Confused regarding antibiotic usage......

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catarific
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Confused regarding antibiotic usage......

Post by catarific »

So far, I am still awaiting a diagnosis for whatever I have. For most of my life, I had always been chronically constipated and diagnosed as having IBS C until September of 2010. I could eat anything without complaint except for some bloating and some heartburn. But then, everything changed and I did a 360 degree turn from being constipated to daily diarrhea of all kinds, food intolerances (which I never had previously), malabsorbtion, and very bad gas.

Recently when I had a sinus infection and was taking broad spectrum antibiotics, I had no diarrhea whatsoever, in fact I was constipated (just like I always had been my whole life). I then found I could eat anything - although I did not try my luck with gluten foods. But I ate sweets, potatoes, coleslaw, fresh fruit, gluten free candy, chocolate, decafinated coffee - with no problems. But once the antibiotics wore off - I was back to where I started months ago - diarrhea - food intolerances, etc.

My colonoscopy did come back clear as did an endoscopy but I am still plagued with these problems. I even take probiotics which really do not seem to work either.

I have tried keeping a food diary - but even those foods that I sometimes can tolerate, at other times, I can not. My food choices are very limited.

What I do not understand is why, when taking a broad spectrum antibiotic (Amoxcillin, 500 mg. 3x daily) for 2 weeks seemed to make me symptomless but once they stopped, the illness returned.

Any ideas of what this may be indicative?

I am going back to the doctor this Friday and am hoping for some answers - but I have already heard how so many people have symptoms with no real diagnosis. :sad:
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TooManyHats
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Post by TooManyHats »

Welcome to the board! I'm so sorry we had to meet this way.
My colonoscopy did come back clear as did an endoscopy but I am still plagued with these problems.
So the biopsies from your colonoscopy came back with no evidence of inflammation?
Arlene

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tex
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Post by tex »

Sue,

It may be indicative of SIBO, (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)m because it's somewhat unusual for Amoxicillin to bring remission to someone with MC. In fact, Amoxicillin is a major risk for triggering a C. diff infection for us. For us, one of the fluoroquinolones will typically bring remission, (especially Ciprofloxacin).

Have you ever had a regimen of Rifaximin? It's claimed to be beneficial in such situations, but so far, I'm not aware of anyone here who has derived any significant long-term benefit from it.

Tex
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It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Zizzle
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Post by Zizzle »

Before my MC diagnosis, I experienced complete remission of my "IBS" and lactose intolerance when i took a 10-day course of Keflex (cephalexin) for a sinus infection. The results lasted a few weeks. I had a similar response after the colonoscopy that diagnosed the LC. A barium upper GI series was even better at improving symptoms. But within weeks the D was back. This all makes me think i have a very unfriendly mix of GI bacteria. But i tested negative for SIBO. However SIBO is in the small intestine and I imagine there could be a comparable phenomenon happening in the large intestine. I wonder if I should try Rifaximin all the time and i just can't decide. What if it makes things worse in the long run?
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catarific
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Post by catarific »

I have an appointment with the gastroenterologist on Friday. It has been about a month since my colonoscopy. I would hope his office would have called me to indicate they found something - but who knows - maybe he is waiting to see me. And as with so many others - maybe the diarrhea would have returned even with the antbiotic.

All I know is - I wake up usually somewhere between 1 to 3 A.M. having to go to the bathroom. It seems if I drink water - it brings it on, as well. Today I woke up so thirsty - at about 12 A.M. had a few sips of water and within an hour it started.

I am substitute teaching - so in a way - I would rather this start way early and by the time I leave for work - it is finished. During the week I am very careful not to experiment with new things because of this. But even now with my limited diet - I am still having problems :( I wish I at least could find some "safe" foods just as a staple - but as of yet, I have not been too lucky.

Wonder if the Stevia could be aggrevating this too - I never thought of that....

and Tex, no I never tried Rifaximin. I am not too good with too much medication - and have allergies to Backtrum and Cipro :(

With Microscopic colitis - does it cause you to wake up during the night with diarrhea?

A friend of mine has had colitis for years - and even with the biopsies - they always came back negative. She only found out she had colitis was by doing a Prometheus test which was diagnosed in California.

As soon as I received my results on Friday - I will post them - just hoping to find some answers .....

Thanks for the replies - appreciate it!
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fudette
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Post by fudette »

Hi Catarific:

When I first started experiencing issues with D I was given a breath test and was found to have SIBO. I was put on rifaximin for 2 weeks and it cleared up. Then about a year and half later I started experiencing problems again; the dr. had me back on the rifaximin which did not work. Just like you I could just take a sip of water and the d would start up again as soon as I woke up. As it progressed I was waking up to use the bathroom at least 5 or more times a night and going probably 20 to 30 x a day.

I finally had a sigmoidoscopy performed and biopsies taken and was diagnosed with LC. Have you had biopsies done?

I'm now on lialda, atropine and entocort and am finally starting to get some of my energy back. I wish you much luck on your journey to get better; and you will do it!

Laura

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All things are possible through God.
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catarific
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Post by catarific »

Yes, I had biopsies done. Have an appointment this Friday and hoping to get some answers :neutral:
This diarrhea is surely getting me down.

Thanks for the good wishes :lol:
Pat
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Post by Pat »

Yes, night time D is indictative of MC. Hopefully, your GI will offer you a hydrogen breath test for SIBO. I bet you can't wait for your appt on Fri. Good Luck!

Pat
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Post by grannyh »

The first thing I was tested for was h.pylori.. that was negative. Took years to find out I had collagenous colitis. Hope you get some answers other than IBS (which my family doctor says means "I don't know").
grannyh
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