Abigayle's Case History-15 month old

[Guest]

My daughter, Abigayle, was almost 15months old and has tested positive twice for cdiff. When she was about 5 months old she was given a Cephalosporin for an ear infection. (This was the only time she had ever had an antibiotic in her life). I had no idea that the antibiotic had affected her little intestine the way it did. I didn't realize that there was anything wrong until she had blood in her stool 7 months later. Before then, she did seem to have some painful gas issues, but the doctors always said that babies can always get gas from new foods or something that I had eaten, since I was exclusively breastfeeding her. After seeking the advice of a pediatric Gastroenterologist, she was diagnosed with having Clostridium difficile bacteria in her stool. Apparently this bacteria can cause bloody stools. She hadn't been able to get rid of the cdiff after 1 round of flagyl and then after 2 weeks, when she still hadn't gotten rid of it, the pediatric gastroenterologist put her on 1 round of <BR>vancomycin. Neither of the 2 rounds was able to <BR>rid her of the cdiff. So... the doctor suggested that I try Culturelle, which is also known as Lactobacillus GG. <BR> <BR> <BR>After my daughter had tested positive for cdiff following the 2 rounds of antibiotics, I decided to not go ahead with more antibiotic therapy. We were successful in eliminating the cdiff by using a natural probiotic product called "Culturelle". It is a brand name for Lactobacillus GG. I started out by giving my 15 month old, 21 lb daughter 1 capsule/day of Culturelle, in her cereal (making sure the cereal was cold, not warm). I had spoken with the pediatric GI nurse at the Culturelle company and she said that the 2 capsule per day was fine for her weight. After 2 weeks of 1 capsule/day, I increased it to 2 capsules/day for 2 more weeks and then retested her for stool for cdiff, and for the 1st time since the ordeal began, she tested negative. I continued with the 2capsules/day regimen for another month. Then, I dropped her dose to 1 capsule/day for the next 2 months. She has continually tested negative for the Cdiff. I currently give her 1/2 capsule/day, just because it's good for maintaining healthy intestinal flora. I also take the product myself, as well as give it to my 9 1/2 year old son. I hope that this information helps you help other parents in the future. As a side note, I believe that if an adult were to use the Culturelle, they would probably have to take alot more than 2capsules/day to rid them of the cdiff. <BR> <BR>I am so happy that I chose to try a natural alternative to such strong antibiotics for my little baby. My daughter is now 21 months old and doing wonderfully. I hope that this case history helps another parent out someday. <BR><BR>[Guest Posted by: 'gayle']

[gaylie]

Hi,

Well, Abigayle is now 6 1/2 years old and Cdiff free still!! I stand by the Culturelle cure! I am certain had I not gone out on my own and tried this alternative therapy (as opposed to a 3rd round of powerful antibiotics) I would not have had this cure. (I had met w/a top pediatric specialist in this field at Children's Hospital, when she was 20 months old just to confer on probiotics and he agreed that everyone should take probiotics on a daily basis) So... in case anyone was interested, thought I would post this update on her status. Abigayle and I still take 1 Culturelle a day for our intestinal health. As a side note, I truly believe that taking the Culturelle has not only helped her intestines, but her general immunity as well. Ever since she was a baby, she has had very few colds and I attribute it to taking Culturelle and garlic. Hope everyone finds their own cure that works for them!! Good health wishes to all.