suffering with c-difficile

[LPN2RNdude]

hello,

sad to say, i must be a little graphic when posting this thread. i am a nurse in LTC at a local hospital. i was put on ketex (an antibiotic) for bronchitis about 3 months ago. a week after finishing the antibiotic, i developed some strange GI symptoms. first off, my BM's smelled really strange, kind of like a sweet vinegar type odor, and the color turned to light yellow to medium brown orange. i had intense pain and burning with each BM, and lower abdominal cramping. my appetite was reduced with slight nausea. i was started on flagyl without the doc getting a stool c&s. the symptoms resolved, but came back about 2 months later.

i am still sick with this illness. i am sure many of you have encountered C DIFF infections on the job. question is....

is there usually burning with BM's, and a sugar-vinegar type odor with c-diff? and a yellow color. i saw a GI doc and he didnt want to do stool cultures again (1st was neg i was on flagyl at the time too). and also, is this like a chronic infection that i'll have to deal with for a long time? i have an infectious disease appointment this wednesday, but im really worried. plus, i have crummy insurance, in school and working part time, this is draining my savings for school!!!

thnx a bunch

[jmgrn65, RN]

Yes c-diff has a unique odor and is sometimes yellow in color however if it was negative the first time, then it may not be c-diff. Once it is positive it will be for a while, usually once you are back to having formed stools then the infection is cleared up. good luck

[LPN2RNdude]

jmg,

thnx for your reply. could you tell me if the severe rectal irritation and burning come along with the c-diff infection? and is the odor usually acidic and sugary smelling? sorry to be so graphic...:icon_twis

[mitchsmom]

I don't really have the experience to help you with your exact questions but I thought you might like this link:

http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic3412.htm

(Particularly the part under lab studies, "Stool assays for C difficile")

It also says "In general, relapse is common and occurs in 5-50% of cases. Relapse typically occurs 3 days to 3 weeks after treatment is discontinued."

Hope you feel better soon!!

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

another nurse posted on this same subject. Try looking in the infection control threads. Lotsa info for you.