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Stool Test Came Positive For Clostridium Difficile. Prescribed With Flagyl. Got Blood In Stool. Dangerous?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Apr 2013
Question: C Diff?I asked a question earlier, but I wanted to ask further questions. I am 27 years old and my stool sample came back today positive for C Diff. I have been defecating mucus for about a little over a week and today it had very minute amounts of blood in it. I am being prescribed Flagyl. My questions are: Is this deadly? How likely is it to kill someone?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (17 minutes later)
Hello,
This is basically a bacteria thats infecting your GI system hence causing symptoms like mucus and blood in the stool. Flagyl is the correct treatment,as its an antibiotic. As long as the infection is cleared completely with antibiotic therapy there shouldnt be any serious side effects of the infection.Injudicious use of antibiotics in the past in most often the cause of the infection. Start some probiotics also. If flagyl doesnt work,higher grade drugs can also be prescribed. Unless the infection is rampant,causing severe forms of colitis,its not fatal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (8 minutes later)
How would you know if it is deadly or is becoming serious? As of right now cramps, bloating, and the mucus/small amounts of blood. I have a 2 year old daughter and another daughter on the way. I don't want to die.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (5 minutes later)
The deadly form is called pseudomembranous colitis.The symptoms are much severe. Dont panic yet. Complete the flagyl dose first. The symptoms will take a few days to recede.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Rhea Chanda (6 minutes later)
Who is the usual victim of dying from C Diff? How likely is it that this C Diff is resistant to Flagyl? What percentage if people die who get C Diff? And lastly: How contagious is it to spread to my family?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (10 minutes later)
Fatality is 1-2 %.Its not common. Resistance will depend on your past use of antibiotics. Most cases are responsive. Yes,it can be contagious and spread through oro-feacal method.So maintain good hygiene and was your hands properly. It would be better to minimize contact with your kids at least until the diarrhea is under control.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Rhea Chanda

OBGYN

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3161 Questions

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Stool Test Came Positive For Clostridium Difficile. Prescribed With Flagyl. Got Blood In Stool. Dangerous?

Hello,
This is basically a bacteria thats infecting your GI system hence causing symptoms like mucus and blood in the stool. Flagyl is the correct treatment,as its an antibiotic. As long as the infection is cleared completely with antibiotic therapy there shouldnt be any serious side effects of the infection.Injudicious use of antibiotics in the past in most often the cause of the infection. Start some probiotics also. If flagyl doesnt work,higher grade drugs can also be prescribed. Unless the infection is rampant,causing severe forms of colitis,its not fatal.