I had hoped against hope (based on patterns and scientific data) that when Choya completed her seven-day course of antibiotics, she would be well. She wasn't. Three days after completion, the diarrhea returned. I recognized the patterns. I knew it. We have clostridial diarrhea happening. Dammit.
When her diarrhea stopped after the first tablet went in on 4 April, I knew it was a matter of time before the clostridium in her gut got controlled for a bit; exactly for how long, we wouldn't know. I didn't have high hopes. It was the week after the antibiotics that I was worried about. Acute colitis can be sorted in a week. However, SIBO/SID doesn't just go away magically overnight. She has chronic IBD and stress colitis, so the moment a flare happens in the form of SIBO/SID, it's bad. It goes on for a month.
I had a bad feeling when her poop was less than ideal on Monday 13 April. Direa didn't even help. When Choya woke me up at 5.32am on Tuesday 14 April and did a shitsplosion, that was PTSD and total deja vu sial. Groundhog Day. We're back to 1 April. SAME PATTERNS. I don't even know what to write in my notes. 'Round 2, Repeat.' At least this Tuesday morning, her stomach hasn't made gurgling sounds yet and she isn't in pain or distress. I do not want it to deteriorate to that level. This means the clostridium is really flourishing and refuses to go away. The expensive tests I ordered to be done at the clinic during Round 1 cleared her of contagious or more serious things.
We went back to the clinic to see a doctor we trust. It was a wonderful discussion. This is an experienced doctor with a good head on his shoulders. It confirmed my thoughts and the doctor's proposed plans aligned with mine, and we had an agreement. The math is sound. Here we go, Part 2. Her first poop two days after Part 2 super-low dose of metronidazole went in on 15 April, was exactly the color and mushy texture I expected. Much much better than what Part 1 produced.
I really dislike metronidazole, but it couldn't be helped. Most clinics only stock metronidazole. I very much prefer talking to my trusted vets. Tylosin is the better choice for colitis, EPI/SIBO and IBD. But Tylosin is OOS at this clinic. I have no choice but to administer this second course of antibiotics, but at a different dosage. This will be done at a super-low dosage over 14-15 days in order to eradicate the worst bits of clostridium, and hopefully the probiotics, B12 and food will sort out the rest and balance the gut after that. Food goes back to the basics. Fresh, whole and good. No unnecessary treats because I doubt I can negotiate with Choya about cheese.
I'm literally unfazed by most things, but I'm battling anxiety at managing her stomach. I rarely cry, but if Choya is in pain, I feel it, and I cry. I'm reading, researching, and studying. Then I put it aside to take a breather and recalibrate. No, AI doesn't help beyond highlighting research topics and broadening the scope of reading. My moods are set daily according to the quality of Choya's poop. I can deal with mushy poop done during the usual walk timings. I cannot deal with shitsplosions. The main issue is control — I don't have control. I can only try, and pray.
There might even be a Round 3. Damn clostridium dunno-which-strain. This Round 2 antibiotics will taper off in another week. It's meant to be given for 14-16 days. Choya's doctor and I agreed to do a super-low-dosage and tapering off instead of an abrupt end, giving her stomach time to reset and build its defences. It would be an uphill climb to get her gastrointestinal tract balanced — 16 to 20 weeks. We'll get there.
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