After a recent hospital stay, I contracted Clostridium difficile (often referred to as C. diff). This bacterium can wreak havoc on the intestines, causing frequent diarrhea and many related problems. Illness from C. diff often arises after use of antibiotics, especially among older adults.

Ironically, the standard treatment for C. diff is to take more antibiotics. When I followed this treatment, my illness only became worse, so I started looking for an alternative. After doing a bit of research, I learned about fecal transplants, in which the person with C. diff restores the bacteria in their system via an infusion of fecal bacteria from a healthy person.

Some hospitals offer fecal transplants, but the procedure seems more costly, time-consuming, and inefficient than it should be. Fortunately, there is much information and experience available to guide one in performing the transplant at home, using the healthy stool of a friend. I tried this self-help method and I’m delighted with the results.

I think I’m the first person on the Vineyard to undertake a do-it-yourself fecal transplant. I’m curious to know if anyone else has tried this.

Mal Jones
West Tisbury