C-Diff Remedies

My dad doesn't have much time left and he is very attached to my baby boy who is blind (dog) he is coming home to finish out what time he has left... He does nothing but talk about how he can't wait to see his four legged grandson.. My dad has c-diff so how do I protect my baby so that he can spend time with his pap like he has always done??? Please if you can help me or point me in a direction to get this answer I would be so grateful

Update from yesterday: This morning I had my first normal poop in over two months. Yesterday, my energy went through the roof, my depression cleared and I was able to get more work done in one day than in the previous two weeks.

Try the Kimchi if you are suffering with C-Diff. It is basically fermented Napa Cabbage with garlic, red peppers, chilis and spices.

I think that relapses can be caused by C-Diff spores laying around your house after an illness, so make sure you wash everything you can with bleach. I am lucky that the curtains in my room are white, so I was able to take them down and wash them as well. Wash all surfaces, including walls, and especially things you touch all the time like your phones, TV remotes, etc.

One source I found said that it can also be transferred via nasal route, so be very careful with your nose and mouth.

This thing can be beat, I just don't think that the Western medical community knows how to do it.

BTW- I didn't fill my second prescription for Flagyl, as I knew that it would make me feel worse.

Some fascinating news on Fecal Transplant science.. http://www.radiolab.org/blogs/radiolab-blogland/2013/jan/22/poop-magic-gut-cure/

Kimchi did it for me. I have lost 20 lbs over the past month and been in ER twice. One course of Flagyl and two relapses. I had washed everything with Bleach, eaten Yogurt, Kefir, etc. And purchased two expensive ProBiotics, but still felt ill and relapsed five days ago after taking Flagyl. I had my daughter purchase some Kimchi for me and I ate it last night (it's delicious if you like cabbage and hot spices! ) and I feel 1000% better today.

I'm going to keep be really aware of what I put into my body and continue with the Probiotics, Yogurt and Kefir, along with Turmeric and other Middle Eastern spices in my brown rice, but Kimchi really seemed to do the trick. I am so happy and relieved that I feel like a human being today for the first time in over two months!

Kimchi is for me!

I am new to this site and I am glad to have found it as I believe that I am suffering from cdiff again. I had it a couple of years ago, fortunately I recovered pretty quickly. When I had cdiff the first time my Dr. explained why the antibiotics to treat cdiff are prescribed for a few days and then stopped for a couple and then restarted. The reason is because the cdiff infection produces spores but the antibiotic doesn't kill spores, it only kills them once they sprout so the antibiotic is stopped every few days to allow the new spores to sprout, once they do the antibiotic when it's restarted will kill them. I guess the trick is to try and get all the sprouts killed before they can produce new spores. (Sorry, I didn't know what to call them except sprouts and spores) This is how it was explained to me so I hope that it helps. Thank you all for the information, I had forgotten some things which have probably contributed to it coming back.

An update: The day after I wrote the post on the effectiveness of cs on c diff... The one about the mother and her son and the husband (not a c diff case), well, the day after I wrote it, the following day she came back to my office and I asked her a few more questions about the boys c diff. (And today is his birthday... He is four. ) She knew he had c diff because he was positively diagnosed. The boy had been receiving chemo treatments for cancer. He had the c diff from out of an iv treatment. After six months of treatment for the c diff he began having psychological problems and the mother decided to stop all treatments even though the doctors wanted to try different experimental drugs to cure the c diff. (Chemo was completed. ) At the same time she tried the cs and in one week the condition (extreme runs) had nearly gone away and the next week was completely gone. That was many months ago with no return symptoms. I asker her what the doctors thought about the turnaround. And she said she had not gone back to them since cutting them off after six months of c diff suffering. As we discussed this, and I was feeling very proud, she ask the boy, "Son, who healed you?" I expected him to speak my name, but the boy just calmly said, "Jesus."

I laughed about that, being corrected by a 4 year old. You know all the great ideas and helps on this terrific site are really not ours at all.

I would like to know from Lloyd who posted today 12/18/12, what colloidal silver generator he has.

I have been taking CS for months now and have not been sick with a cold or flu. I recommended it to a friend who had been to many doctors because of the pain in her teeth and jaw. No doctors could help her. After the first day of taking CS her pain was diminished. Now it has gone away. She asked one of her doctor's if he knew about CS and he said yes. She asked him why he didn't tell her about it. He didn't have and answer. I also spray it in my dog's eye which was seeping. No more seepage. Also, a friend had pink eye, we sprayed it in and on his eye, next day it was gone. Amazing stuff. That is why I want to get a generator. Just haven't been able to decide which to get. Lloyd, if you could email me, that would be appreciated. Landrov101 (at) aol dot com

Many, many thanks to Ted and everyone on EC who are helping each other to continue with good health.

Concerning colloidal silver and its effectiveness on C Diff mentioned above by Sarah; I had an interesting conversation with a mother who came to my office today. (I'm an attorney.) She brought her 5 year old. I'd forgotten I'd given her some colloidal silver months ago when she told me of her son's problem with C Diff. I was guessing at silver's effectiveness in dealing with bacteria but we have assumed it not only can kill viral infections but also bacterial and fungal. I have one of the little silver generators and give away bottles of it to anyone who might like to try it. Well, she thanked me and said over a two week period her son drank the silver water and it cured him. No problem now for months. And she immediately told me of another story. Her husband was cynical relative to his son but when he saw what it did for his son wondered if the silver solution might help a four inch by four inch layer of inflamed skin on the back of his right shoulder. She said it was like a layer of "skin on skin. " He drank the silver every day and the wife applied it topically. Over a period of days the "spot" began giving off a liquid and in a week it shrank until it went away completely. I suspect he had been bitten on the shoulder by a spider and that became an ongoing infection. I thought her idea of a topical application was clever. She had run out of the silver and I immediately handed her a new one.

I'd sure like to hear from people who try colloidal silver for its effectiveness on C Diff. The trick is: for a system wide infection it has to be used daily for weeks if not months. You know if its working if the patient gets a new burst of energy after a week or two. The "energy" is the immune system being relieved in its stressed condition by the fighting power of the silver. It's like the reinforcements arriving.

Thank you, cdiffhelp from Hawaii, for posting your tale -- and what a tale it is! I am so glad you found your way to Dr. Stollman and an answer to your long nightmare. Hope you continue to get better and better each day as you rebuild your gut health.

I've just been diagnosed with c diff, which came on big time after a course of amoxicillin. Ironically, I was glad for the diagnosis as I've been having bouts of symptoms for 2.5 years, starting immediately after an outpatient surgery. Even though a test from a local lab came back negative for c diff, no doc ever thought to have me retested. With my crash course reading, I now know there are many grades of tests plus false negatives.

On my third day of Flagyl, hoping it works. Have ordered Florastor and L-Glutamine. I've been making/drinking my own kefir for about 1.5 years, which may have helped me not get so horribly sick as you were, who knows.

Anyhow, thanks again for sharing your story. Your encouragement to advocate for ourselves and stand up to the "experts" or leave if we don't trust them is urgently important. Docs don't know everything. Often they don't know squat. Let's not be intimidated by white coats! In allowing us to hear voices like yours, this forum supports our taking the lead in our own healthcare. So big thanks to EarthClinic, too. Best wishes to us all for a vibrantly healthy 2013!

Cdifhelp, wow - that is quite a story. Thank you for telling it. I have heard about fecal transplants and can't believe something that is so successful has not gotten more attention. Uck factor? Who cares - works and no side effects.

Just Take 1 cup of home made milk kefir a day.

I have just -almost recovered from C'diff. I have 'red rice yeast , and am reluctant to take it, as what I have now is a yeast problem now. I have now taken Probiotics. I am so drained, and need to eat, but what can I eat not get sick again. Liquids are fine and staying in ( I think). I am 82, 119, (normal 124), and need to know what to eat. Please help! I not ever been sick like this ever. Thank you so much for help or reference.

I had cdiff last year after the first round of flagyl for 14 days it came back after 3 or 4 days, then I went on metrodinasol (vancocymin) for 14 days. Again I thought I was finally rid of this horrible thing, but it came back after 3 days again. My doctor, and I also did some research, put me on 21 days of flagyl and that is what finally did it. I also take an Activia yogurt everyday and 1 pill of saccaramyses Boulardi MOS and I have been free for the last 9 months. As a matter of fact my stomach has never been this good even before CDiff it must be the probiotics. I hope this helps.

Just want to add another success story to the c-diff thread. I too got this horrible affliction after taking clindomycin for dental surgery. I had taken this before, but this time I was under a lot of stress from my mom having a stroke, and spending all my spare time at the hospital. the perfect storm to get a c-diff infection.

As I had no idea what was happening I put up with the diarrhea and cramps, weakness for weeks before I finally could not get out of bed and ended up in the emergency room. The first round of antibiotics helped, but I still felt lousy. Lost 20 pounds that month. Not a diet I recommend. Three days after the antibiotics ran out, it came back WHAM. Called doctor, on a friday of course, suffered all weekend, got another scrip for antibiotic. Felt better right away, although far from great. 2 weeks later, 3 days after the antibiotic ran out WHAM it's back. I wish the doctors would take this more seriously.

When the doctor prescribed the same Flagyl treatment for the THIRD time I thought this is ridiculous. So I searched for advice elsewhere.

Here is what worked for me:

Get the Flagyl. Then get the probiotics with Lactobicilli and friends, and Sacromyces boulardii. Get good quality oil of oregano.

First week, take the Flagyl as directed(2 times daily). Take the probiotics three times a day. Take the oil of oregano twice a day, before you eat. I used two drops on Kimchi, as it helps it go down. This stuff is STRONG

Second week take the Flagyl once a day, all else the same. Third week, flagyl every other day, all else same.

by the Fourth week, 3 times a week Flagyl, keep up the rest.

Fifth week one Flagyl per week. Here I had a couple of flareups, took one extra Flagyl. Keep taking that oil of oregano, it is key!

