C-diff/gastritis/esophagitis

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Tumble
Brand New Poster
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Dec 01, 2015 7:58 am

C-diff/gastritis/esophagitis

Postby Tumble » Tue Dec 01, 2015 8:23 am

In September I was diagnosed with c-diff, gastritis and esophagitis all at the same time. Was out of the hospital for two weeks and, BAM!, back to the hospital with c-diff AGAIN! During the two weeks, however, the gastritis/esohagitis never went away. I've lost 25 lbs. because of the gastritis/ esohagitis. The doctors tell me that this is unrelated to the c-diff! How could that be? It all hit me at EXACTLY THE SAME TIME. I have been so very depressed. I've been on vancomycin since the relapse, and have another six weeks to go. I don't feel well. Mainly because of the gastritis/esophagitis. Scared it will never go away. I've tried dexalant, nexium, Prilosec, Pepcid, tums, licorice tablets, raw organic apple cider vinager, apples, chamomile flowers, carafate (liquid and tablets), not eating spicy, sweet, fatty or fried food, and liquid yeast infection medicine for the esophagus! Any suggestions?

Lisa33
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 2430
Joined: Mon Sep 29, 2014 1:45 pm

Re: C-diff/gastritis/esophagitis

Postby Lisa33 » Tue Dec 01, 2015 10:39 am

STANDARD INTRODUCTION:
Welcome to the site. Read the first forum “All Users Read This First” and subtopics “Site History” and “Information and Guidelines for Posting to our Discussion Boards.” (Note limits on posting.) This will guide you in using the site and answer some of your questions. Read Dr. Borody's articles. Also see the topics under “CDI” – particularly Recent CDC Report, C. diff. Bible, Tests, Antibiotics, Hygiene, and Nutrition.
“Doctors” lists physicians our posters recommended and also a worldwide list of C. diff. specialists with contact information. (Many perform FMT's.) See the forum “FMT’s and FE’s” or “Media Reports” for new information on C. diff.
The majority of patients (about 70%) recover with one to two rounds of Flagyl, vancomycin, or Dificid. An unfortunate small percentage doesn’t and can suffer for months. Most recover unless there are factors such as advanced age or other severe health problems. New treatments include FMT's, which have a high cure rate. Other drugs and treatments are in the pipeline, and there is increased recognition of C. diff. 20l6 will be a year of many advances and HOPE.
Help us make others aware of C. difficle – which will lead to further advances in treating and/or preventing the infection. If antibiotics contributed to your C. diff, be careful about taking them. Some people tolerate them; some develop C. diff again. Don’t take medications for C. diff. unless you are tested.
For more information, see other support groups including http://www.peggyfoundation.org, Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) Support Group, FMT Discussion, Fecal Transplant Foundation, C Diff Foundation, and the UK Support Site. There is also information on some of the better medical sites like Mayo's, Medscape, and WebMD, and the CDC website. Don't use "Dr. Google" to diagnose yourself.
This is a support site not a medical site. We can’t give you medical advice but can tell you what worked for us and offer support. The best protection for you and others is thorough hand washing (soap and water are preferable) and good hygiene by you, those around you, and your health care providers.
No one will understand what you are going through except someone who has/had this unpredictable disease. All of our moderators and frequent posters had/have C. diff. (or a loved one with it) and know how physically, emotionally, and financially disabling it is.
Again, welcome. Remember, the odds are in your favor. (End of letter.)

Hi Tumble - So sorry that you have been so sick. Welcome to the site. I am not familiar with gastritis and esophagitis, but something that alerted me in your post is that you have taking Nexium and Prilosec which are both proton pump inhibitors. The FDA has communicated that PPI's can increase your risk of c-diff. I would speak with your doctor about this, as it may be preventing you from curing the c-diff. A vanco taper/pulse has cured many on this site, so try to stay positive and optimistic that this will work for you too. Are you taking any probiotics? Many on this site take VSL-3, Florastor and drink Kefir (a probiotic drink). VSL-3 is a live lactic acid bacteria, and should be spaced apart from the vanco, as the vanco will kill it. Florastor is a yeast probiotic (sacch. boulardii) that will not be killed off by the meds. The probiotics can help to restore your good gut bacteria. I would definitely stick to a bland diet, such as the BRAT diet until things settle down. For many, after you finish meds, it can take a while to get back to "normal." Some, such as myself, develop post-infectious IBS, so it's wise to add foods back slowly to see what you can tolerate. Has the D subsided at least from being on the vanco?

Hope you feel better.
Lisa


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