What constitutes an active infection?

[jackie24]

I had a visit with the ID last Friday and she told me that it was okay to take one Imodium if I was going somewhere if I did not have an active infection. I am currently getting ready to start the skipping days of Vanco pulse I guess you call it. How do I know if I have an active infection? Do you have to have WD to have an active infection? I have constant abdominal pain, 4-5 semi-solid stools a day, and have gurgling. Is this not an active infection? Sorry for all the questions but this is so stressful!

Jackie24

[beth22]

If you are still on vanco, it is unlikely you would get an active infection. I consider active infection to be WD, but ask the doctor who told you that to see what he means by it.

[jackie24]

Beth22

I am starting the every other day Vanco tomorrow. Hopefully you can’t relapse while still taking it. I did ask her what she means by active infection and she said the WD as well. I took an Imodium yesterday and I have horrible cramps today. I used to live on the stuff but since getting Cdiff I am having trouble tolerating it and Pepto.

Jackie24

[beth22]

You can relapse when you taper. It happened to me, but usually the doctor will say to increase the dose again for a bit and then try to cut again. You will have to see how it goes. Everyone is different. I had good luck with Pepto. I just took a small amount with meals and it worked. If I took a big dose, it made me feel bad too.

[jackie24]

Woke up this morning and did not make it to the bathroom. Wasn’t WD but it was a mess! The infectious disease doctor gave me stool kits and orders but I don’t know whether to test if it’s just mushy and yellow and not WD.

[Ril]

That qualifies as d and you had no control so yes, test.
And descriptions like that belong in the TMI section please.

[georgina]

It doesn't have to be pure water , if it's loose enough to get the shape of the container you can test it.