By the sixth week I stopped flagyl totally. keep up probiotics 3x day for this week, oregano still twice.

Seventh week probiotics twice a day, oregano in evening. ( my flareups occured at night for some reason, this helped).

By the eighth week I stopped the oregano, but will continue to take the probiotics twice a day forever I think. It has now been 2 and a half months episode free, and I am feeling great. Please anyone suffering from this and not getting a good answer from your doctor, do this!!!

What was the brand name name of your probiotic?

This is in reply to Adam from VA Beach, posted 2/12/2012 -- Hi Adam, I only know about Sonne's (liquid Bentonite) #7 Detoxificant Clay which I got from their website. Supposedly, you can take 1-4 tbsp in an 8 oz glass of water 1-4 times per day. Have you learned any more about the powder form of Bentonite Clay? Has the Oil of Oregano worked so far for you??? My husband was diagnosed with C-Diff and treated; when checked by flex sigmoidoscopy, then told it looked like he also has either ulcerative or crohn's colitis... The GI said the diagnoses in these cases can change according to the symptoms and patterns of the colitis. I'm very interested in knowing more about the Oil of Oregano, if there is a reputable place to get it from via the internet?

I first had c-diff 15yrs ago when I took clyndamycin for a dental problem. Since then I got it every time I took any antibiotic orally or as a shot. Cholestryamine shorted the duration. The last 2x I took bactrim for surgery and a UTI. With each dose I took acidophilus capsules from a health food store that needs to be refrigerated and contains 50 billion cultures per capsule, usually 1cap a day. For the first time ever, no c-diff. I am thrilled that I have finally found help!! ... And I hope it this might help someone else.

Hi, I've struggling with c-diff for 4 months. I really want to try what your sister has found to be successful. I'm not able to find some of the things she tried.

Thank you Dolores from Lancaster for sharing your story about your brother and C-diff. I am so sorry for your loss.

You are right about needing to be proactive in our health by empowering ourselves and our families. As a former C-diff sufferer (1995 when I was given Biaxin and Cipro for walking pneumonia), one thing I strongly recommend for getting and staying healthy is taking a very high-quality probiotic daily - eating fermented food helps too.

Take care, Bess

Dear Readers, to all those who lives and bodies are upset and down from C-diff, this horrible destroying bacteria and to those who lost loved ones from it, I hope to let people know, please be your own advocate and question your doctors, they don't have the answers for severe cases . I read many stories to find comfort, DKH from High Point NC we needed to understand all this information about the way C-diff is handled and how deadly in some cases it could be. I didn't come across it till now. Your story really touched my heart, as it still aches over losing my brother. At 42 on February 20, 2010 Bob JR died from COMPLICATIONS of C-diff and the long lasting effects of the colon being destroyed. It is a long story of a single guy with a heart of gold, an ambulance driver and volunteer fireman to boot, there were missed signals and many hospital stays with diverticulitis issues and lots of antibiotics over the course of probably 3 to 4 years.

I live in PA the rest of my family in NY and the FEBRUARY 14, 2010 wedding of our nephew was a blessing to whole our family as my brother was dancing and smiling (we have lots of pictures) through his pain as he could not eat and had lost over 40pounds in the year. He was released from the hospital Jan 11, 2010 on antibiotics again only to return as we rushed him there Feb 17 where he died. This C-diff is a killer still. The doctor in the hospital said we have 5 cases and Bob's is the worst, besides doing emergency illiectomy surgery, as he was Sepsis and in shock when we brought him there. His ambulance friends went to a sister hospital in New york City to get an experimential medicine, it was given who knew if it would have work it was just to late. Why was he sent home in Jan. with a port of antibiotics, nursing care that didn't really know about how dangerous C-diff was, as we didn't either and given a letter that he could return to work just 10days before he died, yet the discharge doctors didn't even have the blood tests back yet. We have all the hospital records but according to New York State Law they, the doctors and the hospital were in their Jurisdiction of care and laws of care as three experts told our lawyer.... So to all..... OUR heallth care system is crumbling and we need to be proactive for ourselves, our children, grandchildren and loved ones that need a voice, be viligant.

I have friends and family in the medical field who are so fustrated by the politics and profits of "People Care" consumers not patients to some any more with human life on the line.. Doctors Nurses, Caretakers you went into this field because you care for others.. Please speak up. Knowledge is Power and the public needs to know what can we do to help ourselves against these killers.... Start a group...... Life is precious. Sepsis, C-diff and MRSAs- all of them killers and on my dad's Death certificate 1/09/2009 and my brothers 2/20/2010 as cause of death. In our hearts forever..... Thank you for listening and the good info. on what to do if someone else in our family gets C-diff.... I pray not.

You are not alone...

This is my personal story, account and opinion on my experience with Clostridium Difficile (C Diff)... My hope is for my story to help bring awareness to others about the realities of C Diff, the dangers, and ways to help prevent others from contracting it. And for those who have it, to help you know you are not alone in your search for understanding, knowledge, and help in getting rid of this horrible disease.

I was hospitalized in Sept of 2011 while and after undergoing surgery to have a trans metatarsal amputation and ankle fusion surgery. As with most surgeries I was placed on IV antibiotics to prevent infection of the surgical site. Prior to going to the hospital for surgery, our home was thoroughly cleaned and bleached to make sure I would return to a sterile environment. My husband, having suffered from a nasty staph infection in the past, was very concerned of the risks of such a thing happening to me, following my surgery. Staph, being something I understood and was cautious of while hospitalized as well. I have always prided myself on being someone of good hygiene and rarely ever get sick.

On my third evening of being in the Hospital I became violently sick with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. I spent the evening and well into the next day in the bathroom of my hospital room. Sitting on the toilet, while my head was in the trashcan, feeling sicker then ever I had in my entire life. I have had food poisoning before, and it was like that times at least ten... The nurse on duty that night kept returning to the room and checking with my husband, and coming into the bathroom to check on me. He told my husband, he had never seen someone so sick before. He was very concerned and was afraid to have me left alone in anyway. When my Surgeon came to see me the following day, my husband explained how sick I had been all night. I was now in addition to my pain medication, taking meds to help with the diarrhea and vomiting. The Doctor advised that I was fine, and just severely medicated the night before, and having a reaction to that. He then advised I could go home that day.

Upon returning home I no longer had bouts of diarrhea, but still had a lot of nausea and vomiting. I was given medication, which I had taken in the past anytime I had previous surgeries to help with the nausea and vomiting that can sometimes accompany pain medications and/or surgery. The medication was not helping this time, and was changed a couple times, with little relief. Now instead of having diarrhea I was extremely constipated. A very normal side effect of pain meds. My pain medications were also changed a few times due to the nausea and vomiting as well as not relieving much pain. After several weeks I was sick of the med game, and sick of the constipation. I stopped all use of pain medication. The following morning I awoke before the sun had risen with uncontrollable diarrhea and nausea. Having had a lot of surgeries, I had been through getting off pain meds before and figured I would ride this out for a few days and be fine. A week past, and then, to add to the 30 times a day diarrhea episodes which began at/around 5 am daily, I now was also dry heaving and vomiting like crazy. I was unable to keep anything down or in. I contacted my Primary Care Doctor and advised him of my current status. He said there was nothing to be concerned about, and that I was merely experiencing common symptoms of opiate withdrawal. To add to my symptoms I now also had severe pain in the right lower quadrant, just below where my appendix used to be and pain in my mid to lower back, as well as severe pain under my right breast. I also had pain after urination, urgency, and increased frequency. I felt like I was burning up all the time. My eyes would get hot throughout the day, and often my vision would blur. And I kept experiencing a high pitch screeching in my ears. And my head felt like someone was putting it in a vice grip. This continued on... After another week, and more weight loss and unable to tolerate even liquids, I again let my Doctor know. He now said he felt I was just suffering from IBS. I disagreed feeling at 40 yrs old and never suffering from IBS before, that it wasn't something that normally came on at such an age, without previously having symptoms of such earlier in life.

And so the weeks continued, as did communicating with my Doctor to all that was occurring. Throughout this time frame he prescribed a medication that was for acid reflux... something I never picked up from the pharmacy as I researched the medication and found several thousand posts from people who were prescribed it and suffered horrific side effects. Major depression and suicide topped the list. And as my husband asked, ummm it's for acid reflux and you have vomiting and diarrhea, wtf? My primary Doctor also advised me to take Imodium to slow up the Diarrhea. Weeks later when seeing my OB to make sure nothing female was happening with the urination pain, she also suggested I take a prescription strength diarrhea medication. Again something I choose not to do. My reason always the same-my body felt extremely toxic. Things were coming out my nose, my mouth and my #ss, and that means something wanted out. Bottling it up didn't sound like a good idea.

We sought out help of naturopaths, acupuncturists, Chinese herbal medicine people and such. All of which said much of the same thing. That I was suffering from a kidney deficiency, liver deficiency, spleen deficiency, and stomach deficiency. Everyone had herbs that would clear things right up, stop the diarrhea, stop the vomiting. None of which helped, and most of which had the opposite effect. And all were looking at the symptoms, as western medicine does, and not the source of the problem. This was something I found no one could address. I also saw my Chiropractor on a regular basis, who regularly commented something was causing extreme inflammation in my digestive track. He recommended I request lab work to make sure there was no underlying infection.

After almost 2 months of constant diarrhea, nausea and bouts off and on and off of vomiting, and over 20lbs of weight loss (20% of my body weight), my Doctor said this was physiological effects of opiate withdrawal but we could run a few tests, as I'd requested, to make sure there was no infection or parasites etc occurring. Nothing was found in the urine, blood or stool tests. My Doctor then advised me to give it another 2-4 weeks and see how I was feeling, and if I wasn't better, he would put in a referral for me to see a Gastro-Interologist. A couple weeks later I had a scheduled appointment off island on Oahu to see the Surgeon who had performed my amputation/fusion surgery. He recognized how ill I looked and commented about the weight loss. My husband and myself explained all that had been going on for so many weeks now. He immediately put in a referral to GI and to Urology. Upon returning to Maui, the GI dept called me to schedule an appt and advised me the Doctor was out of town till the following Wed. After the nurse asked me several questions and went over all I was experiencing, she said the Doctor could see me the same day he was back, and that this was urgent. She was concerned and advised me if I had any signs of dehydration to please come in and get an IV or go to the hospital if it was after hours. I let her know as bad as I felt and as much as was coming out of me, I was drinking water constantly to avoid dehydration and the need to go to a hospital, which I feared would only serve to medicate me and risk further illness.

