has anyone here had a cdiff infection prior to having to go on constant antibiotics for pouchitis? are you concerned about your cdiff returning from constantly taking the antibiotics?

I had a nasty bout of C-diff prior to my UC diagnosis. I'm currently on long term antibiotics, and don't really give it much thought. I figure it's too much to worry about what-ifs. I need to do what allows me to get on with my life. I'm closely monitored by my doctor and I have faith that she will not do anything to put my health in jepordy.

I also take VSL#3DS twice a day. I don't know if that will help keep C-diff at bay, but it sure doesn't hurt.

what antibiotics are you taking? i am IgG4 positive pouchitis so i am not sure even if antibiotics would work? but i have been having alot of gas and frequent trips lately. i had cdiff right after takedown and i am scared to take antibiotics for anything. even for things like strep or upper respiratory infections.I have my annual with Shen in 2 months, but last year i remember him saying Entocort would be treatment for IgG4 POUCHITIS TREATMENT, so not sure if he is saying antibiotics will not work?

I had c.diff in '92, have been on many different antibiotics off/on through the years, the c.diff never returned.

Most recently, was on tindamax (for fistula) - for about 10 months - and my pouch behaved better than it has for years. Unfortunately, developed some side effects from the A/B, quit taking it, and am feeling pouchitis-y again. The labs I had done by Shen showed IgG4 positive. I sure can't explain why the antibiotics seemed to help my pouchitis, and I can't say whether they would hurt/help anyone else with IgG4. I simply do not understand any of this. Can you send Shen an email and ask for his advice?

There are precautions you can take if you need antibiotics, that is, s. boulardii - if you do a search on here and on the web and you'll find some information on how it has been shown to help prevent recurrent c diff infections. I take it and DSL#3DS regularly.

I have been taking Cipro since August. I have not been tested for IgG4, so I don't know if that is the cause of the pouchitis or not.

I actually have some recent advice on this topic from my GI yesterday. I have a history of a few C-Diff infectiosn (very few though). I am now on a huge amount of oral Cipro and Flagyl to combat a pretty serious infection from an abscess as well as pouchitis. My GI said I should stay on my Xifaxin (which I take daily as my preventative antibiotics and works great for me most of the time) because they have found it works great as a way to combat/protect from C-Diff. So, I was going to share that anyways, so I am glad I can answer this question. Another route is to use some vancomyacin, as that is another one that combats C-Diff. I hope this helps...