Clostridium difficile Support

Lsimmo · Contributor Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

Can someone please help.

I had C Diff last year for 3 mths, i've just been told from the doctor I have another UTI (Urine Tract Infection) and I need to take antibiotics Trimetropin. As you can imagine I'm really scared to take them as there is no way I want to get the C Diff back.

Does anyone know if Trimetropin is a "safe" antibiotic or should I prepare myself for the worst???

Louise

Annie · Moderator Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 1813

Hello Louise
Sadly there is no 'safe' antibiotic. Any antibiotic will alter the bacteria in the gut. The best thing you can do is to ensure you have the discussion with your doc making sure they know that you have had c.diff and that you really need this antibiotic. Ask the question 'is there a safer alternative given my history'. Some people believe that taking probiotics helps although the 'experts' mainly disagree with this. we can give you more info on this if you need it.

I can understand your fears and wish you luck, don't forget to maintain really good hygiene especially handwashing and be liberal with the bleach!

A x

Annie · Moderator Joined: 09 Dec 2006 Posts: 1813

Here is a link to the current guidance on antibiotic prescribing issued by the Health Protection Agency
http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947333801

It covers UTI's. It is important not to self diagnose, but it is always useful to let the doc's know that you have some knowledge and just make them think twice.

poppysmum · Regular Contributor Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Posts: 70

Hi Louise,

I had to treat a UTI approx 3 months after a bout of c diff. I took a 3 day course of trimethoprim (sp???) and was fine. It is on the list of antibiotics least likely to trigger c diff as it is fairly narrow spectrum. I would prob recommend taking an enteric coated probiotic whilst on the antibiotics and for a few weeks afterwards - certainly can't do any harm and will keep the friendly bacteria topped up!

One word of caution though, I didn't have a sample sent off to the lab and as it turned out my particular strain of UTI was resistant to trimethoprim. Approx 20% of UTIs are. I had to take a further 3 day course of cefalexin. I was still fine and believe the probiotics helped. However, taking multiple antibiotics does increase the risks of c diff (acc to my gastro consultant) so I would prob want to make sure that the trimethoprim was going to be effective before I started taking it.

I now take daily cranberry capsules in the hope of avoiding any further infections.

Hope that helps and good luck,

Claire

roy · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 10:37 pm Post subject:

http://www.pgpharm.com/consumer_macrobid.shtml

Can't recommend it but its supposed to be reasonably safe according to posts on other sites

Roy

Lsimmo · Contributor Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

Thanks everyone for your advice, speaking to the doctor again today so at least I have more information to go back with.

Louise

roy · Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 9:21 am Post subject:

Don't forget that the Dr should prove and identify the infection, not just do a dip or protine test!!
Its always best to identify the bug and then prescribe a narrow spectrum antibiotic.

Good luck

Roy

Lsimmo · Contributor Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

I've spoken to the doctor again today and my Urine sample won't be back from the lab until friday, i'm in so much pain with this infection so I've decided to start taking the Trimethopin tablets and hope for the best.
Doctor said there is no guarantee with any antibiotics but that Cephalexin is the worst culprit for C Diff.

Not feeling very positive about taking the antibiotics but I can't wait until Friday.

I will keep you posted.

Louise

Lsimmo · Contributor Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

I am totally at a loss! Just spoken to the Doctors today and they have my urine sample back and it came back negative.

I was positive I had an infection as I was in so much pain.

One good thing they told me to stop taking the antibiotics so thats good.

Really fed up though as Im now on the waiting list to see a Urologist and thats going to take months!!!

Louise

Lsimmo · Contributor Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

Hi all, really not happy today, been to the loo twice and its not D but seemed loose, starting to worry now that maybe this bug might be coming back.
Got abdominal pain too.

It might not help either if I worry. Does anyone know if worrying can produce loose stools??
I only took 6 tablets and have been taking probiotics.
I know i am a worrier but just need some reassurance from others

Louise Sad

roy · Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 1:49 pm Post subject:

DONT panic!
A couple of loose stools can be caused by anything! including stress
If it gets worse and watery and lasts more than a day or two, then get your Drs advice.

Roy

Lsimmo · Contributor Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

Thanks Roy,

I haven't visited the toilet since but had myself so worried.
I definately need to try and calm down and not let it take over my life but I'm due to visit family downsouth next week and really can't get into the spirit when I'm feeling poorly.

I told myself earlier if I get D today I'm going straight to A&E!!! But then what would they do?

I will try and relax and not worry.

Louise

roy · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 12:14 am Post subject:

I am no expert but it sounds like a simple case of "gippy guts" that will probably resolve itself in a day or two.
Look forward to visiting your family.
They are probably far more scarey than a few trips to the loo!!!!!

A&E has its place but your nowhere near that, stay calm and well

Roy

Lsimmo · Contributor Joined: 30 Jun 2009 Posts: 25

Thanks so much for listening to me Roy, I think sometimes thats all someone needs at times.

Louise Very Happy