What is C Diff (Clostridium Difficile)?

by admin on April 25, 2011

What is C Difficile? What are the symptoms of C Diff infection? How can it be treated and how can it be prevented? Our bodies are home to many bacteria including c diff. Good bacteria kills or inhibits “bad” bacteria before it can harm us. When the good bacteria are killed by antibiotics taken for other medical conditions, C Difficile, which some people carry in their intestines, can create severe illness.

C Diff Basics
What is C Diff?
What are the symptoms of C Diff?
How do I know I have C Diff?
How is C Difficile treated?

Understanding Your C Difficile Infection
How does C Diff actually make you ill
Why do some people have recurring C Diff infection
How can C diff infection be prevented
What is the C Diff ‘fecal transplant’ therapy
Is C Difficile contagious?
What is C Difficile colitis
What are C Difficile toxins

C Difficile Drugs
A guide to Flagyl (Metronidazole)
New drug – Fidaxomicin
When Flagyl fails – Vancocin

Monique L

We had a family member who was ill sstaying with us for a week. What type of cleaning do we need to do? And this person was petting our dogs and let one of the dogs up in his lap, what type of percautions do we need to take with them (I.e. baths)?
- admin
  
  Many people are colonized with C difficile and do not suffer any illness unless they are on medication for several days or weeks. C Diff spores are very hard to get rid off if the person was an active shedder when they were with you. Given that they were mobile most of the shedding would be via their hands. Clean high touch surfaces with strong bleach and clean the animals with conventional washing. Do not worry too much – you are unlikely to suffer a c diff episode unless you are already ill with something else.
  
  Dave
  Cdifficile.org
Patti

Does C Diff respond to Oredano Oil? It is extremely pathogenic and not a drug. ( in a negative fashion, for sure!)
Thanks for your time.
- admin
  
  We are not aware of any information on this
  
  Dave Roberts
  cdifficile.org
Shondell Palmer

My baby has a permante feeding tube and has c-diff three times he is only a yr old i was wondering if something else was going on with him the drs are missing he has bloody poops too has been tested for intrususseption and it was negative I am at a loss but scared of the side effects of flagel what else can i do he is also on a acidofalis to please someone help me hes been threw so much in his life I need an answer
- admin
  
  Dear Shondell
  
  We limit ourselves to advice of a general nature about c diff here on the site. I am so sorry to hear about your situation. Have you asked your doctors about Fidaxomicin as this often stops c difficile from coming back.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
- Maryann
  
  My baby had c diff at 5 months which triggered flies type reaction to rice, milk,soy and other foods. Nnwe had him on flagyl or 2 months. Cdiff went away. Then came back x3, He was.Hospitalized a few times. He is now 1 yr old. I started. Culturelle and we do neonate nutra. And neonate. And what a difference. I know your struggle—good luck. I also make all food and use organic
eanmee

After antibiotic how many days or hours wait for repeat culture?
How many time do we need for culture for safety?
admin

You will need to get expert medical advice re repeat cultures. We are an information site about general C Diff issues

Sorry we cannot be more helpful

Dave
cdifficile.org
Dawn

I have had diarrhea for a couple weeks now, but I was in the hospital and on very stron antibiotics. I have been taking acidophilus and just started taking an anti-diarrheal. I don’t have any other symptoms, ie. fever cramps etc. Should I be concerned?
gbren214

I work at a hospital in environmental services. Last night I cleaned a c – diff room without proper signage and didn’t wear my ppe or clean with the correct cleaner. I re did the room after I found out but I was already exposed. I am currently on ciproflaxin 500mg twice a day due to bronchitis. Am I at a greater risk?
- admin
  
  Technically yes. Those on antibiotics are most prone to moving from being a carrier to being infected.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
Lauren

I have a dear friend whom I truly care about and love, and all of a sudden, he was taken down w/ “a flue”, of which, I too, had. But mine was fever, throat, ear infection, bronchitis, NOT GASTRO…..mine was treated w/triple antibiotic otic solution for ear (as 2ndhand smoke from working as FltAttdt has left me w/perforated eardrum)& I had allergies from 1st anitbiotic, which was 500 mg AMOX-CLAV taken down to 250mg AZITHROMYCIN 6PACK, point being I beat this “flue”, but my friend just sent me an email stating he has been in hospital (after receiving 5 bags of IV solution for gastrointestinal “flue, on 12/07/11), and NOW tells me he almost lost his life and has been in hospital until 1/13/12 with C-Diff & is still not back @ work. His work involves travel (which he had just come back from), works in the “field” as Homicide Detective, teacher, etc. Question is this: I did get sick, but I am over it, he apparently gave me some sort of illness as I know airborne germs very well travel around airplanes, but I READ that only 2-5% of population get C-Diff…..IS IT CONTAGIOUS? HOW CAN I HELP HIM? I am a former RN, have worked in all types of medical environments, am now disabled and generally do not work out in field anymore due to spinal problems. I am not sick, so is this something HE got from air, work, bad luck??? And, he was working 24/7 on call for this type of work….he was very dehydrated and always tired. Seeing that I want to help him, want to make sure that what/if I do is correct, and also do not want to spread it or get it myself. WHAT SHOULD I DO TO HELP? IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO? Thank you so very much for your time and interest. God bless you with only the good things that life has.
- admin
  
  Unless you have a test to establish that you have had C Diff it is unlikely that he gave it to you. C Diff is contagious but this tends to happen during the stage when the patient has very bad diarrhea. He needs expert medical help for the c diff condition and like us all some general TLC for the recovery period.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
Lisa Healy

Hi,

I have a question about licensing content from this site for an app I am working on. Please contact me at my email to discuss in detail.

Thank you.
Rex

Hi my wife has been sick for a while first went to dr for bronchial infection given antibiotics took two days worth and became very sick with diarrhea went back to dr was told it was the stomach flu and put on another round of antibiotic. Finished the 10 days worth thought she was getting better two days later we were back at the dr with stomach issues. Went to lab did stool sample because her white blood count was 22,000 tested positive for c-diff. Dr said as long as we kept fluids in her she could stay home and not go to hospital, we were not told how contagious it is should we be worried?
- admin
  
  With the right medication home care and plenty to drink will probably do the trick. The family should all wash their hands after contact with your wife and all the usual hygiene common sense should be observed. This article looks at risks within the family – they are very small.
Chris

Hi Shondell,

My son had cdiff too when he was 1 after taking antibiotic for a week…. his doctor recommended a probiotic Florastor kids. You may also want to google Dr. George Russell of Mass General on his article of C diff.

Good luck!
alison

I was an 3 types of antibiotics (so for about a month) amoxicillin, zpack, and amoxicillin with clavunate. I had loose stools while taking the amoxicillin with clavonate but only twice a day and they were dark in color. I had to restart the amoxicillin after some dental work and last night I got really gassy and today I am passing watery, mucous like stools. It has that wierd C-diff smell to it, too. The highest fever I had was 100.0. I am very weary of going on another antibiotic, do you think this might go away on its own? Thanks!
- admin
  
  You need to get a medical opinion if you are concerned. We would be wary of a wait and see approach and are not qualified to offer opinions. We seek to provide information but cannot comment on specific cases
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
Royce

I had c diff several years ago and it almost killed me and I already have a very compromised immune system from way back before the c diff (no neutrophils) and now the docs think I might have it again. What are the chances of me already spreading it to everyone else without me knowing it? That is if I do have it again. What are some ways to prevent the spread of it if I do have it because I am really concerned for people around me getting sick from me possibly having it. The doc has sent a test in. My doc (s) are infectious disease so they know what to do. I have been a patient of theirs for a long time. My last question is: Can you tell me how long before they know the results of my stool sample? I gave it to them this last thursday.
- admin
  
  Hard to say how long as hospitals have different ways of doing the test and capacities. The risk to family members of them becoming carriers is thought to be low. The risk of subsequent full blown infections even lower. See this page
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
janet

I was just told today I have c diff. I have had cramping, recal pain, mucus in my stool,( I only had diarreah for a couple days) and a slightly upset tummy. I feel fine otherwise. But after reading alot of different things I am so scared! Was is the survival rate of people? Is catching early going to help me? I am really scared after reading it can be fatal!
- admin
  
  The vast majority of those who have c diff survive, recover and have no further episodes. Those who die are often but not exclusively over 70 years old and usually quite unwell with other conditions which the c diff makes harder to fight.
  