One of the first things the GI Doctor brought up during my appt, was the fact that I was hospitalized and on antibiotics at the time of my surgery in Sept. He mentioned something called C Diff and the widespread issue it had become in recent years, and that people contract it generally while in a hospital and on antibiotics. He explained how the diarrhea generally begins 8-10 weeks after initial exposure. And some people often get ill or have an episode when initially exposed. He also went over the possibilities of things like Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns Disease, Celiac Disease and Colon Cancer. Within less than 48hrs of my GI appt I was prepped and having an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy. 3 Days later my GI Doc called and advised me I had C Diff. He said I had a very severe case and was going to prescribe the strongest antibiotic to fight this, so that more time would not be wasted in taking a lighter med that I might not respond too. He said it was a very good thing I had not taken the Imodium or the Lomotil that was prescribed to me, as this would have bottled things up, as I thought, and in 50% of cases, people suffering from C Diff experience toxic megacolon. Your colon explodes. How awesome is that? He also told me when we spoke at my original appt that he saw my primary Doctor had prescribed another medication to me. I cannot write the name here, as I would not want any drug companies trying to sue me for saying negative things. Just know the GI Doc asked if I was taken it. I said I never picked it up. He said that too was something he was grateful I did not take. He told me it was one of the worst drugs on the market... Comforting again... At this time my GI Doc prescribed 14 days of Vancomycin, and advised me I'd feel better within 2 days, but to make sure I completed the full course of antibiotics. Unfortunately I did not feel better in 2 days. I did not feel better in 2 weeks. My GI Doc was no longer working there, and the new one I spoke with then quadrupled my dosage of antibiotics and advised me to take them for another 14 days. Again I did not get better. The diarrhea was more than ever, my hair was falling out in droves, my body aches and joint pain were unbearable... Headaches every day. Nausea every day. Pain after urination and increased frequency. Low grade fever each day. Ears ringing like crazy. Eyes a hot blurry mess. The list goes on. So many things no one tells you that comes with the effects of C Diff. The toxins wreaked havoc on my nervous system and immune system is so many ways. This by no means is something that only affects your digestive system.

After much research I found my way to a Doctor in Oakland, CA. Dr. Neil Stollman. And incredible GI who thought outside the box. Long story a little less long, after several conversations, we were booking a flight from HI to Oakland and scheduled to have a procedure called Fecal Microbiota Transplantation or as often referred too a fecal transplant. I had first heard about this procedure from one of my best friends. Her sister is a nurse, who happens to work in a Hospital. One of very few in the US that does the FMTs. She wasn't sure what exactly they were doing it to treat, she just knew it was for diarrhea related problems. Their conversation had come about in discussing how long I'd been sick, and how often I'd been having the "D"... This was almost 2 months before we knew I had C Diff. So our journey would find us going to Oakland, CA for the FMT Surgery through Colonoscopy. I won't go into all the details on the procedure. This is something you can easily google and find out so much more about. Or you can email me and I'll do my best to share any info I have or answer any questions. What is most important in all this is one simple thing... There are other ways to rid yourself of this horrific disease. Not everyone responds to antibiotics. I am living proof of that. The studies show approx. 20% of people infected with C Diff are unresponsive to antibiotics. There are also a great percentage of people who do respond to the meds and have a complete recovery, just as there are a great deal who do great while on the antibiotics, but within 2-10 days the c diff returns. When people don't get better from the meds, most Doctors advise there is nothing else that can be done. Some stay on the meds for years, as it's their only relief while on it. The minute they stop C Diff comes back with a vengeance. Mind you the cost of these medications are extremely high. Without insurance coverage, a 14 day course is almost $1800. So when they quadroupled the meds, in my case, that was almost $7500. Can you imagine the people taking it for months on end?

While getting my second 14 day course of medication I asked the nurses in the GI Dept if they had ever heard of Fecal Transplants. They told me that it was something that was discussed about introducing to help in C Diff cases, but that everyone was in agreement that the "ick factor" was just to much. I then asked if you had what I have, and before I could complete the sentence, they all commented at the same time, they would go anywhere in the world they had to, to do the FMT and get the C Diff gone. Interesting they'd all use it for treatment, but would have no interest in treating others... Mind you that those who don't respond to meds, do not magically kick this on their own. C Diff causes kidney failure, liver failure; immune systems shut down...People get sepsis. People die...Not a few people, not a hundred people, not a thousand people. Do the research and you will be amazed and just how many each year... And for those taking antibiotics that manage to help sustain life, think of all that they are then susceptible too, being on antibiotics and having their immune system wide open for anything else to jump aboard.

The research I found on fecal transplants was based on people with reoccurring C Diff. None of the procedures Dr. Stollman had done were on people who were unresponsive to the meds. I am beyond thankful he still chose to do this procedure on me, even though I didn't fit the norm on those he had previously done. Once again being a Doctor who thought outside the box, and merely had a willingness to help and heal. No promises, no guarantees, and clear on the risks and the unknowns. What I did know, was that this is what I needed to do, and where I needed to go to do it. Can't explain how I knew, but I did. My family was in agreement and support 100%.

My results were almost immediate. I had no bowel movements until 4o hours after the procedure was performed. And within 4 days I had no Diarrhea. After months of having it, every single day... Being awoken between 4-5am with the crazy urgency, and spending the first few hours of each day in the bathroom, let me tell you, this was an incredible morning... I wish I could say everything went back to 100% normal immediately after the procedure, but sadly the C Diff does such a number on your body, that for many, it takes time to recover, heal and have the colon and digestive system find it's balance again. I can say that within 2 weeks of having the FMT done, I have gained back 10 of the 30lbs that I lost. Mind you I was down to 90lbs. My hair is no longer falling out. My face is slowly beginning to clear up, as is my back and shoulders. Acne being something I never had an issue with in my 40 yrs of life. I no longer have daily Diarrhea. And never a day had passed that I didn't since my C Diff nightmare.. Foods can be a trigger. But for the most part I eat a very clean, all organic diet, and stay away from foods that can cause or aggravate inflammation. I still battle with gas, bloating and mild abdominal pain, along with the pain after urination. Dr. Stollman feels in his opinion, as do other Doctors that this is because the Colon still being inflamed and needing it's healing time. And when the colon is inflamed, it very easily irritates the bladder (in women)... I no longer wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning to have my stomach explode. I no longer feel like a volcano is erupting inside me. Not talking about Diarrhea at all, speaking in regards to this insane degree of heat I woke up feeling all throughout my body each morning. I no longer have the severe pain where my liver is, my kidneys, and in the lower right quadrant just below my appendix. Again I could go on for days about the symptoms.

I explained so many times to my Primary Care Doctor, as well as my OB, and my Surgeon, how toxic I felt. You would think I'd been out partying all night long and putting in things of a toxic nature. Yet I was drinking nothing but water, and eating all organic, healthy foods. No toxins were going in, they were inside me. All I would be told by my primary Doctor was again, it's just IBS...It's just effects of stopping pain meds... Nothing to be concerned about. Guess what??? C Diff is very much something I should have been concerned about. It's something everyone should be concerned and knowledgeable about. According to the CDC; C Diff is the worst "SUPERBUG" out there. Please do the research. Learn about C diff. Learn about how it's contracted. Know your risks when you are hospitalized. Know your risks when visiting people in a hospital and in nursing homes. Know the risks of being on antibiotics and the things it makes you susceptible too. Even if you don't, just reading this, right now, will allow you to know and be aware of what C Diff is... And that is more than I knew before being diagnosed with it.

I am not 100% as of yet. C Diff has wreaked havoc on my body. But I know, and I have complete faith that with time, my body will heal and I will return to 100%. I don't want C Diff to simply be some crazy negative experience I went through in my life. One that all my loved ones went through with me. One that caused so much pain, so much worry, and so much fear in so many... This negative is something that needs to become a positive, and I believe simply in writing this, in getting the word out there, that it does exactly that. If my experience can help even just one person, than some how in some way, it makes a difference. I make a difference; in a way I never could have not experiencing it myself.

I am a firm believer that we truly are never given more than we can handle. That all things in life happen for a reason. My friends and family all know me as someone who they often describe as strong, positive and inspiring. Well let me tell you, C Diff took me somewhere I'd never been. I've been through some crazy things in my life, some very difficult things, but never felt like I would not survive it. Not find a way to thrive after it. C Diff made me feel like someone handed my ass to me. That's the simplest way I can put it. I never felt like I was dying, even when I was told many years ago that I had cancer. I never felt fear even when I was told I'd never walk again, years ago after a major car accident. My husband said it best when he said that in all the things he's been through in his life, nothing ever scared him to the core, like this did. He said watching me die every day was a fear unlike anything he could explain. He would not sleep at night, for fear of me stopping breathing. C Diff is no joke. It's no mild irritation in one's life. It's a very serious disease that takes thousands upon thousands of lives each year. And yet no one we ever spoke to about me having it, had even heard of it. Just as we had never heard of it.

