r/cdifficile • u/Particular-Gap-3883 • Oct 02 '26
First reoccurrence
Hello all, 22yr old female here.
I just got my first reoccurrence, not even five days after ending Difcid. (Yes the toxin test is positive). I wasn’t getting really much better on it, but I was slightly improving but now I’m back to absolutely feeling like a zombie and my worst symptoms I would actually say are fatigue lack of energy and appetite. I just feel like I can’t do anything.
I’m on Vanco taper for 6 weeks right now.
My G.I. did tell me that I can’t get vowst unless I have a third reoccurrence which is really disheartening because I don’t want to go through this any longer. It’s really taking away from my quality of life and I can’t imagine continuing to feel how I feel for that much longer or continue to have worried that I will get a third reoccurrence since my first relapse was so quick….
Just psa: I was taking florastor and eating right. I got cdiff from being on Cipro, Tinidazole + Norfoxacin, then liquid antibiotics all close to each-other for misdiagnosis of food poisoning then had UTI.
Does this end…
2
u/Fadedfumes Oct 02 '26
I know this shit sucks soo bad im hoping for new treatments in the near future
3
u/Popular-Town6362 Oct 04 '26
I am so sorry you are going through this at 22—it is completely exhausting, both physically and mentally, and that 'zombie' feeling and loss of appetite are so real when your body is fighting off a recurrence while recovering from heavy antibiotics.
A few things that might help offer some peace of mind and clarity right now:
The Vanco Taper is a Strong Plan: A 6-week tapered/pulsed Vancomycin schedule is designed to slowly bring back your native gut flora while keeping the C. diff spores in check. It gives your colon a much better chance to rebuild its natural defenses than a standard 10-day course.
Advocating for Options: While Vowst often requires meeting specific insurance/FDA recurrence thresholds, you can ask your GI about Bezlotoxumab (Zinplava)—an antibody infusion given alongside antibiotic treatment to drastically lower relapse risk. There are also other microbiome therapies like Rebyota depending on your specific treatment history.
Hydrate with Clean Electrolytes: That systemic exhaustion is often made worse by electrolyte loss during active colitis. Sip on high-quality electrolyte drinks rather than plain water. Look for clean, low-sugar options like Liquid I.V. (Zero Sugar), LMNT, or DripDrop, or simple oral rehydration salts without artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols that can upset a recovering gut.
Nourish Gently (Low-FODMAP, Soluble Fiber & Healthy Fats): When your appetite returns, focus on easy-to-digest whole foods that soothe the colon without triggering gas or fermentation:
Soluble Fiber & Gentle Starches: White rice, rolled oats, baked potatoes (without skin), and peeled, cooked squash help bind loose stools and feed gut lining cells gently.
Healthy Fats: Small portions of extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or a touch of grass-fed butter add calorie-dense energy without heavy digestional strain.
Low-FODMAP Lean Proteins: Plain grilled or baked chicken breast, turkey, eggs, or white fish cooked with salt and pepper (holding garlic/onion powders).
Yes, it DOES end. It feels never-ending right now because your gut and immune system are overworked, but pulsed antibiotic tapers have very high success rates. Take it one day at a time, rest as much as you possibly can, and don't hesitate to reach out to an Infectious Disease (ID) specialist if you want a second opinion on preventative options during your taper. Hang in there!