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Can Clostridium Difficle Infection Cause High Calcium Levels?
Question: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec 2013. I have had chemo and bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Last surgery was on 9/8/14. A week after surgery I started with diarrhea and a month later diagnosed with C-diff. I took Flagyl for 14 days. Another stool sample was done and the results showed C-diff is gone. I am still having issues with my bowels. Inn addition to this a blood test showed my calcium level to be 11.1. I have osteopena so I am supposed to take 1200mgs of calcium per day and D3.
What I need to know is could the high calcium level be due to c diff and should I continue taking the supplements.
I am scheduled for a colonoscopy this Tuesday and I am supposed to go back for another blood test in a week.
Thank you.
What I need to know is could the high calcium level be due to c diff and should I continue taking the supplements.
I am scheduled for a colonoscopy this Tuesday and I am supposed to go back for another blood test in a week.
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Not due to Clostridium difficle (C. difficle)
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM
The raised Calcium level is not due to Clostridium difficle (C. difficle) infection.
It can be an error in collection method like exerting too much of pressure to make the vein more prominent.
It can also occur as a result of too much calcium being absorbed as you are on supplements ( used to be called milk alkali syndrome)
Hypercalcemia is also known to occur in breast cancer and you should bring it to the notice of your doctor.
I think you should withhold the calcium supplement till the cause is made clear.
Take Care
Not due to Clostridium difficle (C. difficle)
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM
The raised Calcium level is not due to Clostridium difficle (C. difficle) infection.
It can be an error in collection method like exerting too much of pressure to make the vein more prominent.
It can also occur as a result of too much calcium being absorbed as you are on supplements ( used to be called milk alkali syndrome)
Hypercalcemia is also known to occur in breast cancer and you should bring it to the notice of your doctor.
I think you should withhold the calcium supplement till the cause is made clear.
Take Care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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