I believe with everything that I am, as does my husband and my family, that having this Fecal Transplant with Dr. Stollman, saved my life. As did my diet, my use of probiotics, and drinking water-no matter how sick I was... I could not keep anything in or down for weeks on end, but I refused to simply give up and knew dehydration would be the last thing I needed. In all the research we did on C Diff, we found the Fecal Transplant is basically used in last case resorts. And I was shocked to find only a handful of Doctors that were admitting to doing such procedures at all in the US. Less than a handful, honestly. Every day with C Diff is like having a day robbed from your life. Antibiotics have side effects of their own as well. I wish they had worked on me. But I am grateful in finding something else that did. Something I truly believe in and support and would do AGAIN without a second thought, if ever I were to get a reoccurrence of C Diff. One thing I cannot stress enough is to be assertive when it comes to your health needs. I am assertive. I requested tests. I asked for help. I still didn't get the answers for such a long time. Learn from my experience in any way you can. If you have been on antibiotics, and in a hospital or health care environment and are experiencing diarrhea, go see your Doctor. Request to be tested for C Diff, not just the standard parasites, and bacterial infections that are looked at.

Please, if you are currently battling C Diff. Know that you are not alone. Know that it can and will get better. Know that you can take your life back. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Don't be afraid or ashamed to talk about "POOP". I would become the poster child for poop in a heartbeat to save lives. This disease doesn't just hurt the person who has it. For me, in my own experience, my biggest pain in this was watching everyone else who loves me go through it with me. The helplessness of my husband and my parents. Their fear, their stress, and their frustration with the medical care I'd been receiving, or rather not receiving. I can't change what happened. I certainly never asked to get C Diff. I cannot change all that others went through in my experiencing it. What I can do is anything possible to help others in not getting this disease, in fighting it if they do, and in resuming their lives after they've beaten it... AND YOU WILL. If you are reading this and have C Diff right now, know that YOU WILL BEAT THIS!!! And you too will find a way to turn a negative into a positive. I didn't choose to get this nasty superbug, but I did choose to do something about it, and I choose each day going fwd to do all I can to help any one I can.

Adam, this is Adam from Virginia Beach! So yeah, I did a course of Flagyl for 10 Days and alternated Probiotics in between, and things were back to, if not better than normal after 10 days.. Of course I thought things were good, so I stopped the probiotics right at the same time the Flagyl was done... A week later it's back... I'm sure the Flagyl worked to a certain degree, but obviously it didn't eradicate it fully and I should have stayed on the probs. So rather than go right to the Flagyl again, I was reading up on the methods and the clay and oregano oil sounds fascinating...

Question though. I bought bentonite clay in powder form, how much would you take and how often daily? and I have 150 mg tabs of oregano oil... However, if the clay is a natural drawing out agent, wouldn't it draw the oregano oil or sacc. boulardii? Definitely would be interested on an update with your status as well.

C diff -- My sister got a bacterial lung infection after aspirating a piece of pizza around Christmas time. Long story short, she became very short of breath and went to the ER. She was admitted to hospital and treated with steroids and vanco. Her levels got to high and she went home on oral antiobiotics. after one day at home became very short of breath again. We began to nebulize fghp which helped immediately and cleared up her lungs however the next day came down with c diff. she had all the symptoms and was very miserable. We began with digestive enzymes. Colliodal silver. Alkalinzing pill, oil of oregano and peppermint. 100% better the next morning and so far diarrhea has not returned. Hope this helps others.

I'm so sorry to hear of those still suffering from c-diff and very happy to hear of those who have been cured! I've had c-diff for nearly three months; just finishing my third round of antibiotics... Second time for vancomycin but now it's double the dose. I don't know if anyone else has had abdominal swelling and pain and does that fit with c-diff? If anyone is continuing at their job, I'd really appreciate knowing how they are managing with lack of food and energy or the alternate of trying to eat but running to the bathroom all day? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Take care everyone and get better soon!

I have been recently diagnosed with C. Diff. I got it from taking Cepro for a week for a kidney infection. I am 31, healthy and have hardly been on antibiotics my entire life. My sister got C. Diff a few years ago from taking antibiotics for a UTI. I knew the dangers of antibiotics, and wished I had taken more probiotics after. I wanted to write in for others who suffer from this horrible bacteria and what my sister and I have found to be helpful. When I was diagnosed, the doctor did not tell me about this illness, they made it seem like I had a little bacterial infection and all I needed to do was take antibiotics. There was no discussion on diet how CRUCIAL probiotics are and how it is contagious. If I hadn't known better I would have thought it was no big deal, just as they make it sound. It is a sad shame that I have to research this on my own. I suppose there isn't enough information for this disease and perhaps they don't want to scare people about this rapidly growing epidemic.

I have found that diet is very important. Before I was diagnosed I found certain foods I could have a fairly normal bowel movement. I did not explore too much and found the following to be very helpful: Eggs, squash, gluten free products (to avoid more yeast build up) AVOID SUGAR-that means fruit too(bacteria love sugar), Ezekiel bread, garden burger, proteins such as salmon, turkey. Low fiber vegetables-I did not find too many that agreed with me. Certain cheeses seemed to be alright, like the lighter cheeses. Multigrain cereal, like Barbara's brand. 1TBS of Flax meal a day.

My sister maintained a gluten-free, sugar-free diet for two months after going off antibiotics. This helped tremendously. She took the following and continues to do so on some. Acidophilus bifidus-400 billion Bentonite Clay, taken after antibiotics & probably a few weeks after probiotics. Garden of Life-Primal Defense. Nutribiotic GSE Grapefruit extract. Colloidal Silver-drink a small glass. Colostrum powder. Sacro B. Flore-Restore. I found Turmeric is powerful.

I think it is important that anyone going through this to always watch your diet for the rest of your life. Try to keep your body alkaline. Avoid excess sugar, greasy fatty foods, and alcohol. Read up on books that deal with natures antibiotics. Hopefully someday we find a cure and nobody has to go through this life altering illness.

I wanted to update I ended up using the 2 standardized turmeric 2 twice a day from and 2 of the Maxium strength Grapefruit seed extract twice a day (as the not using it wasn't getting the job done), and 2 of the Daily Enzyme Tablets 2 twice a day. I also used the Primal Defense a bit in the beginning and the Florastor. Then I tapered off the twice a day on the turmeric, grapefruit seed extract and the futurbiotic daily enzymes tabs to once a day (by the way it has betaine HCI and other goodies that are great a killing c diff. I did eat yogurt as well and continued the Primal Defense every couple of days as well as the florastor every couple of days. All taper done now. I didn't need all the other stuff so much to get rid of this but at the beginning I did need to boost up my immune system with some vitamin d and zinc, C. This has seem to do the trick with these ingredients I have been on this therapy about a month. It is pretty much gone, but I'm going to use it a few more weeks to make sure it is gone. Now simply slowly taper off of both just to be sure it is gone. I didn't need the iodine as much as I thought.

P.S. Use the above with my cat just a small full syringe type tube (minus the needle) and only used one a day and she no longer has C Diff either. Crushed up 1 standardized turmeric, 1 grapefruit seed extract and 1 daily enzyme and mixed with yogurt and filled syringe. Also gave her florastor and a primal defense occasionally (every few days as well). She's doing fine too now. And a little fish oil for the both of us. I'm so glad this worked for my cat as well because little people like cats cannot afford to lose too many pounds. This is a success story for us.

I wanted to make an update to this article. I'm just using the Standarized tumeric from nature's way now and not the grapefruit seed extract as I know the tumeric alone will kill C-Diff it as far as a herb antiobiotic and has been tested to be equal to Vancomycin in test studies (google turmeric and c difficile). And since we are trying to bring back flora overkill is not necessary with the grapefruit seed extract. Instead of using the HCI and pepsin, I'm using Future Biotics daily enzyme only if I have indigestion or heartburn it has Pancreatin 4X and betaine HCI and Lactobacillus 66 million in 2 tabs. Or if my tummy is hurting I reach for the Primal defense and/ or the Florastor.

When I use the co-q10 I'm using a product brand from vitacost called CoQ10 Alpha Lipoic Acid Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl -- 700 mg. It is their brand name, and an easy way to get these very powerful antioxidants and immune builder's in one pill at a cheap cost. I'm also using Nature's Plus Bioperine when I take the Standardized Turmeric as it helps enhance it use.

When I first started I could barely eat anything with out throwing it up or it coming out of the other end so I used the Garden of Life's primal defense and the Florastor and Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus EPS a lot in the beginning. Cod Liver Fish Oil is also a big part of this and I don't always use the Barleans Omega Twin just sometiems. Iodine is an important part of this because most of us are low in iodine and iodine will kill C-diff spores. I use Iodine plus 2 or the Iodoral 12. 5 mg. But I am in my 50 fifties and some may only need the lugol 5 drops 2 to 4 times a day. Vitamin D is very important to as it really helps rebuilding the immune system. As is zinc, and I do use the Nature's plus Source of Life multivitamin Mini Reds only 2 a day and most everything else I listed up there I use.

Once the stomach can recover than you can lower the probiotic so you don't end up with a yeast infection. But take as needed to rebuild the flora. I usually use 1 primal defense every other day and florastor everyday for now. But dosing down the more balance you get into is the best so far as I know.

I found that it is as equally important to rebuild the immune system as it is to taper off the powerful herb antibiotic turmeric, over time to the flora health, and your immune is healthly. Another good flora builder is a product called mannafest it has 22 different flora and is a nice drink as well. And when you get better the more you will be able to eat normal cultured food to rebuild the flora. You know foods that have to age a bit to be flavorful. Wishing you all the best.

I contracted C-Diff after a dental implant and long use of strong antibiotics. Many think that just by taking probiotics you can get rid of C-diff. Nope. You must use something strong and doctors often use probiotics with some form of antibiotic.

Anyways this is what I am using. Turmeric Standardized 2 tablets twice a day, 2 Nutribiotic Maximum Strength Defense Plus (grapefruit Seed Extract) Lugols iodine 5 drops 2 times a day up to 4x a day. Or use iodine Plus-2 once a day. Twin Labs Betaine HCI with pepsin, 1 tab 1 or 2 times a day. Nature's Plus Mini Reds 2 a day, 1 coq10 200 mg, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Vitamin D 2000 mg, Nature's way B- Stress Formula 1 a day. zinc, 1 selenium 200 mg. Garden of Life OmegaZyme Ultra 1 a day. Barleans Cod liver fish oil, Barleans Omega Twin, Florastor/and or Jarrow Formulas Saccharomyces Boulardii plus MOS 1 or 2 a day. And Garden of Life Ultra Primal Defense as needed.

