In June 2018, I had a tonsillectomy as an adult and was prescribed antibiotics. 6 months later, I came down with a terrible diahrrea and cramping. I tested positive for c diff toxins, took vancomycin for 14 days, and was fine.

In November 2023, I was prescribed antibiotics for a sinus infection. On December 6, I was at our vet’s office unexpectedly having my adored dog put down, and I felt very sick. I assumed it was emotions…wrong. The next day I began the fight of my life.

After 3 rounds of Dificid, it just kept coming back. I fought with insurance and was granted a round of Rebyota (FMT via enema). I had so much hope, but at the time of the enema, the nurse began the solution administration with oh the proper insertion of the enema. I ended up wearing the transplant matter with very little administered. To no fault of mine, insurance would not approve another. 3 days later, I was hospitalized and began a long vancomycin taper. I was approved for Zinplava, and that combined with the Vanco seemed to do the trick! Although the Infectious Disease doctor at the time, who is NOT who I work with now, told me no less than 4 times in one appointment that “we are scraping the bottom of the barrel with ways to help you.” That is not hope. I was in remission and so thankful, but the elephant of future diagnoses was sitting on my shoulder.

In March 2026, I was diagnosed with strep throat and needed an antibiotic. I was seen at a local urgent care and disclosed my anxiety over taking an antibiotic with the nurse practitioner. Despite a very thorough conversation, she made an error on the dosage of Keflex, and actually prescribed a double dose which I unknowingly took for 4 days before my primary care physician reviewed my chart and caught it. I had also been taking a prophylactic dose of vancomycin as prescribed by my GI to hopefully help, but the double dosage of Keflex caused too much damage. In April, I found myself in the emergency room with c diff.

After a rollercoaster of emotions, healing, setbacks, and so much more, I just finished Vowst (pill form of FMT). I have a GI physician, physician assistant, and Infectious Disease Doctor on my case and am hoping this does the trick. I was also paired with a mentor through Peggy Lillis Foundation who I’ve never met but has been a godsend to me. She is now in remission after her own battle and is reaching out to help others. We talk every day.

I’ve learned that you have to be your own advocate. Advocate for the lab work. Advocate for coverage from insurance. Advocate to get timely appointments. Advocate for second opinions.

People either don’t know about c diff, or tend to think that it’s a disease you get from being unclean. Nope. I have no other comordities, workout 6 days a week, eat nutritious foods, and practice healthy habits overall. It happened to me to no fault of my own. It’s not a joking matter, it’s not something to judge, and it’s not something that cannot happen to you (though I wouldn’t wish it on an enemy).

My journey isn’t over. I know time will tell, but I now have hope. Two weeks ago, I had no hope. And I never want to be without hope ever again. I am grateful for every single day.