  Hope this helps bring clarity
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
Brianna

I have had C-Diff for a little over 1 year straight now, i am 29 years old. I have been on anti biotics the entire time trying to fend it off. Will i ever get better? Or is my body now screwed for the rest of my life?
Melinda

Reading that those over 70 are the ones to die scares me. I was a riding my bike 6 miles a day. Because of kidney stones I went to see a Naturopath to see if he could help me. After a stool test he said I had a bacteria. He prescribed clindamycin and within 7 days I was very sick. I don’t remember the next 5 days before I went to the hospital. They said I was freeze dried!! My face was black and blue from falling at home. After 4 days in the hospital I told my doctor I was going home. It within a week it came back and I went from flagyl to vacomyacin and then to Xifaxan which kills all bacteria in your intestines. He Gave me Florastor as a probiotic to take for 7 days. He is out of town and I would like to know if I should continue taking Florastor for a longer time. Also I 66, very skinny and am unable to gain my weight back. This started in December. This scares me – went from nicely fit to an old lady.
- admin
  
  We are unable to comment on specifics re medical cases. We can offer information but not advice.
  
  Sorry to not be more helpful – but you might like to check out the florastor we site which says this:
  
  Long-term use of Florastor is not associated with complications. After repeated oral doses, Florastor transits through the digestive tract attaining steady-state levels that are maintained throughout the administration period.†5 Florastor is no longer present in stools 2 to 5 days after discontinuation of treatment.†2
  
  http://www.florastor.com
unlucky

I am in my late forties and i was being treated for a bacteria infection of my finger . The doctor had told me about a risk of diarrehea and throwing up but i didnt catch the name of it.Anyway within a week of starting this new antibiotic i got sick and called his office.They told me i had the flu and to not go to the hospital they would check with me on monday. In the meantime my daughter tried to get everyone to convince me to go to the emergency she knew i was not thinking right. I ended up getting my family to call a ambulance on late saturday. I woke up 3 weeks later from a coma and i hardly remember anything except for the ambulance and talking to the doctors office. I guess once i got to the emergency it took 2 days to figure out i had cdiff and by then my breathing was shallow from my swollen bowel. I had gone septic and my organs were shutting down. 5 doctors argued about what to do and they ended up getting family members to sign to remove my bowel and do a ileostomy. My chances of surviving that were not good but got worse when 5 hours after that surgery i had internal bleeding and lost 4 liters of blood and they had to reoperate to stop the bleeding. My heart stopped twice in those 3 weeks and they had to put a needle into it to start it. I woke up not knowing where i was and unable to move from all the water and swelling in my body. I was like a beached whale. I am not sure why i was so swollen if it was the cdiff or all the iv liquid they gave me. My skin was breaking and water was leaking out of it. Supposedly in a few months they can reverse the ileostomy since i have a small piece of my large bowel left. That is if i do not relapse with cdiff.
This is a scary disease and anyone on antibiotics should be aware of it. I was not in a hospital when i got it. It is starting to attack healthy young people and kill them. I guess i asked for a priest and told everyone i was dying. I knew i was dying and so did the doctors. This disease is getting stronger all the time and i think the public needs to be aware of it and something needs to be done. To say it only kills those who are sick or over 70 is not correct.
This whole thing has been a nightmare…..but i am alive….Be warned it can happen to anyone…but especially those on antibiotics…
- Shelley
  
  Oh my gosh Unlucky, you went through hell. I had a tiny toe infection&put on strong Bactrim for 2 wks and got sick with what I thought was the flu. The Dr. Didneven explain C-diff but took me off Bactrim immed. I tested positive.I’ve been fighting it since 3/14/12. Flagyl didn’t work and I’ve been on Vancocin (&Pro-Biotic clend good bacteria capsules). I don’t have diarrhea often but small, c-diff stinky bm’s, stomach hurts, nausea,weak. Sooo sick of it. Why doesn’t the public know about this? MRSA yes, C-diff no. I’d even have a FT at this point I’m so sick of this. What you went through is terrifying! I’m trying to see an Infectious Disease specialist as they know C-diff. Hope you are feeling much better!
  - unlucky
    
    Hi shelley…Thanks so much for taking the time to wish me the best of luck. How unselfish of you when you have your own problems going on. I hate hearing that anyone is sick with this terrible disease which i have been fighting since january of this year. It has been hell and if you read my update continues to be hell. Everytime they tell me that something is impossible because its rare i seem to pull off the impossible and pick up the rare parts of this disease…I agree with you on the public knowing about this because i had never heard of it until i got sick. And here a friend of mines father had died 4 years before me with the same thing at the same hospital i was in. Please be very careful . I am not sure how long i had it before i went septic but once i went septic it took off in a matter of days i was at deaths door. I can tell you i felt sick for months but was on iv antibiotics so chalked it all up to that…The best of luck to you and stay in touch i will be praying for you..i did a update at the bottom of the page……
    
    hugs to you..and all the best my prayers are with you…
    - Shelley H
      
      To Unlucky,
      I haven’t been on this site for awhile. How are you? I am thrilled to say that after having C-Diff from March 2012, after a long,miserable illness, I was on Vancocin 250mg x 4/day. I was actually looking into a home fecal transplant as the two Drs.who could do it were both like 5 hours away &my donor couldn’t travel. Anyway, the symptoms went away! I was weaned off the Vancocin. After a few weeks to be sure Vanco.was out of my system, I had a stool C-Diff test and it was negative!!!!! I am so happy!
      I had bronchitis recently & friends were being treated with antibiotics. I went to my PCP and he agreed NO ANTIBIOTICS! But I did go on a short run of Prednisone (steroid) and also used my nebulizer and lots of rest and fluids. I hope I don’t ever need antibiotics again as I’m afraid of a reoccurrence!
      I hope you are doing better!
      Shelley
Keith Kritch

When contracting C-dif in a hospital on average how long would the treatment of it extend a patients stay in the hospital. Would the hospital be reimbursed by insurance for the additional days in the hospital. Please let me know. Thanks.
Jessica

I had C-diff about 6 years ago. I was treated in a clinical study and fortunately received the experimental drug and not the placebo. I was involved in treatment for 6 weeks when I was finally back to normal. When I was released from the study, I was told that I could suffer a recurrance and to stay away from any future antibiotics that may be prescribed for me or at least inform an emergency room or future medical provider of my history. I’ve had no reason to need an antibiotic until recently. I may need to take one for a dental issue. Should I be worried? Is there something that I can take that will be mild enough to take care of the tooth but not proboke a return of the C-diff?
- admin
  
  We’re not medically qualified here at cdifficile.org. We’ve studied the infection in depth as medical journalists and have a broad knowledge. You would need to seek medical advice re the right drug to use re your dental issue. If the clinical trial was for was is now called Dificid there are less cases of repeat C diff with this drug
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
- Nina
  
  Hi, I have cdiff, I went under colonoscopy, and they diagnosed me with uc???, two weeks later they did the cdiff test and it came up positive! Today just finished my 14 day vanco, i am not really improving, just now i go 5-6 times to the bathroom, instead of 20, but it is not firm at all, and still the smell!!!
  Please tell me someone who can help me with FT or some other medication, i am really scared! I am 32 and moved over from Bulgaria 7 years ago, dont have anyone here, no family, just couple very busy friends! Lost 13 lb, and i cant gain even half a pound, i think i am still loosing!!
ron cooper

my wife was diagnosed with c diff has all kinds of tests and was on flagyl and a couple other meds her stomach is swolen and will not decrease the doctor treated her and said she was clear of c diff but the symptoms still persist she is desperate
- admin
  
  Does he know that she is clear of C diff because he has tested. If he has then there may be some other intestinal issues.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
Ann

My husband had his aortic valve replaced in September. His Dad has c-diff. He was around his Dad before he was diagnosed with C-diff. He wore the gown and gloves in the Hospital with his Dad but I am really concerned about him. He and his siblings are going to clean his Dad’s home before he comes home from the nursing home, just wondering if he should even be involved. He is doing great with his recovery from his surgery just don’t know how cautious he should be with the c-diff. I didn’t want him to go around it at all but he was with his Dad before they decided he had c-diff. His Dad wasn’t big on good hygiene before he got c-diff.
- admin
  
  If his father contracted C Diff or experienced the full infection at the hospital then the chances of your husband being a carrier are small. The gowning process will have helped at the hospital and the risk will be low at the home. You might like to check this article also: http://www.c-diff.net/risk-of-family-clostridium-difficile-infection/
  
  If there was other work he could do on behalf of the family at this time that would be great – but if he still helps with the cleaning the risk is small.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

I had a bad case of cdiff about five years ago. No antibiotic helped, so I had a fecal transplant and from that day on I never had a recurrence. I have not been on an antibiotic since, but now I fear that I have strep throat. I do not want to go to doctor in case he wants to put me on an antibiotic. Since I had the transplant, will I be less likely to get cdiff again? If they want to put me on an antibiotic for the strep, which one is the safest?
- admin
  
  The fecal transplant does tend to redress the balance in the gut. I’m not sure whether the science is exact as to whether it cleanses the gut of C Diff altogether. I think you will need to discuss your antibiotic situation with an MD or specialist as we would be speaking outside of our current knowledge if we ventured an opinion.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

okay, thank you. I am taking a z pack for strep throat. My doctor said you have to take antibiotics sometimes because strep throat or a uti if not treated has the potential to kill you. So I am taking the chance. I will let you know what happens
- Shell
  
