My poor DH has suffered the last 10 days from C. Difficile bacterial infection of his bowel, to the point where he could have died.
I believe it all started about 6 weeks ago, when he had a course of preventive antibiotics before a prostate biopsy (more on that later). Apparently antibiotics can upset the healthy gut microbiome, leading to good bacteria being depleted, and bad bacteria taking over. He progressively started with diarrhea, getting worse and worse until he was doubled over with pains, and started a fever. We took him up to emergency on the 16th; they couldn't find anything so sent him home. On the 17th, he was in worse shape, so up to emerge we went again. They did get a diagnosis this time.
He ended up in ICU (intensive care unit) for 3 days at a larger hospital 1.5 hours from home. After a scan revealed some concern for his bowel, an emergency operation was done. It was horrible that he had to call his kids and sister to say a possible goodbye. The operation revealed distension and distress of his bowel, but no need to remove it, and no rupture. Thank goodness. I had booked into a hotel, and my younger son came up to spend the night while we waited for him to come out of surgery.
So since then it has been a slow recovery, which make take weeks or even months. We are home now, but his is very fragile, sore and weak, poor man.
So for those with a lower immune system, please always ensure to wash hands after every time you are out in public. This bacteria travels by contact, not airborne. It's a horrible infection and I am so glad my DH is still here with me. We do have a prostate battle ahead of us, but first recover from this.
Thanks for allowing me to vent. Family and friends have been wonderful, but it's been a trying time.
