Can you walk us through your journey - from the onset of symptoms to getting a diagnosis and eventually finding relief?
Initially I had 3 separate UTI infections that were due to a catheter that had been in place for 1 week following a broken ankle surgery. These infections were cause by a drug resistant E. Coli that had been treated by multiple antibiotics during the course of treatment. Due to the use of the antibiotics, I developed 2 separate bouts of C. Difficile infections.
How did living with C.difficile affect your day-to-day activities and overall well-being?
At the time I was home bound due to the broken ankle but any time I needed to leave the house for medical appointments, I was concerned about side effects of the C.difficile infection. I was also concerned about getting to the bathroom in time before I had a bowel movement.
What treatments or medications did you try before Intestinal Microbiota Transplantation (IMT)? How did they work for you?
I had a treatment of Vancomycin for each C.Difficile infection and a third one before I had laser surgery on my prostate, that was performed hoping to treat the recurrent E.Coli infections and BPH.
Did you undergo Intestinal Microbiota Transplantation (IMT)? How many treatments did you receive?
I received just one treatment of IMT.
What thoughts or concerns did you have prior to undergoing IMT?
Possibly any adverse side effects from the treatment and/or failure of treatment.
Do you feel like IMT has helped you regain your quality of life? How important has it been in your overall recovery?
It helped greatly in regaining my quality of life. I have not had any recurrence of C.Diff since I took the treatment one year ago.
Looking back on your experience, what advice or words of encouragement would you share with someone who has just been diagnosed with C. difficile?
Always read the information on the treatment to be well-informed but consider that it is a very effective treatment for C.Difficile. I am a retired ASCP Medical Technologist so I am familiar with the infectious process and appropriate treatments.
Is there anything else you'd like to add about your experience?
I feel this treatment gave me back my normal life as I have not had any subsequent infections.
