C-Difficile
 

I usually post if needed in the neuropathy section as that has been my issue for years. This past October I was hospitalized with C-diff. I had probably had it for a month before it was so bad I was hospitalized. Vanco was the only drug of help. My doctor believes the C-diff began after a bout of bronchitis where I was treated with ammoxicillin for ten days (clinic dr). I almost died, which really put my snf in perspective.

She has been a blessing for me. She has changed my diet - basically all I eat is protein and vegetables, and I was feeling much better.

I had to have shoulder surgery December 15th from a bad fall in 2010. The c-diff is back. I guess that makes me one of the many percentanges that have recurrent bouts, however my doctor feels it was the stress of surgery and my underlying autoimmune issues that brought this one on.

My question to anyone is this. Along with the stomach issues of the c-diff, I also get neurological problems. My speech gets slurred, I get dizzy and need a cane to walk, and I try to say one thing but another comes out.

My dr feels that because one of my weakest points is my neurological system with the snf, that the bacteria attacks me there as well, similar to colostridium botulism which affects the nervous system - same family of bacteria.

Has anyone had this experience and what was the outcome? The neurological issues concern me the most, but my neuro says I am fine - did mri etc.

Seems we just learn to manage one illness and are beset with another. I sure hope god only gives us a much as we can handle, because i don't know how much more i have in me.

I changed my mood from tired (which I always am) to angelic. What can I do, I have to deal with the cards I have been given.

C. difficle is complicated today. There are new mutant strains in hospitals.

Vancomycin can cause nerve damage in the brain, and ear where balance is controlled.

Here is a link explaining neuropathy potential from antibiotics:

http://www.medlink.com/medlinkcontent.asp

One is not really in a position to refuse help/antibiotic treatment with this severe infection. So you are more or less stuck with the side effects of the drugs used.

I'd really recommend Kefir for your control of this infection.
It has been a wonderful intervention for myself.
Kefir has 12 organisms to repopulate the bowel and is now
very common in stores:
http://www.lifeway.net/
I use the plain mostly because it is low in sugars.

You might consider using supplements that help with mitochondrial damage, to help you get over the PN effects.
Acetyl Carnitine and CoQ-10 and R-lipoic acid are typically used in drug induced nerve toxicities.

Thank You
 

this is of great help. I am trying to navigate the neuro site, but having difficulty finding the vanco side effects.

any help on this you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I will run by my primary MD who is also big into natural alternatives. Perhaps she will add the C-Q10 and others for the neuro issues.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/94...ts-vancomycin/

That link I gave you specified vestibular damage too.

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...XD06uCePIiF6-g

If you were given Levaquin or Cipro (in addition to the amoxicillin) that started this whole thing, those are more implicated in PN. Also Flagyl (metronidazole) is tried in C.difficle infections, so you may have had it too, but didn't notice or forgot?

In any case the supplements you need are those that help mitochondria. The antibiotics typically damage the mitochondria and that may be how the nerves become damaged.

Acetyl carnitine
Lipoic acid
CoQ-10

These are the major mito interventions.

kefir
 

I hope you find this as the thread hasn't been active for a few days. I just read kefir actually has been shown to reduce the number of clostridium bacteria in the gut so it may be very worthwhile to try it. I had C. Diff once too, you have all my sympathy having had it repeatedly.
Good luck,
Zygo