My thought is that the Turmeric can kill the C-Diff and there is a lot of research on it. Oh yes and I eat yogurt daily. Good Luck. Use for at least a month to two months depending on the severity of the problem. Oh if you start getting to sleepy cut back on the Probiotics just a little, as they are yeast products and if getting to much can make you tired.

Betty, for my chronic colon problems, I use milled flax seeds daily, aloe vera softgel every other day. I also use magnet therapy for the reduction of inflammation and promotion of healing. I sleep on a M pad at night, and wear a M belt during the day. This is a good baseline regimin, imho. Good luck.

Adam, have you considered including iodine in your daily regimen.

Here is an interesting article called "The End of Antibiotics and the Rise of Iodine" and it has some interesting comments on C - Diff.

http://www.naturalnews.com/022800.html

Just thought I'd give my quick. 02 cents. I have UC Ulcerative Colitis... Had it since 1999 and I've been able to keep it in remission overall... I've been lucky. I take probiotics, multivitamin, cod liver regularly... No meds. I'm pretty healthy overall.

I got C-diff a few years ago... It stirred it all up and put me in the hospital for two weeks... Pretty serious. Once the c-diff and the damage it caused was cured... I've since kept it in check with diet and the supplements I mentioned... Pretty basic... No real meds.

Just recently I've had some funk down below... And I recognized the smell from when I was really sick before. I finally realized that I might have c-diff again... Everything added up once I started reading/thinking/paying attention to the symptoms.

So...I did some recent research... Came across this thread and others. I decided to try the Bentonite Clay... And oil of oregeno. I saw results overnight really.

I started using a lot of things at once because I am/was a little scared... But a combination of Bentonite Clay and Oil Of Oregano seems to have detox'd my gut and gotten rid of the c-diff... At least the really noticeable signs... Watery stool, little signs of blood, bad smell... None of which are normal for me. I noticed real results in days... And it was gone in about a week. I took both Oregano and Bentonite on an empty stomach... Faded out the oregano once I saw real results (5-6 days). Once it seemed like I was really about done... I started having some cramps/ pain...so I backed off most everything... And took aloe gel and creeped back in with clay and all the others... Except oregano. I'm having normal healthy bowel movements now. I still have some healing to do... My gut just feels taxed.... But I'm pretty sure I'm good to go in as few as days... probably a couple of weeks at most.

The clay is easy and mostly flavorless... Seems to be pretty safe overall and effective for countless things. I'll probably be taking a maintenence dosage from here on out. It helps with ph... Which seems to be pretty key in keeping things working but I've never payed attetion to it... Just when I'm scared. I chose a brand of clay that is just a liquid in a brown bottle I saw it at two different popular health food stores. I took it twice a day... Then a few times a day for a couple of days once I didn't have issues and noticed real change. My aunt works at a popular health food store... And she was helpful... Turns out she takes bentonite clay everyday... So that helped me take it with confidence... I wasn't too sure about it until I talked with her.

I also took/take:
Coconut Oil
Tumeric
L-Glutamine - empty stomach
Good Probiotics - Boulardi type
Aloe Vera Gel - empty stomach
Multivitamin
Cod Liver Oil

I don't necessarily recommened all this at the same time so much... But it is all good stuff for the gut... I mix it up... And used each during the main detox week.

I ate/eat a lot less sugar, dairy... And drank tons of water. Laid off beer/coffee completely. That said... My appetite is healthy and I've always found that my systems rallies quicker when I eat a lot... And regularly... Just not a bunch of bad food... But not necessarily health food either... Just mindful of certain things and when I eat them. I eat alot of turkey sandwiches.

Hope this helps someone. Both the Clay and Oregano were new to me as I've always looked for Colitis info... Not so much c-diff. Both seem to be pretty effective for a multitude of things. I'd recommend them. Good Luck!

Dear DKH,

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to share your story and tell you that I am so very deeply sorry for the passing of your mother. It makes me so angry and sad to read what the doctors did TO her. My heart and prayers are with you and your family.

Hello, I wanted to add this to the list of suggestions for treatment of C-Diff... In 2002 I had C-Diff for 1 month with no relief... Then, someone very knowledgeable(whom I STILL call my guardian angel! ) at my local healthfood store recommended that I take in combination 2 things: 1)Bio-K plus liquid.. This is a very potent strain of acidophilus (CL-1285)which has been studied and proven effective specifically against C-Diff.. You need to start with 1/4 bottle(each bottle is 2-3oz), and work you way up to entire bottle, dosing2-3x /day...

2)Mag O7 capsules, by aerobic Life!!! . The Mag o7 is an oxygen supplement bound to Magnesium... C-Diff is anaerobic and cannot survive in presence of 02... I believe I took the caps first and then 1/2-1hr later the BioK so the caps wouldn't kill the BioK.

I had instant relief but needed to stay on for 2-3 weeks to feel completely better... Hope this helps someone, because C-Diff is misery!

Julie

p.s. I am on this website because more recently I have been suffering from a different type of abdominal pain(weird gas pockets), especially when I lay down, and also seem to have developed milk intolerance (but not lactose, oddly enough as their is an actual test for this) and was wondering if this was maybe a possible result of my prior C-diff infection... Well maybe I will just try my old remedy and see if it works, but also will try the bentonite, because that sounds like it will absorb toxins.. just what I need! ...

I am going through c-diff for the 3rd time. First hospital put me on clear liquids and I was really ill, 2nd time Dr just gave me anti bacterial prescription and no diet and I was really ill, the 3rd time the Dr at the hospital put me on baked skinless potatoes, mashed potatoes, white pasta, white rice, white bread and clear boullion with no salt. No butter, oil or seasoning. This along with anti bacterial drug and I never got the diarrhea.

I had C-Diff early this year (January, 2011), after taking the antibiotic, Clyndamycin, for some supposed necessary dental surgery I was to have at Aspen Dental (which turned out to be totally unnecessary, per a true dental surgeon). Horrid, nasty disease, it was! I got so badly dehydrated that I had to have the emergency squad come get me. That's how I discovered that I had C-Diff. I was given Flagyl, which had no effect on it.

I have found several medical research team articles that document the use of what is called kefir for C-Diff (and other bugs like this). It works very well for getting rid of this superbug. The treatment they used is a type of yogurt, but the yogurt is not made with pasteurized milk. Kefir has been around for centuries. It originated in the Caucasean Mountains (research kefir for full history).

What I've read is that all of the test individuals recovered from C-Diff with no recurrence, using the kefir treatment. They stated that antibiotic treatments had little to no affect on the disease. Kefir is staggered througout the day with the antibiotic, as they gradually decrease the dosages of the antibiotic, finally replacing it totally with the kefir, which is taken every day for awhile.

Any good store that carries a wide variety of yogurts carries this probiotic liquid (I get mine at Kroger and Meijer). In Kroger, go to either the yogurt or the healthfood sections. Meijer - yogurt section. Look for a container shaped like a small milk bottle. It comes flavored or plain. I use a brand, raspberry flavor, which both stores carry where I live. (Google online for coupons, and for what this container looks like.)

I personally stopped the antibiotic (Flagyl) right away. Instead, I drank a 1/2 cup of kefir four times the first day, then went down to 1/4 cup four times a day for about a week. I mixed it with a little bit of filtered cold water from the fridge, which watered it down a bit and made it a little easier for me to drink (I'm a woos, even though the stuff tastes good right out of the bottle. ). I have since replaced the water with about six ounces of Meijer brand, "not from concentrate" orange juice. The drink tastes like an orange cream popsicle. Quite good, actually.

Within 24 hours, after taking 1/2 cup two times the first day, the severe diarrhea began to decrease. Within two days, it was gone. It's been seven months, and I have not had even a hint of a recurrence.

I still drink one or two servings of the 1/4 kefir to 3/4 orange juice or water, once or twice a month, just in case, because I have a history of intestinal problems since childhood. I have also started adding a 1/2 cup of cold water with 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice (buy at healthfood store), to keep my stomach and intestinal lining healthy (I extensively researched this). It knocks out any trace of heartburn, for some reason. I only use the aloe once in awhile when the heartburn rears its ugly head (after I slip and eat something with sugar in it).

I agree with Joyce that yogurt is the best for curing C-diff. My mother has the same thing from antibiotics killing the good bacteria. I get her Kefer yogurt drink that she has every morning. Suppose to be the best probiotic.

My 84 year old mother has had diarrhea for 3 months now. First month her gastroenterologist refused to think it could be C Diff despite fact she had been on 2 yrs of antibiotics for recurrent UTI's and most recently CIPRO and Levaquin (which I have since learned are notorious for causing C Diff. ) Ended up in hospital dehydrated and had colonscopy and sent home. 2 nights later fell while cleaning diarrhea and fractured her spine w/bone fragment wedged against spinal column and couldn't walk. Back in hospital, colonoscopy results came back with collageanous colitis in meantime. Had 7 hr neurosurgery for spine, a few days later diarrhea even worse and diagnosed C Diff. I think she had it all along although they said it didn't show up in colonscopy (is this possible?) Started her on Flagyl 4 days, then switch to Vancomyacin. Then her heart rate became irregular, fluid built up etc. Sent her to rehab and 4 days later she was VERY ill and back to hospital with infection in blood stream (doc said from all the diarrhea), heart attack, congestive heart failure, atrial fib, SVT, pneumonia... We almost lost her. Infectious disease doc was great (wish he'd been called in earlier)and he chose an antibiotic for the blood stream that wouldn't aggravate C Diff and wouldn't let them put her on any other antibiotics. Started her on Floraster and lactobacillius in hospital (at least they do that now). She got better, blood stream infection and C Diff both got better. Her heart functioning was 25%, and only 2 2wks earlier it was strong and fine. They did angiogram and found 95% blockage in LED artery and put in 2 stents. Doc told me that stress of being so sick and diarrhea so long can cause veins to restrict and plaque to be knocked off, blocking the arteries.

