C DIF WITH CLL

[Vindicatrix]

Hi All, does anyone have any info on C Dif and the effect and problems connected with having CLL. Thanks Ron

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

Related Posts didn't turn up any posts, but a community search on C-diff produces these: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Neil

[SofiaDeo]

C. difficile infection is nasty! If it were me, I would ask for a microbiology lab to do MIC's on top of the culture and sensitivity. An MIC is a measure of how "sensitive" or "resistant" a particular bug is to standard antibiotics. Since we CLL patients have problems with infections, it's important to choose one that the numbers Prove the infection is very sensitive to. I would get an Infectious Disease doc on board to consult. C. dificile infections can be hard to eradicate in normal healthy people, let alone an immune compromised one.

If you are in the US on the East Coast, the Clinical Pharmacokinetics Service at Millard Fillmore in Buffalo (associated with SUNY-Buffalo) is top notch in the field. I did my certification in Pharmacokinetics with them. If not nearby, or in the US, major university hospitals associated with pharmacy schools should be able to offer these services. Someone knowledgeable about/certified in pharmacokinetics can offer information to make sure optimum dosing is done, to eradicate this bug. This may be an Infectious Disease specialist, or a pharmacist.

[Vindicatrix in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thnaks for the information SofiaDeo, I have had diarrhoea for the past 9 days or so, since I took a day course of the Antibiotic Flucloxacillan. My GP put me on Loperamide and I am waiting for that to kick in. He is also doing a test for C difficile, which awaits. I am wondering if I should contact my Haematoligist in the interim, as I am not due to see her until a telephone consultation in May. Thanks again Ron

[Phil4-13 in reply to Vindicatrix]

Vindicatrix, I WOULD contact my haematologist. I wish a smooth, quick recovery. Sandra 😊

[Vindicatrix in reply to Phil4-13]

Hi Phil4-13, thanks very much for the advice. I actually contacted my Haemotoligist team, and was told that my Diarrhoea, as a result of taking Antibiotics, was not connected to my CLL, and that I should deal with my GP. After speaking to my GP tomorrow, I will seek a second opinion. Regards Ron

[SofiaDeo in reply to Vindicatrix]

Pre and pro biotics can help ease antibiotic induced diarrhea. FWIW, I am not sure long term loperamide (over 48 hours) is a good thing. Many bacterial toxins that irritate the GI tract need to be passed out/stopped from touching the colon. Loperimide stops peristalsis, and keeps these IN the colon. If you have toxins irritating and inflaming the colon, these are better expelled. If C difficile is likely, you need to expel the bacteria. Doing this without the severe fluid & electrolyte loss is the problem. IDK how severe your fluid loss is, however, and if the risks of dehydration & electrolyte imbalance are worse than any potential toxin irritating the GI tract, that may be of more concern to your doc and loperamide necessary.

If salicylates are not contraindicated, Pepto Bismol with the bismuth will adsorb bacterial toxins so they don't touch the GI lining as much. Fiber caplets can also absorb extra GI fluids, as well as bacterial toxins. These would have to be used hours apart from any medication to not adsorb the medicine.

Taking fluids with electrolytes like chicken broths are better than plain water. I buy the unflavored Pedialyte type stuff & mix it with something, I don't like standard flavorings heavy in sugar. But that is fine too if it works for you.

[Vindicatrix in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thanks so much for the information SofiaDeo it ewas extremely helpful, especially your thoughts on Loperimide and the 48 hour cut off. After two days, and 6 capsules I am still having problems, so I will be contacting my GP again tomorrow, re the next step. Also your advice re Elctrolytes is helpful. Regards Ron.

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