I've cared for a fair share of c-diff patients, none of them with a terribly offensive BM, so I've simply assumed I got them later in their treatment, when the infection is essentially gone.
A recent patient required a cleanup, and a nurse came to help me. The very first thing he asked was if the patient had cdiff. My response was that I didn't think so, to which he stated that this lady definitely has it. Then he said, "can't you smell that?!"
Well, no, I couldn't. (I promise this isn't bragging. lol) But is this normal? Anyone out there who doesn't smell it either? Maybe this is like the genetic link behind tasting PTC. lol
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Lucky folks.....I can smell the difference, I can smell GI bleeds, I can smell yeast, I can smell pseudomonas and certain patients have an odor when they have cancer even undiagnosed....maybe I should have been born a dog.....LOL
I can smell yeast, I can smell pseudomonas and certain patients have an odor when they have cancer even undiagnosed....maybe I should have been born a dog.....LOL
LOL Esme!
I used to go home after work on my neuro/ENT floor, and if I took care of someone w/ pseudomonas I could still smell it when I went home. I even said to my husband "Don't hug me; I reek." He said he didn't smell anything.
As for yeast, glad to know I'm not odd! lol Even in microbiology I was taught that C. albicans didn't have an odor, but I smell something. Especially when it's under a big ol' pannus.
But neuro breath is the worst. It's one of the few things in this life that turns my stomach. I always wonder if the pt can taste it...of course they are typically pretty altered.
Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.
I usually can smell c diff as well. There are times when I'm walking down the hall and I can smell it. I've been correct most of the time and even smelled it before they did a sample.
You're just blessed! 
sourapril
2 Articles; 724 Posts
Lucky you, I guess