She is now out of hospital back in SNF for rehab, and diarrhea started getting worse again pretty quickly even tho on Vanco for 4 wks. Doc extended it 10 days more. Meanwhile - I expressed concern that she may have a UTI (with diarrhea in diapers and CNAs not making effort to get her to bathroom no wonder! ), and put her on Macrobid without telling me. Now I know and am torn - the UTI could make her very sick again, but so can the C Diff. He says Macrobid isn't one that causes C Diff like Levaquin does. So I compramised and said ok to 5 days of it. Making myself sick too worrying about this, managing it, advocating and researching. Are there any good antibiotics she could be on that won't make C Diff worse?

Hi! Wanted to let you know how much your site postings have meant to me. I"m caring for my 76 yr old mother. Hospital antibiotics gave her c-diff.

Her doctor has been as much use as a chocolate teapot, prescribing metrozidanol (flagyl) 3 times every time it came back. All he was doing was weakening my mother and strengthening the bacteria. They've told us since feb that vancomycin was only available intravenously. After her 4th re-occurence last week they've now prescribed it in tablet form. I can only put their failure to give her this medicine earlier is because of cost. Her doctor has also been no help whatsoever in nutrician, supplements or any other advice to support her recovery.

Luckily, I spent 7 months on a candida diet last year and this gave me some knowledge on how to help mum. I've got her on probiotics (thanks for the mention of saccharomyces boulardii). I've also been giving her grapefruit seed extract, oil of oregano, spirulina, aloe vera juice, brewer's yeast, nettle tea, bee pollen and garlic capsules. I've also finally got her to give up sugar, wheat and dairy as I'm sure they all feed bacteria. I've also been juicing for her regularly, massaging her with lavender and tea tree oil, giving her reiki and crystal elixirs made to boost the immune system, heal her digestive organs and to remove toxins.

All of this does seem to be slowing it up a bit and she's not been as ill as in previous occurences, but I know I've not been doing the natural remedies long enough. I've just picked up her vancomycin so hopefully both treatments combined will help her combat it this time. She's lost so much I've just been to the sports nutrician shop for some protein shakes as the ones they gave her from the doctors are full of sugar. The NHS here in england is light years behind on it's awareness of nutrician and supplements. So thanks for all the posts that have helped clue me up on this vile disease, they gave me valuable support and knowledge.

I was on very strong antibiotics for three weeks for an abscessed tooth and about a week after discontinuing the antibiotics, I developed all the symptoms for c. Diff. The diarrhea I managed almost instantly with tumeric, but the cramping was so severe that it literally was almost unbearable. My daughter brought home Kefir. That was all I could eat/drink for six weeks. I did not have the cramping while on kefir but that was ALL I could eat. I mean all. I tried one bite of banana after six weeks on Kefir and the cramping returned full force. Finally I went to health food store and bought the capsules with billions of the good bacteria in them (have to be refrigerated). I started on them and within days could eat as normal. After stopping the capsules, about two weeks afterward, the c. Diff cramping returned with a vengeance. The moral of this story is to take the probiotics at the same time (separated by hours) as you are taking the antibiotic. It has come back, not the cramping, but the discharge from bowels that alerts one to the fact that the bad bacteria, c. Diff, is still there ready to act up. Now I notice the pharmacy is alerting people about c. Diff BUT it is still not telling people what to do to prevent it. You do not want to get this bacteria. It is bad, but I now know how to control it. Also, there is now a coated pill (so it lasts in a bottle) of acidophilus cultures but it is only in the millions of good bacteria, not the billions of the refrigerated capsules. They are cheap. Got online for $2.48 per bottle of 50 or 100. I stocked up on them.

I thank those who provide this life-saving site for us. Bless you and bless you, again!

WARNING!

I had a screening colonoscopy, which I should never have had. I was not having any trouble at all with my stomach and could eat anything that I wanted. I was Just talked into it by my doctor. I am 77 years old. After the procedure, the doctor told me that everything looked fine. He removed one polyp and said that I had a little diverticulosis, which anyone my age would have.

About three or four days after the procedure, I began to have stomach pains in my upper abdomen that progressed to really being painful. I called the doctor and told him and he ordered me to come in for a CAT scan. I did the prep the next day and went in. After the scan he called and said that I had diverticulitis, which I had never had before. I really think there was something done to my colon that should not have been done. He gave me levaquin and flagyl to take for 14 days. After this I continued to have diarrhea and cramping. I called him again and he ordered a stool culture, which I did the next two days.

After this, he called and said that I had C. Diff. I was devastated, all this for having a colonoscopy that I did not want. I am now on Flagyl. I refused to take the vancomycin, because it was so expensive. Even with my insurance it was going to cost me $500. He agreed to me taking the Flagyl if I took two probiotics with it. He told me to get Florastor and take four times a day and Flora Q to take two times a day. The pharmacist had to order it for me. I have been on this for two days now and have not seen any relief yet. The antibiotic is causing more diarrhea than the C. Diff. I would advise anyone that is not having any trouble to never have a screening colonoscopy. At my age, I should have known better. My family and the doctor was greatly encouraging me. My gut was telling me I did not need it. I will listen to my gut next time.

WARNING!

I filled a prescription for Clindamycin two months ago at Wal... And was not warned about this aggressive bacteria and came down with it. Very nasty, could eat only Kefir for a month. I filled another prescription for Clindamycin two days ago and finally another pharmacy warned about this bacteria and cautioned not to use pain medicine or anti-diarrheal medicine to treat it as both will make it worse. Unfortunately, this Patient Information Leaflet did not advise patients that to prevent the c. Diff. You need to take acidophilus along with your antibiotic. I tried successfully the acidophilus from the health food store. My dentist told me about acidophilus that is coated and will last a long time outside the frig. Big price difference. Health food store refrigerated acidophilus capsules cost $22 while the coated acidophilus pills only cost $4.79 for 100 captabs. The caplets contain much less acidophilus than the refrigerated capsules, but I think the capsules are overloaded because the acidophilus does not last well and a lot of the acidophilus is lost once the bottle is opened. I am just guessing on this. This is a very bad bacteria that actually can (and in my case did) come back a couple of times. I just went back on the acidophilus regimen and it cleared up promptly. The Patient Information Leaflet should have advised us how to prevent this nasty bacteria but it did NOT.

Regarding fighting clostridium difficile in your 88 year-old father - My mother had c. Diff. At 88 also (caught it in the hospital). The doctors were at a loss. A child's dose of bovine colostrum had her bowel movements back to normal within 24 hours. In 2 weeks she was back at home, and lived another year. Get bovine colostrum capsules at your local health food store.

To Dianne in Rives: A fecal transplant is also called a fecal enema, and normally a family member is the donor. You instantly have the benefit of healthy bacteria, flora, without introducing cultures to your system orally. I think you could find out how to do this yourself online... Everything is online.. That's how I found this thread! Fighting C-dif in my 88 yr old Dad, second bout in three weeks of Flagyl... If this doesn't cease, 6 to 10 diapers a day.. We won't mention sheets)here comes the enema!!

Hi Danny, If you go to the kefir section here on EC you will see my posts regarding kefir and its benefits. I also post sites that you can learn more about it. Since you are here in CA, may I suggest you also consider using raw milk to make your kefir from. We are okay here in CA regarding raw milk. At least for now... If you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer them! Hope this helps.

Dear Lisa in Thousand Oaks,
I'm also in So Cal. Am very interested in how you make your homemade kefir. I resolved a case of c. Diff with store bought kefir once about 2 years ago, now treating for borderline suspected sibo (xifaximin) and want to start kefir immediately when finished to prevent another bout of c. Diff. Can you point me to a prior posting of yours that explains how you make your kefir? Wold be endebted.

Many Thanks,
Danny

First, I am no one special, just someone who has experienced c-diff, now for my second time. The first was 15-20yrs ago the second (presently). My first (as anyone who has had the dubious pleasure will attest to) was a visit to hell. It truly feels like you will never get better. I don't really worry about the flu, surgery, or many other medical issues... C-diff gets my full attention. Anyway, I have to say, I had hoped that, since my first experience, the "people trained to fix us" would have "perfected" their treatment of this insidious ailment. I was wrong!!!

This year, for me, has been the "year from hell". It began with a couple of months of a very sick gall bladder, and removal, then another bout of diverticulitis, and now another visit from the beasts of c-diff. (I'm 57 and "they" lied about the golden years). All that to get to this... After starting on flagyl for the treatment of c-diff, and after 1wk with no relief, my doc prescribed the "next in line" Vancocin. This is apparently such an old med that most pharms don't carry it in stock and I had to wait a day to get it. Well, as a result of my previous experience, I really didn't want to wait, so visited this site and some others, and read about others battling c-diff.

Long story shortened a bit... I bought some activated charcoal (absorbs c-diff toxins) , and went to an oriental store for some "kimchee"(fermented cabbage)(also spelled Kimchi I think). That was 2 weeks ago. I did not start the vancocin because within my "waiting time" to pick up the meds, I thought I started feeling a little better and my stools seemed to be smelling a little less obnoxious. I still have not begun the vancocin and am eating the Kimchee. The pain is gone, am regaining some strength, and starting to feel somewhat human again. Of course, as we c-diff veterans have come to know, time will tell!

As with any info you may glean from whatever source, do your own research! This post may be worth nothing to you, or maybe a gift from God. I pray it is the latter. I find, for myself, that I am more and more willing to try what others, who have "been there", have tried and have found success. I wish you well!

I have had another recurrence of C Diff, but am unable to find a doctor willing to do a fecal transplant. Does anyone have the name of a physician that will perfom one?