  Hi GarretMarsha, I hope you’re feeling better and that the Z-pack didn’t start up c-diff. I’m upset the general public is unaware of this awful organism! It seems no one has heard of it unless they contract it! If more people knew about it, when the c-diff symptoms start after extended use of antibiotics, they’d seek help. I thought I had a G.I. Flu! Feel better.
  Shelley
Shell

I was put on Bactrim for an infected toe(ingrown toenail)&kept on it for 15 days waiting to see a Podiatrist. At about day 11 of Bactrim, I got horrible watery diarrhea,nausea,102 fever,stomach cramps and I thought it was the flu.I went to Dr’s and was severely dehydrated.This is when I 1st heard of C-Diff.They stopped the Bactrim&I gave 2 stool samples. I do have C-Diff and am on the 7th day of Flagyl. I started feeling better about 4 days on Flagyl. But I was SO sick. I think more people should be aware of C-Diff! I pray the Flagyl will rid me of the C-Diff and never have a reoccurence. Oh, also I was told to Take Lomotil for the diarrhea which I’ve since learned is NOT good as one wants the toxins out of the body. I’ll be re-tested to see if the C-Diff is gone. If it isn’t I’m going to go see a Gastroenterologist a.s.a.p.! Why is C-Diff kept such a secret? It’s dangerous when untreated and none of my friends had ever heard of it either! Wish me luck! 3/26/12.
theresa

I had C diff this year. Successfully treated with Flagyl. Is it safe to work at a Dr’s office or hospital once you have had C-diff because of risk of reinfection? I am very concerned because of spores that could be living in the hospital.
- admin
  
  The C diff drugs do not always rid the body of C Diff. Balance returns to the stomach and the patient recovers. Another bout of C diff could be from existing c diff in the intestines or a new infection from another source. When taking antibiotics in the future there may be a risk of c diff returning. With respect to the hospital hand hygiene protocols should help prevent you from getting a new infection from a patient.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
julie

patient still has symptoms (diarrhea) a week after antibiotics for c-diff were completed. Patient was told she may have symptoms for several more months but no further treatment is recommended. Is it accepted protocol to just monitor patient’s symptoms and not prescribe further antibiotics?
- Infection Watch
  
  We can’t really comment on specific cases. But there are degrees of severity. Two key factors in treatment would be whether the patient has other conditions and whether there is internal inflamation and pain.
  
  A small percentage of people do seem to have chronic c diff
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
karen

Cdiff is HELL
- Shelley
  
  I agree! I’ve had it since March 14th of this year. Flagyl didn’t work and I’ve been on Vancocin for weeks. Diarrhea is better but it’s not gone! Ugh!
C Crowley

My son has been sick for 6 months with c-diff with none of the normal symptoms. The only things he has is vomiting( which has stopped) and abdominal pain. He has had 4 doses of antibiotics in 2.5 months (2 flagyl, alinia and vancomycin). He continues to be sick. He was never in the hospital before symptoms and had not been on antibiotics for a long time prior. I am baffled as to if we are treating the right thing. His stool samples come back positive.
sharon

Went into hospital for a fatty tumor. They did all kinds of test. Short story is they found that I had C dif. I was not told until 13 days later when the surgeon that took out my fatty tumor. Is this correct that the hospital or Dr does not have to notify patient? Half of the problems I have had are caused by C dif. I hate the flagyl, it makes me so sick and am allegeric to vanco. What are my options? The Dr said oops, someone was suppose to call me. Do I have to worry now forever that I will continue to get C dif? Do I have an obligation to any and all to let them know that I had it?
- Infection Watch
  
  About 1 in 30 people are c diff carriers. The only drug that seems to halt it long term when it develops into an infection is Dificid. It may help if you mention your c diff status when getting other treatment as this will help the doctors make better treatment decisions.
  
  Dave
  Cdifficile.org
  - sharon
    
    Okay, so I guess I would like to know is should I be retested after taking all of my flagyl or just put it out of my mind. From what I have read here and on other websites, this is a very serious disease. My family Dr. doesn’t seem to concerned but I am terrified. Any suggestions would be helpful.
C.Donovan

My husband entered the hospital with multiple illinesses, vomiting (going through chemotherapy 4 months prior for non-hodgkins lymphoma, diagnosed with pancreatic plus he was a liver transplant 15 years prior ). We were told then that he had aspirational pneumonia and a feeding tube was inserted and placed on antibiotics. He was discharged to a nursing home for rehab. Approx.2 weeks later after low grade fevers and loose bowels and vomiting green ,he was transferred to the hospital ER – and we found that the x-ray showed his stomach/groin area was loaded with cdif infection. He died less that three days later. My question is why would a patient be transferred to a nursing home or why would a low grade fever and loose bowels or green vomit be let go so far. Patients deserve better. I don’t expect a definite opinion, but what can I do to help others.
- Infection Watch
  
  Long term care facilities are often reservoirs of drug resistant infections. They are also often less skilled in medical matters. Your tragedy is part of a wider issue with type of facility
  
  Dave
  Cdifficile.org
- Shelley
  
  I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve had c-diff for nearly 3 months. I have learned that I must be my own advocate.(Squeaky wheel gets the grease! Does not make 1 popular.) Since the Flagyl didn’t work I’ve had an 11 day hospital stay mostly due to dehydration&weakness. I want to do to Dartmouth which isn’t that far away and they have an Infectious Disease Dept with specialists in C-diff but they won’t give me a referral! All of us with stubborn C-diff and/or their caretakers need to speak up loudly!!! It can be deadly and it’s miserable! I’d never heard of it nor had most people I know. Seems the medical community doesn’t make patients aware of it like MRSA. WHY NOT?
T. Kercheval

I am looking for the nearest facility to Gainesville,Florida for a fecal transplant for my mother. She is 84 years old and has had C-Diff for 7 months now. She had taken all 3 medications, vancomycin, flagyl and difficid. She has been on vancomycin long term and when she goes off it, the diarrhea and c-diff returns. We are ready for the fecal transplant in hopes of finally curing her of this horrible infection.
- Louis Cam
  
  My mother had c diff for months also. The gastro doctor used a step down approach when getting her off of the medication, and she finally recovered. Instead of suddenly stopping the med, it is gradually decreased over several weeks. That was the key to her recovery. She was also put on Florastor. Hope this is helpful.
  - Louis Cam
    
    One more thing : we were told in the hospital, that 3 separate negative stool samples were required before stopping or stepping down treatment. One negative test is not accurate
Maye

my brother was hospitalized for c-diff recently. We think, after finding out the symptoms, that he may have had the active bacteria for as much as a year. My question is how do we find out if the spores are still active in his apartment? His general housekeeping is very, very bad. He is being released from the hospital and wants to go home, but he is severly immune compromised due to transplant. Also, how dangerous are the spores to family members who are elderly and have had antibiotics recently? We are worried and don’t really know how to approach the situation.
Thanks.
Courtney

I am a 28 year old female and I got c.diff three months ago after being on several antibiotics for a tooth infection. I picked it up from my grandfather who was in a nursing home and ended up passing away from it. Anyway, I took a round of flagyl and two rounds of vancomycin and actually started to feel better, normal stools. I have a history of IBS and I have had my gallbladder removed. A couple weeks ago my gastro ordered a colonoscopy and following the prep and the colonoscopy, I had horrible diarrhea and still do. They ordered a stool test and sure enough I was positive for c.diff. The doctor on call gave me more vancomycin. I just finished that and still feel somewhat sick. I have loose but formed stools but just horrible stomach cramps. I talked to my GI and she said that my colonoscopy showed no signs of c.diff so she doesn’t want to put me on any more antibiotics and she said that just because I tested positive for the bacteria, doesn’t mean I have the infection so she doesn’t want to order another stool test. She wants me to take fiber and immodium but I am so scared to because I really do think I still have it. I need advice!! Should I be pushing this doctor more? Should I be seeing someone else? Can you have “normal days” with c.diff and then a bad day the next? Does anyone have issues post-c.diff? HELP!
- Shelley
  
  Courtney, I’m frustrated too. Have had C-diff since 3/14/12. Flagyl didn’t work. I kept getting dehyddrated. Went to local ER and was admitted, there for 11 days to rehydrate,put on Vancocin and rest. So weak.I’m 55 feeling 90! Saw my gen.prac. Dr. For follow-up. Was starting to get diarrhea again so he doubled the Vanco. I don’t have diarrhea but small c-diff stinky bm’s. I’m bloated,nauseous and tired. I’m no Dr.but everything says no Lomotil because if toxins form they shouldn’t be kept inside. I want to be referred to a big hospital less than 2 hrs from here as they have an Infectious Disease Dept.with specialists in C-diff but he won’t refer me! After all my research it seems those of us who don’t easily get rid of this, SHOULD go to a specilist in Infectious Disease! Some C-diff strains are harder to get rid of. At this point I’d even consider FT if it would rid me of this awful thing! Good luck&hope you get a 2nd opinion!
- admin
  
