Worried my antibiotics are making me very sick

Question

Since my surgery, I've developed a high fever of 103 and severe bloody diarrhea and horrible stomach cramps. My breasts aren't red or abnormally swollen. When I called my PS, he seemed very concerned, but has never seen this in his 25 years of practice. Unfortunately it is now the weekend so I cannot see another doctor, but with online research, it looks like my antibiotic may have triggered this horrible reaction. I am so miserable, can I go off of my antibiotics 2 days early and be ok?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. It is possible that you have developed a severe super-imposed infection on the GI tract from the prophylactic antibiotics called C. diff colitis. This can be a serious condition and if you are not able to see your doctor, I suggest you proceed to the nearest ER to be evaluated and treated as soon as possible. You may need additional special antibiotics to treat this condition. Even if it is not that, you sound like you would benefit from some IV fluids and a checkout by an MD. Be safe.....go now.Best of luck!

Hetal Fichadia, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. Based on your symptoms, you could potentially have a super infection called C diff. The best way to get this evaluated is in the ER if your bloody diarrhea and fever persists. Even if it isn't C diff, high fever and bloody diarrhea warrants an urgent evaluation. I hope you feel better.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.I would reach out to your surgeon before you make any medications changes. I do not think they will have a problem with you stopping if you are having such problems while taking them. Good luck.

Angela Keen, MD · Answer

Antibiotics can have severe and life threatening complications, including C. difficile infection and the type of symptoms you are describing. For this reason, it is well established in evidence based medicine that antibiotics should be used only to treat documented infections, not to avoid possible infections. It is currently standard to receive a dose of intravenous antibiotic just prior to surgery, but even this amount of antibiotic can trigger a problem. In cases of diarrhea, a stool sample to test for the toxin should be performed and supportive and therapeutic medical treatment should be started to treat the infection ironically created by the use of antibiotics. If your surgeon is unaware of this problem and how to treat it, you should seek emergency care.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

there is no role or evidence  for giving more than a single dose of IV antibiotics at the time of your surgery. There is no evidence that sending you home with antibiotics is effective or good medical practice. you may have a clost. difficile infection. i would suggest you go to the ER and have them test you for this. you should do now if you have bloody diarrhea and a fever!!!i would definitely stop your oral antibiotics now too.david berman md

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