NICU - I have C-difficile!

I delivered due to unexpected infection developed in my placenta. I was put on broad spectrum antibiotics right then. This was good. At least I had protection from a variety of bacteria until we know the exact type of infection. This was not so good. While I had the treatment for the bad bacteria, my good ones were the victims in the process.

After a couple days, I could feel my digestive system was taking a hit. I thought this was ok. On the sixth day, I started shivering and sweating. I thought this was my body’s way of responding to postpartum. It was not! When my temperature hit 39 °C (102 °F), we ended up in the emergency room AGAIN!

They ran a few tests and they identified two things: 1- I had C-difficile. 2- My D-dimer level was way off the range. First one is quite common when you are on heavy antibiotics as your immune system weakens with loss of healthy bacteria during treatment. D-dimer on the other hand is also quite common after delivery and extremely dangerous if not treated. D-dimer is usually associated with C-section, yet I had normal delivery. Doctors told me inflammation in my body due to infection could be the reason.

I switched antibiotics immediately to treat C-difficile. I was also put on pro/prebiotics to sustain beneficial bacteria. (This should have been done from the very beginning) I was also prescribed daily home shots for 10 days in a row to decrease D-dimer level. I wore pressure socks for 10 days. (on/off)

During the process, I was allowed to pump my milk, which was given to D. in NICU. However, I was not allowed to see and touch my baby for days until symptoms cleared.

Looking back, I could have done two things differently, if I were in the right state of mind:

1- I could have consulted doctors about pro/prebiotics the minute I started taking antibiotics?

2- I could have gotten a second opinion about the antibiotics brand I was put on. Antibiotics I used, was an outdated one, which I found out later. It is always good to cross check products. Not all doctors keep themselves updated with recent technology.