  There are issues with c diff tests showing positive when the infection has run its course. We are well read in the issues around c diff but can’t really comment on specific cases. Take the advice re fiber etc. It will not cause harm
  
  You should perhaps seek another opinion if diarrhea returns in a major way
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

Does your stool have that cdiff smell? It is not hard to recognize because of the horrible smell. If you had been on vanco before the colonoscopy then, of course, you would not look like you have it. I would go to an infectious disease doctor then have him recommend someone to do bacterial transplant. I had a transplant via colonoscopy and walked out of the hospital and never had an episode again. I had it for over 5 months, was on flagyl, vanco, chrylo, nothing worked except the bacterial transplant.
- Shelley
  
  Garrett,
  I’m ready to Get a FT but having trouble getting primary physician to refer me to the hospital that has the Infectious Disease specialists. He wants to keep me on Vanco for 2 more months and I’ve been on it for about 2 months!
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

I ended up hospitalized and that is when things started happening.
The family doctor brought in a GI who referred me to the Infectious Disease doctor who told me about the transplant. The GI said that “you are 55 anyway, you need a colonoscopy so lets do both at the same time.” The donor was my husband which made it so easy.
- Shelley
  
  Thank you Garret. I’m finally going to be referred to an Infectious Disease Specialist! And I’m going to request a fecal transplant asap. 5 months of this miserable disease! ugh. Thank you!
  Shell
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

Shelly, try to start calling GI doctors to see if they will do one.
Courtney

Thanks to you all, in the last two hours I’ve managed to get an appointment with an infectious disease specialist! I talked to a woman there who said I’ve done the right thing. I just want this to be over. My appointment is on June 19th. I will keep you posted!
Ellen

Both of my parents have C-diff. My 84 yr old mother contracted it while in the hospital in Feb. I tried to explain to my 89 Dad how important it was to Clorax the toilet and wash his hands a million times a day. Well he got it too. Now I have a sore throat and have waited all week to see if it would get better without AB. Throat still on fire. I will begin my Zpack today and keep you posted. Keep your fingers and toes crossed because I DON’T WANT C-DIFF.!!!!!!!!!!
sharon

I hope that everyone pushes their primary dr. Mine has been a nightmare. I called and set up my own appointment with an ifectious disease dr. I am not willing to wait 5-9 months after reading what everyone has wrote. I cannot believe that they want us to keep taking these antiboitics when they tell you that you will become immune to them. What are we suppose to do. I am so afraid that I am going to pass this onto someone that I havent wanted to leave my house. How am I suppose to tell someone I am sick but when they look at me they think I am crazy because I look the same except a liitle paler and thinner. They keep telling me to keep up what I am doing by losing and. Thanks is all that I can do and go home and cry
- http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha
  
  If you can’t get into the infectious disease dr. soon get to a GI dr.. My GI doctor performed my transplant.
unlucky

Well this is a update to my above story…i have been trying to tell the doctor since i got out after almost dying with cdiff from the hospital that i felt sick still. He said it was rare to get it in the rectal stump which is all i have at this moment because i had a ileostomy done to save my life from cdiff. They were planning on putting me back together down the road but now i went for a scope today and i dont need to wait to hear the news i could see it was back on the screen. The doc took a biopsy of something also and sent it away asking for a diagnoses of either colitis or cdiff . I am frustrated because last week after waiting months sick the infectious disease doctor finally put me back on vancomycin via water enemias which i have to do myself at home. Half the time i am too sick to being doing these even. He had also told me that i didnt have to worry about getting it in my small bowel or ileostomy yet today i heard from the hospital infectious disease person that yes i could get it there..even though its rare. My question is has anyone out there had any experience with reoccurring cdiff in a rectal stump and or cdiff in the small bowel or ileostomy?
I was on vancomycin for 10 days back in march but it obviously did not clear it up. i was released from the hospital in february of this year…and relapsed as far as i am concerned right away because i really do not think i was ever clear of it. I am passing what looks like pudding material even though i have no connection to my rectal stump out of the rectum. This is scary stuff and they keep telling me i am not contagious to my family. I have small grandchildren who live with me and a sick son who has no immune system and who they just put on a antibiotics to build up his immune system who i am worried about and hoping i do not pass anything on to them. At this point i do not know when i will be put back together or if i have damage from being left with cdiff active in my body which could have caused enough damage that i might never be able to be put back together again. If the latter is so i think i will go off the deep end….please say a prayer for me…and best of luck to all of you that are still suffering from this terrible disease…
unlucky

I was wondering also if anyone knows what the long term damage is after suffering cdiff and sepsis..I had to be operated on and i found one article stating that the long term status is not good. This article was talking about people with extreme cases that needed a operation to save their life from cdiff which is me..But i am unsure how much weight i should put in it. If anyone has any info on any long term complications from cdiff or sepsis i would very much like to read or hear about it. thanks..i am including a link to the article that i am speaking about that says the survival rate is poor past 5 years after suffering cdiff and having a operation to save your life from it. http://www.springerlink.com/content/74pv1442kk1005q6/ Thanks again i love this site for information and i wish more people were aware of this disease and the symptoms to look for….
http://none PaGuz

My “referrals” story is a little bit diferent… I finished my first round of Flagyl and I relased 10 days later, I did have the referral from my primary doctor but “I don’t have health insurance”, I had to make many calls until I finally found a specialist who will take me without insurance. The GI put me on Metronidazol for 21 days, I am currently on day 10 and I feel better, eventhough I look awful as I have lost 8-9 pounds, I’m just 94 lbs! GI told me it is very important to finish the 21 days, no less than that.

PS. is any of you registered at http://www.cdiffdiscuss.org? I’ve been trying ro register since I was first diagnosed (April 2012) but I have not be able to register. Please help!
Lynn

My mother recently died from c.diff. She had severe kidney problems before hand and was on dialysis. She had diarreaha for a while but would not go to the hospital. When she did her colon was already inflamed and toxins were in her stomach. The hospital could not put her on dialysis and within two days of being admitted she was gone. Nasty bacteria but folks should not ignore the symptoms.
monica

Has anyone else had C Difficile with major muscle joint stiffness and pain? I have had a confirmed case of this nasty bacteria and am on metrodizonale. The diarrea was nothing compared to the crazy joint and muscle pain! I havent taken antibiotics in over a year prior to this. My co worker same symptoms as me was confirmed with it . My spouse and dad same symptoms and they are being treated metrodizinole as well. I am just afraid the bacteria has become stronger and is now affecting healthy (non antibiotic) individuals. I have wrote to BC centre for disease control with my worries of this as none of us were on antibiotics. C dificile is in the same family as c tetani (tetanus) could this be why I suffered MAJOR muscle and joint pain? My dad had his calf so tight his 2 toes stood up. The doctors are baffled and I really want to know why that happened to us!??? Now lets just hope these antibiotics help get rid of it as we have 3 children, who have no symptoms, thank goodness! Thanks in advance for feed back.
ayers

PLEASE READ!!!!!
I have a one year old daughter who has cdiff..she has been treated 5 times for cdiff in the last 3 months. (3 times with flagyl and 2 times with vacomiacin). I am friends with several doctors and they too seem to be baffled by this. Her symptoms include: severed loose stools (even some with blood), blistered bottom, weight loss of 5 pounds (although she has gained 2 pounds back), abdominal cramping, fussier than usual. I have even been giving her probiotics (florastorkids) to her restore the good bacteria…
PLEASE! If you have any advise on a certain specialist to see or any other advise please let me know! She has an appt with one in a few days, but the more advise the better..
PLEASE READ!!!!
- admin
  
  Ask them if she could tolerate difficid. It seems more effective at preventing further outbreakks
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
Mona

My 1.5 year old has had cdiff since January. She had two rounds of Flagel, 1 round of Vancomicin and it wasn’t eradicated. Still positive with cdiff they’ve put her on Alinia. We give her probiotics twice a day. I’m concerned that the Alinia may not work – then what do we try?
- admin
  
  That drug is not usually used for c diff. Dificid is more usually used with persistent c diff as it seems better at stopping it coming back.
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
  - Mona
    
    Are you saying that Alinia is not usually used to treat CDiff?
    Thanks,
    Mona
    - admin
      
      It is not a first line drug for c diff. There may be specific reasons why they feel it may work in this case
      
      Dave
      cdifficile.org
Melanie

Can C Diff be transferred to dogs?
- admin
  
  The spores could be – there is no major literature on whether they can be actively infected. It is conceivable that they could pass on the spores via their skin to humans. But human to human transmission in the home is rare and animal to human is likely to be even more so.
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
Tracy

