I had a severely infected tooth, but my dentist misdiagnosed my tooth abscess for a more serious facial infection and referred me to the local emergency room. I was given IV Clindamycin, and was sent home with a 10 day prescription for Clindamycin. It was confirmed I had a tooth abscess and not the facial infection originally thought. During the oral treatment of Clindamycin, I had a little cramping, abdominal pains, and diarrhea. But I assumed it was a side effect of the clindamycin and expected it to resolve soon after my prescription ended.

It did not resolve, it became worse and more frequent. I had more minor abdominal pains, sometimes shooting pain, but they did not last and were not frequent. After about a week off clindamycin, I had severe fatigue, weakness, total exhaustion, no energy, and I could not stay out of the bathroom. Constant diarrhea that was urgent. No appetite. One evening I could not get warm. I was freezing, and no amount of blankets could warm me up. I soon realized this was more than a side effect of clindamycin and googled side effects of clindamycin.

That’s when I came across information about C. diff. It was my first time hearing about the infection, and I was certain that is what I had. I contacted my PCP who immediately took me seriously and agreed that was most likely what was causing my illness. I had blood work done and was sent home with a stool test. My results for blood came back normal and after 1 week, I was confirmed positive for C. diff. Unfortunately, my PCP did not educate me very well about C. diff and gave me very little information on how to navigate the illness. She did not offer much guidance about how to fight it. I was sent home with a 10 day prescription for vancomycin. It seemed to be working, but the C. diff returned 1 week after my last dose. I was having the same symptoms as before. I got tested again and was quickly given another prescription for vancomycin but for 14 days this time.

For the second infection, I educated myself more and learned about the best way to eat. I took the infection seriously. I learned a lot by reading stories on a C. diff forum as well as my own personal research. My doctor seemed to unfortunately have very limited knowledge. I am happy my PCP treated me quickly and that I got the care I needed fast. After altering my diet during my second infection and taking two good probiotics (one yeast and one bacterial), I have been clear for over 3 months. I feel like myself again. It was scary, but knowledge is power. So continue to educate yourself, and stay positive.