Hi Catherine, You should take oregano oil slow release with S. Boulardii. This yeast antagonists against C. Difficile and also reduces the toxin loads. You add to that Flaxseed oil and some probiotics.

To Catherine from Portland with C-Diff: Have you tried colloidal silver for your c-diff? I think probiotics is the correct direction for this to clear up, however the 32 oz of GatorAde you are drinking each day could be slowing your recovery from this. It is very high in sugar (works against probiotic benefits), and dangerous levels of salt to be drinking long term daily, and also has sucrose and fructose in it (Splenda and corn syrup.. Weight gain and other health problems), and artificial dyes and flavorings. If you want to make your own sports drink (safer, more effective and cheaper) I found this recipe:

Ingredients for Homemade Organic Sports Drinks:

* Pure Organic Fruit Juice (No High Fructose Corn Syrup! )
* Water or Green Tea
* Organic Sea Salt

Directions: Fill your sports bottle with half juice and half water (or tea). Add a pinch of organic sea salt, shake, and enjoy!

My C-diff was the cause of overdose on Cleocin. I was given this antibiotic for an insect bite during our vacation in July. The side effects from this drug were really evil and eventually the doctor ordered me to quit taking them. Two weeks later I had such bad abdominal pains I couldn't function. I dropped off a stool sample to the lab and two days later was prescribed Flagyl. Three weeks on the Flagyl and no change at all. I dropped off another stool sample to the lab & was prescribe vancomycin for 20 days @ 4times a day. Guess what? 2 days after I finished that dose, I dropped off another stool sample to the lab and it came back negative. I was starting to get bad again by the end of the week so the doctor had me return the following week to drop off yet another sample which came back positive. I had been told by the pharmacist that this is the last resort antibiotic and there is nothing else that can fix this problem.

I have been taking probiotics that I get from a supplement store and have a new treatment plan. I do two days on, one day off for 2 weeks now. My problem is that the days I don't take anything, I am very sick by the end of the day still. I'm sure this pulsing treatment thing will work because I've heard from many people how successful it is. I also drink 32 oz of gatorade daily which keeps my potassium up. I am extremely allergic to milk, bananas & mint so I am limited on how I get these nutrients that my body needs. I have noticed that I crave coleslaw. After reading the information earlier about the cabbage, it makes sense. I was really concerned about messing up my digestive system with a vegetable that is so thick, but I haven't had any issues at all with it. I guess I've been very lucky because I haven't been hospitalized with this disease. I had also read that people with acid reflux issues have an environment that's more comfortable for these spores to live in. The information that I have found on sites such as this one is very informative. I am just tired of being sick all of the time and really concerned for my husband who is probably at a greater risk to get this disease, too.

I overcame c-diff in 2008 after having it for 8 months. I think the thing that helped me the most was taking many more probiotics than was recommended to me by my MD. I took Culturelle and Florastar at least 2 each 3 times per day. Also, healthy diet is important and no sugar while trying to get rid of this beast. Jewelc

Hi Miri,

Recently, I have been posting here on my use of homemade kefir w/ living grains. Perhaps, you've seen the posts. Well, reading about your C. Diff I thought I should bring your attention to kefir and C. Diff. Kefir has almost 20 strains of lactobacilli, almost 30 strains of yeasts and almost 10 strains of streptococci/lactococci of which keep the intestine ecosystem healthy and our immune system strong.

Also, if you google kefir and C. Diff you will find some very interesting information of how kefir is being used to help rid C. Diff. I hope this information is of use to you.

There was an interesting article that would probably interest you in regard to this subject which I will include a portion of:

Clinical and Health Affairs
Resolution of Recurrent Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea Using Staggered Antibiotic Withdrawal and Kefir
By Johan S. Bakken, M. D. , Ph. D. Abstract

"Eight patients, each of whom experienced recurrent episodes of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, were treated with staggered and tapered oral metronidazole or vancomycin combined with daily intake of kefir, an over-the-counter liquid probiotic dairy product. All eight successfully resolved their infection and did not experience any further diarrhea after completion of treatment. Further studies will be needed to determine whether gradual antibiotic withdrawal combined with kefir is a valuable treatment for recurrent C. Difficile-associated diarrhea."

If you decide to use kefir I would recommend making it yourself as it is so easy and far superior to commercial kefir. It is an amazing food that can help heal the body. Wishing you the best, Lisa

Hi Miri, I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering with this nasty bacteria. Usually people will get C. Difficile after using macrolids or any antibiotics of a large spectrum. The problem is that C. Difficile is a part of our normal flora but once we wiped out our flora, this bacteria takes advantage of the situation and grows wildly. If you are taking Flagyl, you can add S. Boulardii. Because this yeast has shown very interesting anti-C. Difficile activity. The other thing you can use is oregano oil. The problem is the oregano oil cannot reach the low intestines and get absorbed very quickly from the stomach, duodenum and it will never reach the sites where C. Difficile is. I don't know if a slow release formulation of oregano oil exists. But that will be the best choice against this nasty bacteria. You can take oregano oil slow release( if it exists) and S. Boulardii. Also L. Reuteri is a lactobacillus bacteria that inhibits the growth of C. Difficile. You can add that to. You need also L-glutamine to restore the damage colon mucosa. If the above treatment won't help, then look for a hospital or a clinic that can grows your own probiotics from your stools to billions per capsule and that can help you to eradicate C. Difficile. Also Ask your doctor for a antibiogram to know for sure if Flagyl is working. Because if flagyl is not working, there is no need to keep taking it. Hope for you the best help.

I was diagnosed with c. Diff. On October 14, 2010, after being symptomatic for four weeks. I had been given Omnicef for pneumonia but had started to have the beautiful yellow, smelly, and loose stools even before taking Omnicef. A few weeks previously, I had taken Clindamycin for an infection in a tooth that needed a root canal. The fact that this spore is so tenacious has me discouraged and fearful of relapse. I am on a 3 1/2 week regimen of metronidazole and pray it knocks it out of me. I've not been able to attend my college classes and find myself falling behind. It is devastating to me, because I'm a straight A student and loath anything below an A. I also have endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, so I'm suffering four-fold. The good news is I am in good spirits and keep on going, because there is no other alternative. I'm frequently washing my hands and using Clorox wipes and bleach to clean. I have yet to do laundry, because I don't feel well enough. I also know I cannot ask any friends to do it for me due to how fastidious the spores are. The last thing I want is to put a friend at risk. I know I'm supposed to stay away from milk, but I just can't. I am taking Culturelle as a probiotic, and I thank whomever said to take it at least two hours after taking metronidazole.

My chocolate lab has had recurring C. Difficile infections for the past 4 years beginning when she was a puppy. We tried the vet route of metronidazole and it would just recur every month like clockwork. I even tried treating her for 3 weeks instead of the 7-10 days the vet would prescribe (ordered the metronidazole from a fish supply site) but it would still recur. I tried the probiotic sacromycees boulardi for a year with no avail. I then saw a post on curezone.com that someone had cured their c. Difficile infection by using oregano oil for 6 months. I started my dog on just the oregano oil in February 2010 right after another bout and continued daily (4 drops in capsule dropped in her food bowl at dinner) and continued through the end of August. It is now September 28, 2010 and she has not had any bouts of diarrhea since February before I started the oregano oil. Her bms continue to be formed and normal in consistency. I used Nature's Answer oregano oil and gave her 4 drops daily for 6 months.

Wanted to ask the question about stools floating when we have C-diff. It is formed but sinks does that mean we are not healing?

Silver Sol is better than colloidal because it is smaller particles and can enter the red blood cell and be carried to all parts of the body. It is not ionic but a new solution by a Dr Pedersen and has a patent. My c-diff started the end of Feb 2010 and I am on my 4th round of pulse with Vancomycin. I was hospitalized 2 times for a week each. And 2 times in the ER overnight and then left go home because the vomiting stopped. I started with two doses of Flagyl and got deathly ill during my 2nd dose which was my first week in the hospital. I had IV Flagyl and Vancomycin was started. I am now pulsing 3 weeks at time since the week long treatment didn't help. Just started on 2 times a day and so far all stools are formed. This has been a LONG year.

Try oil of oregano it seems to really work as well as colloidal silver.

I contacted c diff after being prescribed clindamycin for infection. I had 2 rounds of vancomycin, 2 rounds of flagil, took florastor, and culturett faithfully. I also started drinking Kefir. This started January 1, 2009 and I could not shake it. I wound up in the hospital in February. In April, my gastroendologist decided to do "bacterial" therapy. Another name is fecal transplant. My husband was the donor. Since I was 53, I needed a colonoscopy anyway, so my doctor did both at the same time. I have not had c diff since. Automatic cure after all these months. Now I am getting ready to face breast surgery and am loading up on florastor, kefir, and culturette. I hope it does not come back but if it does another bacteria therapy is in my future.

I was diagnosed with C Diff back in May and I am already on my fourth course of antibiotics. I have had both Flagly & Vancomyacin. I am very interested in the Pulsed & Tapered Dose strategies for the antibiotics. Can anyone share the dosage and frequency used for either?. My MD will only perscribe the standard 4 times a day for 10-14 days. I have read several case studies on line that show both Tapered & Pulsed dosage with favorable results for patients with multiple relapses. They do not however provide any details and while it seems that most doctors are just guessing when they treat C Diff, I would like to hear what dosage & frequencies were effective for real patients! Any and all input would be appreciated. I am researching all the "alternative" therapies as well. I just started on the probiotics. So I will share the results soon.

I was told by my doctor (who is also very open to alternative treatment) that colloidal silver is not very effective treatment with C-diff. I have tried it myself with little or no positive results.

So now I am trying some of the other suggestions (such as pulsing and taking clay). I will post my results as something positive happens.

