Laurie W

[laweath]

I was diagnosed with C. Diff on September 20, 2012. My trouble began in early August when I noticed a lump on the left side of my neck. I sought prompt medical attention for it and was sent to an ENT specialist. When the ENT doctor performed the needle biopsy, he said he had wonderful news and that it was just a cyst, but it was a good thing I caught it so early or I would have become very ill. So he put me on a broad spectrum antibiotic, and that's where the *fun* began.

My bowel movements started to change. As a gastric bypass patient (1/26/11), I had battled bouts of constipation as well as diarrhea, so I was convinced it was just something I ate. Never in my life had I had diarrhea that didn't resolve on its own. I run a support group on Facebook for other weight loss surgery patients (wls), and so I checked in with them. I hadn't taken any sort of antibiotic for many years, and with surgically altered insides, I knew I was a greater risk for some diarrhea from taking antibiotics.

In my work as a dog walker, I lost total control of my bowels while walking outdoors two times in one week. Still, some of my wls friends have had that happen on occasion, so I just tried my best to laugh it off, although one of those experiences was so horrific I will take it to my grave. It's too awful even for the TMI section.

When I told my husband how awful my diarrhea had become, he reminded me of a prescription anti-diarrheal he had on hand and told me I could use that. So I took it twice a day for an entire week. As I was getting ready to take one, he asked me why I was taking his prescription strength anti-inflammatory medication. NSAID medication is a big no-no for wls patients, so not only had my symptoms not resolved, I made my situation worse by taking the wrong medication.

I took the *right* medication and my symptoms got better quickly. So I wasn't the least bit concerned when I boarded the airplane for our annual trip to Aruba. I began to realize that something was seriously wrong with me when there was nothing I could eat. If we were planning to leave the resort, I would just pop more OTC anti diarrheal meds, but I was getting very weak.

The following Monday, I headed straight to my doctor's office as a walk-in. I was tested for a variety of bugs. And of course, the lab screwed up my first test so I had to do a second test at the hospital. By Thursday of last week, my diagnosis was confirmed. I was already convinced I had c. diff, so I started doing a lot of research. My doctor agreed that I should skip the Flagyl and go straight to Vancocin. I've only been taking the medication for a few days, and I am beginning to do better, but I have not been able to work. I go back to my primary care doctor tomorrow where I am certain I will be referred to a GI doc. About the only foods I can tolerate are Egg Beaters and saltine crackers. Even a small bite of something else causes all sorts of problems.

I suffered for 7 weeks before I started medication because I was so convinced that it would just go away. I hope that waiting so long hasn't done permanent damage.

[laweath]

Well, I've been on Vancomycin for a solid month now. I saw my doctor today who is pleased with my progress. Nevertheless, I start round four of the vanco tomorrow. I am feeling a lot better than I had for awhile, so I am encouraged by that, but I had hoped I would at least be starting a tapered dose of V by now.

The list of foods I can eat is up to about 10, and I was told I can try a couple bites of cooked vegetables (such as canned peas or carrots).

I'm no longer suffering from the watery D, and I have some form in my stools, but not enough. I am scheduled for a routine colonoscopy early next week and I have asked that the GI doc test me for c. diff again at that time. Seems to me that seeing it up close and personal should provide a good indicator to the the doctors. Depending on how that goes, I may or may not be asked to do another stool culture soon.

I have a trip to Hawaii schedule for about two weeks from now. Sure hope I'm able to enjoy the vacation and not relapse while I'm there!

Thank you for all the wonderful support I get here. Between this site and the Facebook page, I am able to stay pretty positive.

[laweath]

I don't think it has been a full month since my last update, but I saw my doctor for another follow up today, and I'm pleased to report that I am c. diff free!!!

There are still many foods I can't tolerate. This disease tested me physically and mentally in ways I could never have imagined. I take off on a family vacation to Hawaii Saturday morning for one week. Assuming I make it through that week with flying colors, I'll post under success stories upon my return.

God bless all of you. This board has been such a place of refuge for me. I don't know what I would have done without all of your support and wonderful suggestions.