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Tome (Hendersonville, Nc) on 04/02/2011
1 out of 5 stars

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.

Replied By Lori (Atlanta, Georgia) on 03/30/2012

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.

Replied By Liza (Greenville, North Carolina) on 06/26/2012

What was the brand name name of your probiotic?

Replied By Shilo (Shingle, California) on 08/12/2012

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!!!

Replied By Ck (San Diego, California) on 01/08/2013

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.

Replied By Tulsadennis23 (Tulsa, Oklahoma, Usa) on 06/29/2013

Ck from San Diego... What you're referring to and what was explained to you by your physician is called "pulse dosing" and it's exactly what it sounds like. You take the antibiotic for a few days (or weeks depending on the severity of your infection) and then you stop for a few days (pulsing). This makes the bacteria think that the "threat" of the antibiotic is gone from your colon; once they "think" the threat is gone, they begin to transform from their survival mode or "spore" state to their normal vegetative or "active" state as living bacteria. When you restart the antibiotic again after a few days (pulsing), those bacteria that were protected as spores will then be killed by the antibiotic. Physicians use this technique for treatment when normal antibiotic therapy has failed to eradicate the entire infection and the bacterium has returned after a reoccurence.

According to the latest research, a reoccurence of a C. Diff infection occurs in 25% of patients who have had at least one bought with the nasty pathogen. This means that 25% of patients will experience another infection regardless of antibiotics taken; this infection is not caused by new organisms that have entered the body through exposure (such as in a hospital setting) but by bacteria that have survived the original treatment with antibiotics by becoming resistant spores. These spores are so hardy and "kill-proof" that even boiling them in water for hours on end does nothing! The only thing that really kills the spore on a hard surface is bleach. I wouldn't recommend drinking bleach!!! It is a disinfectant (used on non-living tissues such as counter-tops, door handles etc. ) as opposed to an antibiotic or an antiseptic (used on living tissues such as within the body or on the skin) like alcohol sanitizers.

I have been struggling with C. Diff for over 2 years now (I am 23 years old) and have had 4 reoccurences. Lucky me. I'm in that 25% category. I will be discussing other treatment options such as "pulse dosing" with my physician very soon because I am sick and tired of this. It's frustrating and for all of you suffering from C. Diff, trust me, I feel your pain. Keep fighting though! Don't give up, otherwise you have lost the fight to a primitive bacteria! And that ought to make you feel lousy.

Replied By Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 06/29/2013

FYI, fecal transplants are 100% effective in curing C Diff. Might be worth looking into in your situation. Best wishes!

Replied By Tricia (Washington State, US) on 06/29/2014

Fecal transplants are sadly not 100% effective in curing c diff. After two years and five rounds of antibiotics that did not work for me I spent $1800 to have two rounds of FMT. 36 pills each time. I am still testing positive for C Diff and now also for E Coli and may have SIBO from the transplant. I have no insurance and have maxed out my credit cards on doctors and treatments. Finding a natural approach is now my only hope.

Replied By Shayna (San Diego, California) on 11/12/2014

Tricia,

Where are you at with your infection now? I am on my fourth round of antibiotics for C. Diff. Doctor suggested FMT this morning, but I'm not sold quite yet. I would feel better if other possible factors such as ulcerative colitis and Chron's were ruled out before undergoing a procedure that isn't FDA approved, nor covered by my insurance. Has anyone else had any luck with probiotic therapy?

Any advice would be so appreciated!!! Shayna

Replied By Alex (New York) on 11/14/2014

I recently had FMT that only worked about 3 weeks before I relapsed. Prior to FMT, I was on three rounds of Flagyl, followed by a month of Vancomycin. I even experimented taking Flagyl and Vaco at the same time. Relapsed each and every time. My advice to anyone suffering from cDiff is to self-administer FMT via enema. There are a few good sources on how to do that online. At least go to like Quest diagnostics to have your donor screened (blood and stool). May need doctor's prescription for that.

Replied By T (Ny) on 08/29/2015

I had a terrible bout of c. diff over ten years ago and was hospitalized for over 2 weeks. I had one serious relapse since, a few weeks later (this one didn't land me back in the hospital). After that I determined that I would not be sick again. At the time, there wasn't a lot of information about dietary changes, but there was some info about probiotics. I took culturelle and s. boulardii and another probiotic on an empty stomach (morning and night). Since then, I have learnt a lot about diet and the body's ability to heal itself. I avoid gluten entirely. I have learnt that it is also advisable to avoid dairy and alcohol and consume very little sugar. It may sound extreme but I have found a low sugar paleo diet to be very beneficial, with some leeway once you have "detoxed" for a while. I also avoid antibiotics at all costs, as you can imagine, although I believe I have had to take antibiotics a couple of times since and did not suffer a reoccurrence. Oh- if I ever feel something coming on I don't eat until I feel well again, but that hasn't really happened since I changed my diet (knock on wood! ). Apparently your body has an opportunity to detoxify when it is not busy digesting food. I still take probiotics - the s. boulardii, culturelle, and ultimate flora critical care, all on an empty stomach.

I encourage you to do your own search for information about healing c.diff or healing your gut and nutrition. I know that individuals with other intestinal problems try the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), which I don't know too much about.

I hope this information is helpful and hope that you all find/regain good health!

