I had been ill for about three months with cramping and diarrhea and had been working with an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) to figure out what was wrong. After three months she referred me to my current gastrointestinal specialist (GI), and it took us another four months to diagnose the C. diff which I had contracted from too many antibiotics (I get infections easily). Of course, we proceeded to the next steps (which was courses of antibiotics), and I did not get any better over the course of a year.

My GI is one of two in my state able to perform a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT). We decided that this procedure was the only step left, so I underwent the FMT procedure by colonoscopy. I had been symptom free for about two months until Saturday, February 27th. I have started showing symptoms again, and my new insurance will not cover my care at all until I have met my maximum out of pocket. I am lucky enough to have a GI willing to write off costs for appointments with him, although it is still an expensive illness to have.

I feel so much for anyone going through this. It has been a long journey, and it took me a very long time to come to terms with the fact that I was unable to work in my current state. Caregivers and patients alike are so strong. Every time I contract C. diff it gets a little worse, and a lot scarier. I want to see the world understand this illness and take a stand to help prevent it.