Annie,
When I read this post, I cringed. I spent 2 days (December 6th and 7th) in the hospital. I was diagnosed with acute Diverticulitis, Colitis, and C Diff. Pretty much what your neighbor experienced, and like your neighbor, it was probably caused by taking to many antibiotics in a relatively short period of time. In the previous 6 weeks I was in the ER about 4 times with diverticulitis issues and went through a 10-round course of Augmentin and then another round of Flagyl and Cipro during that period. C Diff is no joke. I lost about 15 pounds. Couldn't really eat, no appetite, terrible fatigue. I'm feeling better ... eating small meals throughout the day, but still so tired and drained. I have an appointment on Dec. 28th with a gastro surgeon to discuss some options because of the frequent Diverticulitis attacks. Then I have a Colonoscopy scheduled for February 1st, 2023, to see if there are other issues. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

Anyway, have a very Merry Christmas!
Jane

I'm so sorry you're having trouble like this, Jane. It is no joke having any health issues, but it's so frightening when it seems like there's so little doctors can do to help you. I'm hoping that you'll soon be back to good health and that the new year will be happy and Healthy! Hugs! Annie

C Diff runs rampant in rehab facilities and nursing homes. It spreads from patient to caregiver to patient incredibly fast. My mom contracted it during her first rehab stay and we battled it for close to a year with various rounds of treatment, brief respites, and then back again with a vengeance. It was absolutely horrible and debilitating. She was so weak and we were all despairing and wondering how much longer she could go on in that condition. We then heard about fecal transplants that are another treatment for it. We tried that and it knocked the C Diff out once and for all. It is a fairly standard procedure these days and done similarly to a colonoscopy.

You can take over the counter probiotics that help the "good" bacteria too. There is a lot of information on the internet about the overall benefits, not only when taking anti-biotics but just in general too.

Jane, I'm so sorry to hear about your bout with this. I hope you recover quickly, that it doesn't re-emerge like it constantly did with my mom, and that you get some answers for the frequent Diverticulitis attacks

I've heard of fecal transplants and I am surprised that they don't use this technique more often. My neighbor says that whatever meds she is taking now, they are working and she's feeling much better.