Effects of antibiotics on bowels!

5 replies

bigbluebus · 27/04/2011 13:32

Anyone out there whose DC has had bowel problems caused by antibiotics. My DD ( has PMLD) has been ill for a number of weeks and has had numerous stays in hospital. Whilst in hospital had 8 day course of i/v antibiotics which caused very loose bowel movements. Then switched to 2 week course of oral antibiotics which finished 10 days ago and we thought bowel problem would have rectified itself by now - but it hasn't! Has been tested for C Difficile which came back normal!
Have started her on daily dose of Yakult to try and replace the 'good bacteria' but no improvement so far!
Am desperate to sort this out as can't bare to hear her tummy gurgling the way it does plus she is in nappies provided by continence service which don't absorb anything and leak big style - so am sick of all the washing!! (sorry if you are eating!!)
Would love her to go back to school as she has been off since beginning of March but can't send her in like this! She's never had this problem before with short term antibiotics.
Anyone got any idea how long it should take to get back to normal - she is normally constipated!!!

OP posts:

growlybear · 27/04/2011 16:15

Hi bigbluebus.Yep my dd has this problem when she is put on antibiotics.Although the severity depends on which ones she has.She is usually fine for a few days then it hits her.The ususally only lasts for a few days after the last dose though.Does make you wonder if she picked up something in hospital.

Original poster

bigbluebus · 27/04/2011 16:29

Thanks Growlybear. Was beginning to think its been going on a bit too long. She was in isolation the last week she was in hospital & i did virtually all her care - so little chance of cross infection but still a possibility - although she is otherwise well now. Has been home from hospital for 3 weeks so even if it was a bug would have thought she would be over it by now. I still think her gut has taken such a knock from so many antibiotics that it just needs time to recover. Looks like we might have to cancel our weekend away though - on top of the holiday we already had to cancel at Easter.

OP posts:

growlybear · 27/04/2011 16:44

Oh poor you.I would see how she goes and also keep fluids up so she doesn't get dehydrated.If she is no better in a week i would go back to dr's.hth

Original poster

bigbluebus · 27/04/2011 17:32

At least keeping fluids up has been easy as she has a gastrostomy - otherwise I think she would have been back in hospital again by now on a drip!!! Thanks for your advice - if no better after bank holiday will contact children's ward as she has open access there.

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growlybear · 27/04/2011 17:37

My dd has gastrostomy too so i know what a relief that is.

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