Recurrent C Diff – What are the causes? This is an area where research is ongoing, but here are some of the possible reasons.
C Diff Answers On This Page
New infection from a new source
They have been reinfected through another hospital contact and a cycle of sickness has started again.
Recurrent c diff – the drugs calmed it rather than killing it
The drugs previously given subdued it but did not kill it. There is some evidence that some bacteria will ‘switch off’ and go dormant in their fight against vancocin. When the balance of the intestine is disturbed again by drug treatment for another illness the latent c diff is re-activated. A new but expensive drug called Dificid kills the c difficile bacteria and is linked to low to non existent return of c diff in treated patients.
You were reinfected again in the community
Little is known about the general prevelance of c difficile in the environment and community. Figures of 3-35% who might be ‘silent carriers’ are sometimes mentioned in the scientific literature. There is also a growing body of evidence that some are suffering c difficile infections without hospital contact. The possibility of community spread cannot be ruled out.
What is the solution?
The intestine can sometimes be so disturbed by drug treatment, infection and illness that it struggles to get right. The fecal transplant method now being explored in many hospitals does suggest that healthier fecal matter can restore the intestine to balance and break the cycle of illness. Find out more
There are also some studies that suggest that people suffering from other intestinal complaints will be more vulnerable to repeat infections. Their medications may be a factor as may other changes in the gut bacteria with respect to the other condition.
More on C Difficile Treatment
- C Diff Fecal Transplant Therapy – 7 Key Facts
- C Diff Diet? Aid your recovery, ease your pain and combat further infection
- C Diff Treatment – discover 6 facts you should be aware of
- C Diff Test – correct diagnosis leads to correct treatment
- Why do some people have recurrent C Diff infections?
Recent Chronic C Diff news
[rss feed=”http://feeds.pinboard.in/rss/u:Tahilla/t:cdiffchronic/” num=”6″ excerpt=”false”]
Last Updated on March 13, 2019
Vanco does not have a stellar reputation in stopping the hardier versions of c diff. Some hospitals use vanco/flagyl combo and other go for Dificid which has a stronger reputation for actually stopping chronic c diff but is more expensive.
Dave Roberts
cdifficile.org
It appears you need to seek another doctor/doctors. The disease KILLS people. I almost died from it. Dificid is a great drug. I was in the hospital for 30 days and this is the only drug that took care of my problem. That was 4 years ago and I have not had a problem since then. Please go to another doctor/doctors until you find one that will take care of the problem. Your daughter is too young to have to live with this. After what I went though I would not have a problem with the fecal procedure. I am 71 years old. Not a problem for me after spending 30 days in hospital in another state. Trust me, c-diff is NOT something you want to let go on without treatment.
Good Luck.
I suffered with C Diff for 2 years, 11 recurrences. I had all the meds for C Diff, Flagyl, Vancomycin and Dificid. It’s been a year since my fecal transplant and it has not come back!! I would not hesitate to have another one if needed, the next day I felt so much better and have been C Diff free since. Debby
My 30 year old daughter was diagnosed with C diff 10 years ago. I’m not sure what she was treated with. But since that time she has had bouts of severe diarahha off and on throughout the past decade. She has had all the routine test
Colonoscopy, endoscosy, biopsy…. but has never been retested for C diff. (I only just read about this in USA Today last week and it sparked my attention.) So… now I’m wondering if she has additional bouts of C diff., but it is too complex a case for our local (we live in rural, small town) to uncover. Can you recommend the leading hospitals or experts we might see? I’m ready to do ANYTHING to help her… it has really stopped her life in many ways. Thank you so much for this helpful site! Sonny
Hi I had cdiff for 4 weeks, was treated with Vanco for 14 days, I finished it 4 days ago, now I got UTI, and my doc wants me to take cipro for 3 days!!!! I am so afraid of cdiff coming right back! Should I take it or hold off for few more days, try something else….? Thanks
Was the doctor aware of the the c diff. Is it the same one? We would not encourage you to self medicate re the UTI and ignore his/her advice. You may need to go back and ask some questions.
There are also different strains of C Diff. If you have had a milder one they may feel that the Vanco will have done the trick
Dave
cdifficile.org
Well i guess now the doctor is saying or calling this my third relapse with cdiff since january ..i got out of the hospital minus my large bowel in feb…And i was on a ten day treatment in march and again in may with vancomycin. Now they did a biopsy and a scope which showed nothing….just inflamation but my understanding is a scope does not show cdiff . Does anyone know if this is correct? I am now on vancomycin via enemias for the summer . I am scheduled to be put back together after the summer is over and i am very worried the cdiff will take off again since it almost killed me the first time….
The scope is likely to show the damage being done by c diff, including inflammation. Only a test can confirm that c diff is the cause. Ask them about fidaxomicin as this seems better at stopping c diff coming back.
Dave
cdifficile.org
thank you i will ask them. The scope showed imflamation. And by test do you mean test on the stuff i am passing?
Also is there any means of getting good bacteria levels back up in my bowel and system before going in for a reattachment surgery in two months? this is what i am afraid of the most that when they go to reattach the cdiff takes off and this time finishes the job and kills me. It almost did the first time.
