January 2005 Post Marketing Reports




21317 From: Jess Lewis <jessl53@y...>
Date: Sun Jan 2, 2005 6:27am
Subject: Re: Re: No reflexes


Ron,

Yes, I have a very weak reflex reaction. It doesn't
concern my neuorologist because both sides are the
same.

Before Levaquin, I had very good reflexes.

Jess



21320 From: JLese <jlese@e...>
Date: Sun Jan 2, 2005 8:05pm
Subject: Re: have drs. ever been on a quinolone?


I know of at least 7 physicians who have contacted us, all with moderate to severe reactions to Lariam -- mefloquine -- and a chemical cousin of the FQs. Several more have witnessed such reactions firsthand, in their spouses or children. They were just as unaware that these effects you are. The lack of knowledge and disbelief in the medical arena about these reactions and their frequency is unbelievable -- as the people on this list well know.
Jeanne Lese
Lariam Action USA
www.lariaminfo.org

21330 From: maggchar <maggchar@y...>
Date: Mon Jan 3, 2005 11:50pm
Subject: what activities to do/avoid with achilles problems?, other misc q's


Hi,
I took one or two cipro pills about 5 years ago and quit because of
insomnia & nightmares. Now recently I took levaquin for 7 days for a
respiratory illness that started back in october, and started
getting achilles problems - the pain isn't really severe (comparing
it to previous kidney/bladder stone pain), but it's uncomfortable
twitching, very localized cramping, some aching and some tingling,
and my calves feel stiff like I've been running without stretching
afterwards. Makes me feel like I need to shuffle around and be
cautious about putting weight and stress on my ankles.

I decided to see my doctor today to find out what sorts of physical
therapy might be helpful or at least to prevent things from getting
worse or reaching the rupture point. While friendly and
compassionate, my doc gave the impression that she thought I was
being overly concerned about a very rare occurence (and she didn't
even seem to recall that levaquin can cause achilles problems till I
said something about the connection), and said that I should keep to
my normal activities and that reducing my activity level would
actually make my achilles tighten up and feel worse. I'm suspicious
of my doctor's suggestion because my sister once had a doctor tell
her to increase physical activity to fix a leg injury, and when she
did, she ended up having to go through a year of physical therapy to
be able to walk again. Keeping to my regular activities also makes
me a little nervous because after I left the doctor's office, I
realized that she didn't even ask me what my normal activities
included - for all she knew, I could be a marathon runner or
mountain climber. I am a hiker, and I'm afraid to do any hiking when
I could have my achilles rupture back in the woods where I'd be
stuck until someone could come rescue me or I dragged myself home.

So, I'm wondering what other people have experienced, whether their
tendons felt better/worse with increased/decreased activity, and
what kinds of activities you did (walking, running, shopping,
stretching, weights, squatting, etc).

Mine seems to feel worse with lots of walking, and when I do things
like squat to see the bottom shelves at the library. I told that to
my doctor, but it didn't change her recommendation to keep to my
regular activities.

This is all a bit depressing.

I'm also experiencing some of the other symptoms people have gotten,
like insomnia, fatigue and finger/wrist joint pain, but that
actually started before the levaquin, after I took zithromax with
flonase. The insomnia got really bad when I took biaxin, and tried
ketek. The levaquin was the second to last antibiotic I took, right
before the ketek. I vowed after the ketek that I would take no more
antibiotics unless they did a culture to see if I even have a
bacterial infection, and to have them use a petri dish instead of my
body to find out what antiobiotic would actually kill the particular
bacteria I might have. One doctor told me after antibiotic #2 that
they couldn't do a culture - has anyone had success getting a
culture? My home edition Merck book indicates that getting a
culture is commonplace and recommended before prescribing
antibiotics, but I don't think I've had a culture before getting
antibiotics since I was a kid.

I took one dose each of flonase and prednisone a couple of days
before I started the levaquin - does anyone have any ideas about how
concurrent levaquin/steroid usage has to be to make matters worse?

I'm going for an allergy test in a couple weeks to see if my
penicillin allergy might have gone away with age - I'm running out
of antibiotic options. At least for now my respiratory problems
have waned...

Teri


21331 From: rscott_68 <rscott_68@y...>
Date: Mon Jan 3, 2005 11:55pm
Subject: head pressures/stabbing pains + my story


I want to thank those who responed to my last post with
words of encouragment. After 10 weeks my ADR continues to
get worse and although I want to be strong and positive -
This is by far the most scary thing that has ever happened.

