What kind of condition does C Diff leave you in, bowel-wise?

[moonjeans]

I haven't posted here in a few months - we just got our internet back. My son was hospitalized and diagnosed with C Diff in Deccember 2007. Since that time, he has relapsed every 4-6 weeks without fail. I say "relapse" but the first two times it came back the tests showed negative for C Diff. Could he have been left with some type of condition in his bowels? Why would it return so regularly?
We saw a GI specialist again in May (took a month to get an appt!) and he ordered some tests for our son. C Diff culture was one of them, but he also wants bloodwork, food panel, and some type of x ray of his intestines while he is drinking some special fluid.
The pattern is this: his appetite decreases slightly, he gets gas, then the next day wakes up with vomiting (sometimes) or diarrhea (every time). Is the vomiting C DIff related? We are just so concerned, and the GI specialist was kind of stumped. He is very nice and knowledgable but this is weird because we don't get positive C Diff tests and then this thing comes almost on a schedule. Also, we haven't given him antibiotics for last last 3 or 4 bouts, and it does go away on it's own. We have him on probiotics daily and try to always keep him hydrated.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am feeling so down and frustrated.
Thanks.
Liz

[Bobbie]

Liz,
I'd run the "not giving him antibiotics" past his doc. The fact that it seems to keep reoccuring could mean he is not over the C. diff.

Remember, we on this site are NOT in the medical field. We can give you ideas on what worked for us but can not diagnose.

Most people get over C. diff. without a problem & often children fare better. Some people do have lasting after effects, but we are in the minority.

Don't look for more trouble re. other possible conditions. Many people can't tolerate dairy products when they have any type of GI infection because the body loses its ability to digest lactose. Yes, many with C. diff. do have vomiting.

I think I'd contact the ped. GI again (hope he is a ped. GI) & run these symtoms by him. If not happy, find another specialist. By the way, there are many false negatives in C. diff. testing. (See FAQ-Tests.) I had C. diff. for 4 yrs. the lst time (extenuating circumstances) & only had 2 or 3 positive tests. I was originally diagnosed with pseudo. mem. colitis through a colonscopy. Follow the directions in FAQ-Tests for better results. Always use a sterile (not just a "clean" container) & bring the sample in within 4 hrs. or refrigerate. Mark the container: "Please test immediately -- possible C. diff." (We had one med. tech. who posted sometimes they get busy & leave specimans out too long before testing.)

He'll be all right, Mom. I know how you feel. My younger son had C diff. when he was 4 & then again at the age of about 10. (I've also had it twice many years later. Guess we are just lucky.)

[diane]

When I relapsed, I did vomit. So I would listen to Bobbie and talk to his doctor.. that is always best. I would say especially for a child. We are here for support and talk on what we have tried, but in no means here for medical advice. Good luck and I hope he feels better. It is so hard when oiur chldren are sick.

[nsewell]

Cdiff is a very tricky infection. Its hard to get a positive even when you still have it in you. How old is your son? May be they should give him a flex or a scope then they could do a culture and other tests and actually see with their own eyes whats going on, just a thought. Good luck and hang in there..