diagnosed 4 months ago....

[Budchick8]

My story started in December 2007. I went on a cruise and when I came back; I had a bacteria Infection on my back.. The family doctor persriped Penicillin for me. 5 days later; I started having Diarhea. The doc said it was because of the meds. I believed her and I continued taking the medication and waited about 3 weeks to see if the Diarhea went away. It never did so mid January 2008 I went to see my Doc again and they ran some tests. I tested positive for c. difficile and I was give a 10 day perscription of Flagyl. After the 10 days; I still had diarhea but again I was told it was the medication... A week later; still suffering from the same problems and now major stomach pains; I had the test re-done. Positive again; now I am on a 21 day perscription of flagyl. Again waited 21 days and 7 days later had the test re-done and tested negative. Still suffering from the same symptoms; I had the test re-done in April and now I am positive again... Back on 21 days of flagyl and now I am seeing a Gastro specialist... Gastro specialist puts me on Voncinin ($1,000 for a 2 week perscription) with 4 repeats. I am now into my second perscription and I don't have diarrhea anymore but now I am extremely exhausted. I am in bed by 8:30pm every night and getting up at 6:00am is a real chore..... Is the Exhaustion suppose to be this long? I have lost 18 lbs since january and I am ready for it to be over..... Please tell me I am near the end..

[klt03301]

Hi there. I'm so sorry to hear you've been sick with this, and continue to struggle. I've suffered from the exhaustion, myself, and still have those days. I couldn't even cook/clean for myself I don't get up at 6:00 a.m.; I have the luxury of sleeping as late as I want, and I'm still tired, but that part is getting better. Don't know how you do it if you're still working, but my hat is off to you! Mine started in late February of this year. I'm better, but still struggling, too. Most of my problems are now just gastrointesinal, but I had things like body pain and mental confusion, too. I've lost about as much weight as you have. So GLAD your Gastro specialist finally gave you the Vancocin. Hopefully that will help you; sometimes it takes a change from the Flagyl to the Vanco and doing different things with the meds. I, along with everyone else here, will be praying that you are on your way toward healing. It sounds as if you're doing better already (no D), so that's a step forward right there!!!! Please let us know how you're doing and we'll be thinking of you!

Karen

[Bobbie]

Budchick8,
Welcome to the site. Read the first forum ALL USERS READ THIS FIRST & its subtopics – especially the announcements: PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU POST and GUIDELINES FOR POSTING TO OUR DISCUSSION BOARDS. They will guide you in using the site & answer some of the most frequent questions. Read Dr. Borody’s & Dr. McDonald’s articles and some of the topics in FAQ – especially Hygiene, Nutrition, & Testing.

Since antibiotics contributed to your C. diff., be careful about taking them again. (See FAQ-Antibiotics.) Some people can tolerate them without a problem; some develop C. diff. again. (See Dr. Borody’s article.)

Yes, exhaustion can be part of the whole "C. diff. scene." It can take a terrible toll on your body, your emotions, and your finances. Weight loss is also common. I lost over 20 lbs. the first time.

Hope the Vanco. works this time. Glad you are seeing a specialist.