Looking back I now feel that this was the second time
I was floxed. However, the first time was minor compared to
what I am going through now in 2005. Of course, it was not until
recently that I put the facts together. In 1997, I had
a sudden bout of depression, insomnia, and (what I thought)
was a relapse/worsening of BFS (benign faciculation syndrome)
that I had managed well for years. BFS caused body wide
muscle twitches, tingling, ants crawling sensations, as well
as other sensations (tinnitus, floaters). Although in 1997 when my
BFS worsened
I was distressed - it was in no way as bad as my current
reaction. In much hindsight, I was on Floxin for a week in the
summer of 1997 and my supposed BFS exasberation was really
a delayed FQ reaction. I started to get a pressure/sensation in my
face and head that feels like vibration/blood rushing. Sometimes
I would get vibration/tingling into my teeth
Whenever I would move my eye muscles the sensation was worse. The
body wide
tingling, crawling, bands of vibration about the feet, cold
extremities all kicked in. This incident caused me to lose
a relationship with someone that I was deeply involved with and
in some sense ruined my life at the time.

I was happy to say that over the next
set of years all these symptoms except the head pressure subsided.
Usually when I was tired or stressed the head pressure would
come back in some capacity.

Things were better. I then took a round of 11 Levaquin in
2002 (still not realizing I had been floxed in 1997). Although I do
not remember any adverse effects I sure had alot of back
trouble in 2002...

This was until Oct 2004 when I went back on Levaquin for
9 days (I am pretty sure that I missed a few days which is
very bad when dealing with (unknown to me) such a dangerous
drug.) They then put me on Cipro and all hell broke loose after
the second dose.

I cannot even tell you how stupid I feel that I never
got to the bottom of my 1997 floxing. As a supposed
educated man, it is difficult to carry this burden.
I was taking these quinolone poisoins for years
and not paying any regard. I basically was off the hook once
and now my life seems so bleak.

Anyway, all the "BFS" symptoms have come back in full force
and now I have burning nerve pain just about everywhere.
I have heard that alpha liponic acid may be beneficial for
periphal neuropathy so I am going to try it.

The pressure sensation in my face is now much more
ugly and electrical - my teeth have now started to
hurt rather than just tingle.

I am now in all sorts of body wide
pain and
have most of the other ADR's reported here. Believe me, BFS is
a cakewalk next to this.

I have read through many of your posts and did not find
too many people reporting stabbing pain - for me, this pain
can be anywhere hands, feet, head, neck, arm, legs - it is
transient and comes and goes throughout the day. I hesitate
to call it muscle pain as it occurs in places that are devoid
of many muscles.
My pain also goes into a different mode where it is more
concentrated in my back or wrists or shoulders and is dull, pulling,
ulgy, and
for lack of a better word "electrical". In summary, I feel
three kinds of
pain:
1. burning nerve pain
2. stabbing pain
3. ulgy dull electrical pain

What should I expect with this pain and is this a symptom shared
by others?


21332 From: ruffin144 <ruffin@a...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 0:42am
Subject: Re: head pressures/stabbing pains + my story


I still experience stabbing pain. They come and go throughout the
day in random spots. It is a different pain than the burning pain.
I took 7 Levaquin 500mg pills starting Memorial weekend and
finishing up the second week in June. I became so ill, it took me
that long to take the 7 pills. Thank God I didn't finish the RX. I
still have foot pain and weakness. I think it might be neuropathy.
They buzz and vibrate and feel week, especially when cold.

Michele


21333 From: garym52 <ggmab@f...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 1:05am
Subject: Re: Hands/foods that help


I suffered from loss of dexterity in my hands at about the six to
eight month range and it has since just about cleared up (I'm at the
18 mth mark). I don't know if it was from the cipro directly or
more from the cipro induced anxiety. The hyper-vigilance brought on
by the cipro induced anxiety can really mess with your head, atleast
it did with me. Tell Aunt to hang in there, she should be turning
the corner within the next few months, hopefully. It took me about
12-14 months to see any improvement, hopefully she will not need so
long to begin her recovery. Whatever you do, don't allow her to
give up hope. In the lowest of low times for me, hope and family
were the only thing to keep me going, and hope was fading fast.
Thank God for family.

Take care,

Gary

21334 From: garym52 <ggmab@f...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 1:16am
Subject: Re: head pressures/stabbing pains + my story


rscott,

I too have been dx'd with BFS, and have been suffering for about 18
months. My bfs started about a week after finishing a 7 day course
of cipro. I too had the shoting pains your describe, but thankfully
they have lessened over the past year. FQ's (cipro in my case)
obviously do something to our nerves/muscles to cause BFS as there
have been many other people complain of twitching as an adr to
them. By the way, I've been a member here for almost 18 months and
you are the first person that I've seen who posted about BFS (by
name), other than me.

