Is there a new way to treat cdiff?

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jimmyf41
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Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:17 am

Is there a new way to treat cdiff?

Postby jimmyf41 » Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:51 am

Hello,
I am not sure if I read it on here, or another site. But is there a new pill that can treat cdiff? Some sort of probiotic pill? Or super food pill? I've had C diff before about 3 years ago and may have it again. Been sick with lung Infection for the last year. 5 ct scans and 2 Broncohscopy procedures. I've been on a few different antibiotics. As well as an antifungal for aspergillus. Now they say it's back to a bactieral infection. was on levofloxacin a month ago. And back on it now after more infultrates showed up on my last ct scan. Im on say 7 of 14. 750mg. Same as last time. Doctors know about me having cdiff before. I bring it up every time they talk about antibiotics. I had no issues a month ago with the levofloxacin. So the pulmonologist thought I'd be able to handle another round. I take kefir and yogurts with live cultures. But stopped the vsl3 because of price. I am in a hole with med bills. I also stopped the florastor because the pulmonologist said it could of contributed to me getting aspergillus. But I haven't been able to find any evidence of that online. Now I am having those horrible stomach pains/cramps and diarrhea. no WB yet. But they seem to get looser each time. I am worried. C diff was a nightmare for me. took 4 rounds of antibiotics. Last 2 were Vancomycin that did the trick. But it destroyed my body in the process. I don't want to go through all that again. So I was hoping there was a new drug out since the last time I had it. C diff has become more common around here now. So more people seem to becoming more knowledgeable about it. When I had it 3 years ago nobody seemed to know much about it here where I live. Sorry for the rant. Just worried that I've got it again.

NikaNik
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Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:52 am

Re: Is there a new way to treat cdiff?

Postby NikaNik » Tue Mar 13, 2018 9:34 am

Hi, there!

So sorry for what you’re dealing with. Dificid is the newest drug to treat c diff although it’s been around for several years now. When I had c diff three years ago, I took Flagyl and relapsed, then Vanco and relapsed and finally saw a specialist in NYC who put me on a tapering dose of Dificid along with a medical food called Enteragam that helps absorb c diff toxins, and that’s what worked, thankfully. Fecal transplants or FMTs as they are known are also more widely used now thanks to their success rate. There are also several trials and vaccines in the works (even for people who have already had c diff). So that’s hopeful!

If you’re concerned, ask for a PCR stool test. Hoping you don’t have c diff and that you feel better soon!

Nikki

jimmyf41
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Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:17 am

Re: Is there a new way to treat cdiff?

Postby jimmyf41 » Tue Mar 13, 2018 4:29 pm

Thank you Nikki.
Had a watery bm this afternoon. My primary doctor told me to get back on the florastor. And if things continue to get worse to contact her and my pulmonologist. She will order a stool sample at that point. My worry is what am I to do about the lung Infection if I have to stop the meds early because of it causing thecdiff return? Will have two infections then. This has been one revolving door nightmare since I got cdiff the first time. I was just getting back to normal before I got pneumonia a year ago. Was hopeful it was ending. Now it seems that it is just another chapter. By the way, what is a PCR test? How many different tests are there for cdiff? I know they test for type A and B spores. Last testing a few years ago I was negative for both after the long battle. But left me with the ibs. Was finally getting that (pardon the pun) behind me. I am hoping that once I get off this antibiotic it will go away. And is just one of the minor side effects of the drug. And not full blown cdiff.

NikaNik
Long Time Contributor
Posts: 699
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:52 am

Re: Is there a new way to treat cdiff?

Postby NikaNik » Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:26 pm

I'm so sorry for your worries. Antibiotics can cause D so it doesn't necessarily have to be c diff. A PCR test is considered the most accurate stool test for c diff. If it is positive + symptoms then they suggest it be treated (it can be positive with NO symptoms which means you carry the c diff bacteria as part of your normal flora but it's not producing any toxins to cause illness). Hang in there!


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