Has anyone had come accross relative with C-Diff?

[eyeshade]

My mohter in law was sent home from hospital last Saturday, only to go back in again on Sunday by her own doctor with C-Diff ! Originally she went in with a mild heart attack, she got much better, sat up, joking etc. and was due to go home, then caught an infection which went on for 3 weeks. She is now very weak and unconcsious and the hospital are keeping shtoom about the C-Diff, I personally think it stinks. Has anyone come accross this before with a relative or has any advice? I don't want to get angry as everyone wants the best care for her although it seems a little too late now!

[warpig3]

Eyeshade, I found this support group on google, might be worth a look.

http://www.cdiff-support.co.uk/

[Goodsoulette]

Someone I know through someone (tedious link I know) had it but it was cleared with antibiotics.

I dont understand your problem with the hospital. As long as they are following the right procedures the chance of it spreading is kept minimal. If its just the one patient its not an outbreak is it?

[eyeshade]

Will check out the website, thanks!
Well she must have had it when she left the hospital and why wasn't she tested for it before she left. As it is now, she is so weak, she may not be able to fight the infection. We will have to see.

[alb0679]

Hi there Eyeshade.
My mother was suffering sickness and diarrhoea for 3 weeks, along with a chest infection. She was given antibiotics by her GP for the chest infection, although these subsequently killed off her 'good bacteria' and allowed the C Diff to take a greater hold. She is now very weak and been in hospital for 2 weeks. The above mentioned website I have found a great help with some good advice. I was also chatting with a nurse who told me about 2 types of antibiotic used to treat the bug. They are VANCOMYCIN and METRONIDAZOLE. I am not sure which is which, but apparently 1 of them is a 'cheap and nasty' version which can be effective but takes more time. The other is supposed to be the best, and pretty much guaranteed to provide a quick, effective remedy. The problem is, you guessed it.........cost. The NHS would prefer to give the cheaper version, which was the case with my mum, although as that did not work she is now taking the other type. It may be worth you checking with the medical staff what type, if any, your mother in law is taking. I wish you well and hope your mother in law makes a speedy recovery.
Best regards, Alb