Yes – they will need to test the fecal matter. Given that you are having surgery again the use of fidaxomicin to clear your current infection if it is proved to be c diff by a test would help stabilise you before the next surgery.
You may also find this helpful
This from the http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-antibiotic-associated-diarrhea-clostridium-difficile site may help
Diet — There is no particular food or group of foods that is best for a person with diarrhea. However, adequate nutrition is important during an episode of acute diarrhea. For patients without an appetite, it is acceptable to consume only liquids for a short period of time. Boiled starches and cereals (eg, potatoes, noodles, rice, wheat, and oats) with salt are recommended for people with watery diarrhea; crackers, bananas, soup, and boiled vegetables may also be eaten.
A temporary type of lactose intolerance is common following diarrheal illness; this may last for several weeks to months. Thus, temporary avoidance of lactose-containing foods (eg, ice cream, milk and milk products) may be helpful.
Dave
cdifficile.org
This reply is for Tamara. I did test positive for Cdiff 3 times. One mistake that I (and my doctor) made was testing right after a round of 4 weeks on flagyl. I tested negative then and we thought I was out of the woods. However about 10 days later I relapsed. If you do not have symptoms then the Cdiff is hibernating — so don’t waste your time, money and dignity on the test unless you have symptoms.
I did find that when I relapsed the occurance was not as harsh as previous episodes.
A comment on vancomyacin — I had to pay $1680 for a two week course — I have no prescription coverage. After I relapsed again I found out that you can get a liquid form of vancomyacin from a compounding pharmacy. That cost me $133 for a two week course. Do the math.
Once more thing — you should be taking probiotics. I was told by a pharmacist that the specific culture to get is Saccharomyces boulardii.
Thank you for the information Jane. I have the Saccharomyces boulardi but am not taking it because I want to speak with my primary MD and chiropractor. I used to get yeast infections and thrush a lot, and there is a slight risk factor for fungemia for some people who take Saccharomyces boulardi. Have you heard about this? I am very pleased with the response my body has to Flora and kefir, but if neither of those actually rid the body of the c.diff bacteria, I’d hate to think the c.diff is just hibernating. Is there no natural way to overcome it?
Vanco is the second drug when Flaygl fails. But Dificid is thought to be the one that halts c diff rather than just dampening it down.
dave
cdifficile.org
My 21/2 yr old grandson was diagnosed with CDif he is on round number three of medication he has lost too much weight and is now only 20 lbs I am very concerned that maybe his gastro Dr. Is not treating him correctly iis there a top specialist in the New York area that you can recommend? His diareah is completely watery even though he is on medication this is freaking me out. I can literally see he is all bones Any information would be greatly appreciated
Rose
We are based in Europe so are not aware of key doctors in the USA. What medication is he on
Dave
cdifficile.org
I got c.diff about 15 years ago while taking an antibiotic for a sinus infection and was prescribed Flagyl. The Flagyl made the c.diff worse, so the doctor told me to stop all medications. After 3 weeks of bed rest and losing 10 pounds, I seemed to come back to health (I was young and healthier). Two months ago I had an endoscopy for recurrent reflux and stomach pain. Turns out I have acute Gastritis and was prescribed Prilosec 20mg daily. 10 days ago my stomach began hurting and the battle with c.diff begins again. My GI doc told me to stop the Prilosec, but doesn’t seem concerned about the diahrrea and cramping. I am concerned because I have pain under my ribs and in my sides- I don’t remember experiencing this in the past. Is this normal with c.diff? If it turns out I am a carrier, will I ALWAYS have c.diff? Thank you for your thoughts on the subject.
The new drug, Dificid, seems to have a much better track record at halting C Diff rather than just suppressing it. Has the doctor confirmed your recent situation with a test?
Dave
cdifficile.org
I have never been given an official test for C Diff, but when I was prescribed the Flagyl years ago, the advice nurse told me that’s what I had. As a follow up to the recent bout- I went on the BRAT style diet for two weeks (my main diet was yogurt, rice, poached eggs, grilled plain chicken (organic), saltine crackers, boiled asparagus and carrots, chicken noodle soup, bananas and Kefir). After about 10 days I added Flora (super acidophilus), and I must say it has made a monumental difference. I have normal BM’s now (for the first time in 2 years!), but I do still feel inflammation in my stomach and intestines. My acid reflux has been reduced so dramatically I’m astonished. However, I definitely still have inflammation and hope to get a CT scan of my intestines at some point. If the symptoms of my C Diff have subsided, do you think it wise to request a test for C Diff at this point? I am wondering about the “colonization” factor, and which test would be adequate for a proper diagnosis at this point. Thank you for your time.
Is there any way to naturally rid the body of the c.diff through diet and supplements?
A paper has come out in the last few days which notes that sensitive tests may be showing up very mild c diff which will resolve without treatment.
You are a prime candidate for c diff however given the amount of antibiotics that you have had to take.
You are likely to be low risk for a major c diff infection given you otherwise healthy state
Remain watchful and finish the treatment but do not be too alarmed
Dave
cdifficile.org
Dificid has a strong reputation for halting repeat attacks. We are not aware that prolonged courses of any C Diff drug are reccomended. The donor capsule idea is being explored at this time as is the vaccine. Neither have been through the full tesing process
Dave
cdifficile.org