Contracting C. diff: Experiences/stories? Advice?

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Hi fellow nurses,

So I just started working as an RN and it's also my first time posting here. As the title states, I think I may have contracted C. diff. Warning: long drawn out story ahead of why I think I may have C. diff. If you don't want to read through it, my main question here is asking your experiences/stories with you or other nurses you know contracting C. diff.

- My first day at the bedside (I had been on the unit for 2 days before this but I was doing orientation stuff and was not at the bedside), my preceptor and I were doing an assessment on a patient with C. diff. The disposable stethoscope I had just used to listen to heart and bowel sounds that was around my neck swung and brushed my bottom lip as I was leaning over the patient. I flipped out a little and tried not to lick my lips (I do that often), rubbed it a little but went on with my day, not wanting to bring it up or leave suddenly to wash my lip. I know, I know, you're thinking I should have and I agree. I convinced myself that since he wasn't actively ******** that I'd probably be okay.

- I had recently been on abx for a strep infection (6 day regimen of Cipro I believe), and I took my last dose 4-5 days before my first day on the unit at the bedside when the incident happened. I think that last dose was taken on my technical first day on the unit (not at the bedside) or maybe the day before or after.

- One week and 4 days ago was when that event happened. Today I've had 4 BM's (1st mostly formed, last 3 mostly water, but the 4th wasn't a lot at all).

I know it's a lot of info, but I'd really appreciate your input. I've read another thread on here (there are only 2 addressing this on this website) that said the nurse couldn't get worker's compensation bc they didn't fill out a report the day of. I'm worried aslo bc my benefits don't kick in till Sept 5th and I know some of these treatments are expensive even with insurance.

TL;DR: Thoughts, suggestions, stories from personal or friend's/co-worker's experiences are much appreciated.

Thank you!

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Your thread may be closed as you appear to be seeking medical advice. The only way you can know if you have contracted C-Diff is through a series of stool samples ordered by your provider.

Your anxiety is more of a concern.. it is over the top. Talk to your doctor.. please.

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Okay thank you. I will take it down soon. I will repost asking only for people's personal experiences with this dilemma, which was my intention, as I know that the only way to know for sure is by stool sample culture.

Also I don't have anxiety and generally deal with stress well. I could totally see how I may have come off that way in my original thread though!

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Specializes in Oncology.

You have paranoia from being a new nurse. I've cared for patients with no precautions dozens of times and come back my next shift to find them on contact plus precautions for c diff.

All antibiotics have diarrhea as a side effect.

If if you really think you may have c diff, you should go to your healthcare provider and be tested. In all likelihood, time and some yogurt will help you.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Your paranoia is excessive. Another thread will be closed. Contact your pcp and employee health. c diff is DoH reportable

One stethoscope brush of the lips? Did you wear gloves? Did you put a commode or rectal thermometer to your lips? Was there stool on the stethoscope? Did you wear ppe? Did you wash your hands?

[h=2]How is Clostridium difficile transmitted?[/h]Clostridium difficile is shed in feces. Any surface, device, or material (e.g., commodes, bathing tubs, and electronic rectal thermometers) that becomes contaminated with feces may serve as a reservoir for the Clostridium difficile spores. Clostridium difficile spores are transferred to patients mainly via the hands of healthcare personnel who have touched a contaminated surface or item.

Source: Patient information about C. difficile infection | HAI | CDC

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Fecal transplant STAT.

In all seriousness, certain antibiotics such as Clindamycin and Cipro are more likely to allow an overgrowth of C-diff in the large intestine. Approximately 5% of adults are already colonized with C-diff, but competing bacteria keep the little C-diff bast*ds in check. Take those bacteria out with ABX, and C-diff is allowed to have a big party in your poop-tubes. Both of these ABX are also linked to Pseudomembranous ulcerative colitis, which, as you know, is no joke.

Best thing you can do is, um, yeah, see your doctor. But you already know this. :)

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JustBeachyNurse:

I just edited my first entry. Also, I'm still getting the hang of doing replies to specific people not just to my own post.

But, to answer your questions: yes, I was wearing gloves and gown, no I did not put a rectal thermometer to my lips, and no there wasn't visible stool on the stethoscope. Yes, I washed my hands--soap and warm water. I'm a bit confused on what you're trying to say. You're saying I'm too paranoid then you reference that C. diff spores can live on medical equipment that could have been contaminated i.e. why I am concerned since it IS possible there were spores on the patient's chest and bed gown that transferred onto the steth while I was auscultating.

I will be contacting my physician, was just asking for people's experiences really. Thank you for your input!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The odds of contracting c diff from a brief touch of a not-visibly-contaminated disposable stethoscope (extremely unlikely to actually have c diff spores from the chest or sheets unless the loose bowels covered the patiebt and he was inadequately cleaned) are extremely minimal. Unless you are unhealthy and immune compromised as others have explained

if you are so concerned did you call employee health or your supervisor? First line treatment for confirmed c diff in a non-compromimised adult is rather cheap.

regardless of anything else your post is STILL asking medical advice which is against the site terms of service agreed to when signing up. If you continue to have loose BM with illness and fever call your physician, nurse manager and/or employee health

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Welcome to allnurses.com

Since this is a personal issue, you need to pose all of your concerns/questions to your PCP. We cannot, per Terms of Service, supply the medical advice you require.

We hope you get the answers you need to allay your anxiety and concerns.

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