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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/26/2010 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I am new to this site and am glad to find people with similar problems. I have had UC since I was 4 and was officially diagnosed at age 9. Over the years I didnt have too many problems until these last few years. I'm sorta learning all of the UC 'rules' all over again. I am currently in a flare and on Lialda but I'm not better yet. Ok, now for my question....I work at a hospital sitting with patients that are either suicidal or cannot make sound decisions. Tonight I am watching a patient with C.Diff, I know its kind of a stupid question, but am I more susceptible to get it even if I take proper precautions?
Posted 4/26/2010 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to Healingwell!!
I think you are probably just as susceptible as anyone else. I think it can transmitted through feces so if you are handling the patient's feces, be careful. Normally c. diff arises when someone is taking an antibiotic and it kills all their natural intestinal flora. If Clostridium difficle is the first to recolonize the intestines and there isn't any competition for it, it will cause an infection.
I'd say just wash your hands and no playing with poo tongue
Posted 4/26/2010 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome.

Not a stupid question at all.....c.diff can be passed from hand to mouth, so if you or she are not careful regarding hygeine, there is a posibility.

Wash hands often and don't put your fingers in your mouth or near your mouth at all.

Regarding your medications, I would suggest you add a rectal medication to the mix (considering where it starts) where the concentration of the meds can be administered.

Where in the colon is your UC....limited or throughout?

I cannot imagine having it at a young age as you did....seems you're fortunate at not having many flares.

5ASA is still a good medication....I've used the oral Asacol and rectal retention enemas Salofalk for 21 years.

Oh, you should purchase a good probiotic and start using it.

Welcome again to the forum,
quincy
Posted 4/26/2010 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
Quincy- The UC was just left-sided for years. I have kept up on my colonoscopies over the years and until recently they said it was just in remission and not to worry about it. Since I have moved and got a new GI doc (he's the best!) I have had more symptoms that I had previously just ignored. Part due to the fact that my parents didnt keep me medicated so I thought bleeding was normal and when i was in my late teens/early twenties I was of course invincible. Sorry to ramble....my colonoscopy two months ago said I now have ulcerative pancolitis, the whole thing. and we havee been trying to get it in remission for about 6 months and so far, a month of Lialda and Canasa aren't helping, and I'm terrified.

I'm at work right now and it really really stinks in here. C. Diff. seems to have a distinctive smell different from other poop smells. LOL

Also, I forgot to mention that 2 years ago I had the Roux en Y gastric bypass.

Post Edited (Supergirl257) : 4/25/2010 10:50:05 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/26/2010 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi....interesting about the c.diff odour...I would think it would stink bad. I hope your client will be healed of it soon...for her as well as yours.
I have read or heard that even once the symptoms are gone, the bacteria can remain in the colon active for a while. It's a scary thing to have, especially for UCers.

Regarding your meds, you really need to ask your doctor for Rowasa (I'm assuming you're in the US. They're a retention enema and more concentrated med in the rectum and sigmoid.
The Canasa isn't anywhere near enough of a med for treatment....it's better to help with tapering the enemas or maybe assisting such as using during the day and the enemas at night.

What dosage of Lialda are you on?

I just peeked at a youtube vid of the Roux en Y bypass...not much stomach left....do you have to use digestive enzymes to help break down the food?

Please call your doctor regarding the Rowasa. They come in 2g and 4g...I'd suggest the 4g.

as well...get good probiotics.

q
Posted 4/26/2010 8:29 AM (GMT 0)
Quincy-
Regarding the gastric bypass, I don't take anything at all to help digest food. I had it done 2 years ago and I'm still losing weight, i believe mostly because I don't digest much and also bc for some reason I haven't felt hunger at all since the surgery. The continued weight loss is really starting to scare me. Be careful what you wish for. I think I am going to call the doc tomorrow because I still feel weak and tired but I am accustomed to the gut pain. I dont think the surgeon should have let me get the bypass, my insurance paid for all of it so thats why i think he agreed to do it. I don't remember what my Lialda dosage is.
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