Replied By Debi (Usa) on 10/11/2015

i was wondering how bad you had c diff, I was put on flagyl for 14 days felt better but the side effects of the flagly was not fun. I got constipated on it. Anyway, finally had bm after 5 days after antibotics. My bm are off and on kinda normal then diarea. oh. I have gas and off and on adominal pain. I am taking florgen 3 probotics.2 xday now. I'm just lost, can't see the gi Dr. til tuesday and the id. dr til thursday. My drs. put me on vacomicin. but haven't took it yet. They also told me to hold off til I see id Dr. I just dont understand why they dont take this seriously. im getting stressed out. Worried my son will get it since we have to share a bathroom and everything. Anyway, what is the name brand of the oregeno oil you bought??/help please

Replied By Debbie (Minnesota) on 10/13/2015

I got c diff in sept. of this year from taking chymayicin (sorry spelled wrong) from getting a staph infection. (only took 2 doses of it) anyway, I think its back. My stools go from snake like to runs. I'm taking florgen 3 and now florgen, but I'm wondering what you guys eat, I can only eat toast. But I don't have alot of adominal pain unless its related to gas (which I get kinda alot) but I was reading about eating formented foods and using toxic binders like bentonite clay and all kinds of stuff. I lost 20lbs in 6 weeks. I was told not to worry about it today by my gastro. Dr.

Does anyone happened to know what probiotics work better?? I am trying to keep my spirits high and stay postive and less stress but its hard considering, cant eat, you share your house with others and worried about effecting people. If anyone can share the names of products they use that will really help or even foods to try.. oh can I pulse or taper if this is my second time with c diff?? Does anyone had any reactions to any antibiotics given???..

I need help please.

Replied By KT (Usa) on 10/14/2015

Hi Debbie, I alternate "Culturelle" and "accuflora". The "Culturelle" is in a capsule that I have to open and empty the contents on unsweetened applesauce. Sometimes I make a "paste" of about 1 TBSP PB and 1/2 C applesauce with 1/4 tsp. magnesium powder before adding the "Culturelle". If unsweetened is not available, I add about 1/8 tsp. (a little more) of ground cloves. I mix a variety of concoctions so it just depends on what I've eaten or if I feel bloated.

The "accuflora" seems to work better when taken on an empty stomach with about 8 oz. of water...I chug 6 to 10 gulps after taking two before bed.

Replied By Debi (Usa) on 10/19/2015

Thank you, I was wondering did anyone have any other health problems like h.pylori or anything since having c diff? It's really hard to figure out what to get and that to combat c diff, when I have to watch out for other infections. Does anyone have any suggestions that can work for both even though they are treating for c diff first? Praying that the h.plori goes away. Plus I have a bladder infection. Ugh..help please.

Replied By Marcin (Toronto, Canada) on 10/22/2015

My Urinary Bladder Infections stopped after I stopped eating sugar in any form, including fruits. I tried cranberry juice and tablets many times but they have never worked.

Replied By Catherine (Ontario) on 01/07/2016

Hi Debi,

For H-pylori, try deglycerized licorice root (DGL) or chios mastic gum. Most effective treatment I know of. Licorice root can raise blood pressure over time, but not the deglycerized form.

Replied By Sally (Tulsa) on 05/08/2016

Dennis,

Have you heard or tried SCD? I'm trying to find a GI doctor that would be open to the idea of healing through a diet plan like SCD if medication can be avoided. I have IBS and most likely IBD. Thank you

Replied By Cris (Lake Tahoe) on 12/18/2016

My boyfriend got C-diff after a dental extraction and course of Clyndamiacin (sp?) I don't understand why the doctor did not tell us to take probiotics as this antibiotic is famous for causing C-diff. It came back 2x with 2 hospital stays. The third time it came back he couldn't keep any food down. We immediately gave him Kefir yogurt smoothie with Reuteri probiotics. He was able to keep it down and better in a matter of hours. We make sure he takes the pill each morning with the Kefir on an empty stomach. So far, so good. I think he may need to take the probiotics permanently.

Replied By Lauria (Black Mtn. Nc) on 02/18/2017

I'm in the hospital with it now and can't wait to get home to start this. Thank yu for sharing.

Replied By Bonneebee (Land Of Lincoln) on 05/30/2017

Hi Debi (Usa 10/19/2015)

I hope your h. pylori is gone by now (5/30/17). H. pylori will not go away on its own. Several years ago, my husband was successfully treated for h. pylori with sulfer drugs & Pepto Bismal. It has not returned.

Replied By Jmb (Okc) on 04/17/2018

Hi. I've had a fecal transplant, and it's not 100% effective for treating C. Diff...it flared back up after 35 days. It is very hard to get rid of.

Replied By Charity (Faithville, Us) on 04/18/2018

Kefir without the flavors would help you, start with a tablespoon and if you are okay, then work your dose up higher and try a good multi digestive enzyme and here is a post on EC about barley water:

Amanda (Minnesota) on 04/05/2017:

Omg I just want to thank u commenter and this site! I have had c diff 2 times in 2 yes. I'm healthy and youngish. Anyway, this last time after the antibiotic was finished, it was about a week or so later that I either got c diff again or was getting it. I stumbled upon this site and read numerous, if not all posts. I went and just got pearl barley. Like 1 commenter Put 2 cups of it and filled crock pot up put on low/ warm. Drank and drank it for a day plus. I actually added more water in there after I took it out. Another commenter said they were taking that yeast probiotic on the hrs ever hr. I take florastor. And that combo, I think I'm cured!! I just can't believe it. Thank u to everybody!!

A side note that peeps should be aware of. Drink plenty of water. I think the barley kind of dries u up...

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Amanda (Minnesota) on 04/05/2017: