Category Archives: Healing

C. diff. Patient, Family, & Caregiver Live-Online Symposium July 16, 2021

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The C. diff.  Patient, Family, Caregiver Symposium will be a gathering of healthcare professional keynote speakers, health advocates, practitioners, educators, thought leaders, and patients who are transforming the patient experience, and changing the way people experience C. diff. infections worldwide

CdiffPatientFamCaregiverJuly2021

Our distinguished members and keynote speakers will provide insight as to what impacts the patient and families on both quality and economic topics, what role leadership plays in creating the right culture for patient-centered care, and how to identify, evaluate, and prioritize innovations that can quickly touch the lives of patients battling C. diff. infections.

Unlike other conferences on this topic, patients will share their C. diff. infection journeys, providing a real-world perspective on patient experience. Our attendees will learn more from this virtual-online symposium and gain knowledge on important topics that will better aid their care and recovery through tools and strategies delivered by keynote speakers.  

C Diff Foundation Mission statement –   Educating and Advocating for the prevention, treatments, clinical trials, diagnostics, and environmental safety of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff.) infections worldwide.

Keynote speakers will present up-to-date data to expand on the existing knowledge and provide important information focused on, yet not limited to,  a Clostridiioides difficile infection (also known as C. diff., C. difficile, CDAD, CDI) —

  • Prevention
  • Treatments
  • Diagnostics
  • Research
  • Environmental Safety
  • Clinical trials and studies

WITH

  • Introduction to Microbiome Research and Studies
  • Infection Prevention
  • Fecal Microbiota Restoration and Transplants

Symposium Registration is free of charge and completely online.

Guest speaker audio and/or visual can be accessed by a computer. Registration is easy.  Please click on the RED  button  below.

PROGRAM AGENDA AND KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

  • Program Chair:   Dale Gerding, MD, FACP, FIDSA, FSHEA

1:00 p.m.      Barbara McGovern, MD

Dr. Barbara McGovern has over 25 years of experience in infectious diseases. Over the past decade, she has been working within the pharmaceutical arena and is currently head of Medical Affairs at Seres Therapeutics, which is developing microbiome-based therapies.

Presentation Title: The Microbiome and You: The Cycle of Recurrent C. diff Infection

1:15 p.m.      Sahil Khanna, M.B.B.S., M.S.

Dr. Sahil Khanna, M.B.B.S., M.S., is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. His research and clinical interests include Epidemiology, Outcomes, and Emerging Therapeutics for Clostridium difficile infection, He is directing the C. difficile Clinic, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation program, and C. difficile related Clinical Trials at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Presentation Topic:  C. difficile Treatment: Microbiota Restoration Therapies.

1:30 p.m.      Stuart Johnson, MD, FIDSA, DTM&H

Dr. Stuart Johnson, MD is a Professor of Medicine at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center and a Researcher at the Hines VA Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. His main research interest and focus have involved the epidemiology pathogenesis and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection.

Presentation Topic: “C. difficile Infection Treatment Guideline Update: The What?
Who? How? and Why?”

1:45 p.m.      Dale Gerding, MD, FACP, FIDSA, FSHEA

Dr. Gerding is Research Physician at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and Professor of Medicine (Retired) at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.  He is an infectious diseases specialist and hospital epidemiologist, past president of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. He is a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, is a Master of the American College of Physicians and the 2013 recipient of the William Middleton Award, the highest research award given by the Department of Veterans Affairs and is board certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. His major research interest is in the epidemiology, prevention and treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection, and he is the discoverer of non-toxigenic C. difficile strain M3.

Presentation Topic: “Can We Prevent C. difficile Infection by Replacing the Bug?”

2:00 p.m.      Charlotte Johnson, M.Ed.,   C. diff. Caregiver

Charlotte Johnson is an educator with an interest in elementary school programs.  Charlotte teaches first grade classes and with her extensive education and training, oversees the first graders as they demonstrate their accomplishments in their program.  Charlotte focuses on the academic programs that enrich the young students lives advancing them in their studies.

Presentation Topic: “Caring For a loved one diagnosed with a C. diff. infection.”

2:15 p.m.      Larry Kociolek, MD

Larry Kociolek, MD, Attending Physician at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Lurie Children’s whereby he coordinates the surveillance for and prevention of infection-related adverse events and leads administrative efforts to optimize patient and healthcare worker safety. Broadly,
Dr. Kociolek’s academic interests are focused on healthcare epidemiology, particularly pediatric Clostridioides difficile infection and infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms.

Presentation Topic: “Clostridioides difficile infections in Children”

2:30 p.m.      Renata Johnson, C. diff. Survivor

Renata Johnson has an educational background in classical music and can communicate in over eight languages.  Renata discusses the highs and lows of battling this infection with fellow-patients, family members, and caregivers while guiding individuals on how to become stronger health care advocates.

Presentation Topic: “Sharing a C. difficile Journey from a C. diff. Survivor.”

2:45 p.m.      Q & A

This Live-Online Event Is Sponsored by Seres Therapeutics  

This Symposium is Hosted by C Diff Foundation 

CdiffPatientFamCaregiverJuly2021

Be Kind

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Open your eyes to the beauty around you.

Open your mind to the wonders of life.

Open your heart to those who love you and always be true to yourself.

Enjoy the little things as they become big things down the road.

We know that not all scars are visable, not all wounds heal, and sometimes we can not always see the pain another person feels and lives with.

Be kind ~ be compassionate ~ be the wonderful you that you are ~ always.

NOVEMBER Is C. diff. Awareness Month; Share the Information and Save Lives Worldwide

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November is Clostridioides difficile (formally known as Clostridium difficile)  Awareness Month and it is our time to make a difference!  Most patients and their families, until their diagnosis, were not familiar with this infectious disease.  When they tell their friends and family, those friends and family have never heard of a C. difficile (Clostridioides diffiicle, C. diff., CDI)  infection before either.

Sometimes, even when they are told by their doctors of this diagnosis, the doctors can be largely unfamiliar with the impact of this infection and the treatments readily available. This is astonishing. Why? Because a C. diff. infection impacts individuals differently today than it did decades ago.  The re-occurrence rate is greater today than it was in previous years.  Because C.difficile infections are not only acquired by a hospital stay and can be community-acquired. It is a global infection and not isolated in the senior population, however; seniors remain with the higher risk of acquiring this infection.

That’s something people should know about C. diff. — Over 41 individuals lose their life to a Clostridioides difficile infection in the United States of America alone every day — It has no boundaries — It can be acquired by anyone –  at any location and at any age.

Every year we work together to change the awareness of C. diff.  worldwide. Every year we make a difference. Every day of every year we share information through education and advocacy for patients and continue to raise awareness of Clostridioides difficile infection (C. diff., C. difficile, CDI) prevention, treatments, clinical trials, and environmental safety  — further than the day before.

“None of us can do this alone – All of us can do this together.”

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff. C. difficile, CDI) has had an immeasurable impact on our families, in our communities, in our countries.  It is a leading Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) yet awareness of Clostridioides difficile remains quite low among the general public worldwide.

Help us change this.  Contact us and join us TODAY!

Take Action

  • Draft a letter to your State Governor requesting a Proclamation for November dedicated for promoting Clostridium difficile Infection Awareness.
  • Create Your Own Fundraiser!
  • Contact kathy@cdifffoundation.org to get started on the fundraiser of your choice.

Awareness Tools

  • Share the C Diff Foundation brochure  (request your copies by e-mail)  A great guide to explain details about a C. diff. infection and data on C. diff. prevention, treatments, and environmental safety available.
  • The Clinical Trials Page showcases Clostridium difficile prevention and treatment clinical trials available and research-driven results.
  • Personal Stories on C. diff. Survivors Alliance  allow you to share your story, to help raise awareness about C. difficile infections, and to help raise funds for C Diff Foundation www.cdifffoundation.org
  • Share  C.diff. Global Community Support session information which is FREE and available across the USA and accessible from 57 countries to learn more about a C. diff. infection, Nutrition, and to speak with health care providers and fellow-C.diff. survivors to gain knowledge and have questions answered.

Social Media Involvement

Please join us and share YOUR story. Use these November Awareness campaign hashtags to spread awareness for November Is Clostridioides difficile (Clostridium difficile, C.diff., C.difficile, CDI) Infection Awareness Month.

#CdiffInfectionAwareness

(Facebook)  (Twitter)

#CdiffNovemberAwareness

(Facebook)  (Twitter)

 

C. diff. Global Tele-Support Program Welcomes C. diff. Survivors, Patients, Families, Clinicians and All

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CdiffGlobalSupportFThe  C. diff. Global Community Tele-Support  program was developed for patients diagnosed with this gastrointestinal infection, for their families, clinicians, C. diff. survivors continuing their recovery from a prolonged illness and any individual seeking support and information are welcome to register.

 

 

C. difficile (C. diff.) infections caused almost half a million infections among patients in the United States in a single year, according to a 2015 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In  addition, an estimated 15,000 deaths are directly attributable to C. difficile infections, making them a substantial cause of infectious disease death in the United States.

These tele-support sessions are focused on:
Nutrition, Mental Health, The Who – What – Where of C. difficile infections,
Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) general information, and more.

The support sessions are lead by fellow-C. diff. Survivors and Healthcare Professionals
with first hand experience and knowledge of topics being discussed.

This program is beneficial to families, patients, and healthcare professionals alike.

Please feel free to offer this program information to others to listen in or participate.
Share the page with friends/family members afflicted with a C. difficile infections
and many other long-term illnesses.

This program is free of charge and available Nationwide and is accessible from 57 Countries.

*To view the complete Country/City Listing please visit the C Diff Foundation Website http://www.cdifffoundation.org  and it can be located under the Top Tab Heading “C diff Support.”

