Case History- Cdiff and postpartum

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code3rn
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Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2014 3:32 pm

Case History- Cdiff and postpartum

Postby code3rn » Fri May 09, 2014 9:07 pm

Oct 2013- My battle with C.diff began in October 2013, I had my daughter in late October and developed mastitis at 2 weeks postpartum. I was prescribed Dynapen (dicloxacillin) antibiotic to treat it. About 10 days after finishing the antibiotic I developed D with M and B. For 3 weeks I was dismissed by my NP until I was finally tested and diagnosed with C.diff. Side note, I work as a nurse in the emergency room and could have been a carrier. In addition, I was told newborns can carry cdiff in their stool. lastly, I was told by my GI specialist in oakland that peripartum patients are the 3rd highest risk for cdiff, after the elderly and weakened immune system/chronic disease.

Dec 2013- Flagyl initially. Developed a bad reaction and was switched to vanco 250mg three times a day for 10 days. 5-8 days after finishing vanco I relapsed and tested positive. Also dealing with severe postpartum depression and anxiety compounded by cdiff. Lost my 40lbs gained in pregnancy plus another 15lbs. 5ft 4in and 110lbs, the thinnest I have ever been in my adult life.

Jan 2013- Was started on 6 week Vanco taper of vanco 250mg 4 times a day for 14 days, then 2 times a day for 7 days, then once a day for 7 days, then every other day for 7 days, lastly every 3rd day for 7 days. Relapsed around 7-10 days later and tested positive. Made an appt with GI doctor in Oakland who does FMT's for March

March 2013- Met with Dr. Stollman and started on vanco again and FMT scheduled for May. Had my sister in law tested to be my donor.

May 2013- Prepped for colonoscopy/FMT day before procedure with Nulytely. Tasted terrible but all in all the prep was not horrible. Had FMT done on may 2nd. My donor only provided a small amount of stool the day of. The doctor was concerned about the amount of stool, but stated that he has had other donors only give a smaller amount and the patients still did ok. Was told by doctor that first 2 weeks expect BM"s to be all over the place, and to expect PI-IBS that will resolve over time. Was not instructed on diet or what to take for IBS symptoms.

Now today, 9 days post vanco and so far no relapse. I am having more good days than bad. Had a couple iffy days with some M and loose stool, frequent BMs. But no D. Have also been abstaining from dairy, spicy foods and greasy foods. Other than that have been able to tolerate foods without too much of a problem. I am taking Citracel daily and also trying to eat high fiber foods. Also pepto and immodium for IBS symptoms. Hands down the FMT was the best decision I ever made. I would not blink an eye if I was told I needed to do it again. Wish I had not suffered and missed out on a lot of my daughers first 6 months of life, but happy to hopefully be on my way to recovery.

code3rn
Regular Contributor
Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2014 3:32 pm

Re: Case History- Cdiff and postpartum

Postby code3rn » Fri May 09, 2014 9:19 pm

Update- ugh spoke too soon and jinxed myself, just had more M. Trying to tell myself it's still only been 9 days and can be very up and down for awhile longer.

code3rn
Regular Contributor
Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2014 3:32 pm

Re: Case History- Cdiff and postpartum

Postby code3rn » Thu May 15, 2014 9:12 pm

14 days post vanco and FMT and no relapse! I'm feeling pretty good and having many more good days than bad. I haven't tried dairy or my beloved wine yet, but so far what I have eaten I've been able to tolerate ok. I would say I am about 80% back to normal. I am so grateful for each healthy day I've had. I haven't retested as I am not having severe symptoms, so there is no need.

code3rn
Regular Contributor
Posts: 158
Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2014 3:32 pm

Re: Case History- Cdiff and postpartum

Postby code3rn » Wed Jul 02, 2014 10:22 pm

2 months post FMT today. I am beyond thrilled to say I am doing about 90% better. My BMs are not my "normal" like they used to be, but I don't know that they ever will be? Maybe I have taken on my donor's shape and form. It isn't a bad thing necessarily, just different. I still try to avoid dairy, but I have been able to tolerate some wine here and there. I still have some off days after eating something a little risky (ie cheese, fried food, etc), but after a day or two it goes away. I find that using metamucil (or benifiber? I can't remember which at the moment) works really well for me. Also pepto bismol and immodium for the days I need it. I would do the FMT again in a heartbeat. can't believe I suffered for 6 months when one simple procedure provided so much relief.


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