/19/17- 9/12/17) after 10 days dificid

Diet:6 meals ~1500 cals 2 eggs 2 steamed broccoli, apple, bagels

Machaon
Regular Contributor
Posts: 254
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 11:50 am

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Machaon » Tue Feb 02, 2021 1:12 pm

Had tooth extracted on Thursday, January 21st and stopped taking Cephalexin 500mg BID. Was on it for seven days. I'm taking probiotics including Saccharomyces boulardii as a precaution against C-diff. So far, so good. Normal bowel function.
Male 77 S.Florida

900 weight lifts 750 knee bends day

Since 1987 had CHF afib asthma

I inhale $6 Flonase nasal spray for asthma :)

Ex C-diff (4/19/17- 9/12/17) after 10 days dificid

Diet:6 meals ~1500 cals 2 eggs 2 steamed broccoli, apple, bagels

Ril
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 1837
Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2012 2:45 pm

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Ril » Tue Feb 02, 2021 9:16 pm

Good news Bob. Stay on the probiotics, especially the Florastor!

beth22
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Posts: 10852
Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:23 pm

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby beth22 » Wed Feb 03, 2021 2:23 am

That's good. Thanks for letting us know. Wishing you continued good health.

Machaon
Regular Contributor
Posts: 254
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 11:50 am

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Machaon » Sun Mar 21, 2021 5:16 pm

I had another dental infection and had to take Keflex, again, for seven days. No reoccurrence of C-Diff! I don't know if it made a difference, but I took probiotics and Saccharomyces Boulardii during and after each infection. I feel lucky. Could the next antibiotic exposure cause a reoccurrence of C-Diff? I hope that I don't have to find out!
Male 77 S.Florida

900 weight lifts 750 knee bends day

Since 1987 had CHF afib asthma

I inhale $6 Flonase nasal spray for asthma :)

Ex C-diff (4/19/17- 9/12/17) after 10 days dificid

Diet:6 meals ~1500 cals 2 eggs 2 steamed broccoli, apple, bagels

Ril
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 1837
Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2012 2:45 pm

Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Ril » Sun Mar 21, 2021 11:16 pm

You are lucky Bob but I would consider consulting another dentist because it is unusual that a dentist keeps giving you antibiotics for dental infections. That is no longer the standard of practice except in unusual circumstances.

Bobbie
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Re: Taking Keflex (Cephalexin) b.i.d for dental infection; Don't want C-diff AGAIN!

Postby Bobbie » Mon Mar 22, 2021 12:22 pm

Bob,
Agree with Ril. Get another opinion. Luck does not last forever.


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