C-Diff?

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• May 16, 2005 at 4:03 pm #6245
  doreen

  Member

  Hi. I just had my week of chemo and was sent home and was re-admitted the next day! I had terrible cramps, etc. they started treating me 3 days ago with anti-biotics intervenously and finally today I am feeling a bit better. Today the doctors came in and told me they found out what I had and it was something called C-Diff. Does anyone have any knowledge of this.. How long to clear up? It has been awful!!

  May 16, 2005 at 4:34 pm #6246
  Carrie

  Member

  doreen,

  My dad has c. difficile (c. diff). It’s been rough on him, too. I don’t want to scare you because everyone is different but he’s been dealing with it for over a month.

  It’s basically that the usually helpful bacteria that’s in your bowels/intestines goes wild because of your low white count.

  Hopefully the antibiotics will kick it out soon. Dad’s been miserable and he lost weight because he wasn’t eating as much because it meant he’d have to run to the bathroom. (And I often called him while he was just finishing and he likes to describe it to me. Ugh! Love ya, dad, but I don’t wanna know THAT! It’s becoming a little joke with us.).

  There’s c.diff support group but it’s not too helpful for people with cancer and c.diff (http://www.cdiffsupport.com). I don’t think you’ll find out much that will help you in particular but it may give you more info on it.

  I know you’re suffering. I really hope it clears up soon.

  Love,
  Carrie

  May 16, 2005 at 6:48 pm #6247
  Sheryl Ann

  Member

  Dooreen,

  When you get the C-diff under control, have your dad eat at least one container of yogurt a day. This helps prevent C-diff from occuring when taking antiboitics.
  Hope he gets over this soon.

  Sheryl

  May 20, 2005 at 6:19 pm #6248
  KP2112

  Member

  Great idea. Yogurt is supposed to help restore the good bacteria you need in your system…

  Kind Regards,
  Karen

  May 21, 2005 at 5:29 pm #6249
  Terri

  Member

  Yogurt was One of the only Dairy products that the Nutritionist indicated Bob could have, Other then that we stay away from all Dairy. Occassionally he does cheat and has some cheese. Milk we use Soy milk, For Butter we use Smart Balance which The nutritionist said was good. They even have Smart Balance Cheese. I think there is soy cheese products too.
  He will treat himself sometimes to an icecream You have to have some kind of rewards.

  May 23, 2005 at 1:22 pm #6250
  Carrie

  Member

  I guess while my dad’s in the active C.diff infection, he can’t have yogurt. They’ll check with his doctor to see if he can eat it after it’s cleared up. Is it supposed to prevent another infection?

  May 23, 2005 at 3:42 pm #6251
  gemloyear

  Member

  Terri, there is also a soy ( ice cream ) Toffuti,it comes in several flavors, the chocolate is especialy good. some flavors are too sweet other wise it’s very good for those who can’t eat dairy products for one reason or another. found in the soy dairy case. I know the craving for ice cream. Try it you’ll like it!!!

  Ellie

  May 23, 2005 at 5:09 pm #6252
  Terri

  Member

  Thanks Ellie, will have to try it. Bob has such a sweet tooth

  May 23, 2005 at 6:01 pm #6253
  gemloyear

  Member

  Carrie, IN the nursing home where I worked yogurt 4 oz.1- 2 times a day was given while on antibiotics to prevent c-diff . If not given and c-diff. developes the yogurt helps to restore the natural flora in the intestines,.after the infection is over. It suprises me when people are not told to use yogurt. Check with the doc to ok. it. I have to ask our doc. too and she ok’s it. Good luck, I hope your dad is doing better.
  Ellie

  May 23, 2005 at 6:06 pm #6254
  Carrie

  Member

  Dad’s doctor actually told him he couldn’t eat it! My mom had gone out and bought a whole bunch of yogurt, thinking it would help, and the Doc said no! It confuses me, too.

  May 23, 2005 at 8:50 pm #6255
  gemloyear

  Member

  Carrie & Doreen, Sorry, I should have researched a little before I posted.Got thinking so went into Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia ( diarrhia associated with medications see – Drug induced )Very good information. Evidentially this is a very common problem with Mds and other chronic illnesses.I remembered that a persons own good body bacteria, Gi, lungs etc. can multiply and attack and cause serious complications.Nothing is simple or cut & dry with this darn MDS.
  it seems things can get out of hand quickly with everything.I’ve been through this before, I can’t believe how quickly one can forget. THe moral is research and research. I wish every one a speedy recovery, and better days ahead.
  Ellie

  May 23, 2005 at 8:54 pm #6256
  Carrie

  Member

  It’s okay elle, we all do what we can to help each other and no one is perfect.

  I hope everyone verifies everything that we (the whole forum) post by checking with their doctors before doing anything. Doctors aren’t infallible either but if we present them with our findings, they can do more research. I’m sure they have access to more sources of information than we do.

  Thank you for trying, though .

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