My son is 1. The last two weeks of May he contracted his first cold, he had never been sick before and by June first he was no longer having a runny nose, sneezing etc. My question is, is the common cold enough to disrupt the immune system and allow C Diff to infect someone? My son was diagnosed with C Diff yesterday, after about 2 weeks of very loose, foul smelling stools, but not watery diarrhea. He had tons of energy, and appetite and was well hydrated. He has never been on an antibiotic, and though we just found out his play gym sanitizes with alcohol based cleaners, we fear that he didn’t pick this up at gym class, but maybe has an underlying condition that we’re not aware of. C Diff is not very common in the young, non antibiotic using population is it? Further, I understand that some young kids are carriers of C Diff. How do I know if the stool sample was tested for an infection, or if he was just a carrier? Is the loose stool enough to assume that he is infected? What is the likelihood of it living dormant until that cold came about and triggered it? Sorry, we are really at a loss as to how he got it. Thanks for your help.
- admin
  
  Some people are carriers as c difficile does occur in the environmemnt. There are sporadic reports of infection among non antibiotic users. You will need to ask your medical people whether they are confirming whether he is a carrier or actively infected. Re the cold. Good question but not one we can answer within what we know
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
  - Tracy
    
    Thanks, Dave. I’m curious now, say he is a carrier. Would his stool test come up positive, or does this only happen when there is an infection? He doesn’t have the watery D several times a day, though he does poop a lot, and it is soft and has that “foul odor”. Sadly, there are so many childhood diseases that this could also be, CF comes to mind. So, how do I know if the symptoms that he’s having are in fact C Diff, or from something else. What questions do I ask the lab to find this out? Further, if the smell is subsiding with taking the Flagyl, would it be safe to assume that the meds are helping/working? Is this med only prescribed to those with infections or would if help in other cases (CF, Crohn’s etc?), Thank you.
    - Carin
      
      What is CF? I’m curious about what you find out b/c this is similar to our son! Thank you!
      - admin
        
        Can you clarify what you mean by CF.
        
        Dave
        cdifficile.org
Carin

My son has C-Diff (less than 2 years old) that has been treated numerous times and does not go away. They feel that maybe he is a carrier (he was adopted from Ethiopia and tested positive when we brought him home). I am so worried about it being spread to my 3 year old daughter. When he gets poop on his clothes from a blow out in diaper i usually throw away his clothes b/c I am paranoid. This is obviously costly. Is there a safe way to wash them? i had read it can spread in the washer to other clothes?? Any advice?
- admin
  
  The spores are hard to get rid off but the action of the washer should make it hard for them to remain on the surface of the clothes. Hand washing for the whole family at regular times during the day will also help reduce C Diff risk. You might also want to ask about whether Dificid might be good for him. It seems better at halting c diff. There is also a body of evidence that suggests that domestic transmission and infection is fairly rare. See here for the academic article.
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
  - Worried Mom
    
    Dave if Dificid is the most effective in halting the C Diff, then why dont doctors just prescibe that 1st?
    - Infection Watch
      
      It’s very expensive and it’s quite new
      
      Dave
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

Have you tried a fecal transplant on him?
Carin

No–it hasn’t even been suggested.
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

It cleared me up immediately and I suffered with it for 6 months with no signs of it subsiding. I had numerous rounds of antibiotics to clear it up and nothing worked. The fecal transplant worked immediately and never had diarrhea again. You need to talk to an infectious disease doctor or a gastroenterologist about it. It was a simple procedure and it worked for me.
Confused

My daughter is 26 months old. A month ago she tested positive for salmonella, classic symptoms. She was already back to normal before the results came in. No antibiotics just probiotics bought from the Dr. office. Before the tests results came back, the ped. office had referred her to a ped. gastro b/c I saw blood in her stool. The gastro said she thought it was a bacterial infection but also wanted to test her for Celiac and ordered blood tests (CBC, celiac, vit D, B12, iron) all normal except low iron. She also ordered more stool tests which I took in yesterday from a sample of formed normal stool. Today I received a call from the nurse that said her stool test came back positive for c-diff. and wanted to call in antibiotics.

Tomorrow is her follow up with the ped. gastro. I want to question why would we need to give her antibiotics when she is not symptomatic. What questions should I ask about c-diff and treatment, colonization vs. Infection. Should I question whether the test was preformed accurately or even needed done if the child was not ill?
- admin
  
  We cannot give medical advice on specific cases. Our background is medical journalism. BUT we would want to ask the following questions. Why treat a child who the tests indicate is simply a carrier – as are up to 5% of the population. Why risk further disrupting the intestine with antibiotics. What strain of c diff is it – is also worth asking. if it is the hard to combat 027 strain they may want to limit it’s spread. But if that is the case they need to brief you fully.
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
  - confused
    
    I just wanted to thank you for your quick reply and very informative site. The doctor didn’t even bring c-diff up so at the end of the appointment I told her about the nurse calling me and telling me my daughter needed antibiotics for c-diff. The Dr. said c-diff lives in our bodies and as long as my daughter wasn’t having any symptoms then there was no need for antibiotics. If she started to have diarrhea then they would first test to see if c-diff was the cause. She said to continue on with the probiotics for the salmonella for at least 2 months.
Joelle

I contracted c. diff during chemotherapy treatment. First I took a course of Flagyl and then liquid Vancomycin. I am 5 days out of the vancomycin and am feeling strange. I am nauseous a lot of the time and my stools are watery and, today, full of mucous. I’m wondering if it’s back again. More so, I wonder, if I get my stool tested and am positive, does that mean I have to go back on treatment? I’m scared to do the Vancomycin again because I had bad rashes when I was on it and my face is still numb. What other treatments are available?
- admin
  
  Ask about Dificid (fidaxomicin). This has a better track record of eliminating C Diff
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
Charles

I am a 54 year old male. I just spent 4 days is the hospital with c diff. The doctors told me I was the classic c diff patient. I was on antibiotics a few weeks back for a sinus infection then almost a week after I finished the course boom fever of almost 104 and severe diarrhea. I was on flagil, vancomycin, lovenox and IV fluids in the hospital for four days. now I am home with ten days of vancomycin.
I don’t feel great yet but feel better. My abdomen still feels a little sore. The doctor told me he does not want me going back to work until I finish my vancomycin. i work in a hospital environment. I definitely don’t want to go back if I am contagious but that seems like a long time to be off to me? How much time off is typical? I don’t want to seem like I am milking the situation.
- admin
  
  I think the key is that he doesn’t want you to potentially infect others. There are penalties for hospitals when preventable infections happen as well as potential law suits. Take your tablets and take your rest would seem to be the best advice at the moment
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
Danielle

I am 19 yrs old. I have been battleing with C Diff for a little over a year. At first they didn’t know what it was. I had it for 7 months till I couldn’t keep food down for a week and couldn’t even keep down water. I went to the ER on a friday at 9 am was there till 11pm and sent home with nausea meds. Couldn’t keep those down. Returned to ER saturday morning 9am was there till 7pm when they moved me into a room, because a doctor finally got me tested. I spent three days there, then got sent home. It’s been 5 months since I was admitted. I have been having intestinal pain for two weeks got tested again and came back positive.
- admin
  
  Have they advised you what strain you have. What drugs did they give you. Let us know and we’ll give you further feedback
  
  dave
  cdifficile.org
Danielle

No they haven’t. Once addmitted I was given 500 meq of Flagyl 3x a day and reglan for nausea. Oncce out I was given 500mg of generic Flagyl to take 3x a day for 3 weeks. it went away beggining of febuary. Is back now. No one else in my house hold is sick from this. I havent been on antibiotics for atleast over a year before they found out I had c diff. I was 105 lbs. I am now 85lbs. I wear a size 10 in kids. im 5″1′. No one is giving me answers and my doctors are treating it like its not that severe. I probably have it better than other people do, but my medical background may say otherwise. I have always had a weak and sensitive immune system to where instead of getting strep throat. I would get scarlet fever atleast 8 times a year. What started all this last year was I was starting to have syptoms of rheumatic fever. I didnt have it but no once could figure out why i was still haveing abdominal pain a rash on both my knees swollen joints. I have found a way for me to force myself to eat and not feel the pain in my intestines.
Danielle

I went today and they said i have the B toxin (cytotoxin) they cant figure out what strain I have so they sent me to a Infectious disease Dr. I have already seen one that was a year ago when all this started and he told me to take probiotics and go home.
- admin
  
  Don’t let them put you off now until there is a firm diagnosis and treatment plan
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
Danielle