I am on my third bout of C. diff since the middle of February 2010. I contracted C diff after being treated with Avalox for pneumonia. I have been prescribed the standard protocol of Flagyl for the first episode, Vancomycin for the second and am doing a tapered pulse dosing of Vancomycin now. Sacharrmyces Boulardii has made a huge difference in my ability to live with C diff. I was taking as many as 20 450 mg capsules a day at the beginning of my third outbreak and only had about 2 bad days, compared with being bed ridden for 5 or 6 days with the first two episodes. I have now dropped down to about 6 or 8 capsules per day and can mostly lead a normal life. I don't think Sacharrmyces boulardii stops the bacteria, but literature indicates that it may destroy the toxins that cause the problems with the intestines. It also is very helpful for diarhea. Sacharrmyces boulardii is relatively inexpensive, about $12 for 50 capsules if bought over the internet.

I am suffering from my 3rd time with cdiff, First time was in May, 2009, and just recently March,2010. Was hospitalized both times for 2-3 days. I am on Flagyl and 2 other probiotics. I took Flagyl for 3 weeks and 1 week later I started having recurrent sx. So I am no on Flagyl again and planning to do the pulse dosing. It is so frustrating because the doctors etc. do not know much about this and I have spent hours on the web trying to discover the best probiotic and the best way to get rid of this. I have lost over 10 pounds and just want my life back. If anyone knows the best diet plan to follow please respond or any other advise.

C-Diff - reply to Joe from Los Angeles

I sympathize. I had this condition a few years ago. My dr prescribed saccaromycides (sp?) probiotic, various supplements to strengthen me generally, tested my iodine which was extremely low so put me on iodoral, and also prescribed cholesteramine (sp?), which is really a cholesterol drug that works by binding to fats in the intestines. It is also being used for c-diff to bind the pathogens, and it, along with the rest of the regimen, worked. There is hope. Just make sure your dr knows about all this. If not, find an MD who is also a certified nutrition specialist; I imagine the LA area has many. Good luck!

I had C-Difficile infection for 8 months in 2008 and lost 60 lbs. Below is finally what helped me conquer this beast and I have never gotten it back. I pulse dosed the Flagyl or Vanco (whichever antibiotic they have you on) while I slowly increased the probiotics.

For example:
Week 1 Vanco 2x daily , probiotic 2 x daily (at least 2 or more hours after antibiotic)
Week 2 Vanco 1 x daily , probiotics 3x daily
Week 3 Vanco every other day, probiotcs 3 x daily
Week 4 Vanco twice weekly, probiotics 3 x daily
Week 5 Vanco 1 x week , probitocs 3 x daily

It is very important to stay off of sugar during this time , because sugar feeds bad bacteria and causes it to grow, also just as important is the quality of probiotics, What worked for me was a well known brand found at any drug store that says LGG on the back of the box and another that had saccromyces boulardi which is a beneficial yeast. I took both of these together everyday.

I have had this since 12/29/09. I thought it was a side effect of the z-pak antibiotic I was taking after have my deviated septum surgery.when I talked to my Dr. he said that the zpak should not have this side effect and to take pepto also prescribed some anti dirrareal med.and Flagyl. after a month there was no improvement and I went back to the DR. where they did a stool sample. about a week later I was told I have c diff and they then called in a PX. forthey other antibiotic for this condition since the flagyl did not work it seemed to be getting better but after a week of stopping the new med. The condition now is back to a very watery stool. Will it ever go away? What happens if it does not I heard this is a very dangerous infection. How does one live with this. I hate to go to work just incase I need to use a public restroom. Yes I have a phobia about public restrooms. How will I go on I am awaiting another visit to my DR. he is on vacation until 4/5. This is an awful situation.

Hi Kaleid, thanks for the info,but I have googled the Diatomaceous Earth and read other articles about the food grade kind and I see no danger. I've been taking it for over a month now and I feel great now. Is there maybe a difference like always with food grade and industrial grade?

Bentonite clay is very beneficial but do not use diatomaceous earth! Diatomaceous earth may be powdery to us when you first look at it but microscopically it is made up of tiny shards like glass. It is mostly used to kill pest with soft body parts like slugs. Do not take this internally. Don't even touch it with your fingers. Bentonite clay is completely different than diatomaceous earth. Bentonite clay is a highly absorptive material that cleans your intestine and absorbs toxins. I hope you read this before it's too late.

I have left several posts about my c-diff but no responses at all.This thing is very frustrating and I am trying to find help and answers.Went today to get more probiotics and the person there told me it is very important to take the probiotic that has Saccharomyces Boulardii in it.

I asked her about taking bentonite clay and diatomaceous earth to absorb the bacteria which I read on EC. She was concerned that if it attracts the bad bacteria it may also attract the good which then becomes a vicious cycle. Does anyone have any information regarding these issues. I am trying to feed my body as much good bacteria as I can and also is it possible to over-do it on the good?

There are so many questions and worries that I have at this point and I'm stuck on finding out more. One says how great the bentonite clay is for your body,a nother one says it messed up their body and so on. I am starting to get very confused about what to do , but need to find a solution to get rid of this bacteria. The medical sites don't know anything other than to keep you on more antibiotics.

I forgot to mention that I was also eating probiotic yoghurt when I was able to, but I guess I did it all wrong when I was eating with the flagyl... I bought some probiotic pills yesterday and the lady said to wait at least two hours or the acidophillus has no effect at all..... darn it, I wasted my time on that and money....making the cabbage juice today to try that too.

Anyway,I am 43 and December 21st 2009 I had some dental surgery done and was put on clyndamyacin for ten days. About the third day in I developed diarrhea but my husband said all meds have side effects and I probably shouldn't worry about it. The next day I only took three doses instead of four and I was perfectly fine again.On 1-4-2010 a Monday I went back to the dentist for a follow up and told him what happened and told him I took all the meds just longer because I felt I didn't tolerate the four doses. He said that was fine and asked if I was okay now. I told him yes, no problems. Two days later my diarrhea started again for a few days ,then I was fine again for a few days and then it started getting worse. By the following Wednesday I started getting really concerned and went to the doctor. I told him what I was on two weeks earlier and my concerns about what I read about the side effects. He said to try yoghurt and rice and bananas for a few days and see if that helps, if not it could be something else you develop from antibiotics. To cure it I would have to go on another antibiotic, but it can go away on it's own. He probably said c-diff but that was a foreign word at that time. He said if I wanted to I could drop off a stool sample the next morning. I took it lightly at that point because I figured oh no big deal ,it will probably go away. Well that weekend was agonizing.I thought I was dying and have never felt the kind of pain I felt for those next couple of days. I read all of my natural remedies books and lived on slippery elm and pau'd arco tea ,but no relieve on the sools. I immediately dropped off the stool sample on the following Monday and didn't hear from the doctors, I didn't realize the test would take that long. By Thursday I didn't know what to do anymore because I had called every day and the test wasn't back yet,so the doc put me on metronidazole (flagyl) and by the next day my severe cramping was gone , I've been on this for 6 days now and I still have at least 10 or more stools,well ,diarrhea. I am so against antibiotics in the first place but thought I had to take them because of the surgery and of course I come down with the side effects.I have been online for hours,reading up on it and getting really scared that this may be a lifelong ailment to live with.I always considered myself a very healthy person,taking lots of supplements and vitamins, eating overall healthy,well for the most part and still I was not strong enough to fight this bacteria. So tonight I finally typed in alternative medicine for c diff and I can't tell you enough how encouraged I feel right now to beat this bug. Now a few questions maybe someone knows about already.

Can I take all my regular vitamins and supplements while going through this? I usually take fish oil,vitamin e,c ,grape seed extract,cherry bark extract,potassium for my restless leg syndrome and a calcium, magnesium mix,which I won't take for now because that usually helps me go the bathroom.

Another thing,I have oil of oregano which I take during colds,could there be some benefit to help fight this bacteria? And can natural antibiotics like Myrrh,boswelia ,ecchinacea and garlic be used along with the antibiotics?
I am very encouraged about the cabbage juice and will go out tomorrow and get some cabbage.Even if it takes a few days ,if it helps I will try it.

Can this bacteria be fought for good?

Have you tested negative for C.diff after taking the colloidal silver? I was told that silver helps but I want this disease gone.

Hi Everyone - I am new to this forum and thankful for what I have read so far. I have been dealing with C Diff since August 2008 after taking Augmentin prescribed by my sinus doctor, been on Flagyl 4 times and I have lost 15 pounds. So Frustrating!! I am getting so tired of it all, I am looking heavily into Probiotics and taking the time to really read, learn and take action.

Right now, I am eating Activa yogurt which is helping a little and Yakult another type of yogurt. I am researching Probiotic foods, to make some major changes to my diet. Has anyone heard of Buttermilk as a good Probiotic? What specific foods and supplements do you suggest and what has worked the best for you?

This is the first time I have heard of Bentonite clay and am intrigued. I will look into this as a possible next step. My doctor says that since I have had 3 reoccurreces of C Diff since my original bout, the chance of another reoccurence is quite high.

I am doing all I can to ensure that this dose not happen and I am healthy once again.

Hello Wendy, I don't have the answer to your question on the bentonite clay, but I suspect that the answer is that the worst thing that would happen would be the clay might bind with the antibiotic, which might turn out to be a good thing because most people develop c diff after a round or two of antibiotics, which probably results of an overgrowth of bad organisms after the good guys in our guts are killed off by the antibiotics.

If this is true, then the bentonite clay and taking Probiotics should be more beneficial than another antibiotic. If the expense of probiotics is a problem you can pull up cultured cabbage recipes on-line and make your own much cheaper. Hope you get rid of that unwanted side effect quickly.

I was wondering when taking the bentonite clay were you on any antibiotics for the c.diff. For instance, I am taking vancomysin currently for the c.diff but was wondering if I can and should take the bentonite clay while still on the antibiotics or if I should wait? I have been on flaygl for like 6 days (that didn't work) and now I have been on vancomysin for 10 days and the doctor is extending it for another 7 days. I went to the health store and purchased it and also some super dophlis but I didn't know if I should try the bentonite clay right now? Any suggestions? I need this nastiness to go away. I should also mention this is my second time getting this in 5 years....all because of antibiotics.