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Antibiotics and C Diff with an ileostomy...

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Posted 4/20/2013 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
For the past few days I felt like I might have a Urinary Tract Infection, but it wasn't very bad and the symptoms came and went a lot. Today it was nagging me a bit more, and since it was Friday I decided to call my OBYN to see if they could get me in for a test. My doc wasn't in, but they got me an appt. with another one.

He said my urine was very diluted (probably because I am so serious about staying hydrated these days!! ) and that there was a little bit of bacteria and a small amount of blood. They sent the urine to be cultured and said I should start on an antibiotic...and he prescribed Ceftin.

I just picked it up a little while ago and the first thing I noticed was where it said "this drug can rarely cause C Diff" ( I am paraphrasing ) And then I see where it says "inform your doctor if you have a history of intestinal disease (colitis)"

Ummmm....yeah...that's me!! I had UC, and a few weeks before surgery I had C Diff!! So, my questions....What are my chances of getting C Diff without a colon and do I still count as having a history of intestinal disease, even though my colon is gone?? Should I take this med or wait out the weekend and ask my GI or surgeon? What antibiotics have any of y'all taken safely??

I have enough to worry about...UGH!!!
Posted 4/20/2013 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Personally I would wait to talk to your regular doctor, especially if the uti symptoms are not too bad. I have never had c diff but can imagine it is not pleasant.
Posted 4/20/2013 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
You are correct C Diff is NOT pleasant at all....granted I had it during a flare that was so bad I had already decided on surgery, but still, it sucks. I can't imagine what it would be like with an ileo!!
Posted 4/20/2013 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
YES, it is absolutely true that you can get a cdiff without a colon. However, not all doctors seem to understand this. So basically, if you start having any kind of gut problems after being on antibiotics, the very first thing you should do is demand a cdiff test. You can just have your gp or internist order this test for you. You do not need to go to your surgeon or gastro. Many doctors do not know this and people are left with cdiff problems. So if you suspect gut problems, get a cdiff test.

And really its not much different than cdiff witih a colon, diarrehea, pain, etc.. But cdiff can be life threatening so make sure you get tested. And if your doc doesn't suggest it - you make him/her order the test.

and if you do have a UTI, you have to treat that with whatever antibiotic is appropriate. You don't want that to get worse. Worrying about getting potential cdiff is not a reason to leave an infection lingeringin your body.
Posted 4/20/2013 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, DDD....you are right about not wanting to leave infection lingering. My reservation is that the Dr. didn't seem totally sure that I DO have a UTI. He said the test results only showed a few bacteria and a little bit of blood. I guess I'll ust start the antibiotics anyway, take some probiotics too (the ones that can survive against antibiotics) and hope for the best!
Posted 4/22/2013 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Update....kinda, sorta:

From what I've been told, and read, pretty much ALL antibiotics "could" cause C Diff and "could" be problematic to people with a history of IBD. I went ahead and started the antibiotic on Saturday morning, and also start taking 2 Jarrow Formulas, Saccharomyces Boulardii + MOS, 5 Billion capsules a day. This is a probiotic yeast, and as far as I know, the only one that is totally resistant to antibiotics and it survives stomach acid. It has also been proven effective in helping to fight and prevent C Diff. Don't know if it will help me, but it can't hurt.

The OBGYN is supposed to contact me tomorrow with the results of my urine culture and to let me know if the results mean I need to switch antibiotics. I also emailed my GI and surgeon with my concerns about taking this, or any antibiotic....so hopefully I hear from them also.

Other than that, I continue to do very well, feel better and do more every day. I still battle fatigue and some pains here and there, but nothing bad at all. Hope you all are well!
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