Adrenal Insufficiency Support Group

So, I started having raging diarrhea yesterday, and since this is the first time since my AI diagnosis, I called the doc's after-hours number to find out at what point to give myself a shot. He thinks the antibiotics may have given me a little case of c. diff. OMG. I started looking for a brown paper bag. When he started explaining what that meant, I said, "Uh, I know what it is. My grandmother died from it." I realize this is very different, but still...those words send me into a mini panic attack.

I think I'm handling it okay. He took me off the antibiotics, put me on flagyl and a probiotic, but I can't have immodium or anything, and I'm to come into the offfice first thing Monday morning. Also call back today if it continues to get worse. I'm chugging Gatorade (low sugar kind) because I'm SO thirsty, and since I'm already stress dosing for the infection, I think I'm good - but I'm paying very close attention. So...lovely life.

Terri, good luck at Mayo. I hope everyone is doing okay. Please pray I can stay calm through this. My first panic attacks started when my grandmother got sick, so...she fought the c. diff. for 10 months. Like I said, I know it's different, but...you know how the mind works! Plus, I'd like to have a nice immodium cocktail please!!!

Love to you all,

Cynthia

well just becareful if it is an adrenal crisis you will need that solucortef diarea is a main symptom of a crisis its better to be safe than sorry and the gaterade is problly helping cause the salt you might be craving

Cynthia,

Here is my take on digestive issues: We are already on steroids, which is a huge boost to the nasty little yeast bugs in our digestive system (candida and others of the type). Add to that a course of antibiotics that kills off the good bacteria (which are unsung little heroes that do daily battle to keep the bad buggies at bay) - and you have the mix for a raging yeast infection in the digestive tract. This can cause diarrhea and/or constipation, as well as food allergy symptoms (because of inflammation), fatigue, headaches (because they let off toxins into the system), etc. So whenever I have to go on antibiotics I ask for an antifungal to take with it and another course to take the week after I'm done with it. Diflucan usually does the job for me. But I add to that, a strong addition of probiotic supplements to build the good guys back up.

BTW, symptoms of candida infection mimic other intestinal tract things and are usually NOT correctly diagnosed by a doc, but it's not as if we're not used to that happening.

I once "diagnosed" a cousin with this - she had been hospitalized with severe unrelenting diarrhea after having been on antibiotics for a month due to pneumonia. After she convinced her doc to try her on the diflucan, and she took probiotics, she quickly got better!

Deb

Cynthia,

I can't come up with any solutions or brilliant things like the others, but you've got my "rooting" for you in my prayers.

Many hugs and blessings,

Corri

Deb,

Before I was DX w/ SAI I had a rash and other symptoms of candidiasis, after I had a ruptured tympanic membrane and was given large doses of antibiotics in ER, only to find out at ENT it was a "fungal ear infection" that caused eardrum to rupture. Anyway, sure enough I was positive on candidiasis, which was 2.1 and ref. range says 2.0, so Dr. didn't think was a big deal, yet if it goes "systemic" it is life-threatening and being on HC it says there is contraindications if you have systemic candidiasis. The Dr. did think it was bad enough or just covering his a** by prescribing me Diflucan for 21 days! OMG I read it can tear up your kidneys and overall dangerous so I never took even one. My symptoms were not the "female yeast infection" it was more of other symptoms such as fatigue, GI problems just overall similar to CFS, but did have a rash on legs and trunk, underarms. I used massive doses of probiotics and went on a "yeast free diet" for 2 mos. then a month later DX w/AI. So wonder if there is a connection w/that? Weird as I forgot about that whole situation. Should I go on the diflucan in case there is systemic candida? Maybe that is why I have had trouble while on HC and having to go to ER so much.

Laura

Cynthia,

Sorry to not have acknowledged you, I was so "in the moment" about me. I hope you are feeling better, but if there's even a remote chance your in a crisis, which I read having diarrhea is and/or can quickly lead you to one, then best you go to hospital and by ambulance. I'm sorry you have panic attacks, I get tachy but not a panic attack although quite anxious when symptoms arise and I'm alone. I use 02 and breathe and try to think that "this too shall pass". Easier said then done. Hang in there, but please go to hospital if your in doubt and or feeling worse. Pedilyte also works well for rehydrating as it's a bit more balanced than gatorade I have been told, I myself drink gatorade daily, the original so I get the sugar as well as the electrolytes. Drink plenty of water as well. I will Pray for you to get passed this as well as be with calm.

Laura

So of course we have a snow storm now. I won't be able to go to the doc's in the morning. It has slowed, so apparently the flagyl is helping. I am watching myself VERY closely, and Trey knows exactly what to watch for, what questions to ask, and how to adminster the injection. If I'm still having any tomorrow, I'll call the internist back and have him call the endo, so they can decide if I need the injection. I'm okay mentally, but I feel like I've been unplugged. I couldn't be more fatigued if I built a house in day, by myself, with one hand behind my back.

{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}} for Cynthia

Feel better!

Kim

I know someone who had terrible yeast infections but when she started to take Acidophilus it helped her and she ate yogurt everyday. Not sure but maybe a probiotic could help you too. If you do some relaxation with soothing calm music and/or some deep breathing, that can definitely help you with the panic. I've been there, done that, and it does help. I'll be praying for you and know you will get through this! Hang in there! You'll be fine once you get through this hurdle.

I was taking an antibiotic that they thought caused me C-Diff too and it is nothing to mess with. Let us know what they come up with Cynthia if it gets worse don't wait get a fire truck to take you or something! They told me it is very important to get treatment right away. I was taking Clindamycin.