They put me back on generic flagyl 500Mg 3x a day for a month. I still have trouble eating. Nothing looks good. I’m starting to have slower breathing and having to take deeper breaths for air. I smoke cigs. I dry heave all the time and constantly feel nauseous until I smoke weed then I’m fine. Once I smoke I’m not nauseated I stop dry hearing and I actually get hungry and eat. If I don’t smoke I will eventually puke from heaving to much.
Melinda

Last week a friend told me to start taking 8 probiotics per day and this morning for the first time since having c diff in December, I have a flat stomach. I went through lots of gas and the rest you already know, but I have hope that I will able to start gaining weight and feeling better. Eight probiotics mean 800 million per day.
Danielle

Melinda – will that work while still having c diff. I lost 20 lbs. I now weigh 84 lbs and wear a size 10 in kids. I’m small to begin with but this is too small. I’m trying to gain weight but I keep losing about a pound a week.
Melinda

Danielle,

After suffering these last 6 months and not gaining much weight I turned to whole foods, lots of broth, lots of quinoa with vegetables and with the help of friends I am up 6 pounds. I should be about 15 lbs more. No clothes fit and I lost lots of hair. This is why I focus on nutrition!!!! Ask for help from your friends to bring whole foods to you. For the last month I am taking Creon 6000. Its a digestive aid to help absorb food. It is very expensive!! I am up 2 lbs since taking it. When my friend told me last week to take lots of probiotics I did. Her husband just died from cancer and she studied to save him for over 5 years. Take them now, YES, I am taking Ultimate Flora critical care, 50 billion in one capsule. This is a terrible thing to happen, but I think the best we can do is eat real food, and drink lots of liquid everyday. Go to the Ceres.com website and read about food. I no longer eat sugar – just an occasional muffin at the coffee shop. Hope this helps. C diff is bad bacteria overtaking your good. Keep putting in good!!!!!
Danielle

Thank you.
Melinda

Danielle,

I freaked out so many times because of this bug. Three times I was treated for it with antibiotics. I am still scared, but like you, we know we have to up the probiotics and get our body to process the nutrition.

Thank you for telling your story – it helped me to know I am doing the right thing.
Danielle

Thank you. My dr. told me it was really good that I was trying to eat and gain weight. Its helping me stay Atleast a stable 85ish I was 80lbs when I was in the Hospital.
T. Bianco

Very helpful, learned a lot. Thanks
Nina

Does anyone knows if I can get FT in Illinois?
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

I would suggest calling an infectious disease physician and ask about a fecal transplant. Cured me immediately
kimberly

I took an antibiotic (clindamycin) and one week later was having loose (but not watery) stools with what I think was mucous in it, and cramps, bloating, and foul odor along with the bm’s. Was feeling sudden urgency to have a bm and was having bm’s 3-5 x/day which then increased to roughly 8-10x/day. Suspected C Diff.

Went to the dr. and she put me on probiotics and told me if symptoms didn’t improve or worsened to come back (at time of visit bm’s were 3-5x/day – shortly after increased to 8-10x/day so I suspected c diff). She prescribed metradinazole (sp?) but I was afraid to take it because of side effects AND symptoms started to improve after 1 week of probiotics (down to 2 bm’s/day, no bloating or cramping, no urgency, no odor, normal consistency – mucous seems to have gone away).

My question is – did the probiotics just make the symptoms of c diff go away, or are they keeping the c diff in check or did they kill c diff? If they are just keeping c diff in check, then it might be a good idea to take the antibiotic to kill it so I don’t relapse. But if the probiotics killed c diff, then I don’t need to take antibiotic. I only want to take the antibiotic if I absolutely have to. So if probiotics don’t kill c diff and it’s a possibility that it’s still in my system but dormant should I get a stool test to be sure and then take antibiotic? Or are probiotics and improved symptoms enough to say I’m cured?
- admin
  
  It sounds like the bacteria balance in your stomach has been restored. The main c diff drugs tend to help restore that balance rather than eliminate the c difficile bacteria. the one that seems to eradicate it is fidaxomicin. But is expensive and may not be prescribed by many doctors unless they feel you have an active infection causing symptoms.
  
  If things have calmed down many doctors would suggest you do not take any further medication for that recent infection.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
Nina

My cdiff is back today, i already went 10x or more, I can see the mucus, it is a lot, the smell is not as strong as it was before, but abdominal pain is terrible!!!! My GI told me to keep drinking and eating and wait couple days! In the main time I am taking cipro for UTI, am I going to die…… What should I do, how long should I wait… I dont have insurance and cant really get to ID doc, if I go to regular GI, and get Vanco prescrip I cant afford it! Already lost my apartment and my furnitures! I live with couple friends, havent worked in 2 months, havent seen my family in an year! They live in Bulgaria! I cant even travel to them! What am I going to do… Please HELP, HELP ME..
- admin
  
  C diff is usually only a killer in the very young and very old. But care is needed that it doesn’t develop into a major infection in your colon. The fact that you have another infection that needs cipro is a complication. If that clears that will help. The University of Chicago have also done some testing on fecal transplants. This often stops the infection in 48 hours. Find out more here http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=2158495
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha

Try to get someone to give you a fecal transplant!!! Simple procedure if you can find someone to do it. Just my experience is that it worked for me. There are even instructions for some ways to do it at home on the internet. They do it in other countries often.
Sherie

Hello, Thank Goodness I found this website! I am at wit’s end. Was in the hospital witha Crohns flare in May. After 5 days was d/c. Still was sick and sicker at home. Had to go back to hospital because they thought it was still the Crohns. It was C-Diff. Was put on Flagyl but still sick. Had to be off Flagyl for two weeks to get tested again. So was tested 2 days ago. Docs office called me yesterday and yep, positive C-Diff again. Pharmacy didn’t have the Vancomican and has to order it on Monday. Please can anyone tell me what can happen if you are not able to start the antibiotics right away. I have had so much diarrhea.I am also on Imuran for Crohn’s. What type of illness’s can one get from C-Diff. I heard it ca kill also???..Scared…How do I know when it’s time to go back into the hospital??? Don’t want to go because that’s how i got it in the 1st place. I hate to complain but I feel like crud and am stuck on the potty so much. Please does anyone have any advice???
- admin
  
  The quicker you get treated the better is always true. But a few days may not matter unless you are very ill anyway. C diff, like Crohns, can in some cases inflame the intestine and cause colitis. It can kill, but tends to only do that to people over 65 with multiple other conditions. The Vancomycin may sort the whole issue out.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
Nina

Is it possible to have cdiff rec but no smell, a lot of mucus, watery or not so watery sometimes D? My GI thinks it could be UC, I was diagnosed with before the cdiff, but it was UC??, they were not sure….. I thinkit is the cdiff, I just finished 3 days cipro for my UTI, it is such a mess…. Help me, tell me what do you think it is….?
- admin
  
  We’re medical journalists, not doctors so we would be unable to comment re your symptoms. Only a fecal test will clarify exactly what it is.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
Malinger

Hello, After a perforated colon due to diverticulitis, I had to have a temporary colostomy. The incision didn’t heal quickly so my surgeon gave me Clindamycin to prevent infection. I had the symptoms of C Diff and had a stool test which, today was reported to be positive for C Diff. Last week, I started taking 500mg of Flagyl and a course of probiotics. I feel better but not 100% as far as bm consistence. Not watery or mucousy anymore, no fever or stomach pain. My question is will I be contagious in two weeks when I have a large retirement party at my house? I will be holding my 17 month old grandson and do not want to chance infecting him or anyone else present.
Thank you for your response
- admin
  
  The contagion aspect usually relates to diarrhea. The fact that things are settling with respect to your stomach is a good indicator. Good hand hygiene will also reduce the risk from low to virtually non existent.
  
  Dave
  cdifficile.org
- Tina
  
  I have had c-diff almost continually since I was hospitalized in February for nine days when I finally got diagnosed. I had had symptoms since last summer when I was hospitalized with pneumonia, and treated with extremely power antibiotics.
  
  Regarding having people in your home, and infecting. them. There are a couple of things I would do. Clean your bathroom, floors, doorknobs, and all surfaces with clorox wipes, and keep throwing them away. Each surface use a new wipe. Then after you have throughly cleaned everything with bleach, do it again. And, do clean telephones and remote controls with bleach wipes. Hand washing is important, but do others who use your bathroom after you, wash their hands, religiously. They could inadvertantly transfer spores to the tv remote control, etc.
  
  If you are having any symptoms diarrhea, or abdominal pain, gas, etc., then cancel the event. My elderly parents I do not visit until I have been on antibiotics for at least two weeks,, and am not having any symptoms. In the past 7 months, that has only been three or four days. But, better to be safe than to regret exposing others to this horrible bacteria.
  - barbara hix
    
    I have just been released from six days in a critical care hospital unit for a relapse of cdiff. While there, I talked to their infectious disease specialist who quoted the CDC that a 10% bleach solution is the only disinfectant to kill the spores on hard surfaces. On my suggestion, he searched stores’ variety of “Clorox” products and found, strangely enough, that they do NOT contain bleach! He explained that using any disinfectant or hand sanitizer will not kill the cdiff spores but will only leave them “very clean”. 10% bleach solution for hard surfaces and frequent significant hand washing with soap to remove spores from hands are the most significant protections for yourself and others.
    - MARY
      
      Barbara—please talk to your infectious disease doctor about a fecal transplant! i know it sounds gross but it worked for me after suffering severely for 18 months. I tried so many “remedies”. This truly works. My son was my “donor” and within 5 days I was feeling better and diarrhea and pain-free.
granny vanny

Hola! A month after the 3rd course of clindamycin for a bad tooth, I developed nasty, super-soft, mucous-y diarrhea. My pcp put me on flagyl & the culture came back positive for c.diff. I had minor side effects of the flagyl after the 3rd dose; after the 6th dose I got a sore/stiff neck – could not turn my head or nod, an all-over headache & sore throat (painful speaking/swallowing – like big, sore lumps inside my throat). My pcp sent me to the ER where they did a cat scan, found no ruptured disk or anythig like that & sent me home with a prescrip for valium because my neck & shoulders were in spasm. I still have the headache & neck pain a day & a half later, tho it is better – I have not taken any more flagyl. Waiting to hear from my pcp. Does this sound like aseptic meningitis? Is there a good reason not to go straight to vancomycin? I am 70 yrs old and really don’t want to fool around with this! The neck/head pain scares me more than the c.diff.m thanks much, granny v
- admin
  
  Dear Granny
  
  We’re medical journalists who know a lot about c diff. But we’re not competent or knowledgeable enough to comment on your current symptoms. Sorry we can’t be of more help
  
  Dave Roberts
  cdifficile.org
- Shelley
  
  Hi Granny V,
  Sorry to hear you’re suffering from this miserable C-diff too. I’ve had it for 5 months! Flagyl didn’t work, and have been on Vancomycin for months. Why in the world these PCP’s don’t want to refer us to Infectious Disease Specialsits SOONER, is a mystery to many of us! I mean if you have cardiac trouble, one goes to a cardiologist! My pcp just tried weaniing me off the Vanco and bam, once I was down to a pill a day the diarhhea, etc. came back. The odor and flatulence had never left! So I’m back on Vanco. and FINALLY beiing referred to an I.D. Dr. and I’m going to request a Fecal Transplant. Yes, they sound gross but many people on here have said that’s the only thing that cured them!!!! If you are thinking you might have meningitis, I would go to an ER and have a spinal tap. That’s nothing to mess around with. And if your C-diff isn’t gone then I don’t see why you’re not switched to Vancocin with the Flagyl giving you such awful side affects!!! Good luck and hope you get well soon! I hope I get my appt with the specialist soon.
  Shell
  - http://cdifficile.org garrettmarsha
    
    I suffered with cdiff for five months and a fecal transplant cured me immediately. I have had to be on an antibiotic twice since and did not have a relapse. I wonder if the flora in my colon was changed and because of the transplant will not be susceptible to relapse. Don’t know but it makes sense to me.
http://www.speakforthem.org Lisa Hurka Covington

Trying to reach Dave. Thank you for your site, this is a nightmare! I had a root canal and to avoid drugs in my body, opted to have it without novocaine, only to come down with c diff from the three seperate perscriptions of clindamycin. I am a public speaker and known in the area of suicide prevention in Maryland for 20 years, as well as Nationally. I am sharing this because I have been on the phone with the TEVA and the FDA discussing I want them to put the word c diff on the bottle of clyndamycin, not just stating you can come down with bad diareah. They state it is on the paperwork but to be honest I have been researching and people as well as myself did not read the paperwork, we look at the bottle and that is where the information should be. I am still not right, and have had to give up attending events because of this illness that can be prevented if more know what c diff is and it is very important to be taking probiotics while on the drugs. I never heard of it and everyone I tell does not know what I am talking about. I found a wonderful lady after my husband heard her on a national program via radio who sells a drink called B.R.A.T which we have now talked and I would like others with this illness to know about. http://www.bratdiet.org/contact.html
Dave, If you would be interested in working with me or know someone, at trying to make label changes with clindamycin can you please get back to me, I made sure I was able to get phones put on several bridges in Maryland for jumpers and I am very serious about this condition that is literally killing people and robbing them of their health. Thank you. Lisa Hurka Covington 410-377-4004
Teresa

add to previous questions the RN said the pt had to ingest a micro amount of bm.
linda

Hi i have c.diff, i work in a rehabilitation center for alcoholics. We had a client in who had c.diff, management failed to inform us of this and took no preventitive methods. I worked directly with the client and i now have c.diff. im on metronidazole at the moment. Do i need to remain off work, the client has now left, but we have other clients in who suffer from various degrees of liver problems due to alcohol abuse. I technically cannot afford to be off work as i dont get paid when im off sick so im hoping i can get back to work soon. Any info on this would be gratefully appreciated
- kb
  
  eat yogurt with live cultures
Heather

I have been fighting C-Diff since Sept of 2011. I lost my job in May due to all my medical absences. I was just offered a job at a school cafateria but also just got a call from my nurse that my c-diff is positive again. They are sending me to their infectious disease specialist to talk about stool transplant, but I can not get in to see them until Sept 18 2012. My doctor does not want to put me on medication for the c-diff as she believes it will not help. My question is should I be working if I am positive for c-diff? I have ok days, bad days and really bad days.
- kb
  
  yogurt with live cultures to help balance the good bacteria in your stomach
http://www.cdifficile.org/what-is-c-diff-2/ Mary

Dave, is it possible to contract c-diff from my daughter who was in the hospital for several months and at the end she developed this after being on many antibiotics. Six weeks from the time she was in, my husband and I both had D, mine 3 days and my husband who never got rid of the D. He did test positive and I felt better. However, I do having odd cramping here and there with no more than 2 bm’s a day while some days none. No mucus or blood but a feeling that something is just not like it used to be. Could I have a mild case and if so, will it go away on it’s own??? Doctor does not want to test me unless I have watery stools. Thanks for any thoughts?
- admin
  
  in the absence of the major symptoms The doctor is probably right. Also sometimes people do not ‘get’ c diff while several around them may do because their stomach flora has something that keeps the c diff at bay. Recent antibiotic use or the absence of it can also be a factor.
  
  Hope this helps
  
  Dave Roberts
  cdifficile.org
  - http://www.cdifficile.org/what-is-c-diff-2/ Mary
    
    My husband has been on acid blockers (Nexium) for years and always had a tendancy toward D on occasion. I believe as I’ve read on medical websites that taking these acid blockers can change the flora in the stomach which probably made him more susceptible to the c diff. I was around my daughter taking care of her more than he and if I have it at all, it’s low grade. We are both in our early 60′s.
    Anyone taking these types of medications should be extra vigilant around any patient with c diff.
    One more question; if I had low grad c diff, could it be slowing destroying my intestines? Some docs say treat any possible symptoms while others take the road of caution. I get pains occasionally that come and go and do not want damage to my intestines.
    thanks again…
  - http://www.cdifficile.org/what-is-c-diff-2/ Mary
    
    My husband has been on acid blockers (Nexium) for years and always had a tendancy toward D on occasion. I believe as I’ve read on medical websites that taking these acid blockers can change the flora in the stomach which probably made him more susceptible to the c diff. I was around my daughter taking care of her more than he and if I have it at all, it’s low grade. We are both in our early 60′s. Anyone taking these types of medications should be extra vigilant around any patient with c diff. One more question; if I had low grad c diff, could it be slowing destroying my intestines? Some docs say treat any possible symptoms while others take the road of caution. I get pains occasionally that come and go and do not want damage to my intestines. thanks again…
MARY

August 30, 2011. I suffered with C-Diff for 18 months. I had endured multiple (6-8) rounds of antibiotics. I had SEVERE gastro problems along with the diarrhea. I would test positive for C:Diff…go on antiobiotics…test negative and then within 2 weeks was symptomatic again. I went to an infectious disease doctor who treated me and then referred me to a Gastro doctor. The treatment he brought forward was not what I expected…a Fecal Transplant. I had mine on July 20th and within 5 days was feeling better than I had in almost 2 years. My bowel movements were NORMAL!!!! The color was NORMAL!! I have had very very limited diarrhea. Maybe once/week. The nasty C-Diff smell is gone. My son was the fecal donor and after I got past the “weirdness” of it all, I was able to try anything at that point. The procedure was done via colonoscopy and I was given a local. The hardest part was having my son “go” on command. Had to wait a few hours but it all went well. I am now 6 weeks after my procedure and I didn’t realize how sick I was until I started feeling better. I have heard some doctors are doing the procedure on the first or second positive stool culture. Please consider this option as I have feel it truly saved my life. After 18 months of suffering with this, I was sick and very depressed. I carried extra underwear with me, flushable wipes for me, clorox wipes to clean any toliet seat i went on and was worried every time I left my house. If anyone wants to contact me, please do so.
http://BedfordAndi@aol.com Grandi

