Melissa K.
I first contracted C. diff in 2014 after eating at a restaurant and becoming very sick. It took over a month to be properly diagnosed, but I was treated with metronidazole successfully.
In the spring of 2019, I contracted C. diff again; I had taken a round of doxycycline a month prior for a strep infection. This time I was put on vancomycin for two weeks. I completed the vancomycin, and within a week my symptoms came roaring back. My GI doctor prescribed a month’s worth of vancomycin. My symptoms lessened, but I was left with post-infectious IBS.
The following spring of 2020, I again relapsed and was put on vancomycin again. I was a candidate for an FMT, but due to COVID, no one was providing FMTs and I was denied. My symptoms persisted all summer and my GI doctor prescribed a 3-month long vancomycin taper. I successfully weaned off my PPI in July of 2020 – which was my only known risk factor for the last recurrence. My gut and body have never been the same.
I suffer from post-infectious IBS and I have PTSD from this awful experience. I am currently awaiting the results of yet another C. diff test. Every time there is a bout of symptoms lasting more than three days, my life revolves around getting tested and the anxiety that comes with it. I have a multitude of probiotics, prebiotics, and supplements that offer temporary relief. I work hard to maintain a positive outlook, but this disease is demoralizing and devastating. I pray that FMT becomes an easily available and affordable option soon as this seems to be the only thing that “cures” C. diff.
I am thankful for PLF and their fight to make this disease known and understood.
Age
Gender
Female
Length
7 YEARS
Source
Community Acquired
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