Dehydration from diarrhea???

So when Anna went to the doctor the other day, he added 2 new antibiotics to her daily medicine. He thinks she may have c diff and also the fluid in her abdomen is infected. He gave her cipro and flagyl. She already takes neomycin with her lactulose. The flagyl is also used to get rid of ammonia when xifaxin or neomycin cant be given. The problem is that she has diarrhea which is uncontrollable. It is 12 noon and I bet she has been to the bathroom over 12 times. She is crying from going so much. Well when she was crying, there wasnt as many tears as usual and she is complaining about being very weak. Everything she eats or drinks, literally goes right through her. I know these extra antibiotics are causing it, and that is the function, but when should I call the doctor? I am afraid she will get very dehydrated. Every time she goes into the hospital they say she is slightly dehydrated as it is. What signs should I look for also. I know when it comes to kids, but not the elderly or sick.

Thanks
Natalie

My husband had the same problem prior to transplant; he spent the majority of his time in the bathroom. TUCKS for hemorroids, 'aloe' bathroom tissue and wet wipes helped.

As for the dehydration - my husband is diabetic, so he ate sugar free popscicles (constantly), and I kept ice water at his side every minute. He slept quite a bit - I would literally force him to drink water hourly. He wasn't hungry - he drank 3 Ensures a day (he wasn't happy about it, but he drank them), and I made a good hearty fresh vegetable soup, potato soup; if it sounded good to him, that's what I made him.

He did continue having problems with dehydration - we did make numerous trips to the hospital for IV fluids.

I felt like I was trying to play 'catch-up' with every trip he made to the bathroom. I certainly understand. Pam

I know what you mean - sometimes I felt like a huge nag - DRINK, EAT, DRINK, EAT.......DRINK, DRINK, DRINK! It was horrible somedays - at times, I wasn't sure I could get through it. And yes, sometimes only the hospital can give relief, not only to the patient, but the caregiver as well. Best to you. Pam

She uses straws anyways. if she dont, she gets strangled and we have to thicken her liquids. Then she pretty much refuses to dronk all together. She is a difficult person to get along with.

I do feel like a nag, but if I have to nag, then Oh well. As bad as it sounds, I wish she would get put in the hospital for a few days. We both need a break. She faked hurting and being sick earlier just to get Mark home from work. Then she was fine. Ugh! He has already missed so much work from her and now she pulls this. Last Friday she called him home from work bcause I told her I didnt want to talk to her at the moment, I needed a break. She didnt realize I was still hurt from her trying to ruin mine and Marks relationship. I still am, but I just do what I have to and leave the rest to him.

I do know that all her behaviors cant be blamed on the disease. She is mean and spoiled to boot. it is so much fun!!!

Natalie