My mother is in GREAT health at 84. On the go all the time. She has lost 12 lbs over the last 9 months but we had a family illness and death at that time. She and doctor thought it was from that until July. She suddenly is tired off and on for several days at a time. She had the orange colored diarrhea and very odoriferous stools. Shortly after that she was thought to have a UTI and then took an antibiotic. At that point she started yogurt every day.
Since then the tiredness still comes and goes and the stools are somewhat still softer than normal.
All tests come back normal. even the C diff.
Could it have been C Diff in the beginning and then the yogurt be keeping it just down enough to stop or slow the other symptoms?
- http://BedfordAndi@aol.com Grandi
  
  At this point after my mother had a CAT scan (finding nothing AGAIN) She drank the stuff and cleared out. No symptoms in the last 2 weeks. Still a mystery but glad she is better. She and I still think the C Diff was it. Any chance she cleared out enough but that it can come back?
Dustin

I had this disease for 5 months and know how bad that stuff is so I want to help whomever I can get well again. What didn’t work for me was flagyl, vancomycin, yogurt, acidophilus capsules, lots of fluids, rest, etc…

what did work for me was the new drug dificid in combination with naturally fermented sauerkraut NOT the canned stuff (it must be eaten raw not cooked). I used Bubbies sauerkraut you can use any brand thats fresh refrigerated I purchased mine from the local health food store. I took the dificid 2x a day and sauerkraut 3x a day with meals about a 1/4 cup. I have had two negative tests now june 2012 and july 2012 just to be sure. I feel much better now and I use align probiotic for maintenance. I can’t say if it was the drug or the kraut that did the trick but this is what worked for me.I hope this helps someone out there.
TJ

I was wondering, how common is hearing loss with oral vancomyocin? I saw that as a listed side effect and am very concerned as I have hearing problems in one ear. I’m taking 125mg 4x/day. The side effects of flagyl were too much for me to handle but I don’t want to lose my hearing. My doctor didn’t offer difficid so I’m worried if the vancomyocin creates problems.

Thanks,
TJ
- dustin
  
  I have constant ringing in the ears since being treated and the sides from flagyl were also very hard on my body to the point that I thought I had been poisoned. Maybe you should ask for dificid if the vanco doesn’t work.
  - TJ
    
    Thank you Dustin. I am off the vanco and have been experiencing stomach cramps but no hearing problems yet. I just hope I got rid of this awful infection. If not, I will take your advice and ask my doctor about difficid.
Joe

I was just wondering what possible ways there are to kill the c-diff endospore? It is an endospore so this is what contributes to reoccurances in some patients. So yes certain medication kill c-diff, but my question is what about acid from the stomach? I ask this because i have had reoccuring c-diff before and then had the symptoms again but developed strong food poisoning in which everything was flushed out of my colon along with very strong acid which i believed killed the c-diff. I was just wondering if this is something that has been found to be true in any other cases or if it is even physically possble for c-diff to be destroyed by stomach acid in the encapsulated spore form?
Pat

how long after a patient completes flagyl and vancomycin treatment do they remain contagious? For how long must they continue to use clorox wipes with bleach to kill the spores?
Kara

My 52 yr. old disabled sister has been sick for 2 months or more. The assisted living facility finally sent her to the ER 3-4 weeks ago. They determined she needed to have her gallbladder removed, but it was so infected they put her on IV antibiotics, put a drain in her gallbladder and sent her to a rehab facility until they felt she could undergo surgery. However, while trying to get rid of the gallbladder infection in the rehab she was diagnosed with cdiff about 5 days ago and immediately put her on Flagyl. Her stomach is bloated, she said her lower back hurts (kidneys?), and she still has constant diarrhea. Her only insurance is Medicaid due to her disability and the Medicaid coverage for the rehab facility ran out at the end of last week. Now, the rehab facility has gone ahead and scheduled gallbladder removal at a nearby hospital as outpatient surgery. This has been scheduled for the day after tomorrow. She has a pre-op consultation scheduled for tomorrow, but she is still having constant diarrhea, has to be in diapers, that are having to be changed. Should they be sending her a) out into the general public while she is so contagious, and b) scheduling gallbladder surgery while she still has cdiff, especially knowing that the assisted living facility will not take her back in that condition, and where would she go? I care for our 86 year old father, so she cannot come to my home in that contagious condition. Is this even legal? I am at a loss, don’t know who to call (other than maybe the health dept). These people are disgraceful. Has anyone dealt with anything of this nature?
- Infection Watch
  
  They are between a rock and a hard place, as is she. Google fecal transplant and your state or city. It could cure the c diff in days.
  
  Dave
  Cdifficile.org
Ruth

Hi Nina, i’m looking at this blog because my brother was admitted to hospital yestrday with C-Diff. Your post got my attention because my son was in Bulgaria, on his own, for two years. He became very ill with a respiratory infection, so I know how scarey it is to be ill be in a different country. Thanks to an associate he finally got medical attention.

How are you doing now?
Natalie

I tested negative a few weeks ago for cdiff but the GI said due to my symptoms, he wanted me on antibiotics. I immediately felt better once I started taking the Flagyl but had too many side effects. No side effects with Vanco and felt great but now off of it and my symptoms are returning. He wants me now to taper the Vanco but I’m now concerned if cdiff is what I had. How common is it to have a false negative with cdiff?
Betsy Mitchell

My 91 yr old mother has had c-diff twice during the past year. Was on Vancomycin for 12 weeks. No c-diff currently but she has had UTI ‘s that we know are caused by VRE, how successful has Linezolid or Synercid been to fight with out c-diff recurring? My family thinks she should try these antibiotics but I’ve read that Cdiff can be a side effect. Our doctors didn’t want to confirm C-diff so of course they’ve never heard of VRE. I don’t want her to take a med that will allow the C-diff to take over. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Betsy Mitchell

Bless you all, iI was inquiring if anyone has experience life after 12 weeks of vanco, and now having VRE.
Betsy Mitchell

After c-diff and having VRE, has Linezolid or Synercid helped without contracting c-diff again?
Betsy Mitchell

Anyone dealt with VRE after taking Vancomyciin for C-diff?
Betsy Mitchell

Why won’t this site that has been my info line for a year acknowledge that VRE is there? We need help !
http://cdifficile.org Marjorie

I have had C Dif since July. My doctor has kept me nonstop on Vancomycin for the last 2 months and now referred me to an Infectious Disease Specialist, hopefully for a fecal transplant. Keeping my fingers crossed.
- MARY
  
  Marjorie: I wish you the best of luck. This procedure truly works. I was on Vanco on and off for 18 months (most on). The fecal transplant saved my colon. I have listed my person e:mail address. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this procedure. mary.b.rabquer@owenscorning.com. Usually they have a gastro doctor do the procedure. The Infectious Disease Doc will refer one to you. God Bless.
carol

My mother just passed away after succumbing to ci difficile.Does anyone know how to clean Photos after contact with this bacteria.We would really like to keep these memories but are afraid of contaminating our homes
- Dustin
  
  I’m not an expert on this but I heard from my doctor it takes a certain % solution of bleach and water to kill the spores and he also said that is the only chemical that will guarantee 100% eradication of the spores. By the way, healthy individuals most likely will not contract c. diff. It takes a weak immune system or a disruption in the healthy gut flora (antibiotic use) to cause an outbreak of this nasty stuff. some people are carriers of this but do not get the symptoms. I think your pictures will be safe if you can use a bleach solution on them but I’m not sure if you can put that on pictures maybe try testing on a pic that is not worth anything. Hope this helps. my sympathy goes out to your family.
  - Shelley H
    
    IN RESPONSE TO CAROL:
    I’m so sorry for your loss. I get angry because there needs to be so much more public awareness of C-Diff! I would not have been put on a long regiment of a strong antibiotic for 2 weeks for a mildly infected ingrown toenail which led to my outbreak of C-Diff. I’d never even heard of it! I was quite ill&hospitalized for 5 days. Anyway, thank you God after 7 months, and a lengthy treatment of Vancomycin, it went away!!! But I am saddened to read of people dying from this awful thing.
    I hope some of your photos are in frames so you can just wipe the frames with a 10% bleach/water solution. (I moved recently and my former home was thoroughly wiped down with that bleach solution to kill any spores.)
    Dustin is correct about people getting C-Diff. It’s becoming more prevalent!
    I’m grateful for all the kind people on this site that gave me encouragement since last March.
    Take good care Carol. God bless.
    Shelley
John

steriplex sd is an EPA registered C.diff sporicide without bleach. I know it is safe to use on all hard non porous surfaces but not sure about photos.

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