Stress/IBS/Relapse

[Musings]

Am 10 days off a course of vanco after relapsing 5 days after taking flagyl.

Had been doing OK but the last few days have me concerned I am heading towards another relapse.

Current symptoms: bloating, excess gas, 1-2 fairly normal stools, and then 2-4 smaller/thinner stools that almost make me think I am having incomplete bowel movements. Today, had one soft but formed movement and have already had 4 of the smaller/thinner but still generally formed movements. Am not running a fever, no chills, and generally no cramps/abdominal pain.

Admittedly, had pizza for dinner last night so that could be an issue but for the days before was eating fairly bland.

Do I simply chalk this up to stress and/or IBS unless it progresses to WD and/or blood? Trying not to panic but my last relapse started similarly but don't want to over treat either.

Have an appointment with a GI specialist Monday and plan to discuss all of this with her as well.

-Lauren

[iamsick]

Your stools can be all over the place during recovery. The healing process begins when you come off the Antibiotics. I too was on Vanco and now am just shy of 2 years cdiff symptom free. Your stools can be all over the place and what you eat will affect your stool. I stayed on the bland diet for a couple of months or longer while my system healed then slowly added foods. You'll get there. Just follow the 3 day rule, if have WD 3 a day for 3 days, call the doc.

[amyc]

I'd call the doctor to see what they advise.

[Musings]

Saw the doctor on my lunch break. She submitted another test for C. diff but also a full panel in case it is another infection. She stated she was not sure the next course of action if it is still C. diff and to go to the ER if I get worse. The C. diff test should come in tomorrow.

-Lauren

[Lisa33]

Hi Lauren - It actually doesn't sound like a relapse to me. This is pretty common for early recovery. I agree with "iamsick".

[Musings]

Thanks, Lisa. Am up to 10 movements today so trying my best to not panic and wait and see how it progresses.

[amyc]

If it's positive see if you can get Dificid or do a long vanco taper/pulse. Don't panic, and sorry you aren't feeling well. I'm happy your doctor got you in so quick.

[Lisa33]

Oh boy, 10 movements is a lot. I hope you aren't relapsing. But, I agree with Amy to talk to your doctor about either a Dificid or vanco taper as the next course of treatment.

Hang in there!
Lisa

[roy]

That sounds like a relapse.
Hope I am wrong.

[Bobbie]

With the weekend coming up, call your doc ASAP.

[Musings]

Have not gone since 4 PM but total count was around 12. Working from home tomorrow and will call the doctor as soon as they open. Having some back pain and mild hot flashes but otherwise feel decent (knock on wood).

[georgina]

12 BM per day sounds like a relapse . Get tested!

[Musings]

Had a frustrating talk with my doctor. Test was inconclusive. She wanted me on medication to stop the diarrhea which I refused. Asked for dificid but told me she needed to research its effectiveness because it is a newer drug. She will call me later.

[Lisa33]

You were right to not take Imodium, given that the quantity of times yesterday is really indicative of a relapse. Can you get in to see another doctor asap anywhere? I hate to say it, but if she is researching Dificid's effectiveness, she is not versed on c-diff. I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this frustration.

[Musings]

She put through a prescription for C diff recurrences so assume/hope it is dificid. Have an appointment with a GI Specialist on Monday so will plan to work with them if I continue to have issues.