Upset about my kids health

[LeeLee18]

Long story short, my daughter came down a cdiff infection last year (community acquired, hadn't been on antibiotics but had been in contact with an active case unknowingly). She became sick end of October and recovered in January after multiple rounds of antibiotics and fmt enemas. Since then she has dealt with residual ibs throughout this year that has gotten better for the most part. 

When she got sick, my youngest son had a change in his stools, had him tested for the bug but kept coming back negative. Fast forward to one month ago, he had a fall and had to get his front two teeth removed which entailed antibiotics. What happened in addition? It set of a cdiff infection, even though he tested negative for carrying the bug. Antibiotics and fmt enemas and now waiting for results to see if it resolved the infection. Now, my middle son has had a change in his stool but is testing negative, so who knows if it's the same situation. Every day in my house is hot washing linens, bleaching high touch surfaces, mopping the floors with a specific product that kills this bug, pumping the kids full of probiotics and checking the toilet everytime they go. I have to worry about their future because who knows if they ever get rid of this or if it sits in low numbers in the gut waiting to strike? Can't have them take an antibiotic unless it's life or death. 

To say I'm upset is an understatement, and I'm exhausted. I can't believe our family has been hit with a fairly rare antibiotic resistant superbug and it's potentially spread to all 3 of my kids. I don't even know if their lives will be normal in the future. God forbid if they get sick and need antibiotics, can't go out and drink with their mates when they're older because we don't want to upset the microbiome. Some days I'm ok, other days I'm not. I'm not today and can't accept this is happening in mine and my children's lives. 

[Croix]

Dear LeeLee18~

Welcome here to the Forum. I hope you can find people here who have the same sort of worries for their children (even if the illness or injury is different)  and can find out how they coped.

From what yoou have written it seems obvious that you are well informed about C. difficile and are not only getting the most appropriate treatments as needed but are also going to great lengths at home to minimize cross or re infection. In addition you know the precautions to take for the future if antibiotics are really needed.

You are a super mum

Waiting on results is horrible and one can feel helpless. I guess the first thing to say is that your daughter did recover, which is a good omen for the rest of your family.

Worrying and trying as hard as you do this problem can take over all your thoughts and your life. That's not good for you and I'm wondering what support you have - both on the practical side with laundry, cleaning, going to appointments and so on, and also on the stress side of things.  Living in constant high stress or anxiety wihtout support and relief can harm anyone.

So may I ask what support you do have, family or friends to talk to, some of whom may offer practical help, and medical assistance too to reduce anxiety and allow you to have a fuller life.

Can I suggest something I do myself whch is at the end of every day I do something I enjoy? A reward if you  like, something to look forward to as the day wears on. I have books, movies, music, exercising the dog, talking to someone, all sorts of things. It's not being selfish, it's a break that does you good.

I really would like to know how you get on

Croix