 

Support is never singled out to one diagnosis and is only a phone call away

For the month of  MARCH  the following  Support Sessions are available:

Monday, March 7st:  Host – Angela Martin, a  retired healthcare professional and
fellow-C. diff. Survivor.  Topic:  The session will provide general  information and support related to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) as an alternative and promising treatment (not yet FDA approved with clinical data pending), for C. difficile infections (CDI).  Discussions will be focused on information for pre- and post-FMT and failed FMT’s for patients, families, and clinicians worldwide.   Join Angela’s support session on the first Tuesday each month
via: Teleconference at 1:00 p.m. Central Time

Wednesday, March 9th: Host – Lisa Hurka-Covington, a fellow-C. diff. Survivor.
Topic: The session will provide mutual support related to depression and anxiety created by long term illnesses.  Join Lisa to discuss the importance of supporting mental health with physical healthcare on the second  Wednesday each month via: Teleconference at 2:30 p.m.
Eastern Time

Friday, March 11h: Host – Scott Battles, a fellow-C. diff. Survivor.   Topic: The session will provide answers to questions with the introduction to a C. diff. infection.  Join Scott with fellow patients, families, and C. diff.
survivors on the second  Friday each month  via: Teleconference at 7:00 p.m.
Central Time

Colorado Physical Venue Support Group:  Colorado C. diff. Support Group,  Hosted by  a fellow-C.diff. Survivor, Roy Poole,  on the Third Tuesday of each month.  The session will provide discussions about C. diff. introduction, C. diff. Research and development in progress, and hope.  Join Roy and fellow patients, families, and C. diff. survivors  on March 15th at  the Arvada Covenant Church,  5555 Ward Rd , Arvada, CO from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m
Mountain Time.

Thursday, March 17th: : Host – Karen Factor, MS, RD   Topic: The session  will provide discussions focused on  Nutrition during a C. diff. infection (CDI) and how to manage nutrition and hydration.  Join Karen  the third Thursday each month  via: Teleconference at 7:00 p.m.
Eastern Time

Monday, March 28th: Hosts – Dr’s Caterina Oneto, MD & Dr. Paul Feuerstadt, MD
Topic:  Doctors Oneto and Feuerstadt will discuss C. difficile Infections; The What, Where and How .  There will be opportunities to ask a  brief question to the physicians.  We appreciate Dr.’s Oneto and Feuerstadt for donating their time to discuss C. difficile Infections and to provide information regarding prevention, treatments available, and environmental safety products available.   Join their support session via: Teleconference at 6:00 p.m
Eastern Time

NOTE:  The Physicians will not prescribe, diagnose, or provide medical assessment answers to any individuals participating in their support session.  Please contact the Physician providing care for a C. diff. Infection or other diagnosis that are being treated.    Thank you.

To register for any of the above sessions please provide us with the following information and  you will receive an e-mail in return with the support session Teleconferencing number and Conference ID number.

Or Telephone the office to register   U.S. Hot-Line:  1-844-367-2343,
International: 1-919-201-1512

Thank you for providing your Support Session Choice  to participate in a community support session.

Hope For The Holiday Season

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candleThere Is Hope For The Holidays

 

If you or a loved one has been affected by a catastrophic illness or the fight of combating a C.diff. infection, or any long-term illness, the holiday season might not feel like the “most wonderful time of the year.”

 

Instead of joy, one may be struggling with sadness, grief, or anxiety that you won’t be spending the holidays in your own old fashion ways. There may be worries about money, time, or energy to partake in the holidays. There are ways to help make the most of the holiday season.

Begin with setting realistic goals, starting new holiday traditions, and calling for help when you need it is the first step in helping one to cope. Below are several tips from mental health experts that we hope will be useful to anyone in distress while fighting any illness.

Set Realistic Goals: This may not be the best holiday but with a positive outlook, and the support of family and friends, one can still make the most of it. Adapting to setbacks after or during an illness can cause stress, anxiety, and sadness. Try to be realistic about gift-giving and affordability and what can be done around the holidays, and share your thoughts with friends and family. Being honest about feelings and the present circumstances can help you better cope and give everyone the chance to have a better understanding. Make time to have a conversation will be very beneficial.

Start New Traditions: If you are celebrating the holidays away from your own home or away from loved ones, start a new tradition to help yourself and your family adjust to the changes. Activities like singing holiday songs or reading books aloud can help you maintain a positive outlook. Trying something new can create positive results. The new traditions will help create something special.

Surround Yourself with Support: The holidays can be a difficult for adults and children. When an individual is feeling down, lacking energy, in pain, combating an infection of any kind – one tends to isolate themselves. Do the best to avoid too much alone time, and talk to someone about how you are feeling. You are not alone and there are local numbers available in all areas to call for confidential crisis counseling and emotional support.

CONTACT USA (CUSA) is a network of crisis intervention helpline centers across the nation providing help by telephone and online chat for those in need of help.

http://www.contact-usa.org/programs.html

 

Treat Yourself with Care: It is important to pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Doing so will help you cope with stress caused by the holidays. If you are a parent or caregiver, it is important for you to take care of your needs first. Then you will be better able to take care of those who depend on you.

Reach Out for Help: Recovery takes time after a loss and even an illness – it is common to feel a lot of different emotions – anger, sadness, anxiety, confusion, guilt, and bitterness.  You are not alone.

 

Take it one-day-at-a-time………. live life in the moment and take it one step at a time.