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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/2/2010 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
So since Monday, I've been having about 3 D-like stools in the morning with slight nausea. I had this problem, but much worse, two weeks ago and then it stopped last week.

I went to my new PCP today. She prescribed Cipro and wants to check for c. diff. Ugh, there is nothing I hate more in the world than collecting stool samples; I would say it's the worst part of this disease. They asked me to collect one there and when I said that I couldn't b/c I only have BMs in the early morning, they looked at me like I had two heads.

And I just spoke to my old GI doctor who said to wait on Cipro until I see how this weekend goes.

What are you opinions on the Cipro--should I start taking it now? What are the symptoms of c. diff? I've never had it before.  

I don't know what to think--it's so frustrating! I'm hoping it's just IBS and that it will resolve soon.

Posted 9/2/2010 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
don't take the cipro if you don't know if you have a gastro infection...makes no sense to me. You should do the stool samples asap.

Can you possibly get another rectal med such as Rowasa...

Are you still on the vsl and the culturelle?

Maybe adding a fibre supplement can help....

Hope you get the results soon,
q
Posted 9/2/2010 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
I agree. Don't pre-medicate with antibiotics unless there has been diagnosis of specific infection. You are hurting not only your gut flora but compromising future use of antibiotics when you REALLY need them because those little bad buggers will become immune to Cipro which is one of the newest antibiotics and sometimes the last gun in anti-b artillery.

You PCP does not sound very informed on antibiotic use by prescribing BEFORE determining if there is a specific infection.
Posted 9/2/2010 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
It doesn't sound like Cdiff. I had it years ago and I had 25-30+ pure liquid D, some pain, nausea and the smell is unreal. I want to say I took Flagyl but I can't remember. But I agree, don't take the Cipro until you know for sure what your dealing with. It could just be your Uc is acting up or even the IBS. Besides, Cipro affects me majorly by giving me massive runny D so I never take that anymore. As for you, better to be safe then sorry.
Posted 9/2/2010 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in agreement with the others, I wouldn't take an antibiotic unless I knew I had an infection.  Do the stool samples first, for sure!!

Hope you feel better soon!

Posted 9/3/2010 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
I took Cipro a week or 2 ago and it seems to have helped my situation. I am not cured but I am feeling better. Then again, maybe the 6mp is finally starting to work? Who knows... Whatever the case, the Cipro didn't hurt my condition any, as a matter of fact, my movements decreased a few days after starting treatment. I was on Flagyl too.

I am sorry but who can poop any time they want? It's not like you're always capable of squeezing one out. I don't understand why they would think you would have to go at that exact moment, so strange. I once had to do 3 stool tests in 48 hours. This was over a year ago, I haven't had one since. I've actually heard that they do not find 100% of bacteria/parasites. It seems useless if they aren't always accurate.
Posted 9/3/2010 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
The sad thing is that my PCP checked with a GI who was in the office, and they both agreed on the Cipro *rolls eyes*

Have I mentioned how much I hate stool tests? Ugh. I turned it in this morning. If something's wrong, they will typically call the same day, right? They also made me take the Hemocult test, which I've never done before. In the pamphlet, it said that it was a test for colon cancer...

I'm still taking Culturelle and VSL, and I'm using benefiber--I guess I'll try a full spoon instead of half.
Posted 9/3/2010 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't take it "just because" it might work without tangible proof I need it. Especially Cipro.

How about asking for a stronger rectal med such as rowasa (I know broken record, but you didn't answer regarding that suggestion.).

q
Posted 9/5/2010 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
You have never been tested for occult blood (feces) before this? Sounds wrong to me. RE C.diff infection-- Flagyl or Vancomycin are the drugs that treat it. I agree with earlier posters who advise you not to take anything until infection is confirmed! / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 9/5/2010 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe I've been tested for occult blood before (my peds GI was very thorough), but not with the whole scrape your poo on this cardboard thing for three days and mail it back to your doctor.

Oops, sorry I didn't answer your question about Rowasa, quincy! I used it when I was first diagnosed but had trouble administering and retaining it, so I haven't used it since then. I do have an appt. with my new GI on Tuesday, so I'll see what she says. I hope she's as great as everyone says she is.

My BMs were better today--one normal and one loose, but not D-like, if that makes sense!

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