
I Was Diagnosed With C. Diff About A Month And

Question: I was diagnosed with C. Diff about a month and a half ago. I'm only 36. Prior to this diagnosis, I was healthy, not taking any antibiotics nor in the hospital (except for giving birth 3 mo prior). I wasn't given any antibiotics when I delivered.
Then I had appendicitis and my appendix removed. Subsequently I was on IV fagyl and oral vancomycin for four days, then just oral vancomycin for about 10 days. After that it seems like my symptoms have just been getting worse: more diarrhea and increasing lower abdominal pain. Now it's getting increasingly difficult to go to the bathroom and when I do, it's incredibly painful.
I'm just so exhausted. I feel like I can't do anything.
I have an appointment with a GI specialist on October 23rd. Is it okay to wait until then, or should I be seen sooner? Can C. Diff cause a significant amount of damage to my colon in such a short amount of time? Am I going to need a colostomy bag?
Then I had appendicitis and my appendix removed. Subsequently I was on IV fagyl and oral vancomycin for four days, then just oral vancomycin for about 10 days. After that it seems like my symptoms have just been getting worse: more diarrhea and increasing lower abdominal pain. Now it's getting increasingly difficult to go to the bathroom and when I do, it's incredibly painful.
I'm just so exhausted. I feel like I can't do anything.
I have an appointment with a GI specialist on October 23rd. Is it okay to wait until then, or should I be seen sooner? Can C. Diff cause a significant amount of damage to my colon in such a short amount of time? Am I going to need a colostomy bag?
Brief Answer:
Need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
How was C diff diagnosed?
Was colonoscopy done?
Regards,
Dr R.K
Need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
How was C diff diagnosed?
Was colonoscopy done?
Regards,
Dr R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj


No colonoscopy. C. Diff was diagnosed from several stool samples taken over the course o f about 3 days. Thanks for your help.
Brief Answer:
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Surgery is required only if there is fulminant colitis and toxic megacolon or if there is perforation.
If there is fever, abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness, severe dehydration, then you need immediate medical attention.
Since your symptoms are only worsening, I would advise early medical attention.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Answer given below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Surgery is required only if there is fulminant colitis and toxic megacolon or if there is perforation.
If there is fever, abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness, severe dehydration, then you need immediate medical attention.
Since your symptoms are only worsening, I would advise early medical attention.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj

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