Why am I talking about C. Diff? Just over a year ago I slowly developed stomach cramps that progressively got worse and turned into severe stabbing pains which would come and go. The symptoms continued, I went to the doctor and was finally diagnosed after a slew of tests and a colonoscopy.
Needless to say, I had to quickly learn about what was ailing me. Although this can be a personal subject, I think it is important to share since you, or someone you know, may get this vicious bacteria. To me, it's more important to share my experiences so others can be armed with some of this knowledge I had to obtain.
C. Diff is a bacteria in the intestines of healthy and ill people. Healthy intestinal bacteria, as you know, is important since it aids in digestion, keeps us healthy and assists in food digestion. When some people use antibiotics, there is an imbalance of bacteria and C. Diff takes over. It creates two main toxins causing intestinal cramps and then flu-like symptoms (weakness, dehydration, fever, nausea, vomiting). Advanced stages include blood and mucus in your stools and damage to your intestines. Severe cases that go untreated can cause death!
Most C. Diff spores are found in:
- hospitals, in fact - after a stay of only two days in a hospital, 10% of patients develop infection
- nursing homes
- extended care facilities, and
- nurseries for newborn infants.
C. Diff spores can live on a counter top unseen by the human eye and cannot be killed by bleach or soap or antibacterial wash. The only way to get rid of the spore is to wash it off the hands, or sponge, or rag down the drain. If a spore is left dormant in a hospital room, bathroom, hotel room, etc. it can be passed on. This is why it is imperative to WASH YOUR HANDS! Trust me, this is NOT an ailment you want to deal with. If you get it, it is very difficult to get rid of. My GI doctor explained "it hides out," especially when you are on being treated to get rid of it.
Here is a great image that explains the cycle from http://www.cdiffinfection.net/138/c-diff-infection-what-is-this-situation/:
If you develop these symptoms and had visited a facility and/or was on antibiotics, you might mention it when seeing the doctor. If you had not visited a facility or taken antibiotics but do have the symptoms, it might still be a good idea to remind them about this possibility. The reason I mention it is because this was my case.
Links with more info (and sources):
http://www.cdiffsupport.com/aboutcdiff.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/clostridium_difficile_colitis/page2.htm
http://www.keely.net/leisure/cDiff/about.html
I hope this blog has been informative and helps if you, or someone you know is plagued with this vicious bacteria.
To Health & Wellness,
Dawn
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