Sam's Case History

[Sadiesadiemarriedlady2003]

October 7th, 2007 - Given a deep intramuscular injection of a strong broad spectrum antibiotic in California for suspected ear infection and sinusitis. Put on 7 day course of Cefuroxime for infection, and an anti-diarreahal (diphenoxylate/atropine sulphate). Had diarreah from the beginning of antibiotic course and used antidiarreahal to keep it under control.

Developed chronic diarreah, Saturday, October 20nd, 2007 went to emergency, diagnosed with C. Difficile. (cramping, diarreah, weight loss). Prescribed a course of Metronidazole (Flagil). Became ill from medication (around October 22nd, 2007) and went back to ER with shaking, vomiting, diarreah, weakness. Diagnosed with dehydration, 3 bags of IV rehydration, Zantac and Zofran. Metronidazole dosage changed from 2 tablets 3 times per day to one tablet 4 times per day.

Finished the full course of Metronidazole (over 2 weeks). Developed yeast infection, cured with over the counter medication. Saturday, November 10th, 2007 cramping and diarreah again, sweating, low grade fever, severe body pain. Monday, November 12th, back to the ER after 48 hours of diarreah. Stool tested antigen positive and toxin negative. Started a second course of Metronidazole on Tuesday November 13th, 2007. Finished 2 weeks with a short tapering off period towards the end. Another yeast infection, cured with an over the counter medication. Diagnosed with anaemia, and put on an iron supplement. Also taking an acidophilus supplement for about a month - as of January 11th, 2007 (1 daily) - Healthy Trinity - Dairy Free.

Back to the ER on December 28th, 2007 with diarreah and cramping. Given liquid Vancomycin at the hospital (2 doses) – tested positive – started oral caplet Vancomycin on December 28th, 2007. Saw Dr. Chai (specialist) on January 3rd, 2008. He prescribed 2 more weeks of Vancomycin (4 pills per day, evenly spaced – 125 mg) in addition to what I already had – with the decision to use Vanco. as a therapy and to taper off gradually at the end. I have an appointment to see Dr. Chai again on January 21st. (Asked about Fecal Flora Replacement – he was going to confer with the specialist in Kelowna to get more information).

Stayed on Vancomycin for 3 months, with a very, very slow taper. Eating yogurt EVERY day and taking a strong Probiotic daily. It is now September of 2008, nearly a year since the start of my ordeal. I am completely C. Difficile free and my digestion has almost completely returned to normal. I am certain that the length and the severity of the infection did severe damage to my intestines and with patience, they will return to pre-C. Diff. condition. Patience is the key! Eat yogurt for the rest of your life. Only use anti-biotics if absolutely necessary and there is no other solution! Luckily, I have been able to avoid anti-biotics and I pray that this winter will not bring the need for them. I have put all of my weight back on and then some. I still can not 'over indulge' in certain foods (caffiene, pop, fatty or rich foods.)...but that is probably a good thing! Keep the faith, even in your darkest hour...you can overcome this thing! Take good care of yourself and my prayers are with everyone who suffers from this disruptive and devastating disease.

It is January 2013 and I am doing really well! C-Diff has stayed away. I have not had ANY antibiotics since my ordeal, but not for lack of offers. Being so conscious of anti-biotic induced C-Diff has opened my eyes to the over use of antibiotics in general. I have had two elective surgeries and some major dental work since my bout with the disease and in all cases, antibiotics were offered as an infection preventative. Doctor's always look so shocked when I flat out refuse, but with each case, antibiotics were NOT needed! I am simply unwilling to put myself at risk for C-Diff for the slight POSSIBILITY of infection. I know that these medicines are needed at times when life threatening situations are involved, but NOT for simple dental procedures. I have it logged at the pharmacy that I have an allergy to antibiotics (related to C-Diff). Don't be afraid to take control of your future health in this manner. Once most doctors know your history with the disease, they will usually agree with the decision to be conservative with the use of antibiotics. Trust yourself and the fact that NO ONE knows your body better than you do.

Physically, my intestinal tract seems to be healed. I truly believe that it takes years to heal the body after a C- Diff battle. To this day, every time I have a textbook bowel movement, I am so grateful and thankful. I will never take that for granted, EVER. I have dealt with anxiety for most of my life and it really crops up if I have any cramping in relation to bowel movements. For a moment, I am brought back to my suffering during my bout with C. Diff and it pops in my head, am I healthy, is this normal? I have to remind myself that sometimes there will be some discomfort or loose stool. That this is normal and everyone experiences this. I have to trust that my body has healed and I am strong. I am sure that many people who have struggled with this disease have had similar issues. Trust that you are normal and you are okay.

Again, God bless everyone out there in the midst of this disease. Know that there is hope, there is healing and there is an end to your suffering. Take care of yourselves, be patient and kind to yourselves and reach out for the help that works for you.