C.difficile - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

louise · 05-12-2005, 12:41 PM

Hi,

I posted a few weeks back about contracting C.Difficile from being on antibiotics (CIPRO) and exposure to the infection from being in the hospital.
I have been taking VANCOMYCIN now for almost seven weeks and thought I was beating the infection down when I relapsed this past Monday. At least I had a pretty good day for Mother's Day with my seven-month pregnant daughter - even though we couldn't hug due to the risk of her picking up the infection it was great to see her looking so healthy with a reasonably good size "bump" in front.

I woke up Monday morning with severe abdominal crampy pains and diarrhea which got worse as the day wore on. I spoke to my I.D. doc and he recommended I increase the dose of the Vanco for a few days to see if the diarrhea settles down; otherwise I will have to go back on a ten-day full dose of the Vanco.

I also mentioned (I believe) that I had a very serious bout of the C.D. in 2002 so that is why I am shaking in my shoes with memories of that nightmare.
Also, I JUST have to be healthy and C.Diff. free by July when the first of two grandchildren is due.

Is there anyone else out there who not only has to cope with severe IC and pelvic pain but also one of the worst infections known to science? As the saying goes, "misery loves company" and while I would not wish this C.D. on my worst enemy (if I had any!!) I sure would like to communicate with anyone else who is going through what I am. Thanks for any support and/or
understanding.

LOUISE

***Katrina*** · 05-12-2005, 01:41 PM

Louise I cannot say that I have had a severe infection while having IC and severe pelvic pain...but I have had diarhia (from a 2 chronic illnesses), allergy symptoms, fever chills (chronic illness flare), and many other things. I know what suffering from multiple things is like...and since I have a weak immune system I also know what it is like to avoid going places and seeing people you love because of the risks...for me it has always been the risk to my health but I know how bad others have felt when they can't see me too...we both suffer. I pray you are better by the time your grandchildren are born. God Bless!!!

I have: 1Endometriosis, 2Rapid Heart Beat, 3Low blood pressure, 4Intersticial Cystitis, 5Pouchitis, 6Epilepsy, 7Yiest Infections, 8Reaccuring Shingles, 9Allergies, 10Rapid leg movement, 11Gerd, 12reacurring Gastritis, 13Gall Stones, 14Tendonitis,15 PFD, 16IBS, 17 migraines and the undiagnosed symptoms as well. Long list of things I have already had surgery for too.

vm · 05-12-2005, 07:01 PM

Oh man, Louise.

I haven't ever had it, but I have heard of it and it sounds like no fun at all!!!!

Here is a link to a google search of the ICN using the words "c. difficile":

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&d...ficile&spell=1

It looks like it brings up a few links to some old posts here on the boards.

I sure hope you can whip this thing in time for those grandbabies!!!!

Ginny · 05-13-2005, 03:38 AM

I think I told you I had the same thing happen to me many years ago. I was never told that anyone could get it by being close to me. My children were very young at the time and they would visit me in the hospial and kiss me with no problem.

My dad also had it about 2 years ago. No one ever said he could pass it on.

Are you eating yogurt or taking acidoulphlous?

Ginny

Lisa_HaveHope · 05-26-2005, 03:32 PM

Louise,

I can relate! Although I haven't "officially" been diagnosed with IC (still going through process of elimination of other potential culprits), I have suffered from C-diff. My first bout was about 10 years ago after taking some long-term antibiotics. And, my most recent bout was in Feb. when my internist thought I had a UTI and put me on Macrobid 2x day for 5 days. I developed C-diff from that alone! My Dr. was floored, as were others, that I got it from such a short-term dose of anti-biotics.

My urogyno now just put me on Doxycycline, but has also prescribed Metronidazole (known as Flagel (sp??) to combat the C-diff. I am VERY nervous, as you are, to even go there again but I have to give it a shot. Also, I get nasty yeast infections on anti-biotics so I'm also taking a Diflucun.

I have not heard of VANCOMYCIN ~ not that that means anything. Perhaps ask your Dr. about Metronidazole? Just a suggestion. Best of luck to you!

Lisa