Towards the end of July 2024 my partner was admitted to the hospital with a series of TIAs. I stayed in his room for the 3 days. Unfortunately I used the bathroom and I believe this is where I contracted c-diff.

Within a few weeks, in August, I got very sick with gastro & belly pain and diaherria.

I was able to see my Primary’s nurse practioner quickly. Blood tests, colonoscopy, and ct scan were done but not a stool sample even though it was listed as a next step. A possible C. diff infection was never mentioned. Like many other c-diff survivor stories, time was lost, diagnosis delayed, and self-advocacy was learned.

August – February – no diagnosis

I kept getting worse. I tried an antidepressant that disagreed with me. One trip to the ER with no diagnosis and just nausea meds. I had a few same day primary care appointments begging for help with appetite and anxiety. I could not eat and anxiety was through the roof. I had brain fog too. And anxiety attacks caused isolation from family and friends. Nights were the worst for the hampster wheel of worry and negative scenarios. This mental health distrubence is frightening.

February – April – diagnosis

The C. diff diagnosis was made in February 2025 when a different nurse practitioner requested a stool sample. I received the diagnosis of C. diff and script for 10 day vancomycin. I was not given any information on this disease, what to expect, or how to function. I began to research on the internet. I learned of the potential to relapse after vancomycin. I tracked that window and I did relapse! I asked for a Infectious Disease consult. I wish I was able to transfer to that doctor. The pharmacy thought Dificid was too expensive (not their choice) and I am at the end of a second long round of vancomycin and a taper schedule. I’m trying another antidepressant but today with a vancomycin dose, it made me sick again. Primary care tossed me to the local Gastro nurse practitioner going forward who would refer me to Infectious Disease if FMT is next.

This entire time August 2024 – April 2025, I lost my appetite and started dropping weight: July 184 pounds and now April 147 pounds. My appetite is still iffy. This has been a nightmare for me and it is not over. It is hard to have a positive outlook with C. diff diagnosis and it has consumed every moment of my life. When can I resume ‘Normal’?

I appreciate the Peggy Lillis Foundation. I have a very supportive, positive, cheerleader in my corner through the Peer Support program. Thank you! I share your organization with all the medical professionals in my path. They need to look at the whole C. diff picture of physical and mental health.