The C.difficile toxin test on Lucas’ stool came back as positive. As stated by the Mayo Clinic, C. difficile is a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon. In severe cases, people tend to become dehydrated and may need hospitalization. C. difficile causes the colon to become inflamed (colitis) and sometimes may form patches of raw tissue that can bleed or produce pus (pseudomembranous colitis).

Unfortunately, Lucas has a severe case which has lasted almost 3 weeks and is causing mucousy diarrhea up to 10 times a day with blood in his stool. Poor baby! On Friday evening, we received word of the positive test results. Now Lucas is taking antibiotics 4 times a day for 10 days.

We have no idea where Lucas picked up the bacteria. However, C.difficile infection is most commonly associated with health care, occurring in hospitals and other health care facilities where a much higher percentage of people carry the bacteria. So the best bet is Lucas picked up the bacteria during his last hospital stay at PCH on January 6.