[glenntaj]

I posted this on the meds forum, too, but this is my home base and I know Mrs. D and others here are likely to have useful advice . . .

Recently, after a bad cold, I experienced persistent nasal/sinus congestion/fullness/pressure and thick mucous (mostly whitish with occasional yellow/green tinge) that also seemed to be producing a vibrational sensation in my nasal sinus areas (or after exertion, or during exposure to steady loud noise, such as headphone delivered music). Consultation with my otal revealed inflamed membranes and culture indicated a staph infection of the area. I was given a nasal nebulizer with suspension prescriptions of Tobramycin (100mg), Itraconazole (40mg), and Budesonide (0.5mg) to blow into my passages/sinuses twice daily and oral Clinamycin 300mg twice/day to take for 10 days.

(Doctor originally wanted to give me Levaquin or Cipro, but given my peripheral neuropathy history I reminded him I should likely steer clear of those, and I am allergic to penicillin, ampicillin, and the sulfas.)

So, about 3 days into the Clindamycin, I developed diarrhea/loose watery stools--a not uncommon effect of that med, as I know. Now, however, it is six days post finishing the ten day dosing and the effect is still persisting. It may have lessened slightly in that the stools are more well formed, but still considerably looser than normal, and I have the sensation I can't "hold" food very long (that it "goes right through me").

I've been eating a lot of active culture yogurt, but am wondering if people can advise me how long this might go on--I don't think it is severe Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (maybe mild--I go maybe three times a day now, as opposed to my usual one), but I'd love to hear of more ways to rebalance the flora in my gut.

BTW, the nasal sinus infection seems to be about 25% better, but certainly not gone yet. I understand these things can take significant time to improve; I continue on the nebulized medication.

[mrsD]

There are two things that may help.

1) Kefir--- This has tremendous numbers of 12 cultures, and I used it myself and still am since Sept. It took 3 days to reverse my GI agony. Lifeway is available now in most stores. My Kroger's has it in several forms. Gluten free too!
http://www.lifeway.net/
Far superior to yogurt which typically have 3-6 varieties of cultures.

2) Metamucil will help with chronic diarrhea also. I use the capsules, but it doesn't really matter. This recommendation came from a GI specialist I went to years ago... and it works very well. When the psyllium seed swells up in the bowel, it acts as an adsorbent and sponges up whatever nasties are there
and allows you to get rid of them manually.

Next time ask for Zithromax. This is usually very easy to tolerate.

I would space the kefir around the Metamucil, so the good bacteria have a chance to work their magic.

[glenntaj]

--and do you think I should cool it with my 225mg/day magnesium citrate for a while (which has kept me "soft and regular" for years, in addition to being good for cramping), at least until the gastrointestinal issues improve?

The more I think about it, the more I think I've got something going on in the upper maxillary sinus area, predominantly right side (I do have a deviated septum) that's going to need some intervention (I even now have a bit of bruising under my eyes, along the top of both cheekbones, though more right than left--a thin, maybe 2mm, discoloration about half an inch in horizontal dimension across the upper bone below the eye--looks like someone drew it on with a dull pencil. Weird.)

[mrsD]

If you use the mucus relief product every day, it might help you
recover from this. (and not have another episode).

We both take 1/2 tablet daily at night, as hubby has big sinus problems and I have them occasionally.

I answered you on the other thread...about using this product.

And definitely I'd stop the mag citrate for now.

Really bad diarrhea like I had this summer will have you in the bathroom 6 or more times a day. Long ago I had a spell of over 20 a day, and went to a GI specialist to told me about the metamucil solution, which works like a charm.

If you had difficile, you'd really know it.

Drink lots of water, and use some form of guaifenesin for a while.
If you can tolerate decongestants, it can be bought with those too. (I cannot so I use the DM...and the DM helps with my PN feet discomforts too). Once you eradicate the mucus, using 1/2 dose will keep things from clogging up in the future.

One final thought-- make sure you don't have a bad tooth on that side...say one that is dying. This can cause sinus-like pain also. Put a warm moist cloth on your face to improve the circulation and that may help. Also watch your temperature, etc. I put my strong magnet on my face when I have aching sinus issues...if you have one you could try that as it reduces inflammation. Since you have both sides affected though, a tooth may not be the culprit.

I hope your nasal spray is made from sterile water or sterile saline....if not you risk introducing all sorts of resistant germs and fungi. One has to be really careful spraying things into the nasal passages!

[JB63]

Originally Posted by glenntaj

I've been eating a lot of active culture yogurt, but am wondering if people can advise me how long this might go on--I don't think it is severe Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (maybe mild--I go maybe three times a day now, as opposed to my usual one), but I'd love to hear of more ways to rebalance the flora in my gut.

For most people c. diff has a very distinctive odor. You would know something is very wrong. You are on 2 antibiotics and you might want to pick up some acidodophilus. Like mrsD says, rethink magnesium products until the bowel calms down.

[zygopetalum]

I've had a little residual diarrhea after antibiotics, I've thought it just took a little while for the bacteria populations to recover. I usually take probiotic capsules whenever I take antibiotics and that helps a lot.

I agree you probably don't have C. Diff. but also be aware that it can show up at some point after you have finished the meds. Just keep an eye on things. I was healthy and too young to be at risk but got C. Diff. in my mid 40's from Amoxicillan I took for a sinus infection, and I cannot emphasize enough that YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET IT. Hot packs on the sinus help sometimes.
Zygo

[glenntaj]

--I have gotten some probiotics and some psyllium husks, and I've actually made a concession to eat some gluten-free bread for absorption properties (I almost never eat bread anymore, gluten-free or otherwise), and I do believe the intestines are slowly beginning to calm down.

Still pretty loose, even without the magnesium, but going considerably less frequently.

Thanks to all who responded to my questions (I'll keep everyone posted if anything changes).