Take care,

Gary



21343 From: jefeche <jefeche@y...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 4:36am
Subject: Re: What causes relapses?


What makes my very angry is that these drug companies make these
drugs to help people and then they turn around and destry a
percentage of people. Why cant they spend some of their
multibillions of dollars to develp some form of reversal antitode to
these ailmets, i am sure they would continue to make a pretty penny
from all those suffers..

SO is Gabba receptors are what is responsible for this problem we
have. Are there any studies to find out a medicine that can control
these syptoms, i mean diabetes can be controlled and you can live a
realitively normal life.

These problems we have are so scarely and painful, you just dont
know what to expect from day to day...

ANother weird thing i am curious about is wy doe sthe pain shift to
different locations... Like why can you leg be incapable of moving
one day and then the next it is fine but the other one does not work.

I almost feel like this drug moves to different locations at all
times through he blood...almost makes me thing if they can clean or
blood that would work... Bizarre as it sounds..!!!!


By the way, and please everyone answer if you can....

When should you stop seeking full recovery... I mean i am 3 years in
this.... some are 4 months and some are at diffrent ranges... i would
like to hear from people who have had recoveries..... later on
especially.... can this be recovered from after 3 years... 5 years...
what!!!!!!


Good night all..... another ant war in my body tonight!

Steve

21345 From: <apcoz33@h...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 10:43am
Subject: levaquin induced tendonitis magnesium and B vitamines


Hi Group,
Its been 4 months since I have completed a 500mg per day Levaquin
program.
I have been SLOWLY recovering from almost delibitating tendonitis in
my inner and outter elbows. Much of it has cleared up, I am in
physical therapy now.
I am getting mixed reports concerning magnesium and b vitamines, I
am reading that they help, I am reading that they make symptoms
worse.
Please clarify this for me.
Thank you much.
Tony


21346 From: Brenda <b-cotter@c...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 11:40am
Subject: measurable vision deterioation


Hi all.

I am a little over a month out from a Levaquin/Cipro catastrophe. Luckily
(the irony of that word) the only symptoms that remain are diffuse joint
pain and head pressure/ eye pain/ vision disturbance.

It just happens coincidentally that I had my eyes checked just prior to the
Levquin fiasco and they were corrected 20/20. Now, one and one half months
later, they are 20/30 and 20/35, i.e. I have lost significant visual acuity.
Luckily (again) the optic nerve appears to be okay.

Anyone has this happen and had it reverse? I partly ask for the practical
reason. Do I need new glasses now or should I wait?

Happy New Year all. Hopefully, everyone here will get better...

Bren


21348 From: mta <spiritmed@r...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 6:28pm
Subject: Re: measurable vision deterioation


My eyes deteriorated to cataracts. I had to have surgery on one of them , for now. The vision itself got noticeably weird after levaquin....now I take eye supplements for free radicals etc

21350 From: Winnie Huguley <winnie@u...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 7:22pm
Subject: RE: measurable vision deterioration


My eyes were drastically affected also. I had to purchase new glasses 3
times in 18 months and now have a small cataract. The Optometrist even
admitted that she had read that the fluoroquinolones could cause cataracts.

Winnie
21354 From: Taunda Nestor <taundaleah@m...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 7:47pm
Subject: RE: measurable vision deterioration

I knew that I had read about cat's not taking FQ's because of eye side
effects. I found this article on fgresearch.org.

Enrofloxacin-associated retinal degeneration in cats.

Gelatt KN, van der Woerdt A, Ketring KL, Andrew SE, Brooks DE, Biros DJ,
Denis HM, Cutler TJ.

Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Box 100126, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Gelattk@m...

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible
relationship between the administration of parenteral and/or oral
[corrected] enrofloxacin and the onset of acute retinal degeneration in
cats. The animals studied included 17 cats that received systemic
enrofloxacin and developed retinal degeneration soon thereafter. PROCEDURES:
In this retrospective clinical study, cats that received parenteral and/or
oral [corrected] enrofloxacin and developed acute blindness were identified.
Parameters recorded included breed, age, sex, enrofloxacin dosage (daily
dose and number of days administered), medical condition for which the
antibiotic had been prescribed, ophthalmic signs, examination results, and
the visual outcome. Fundus photographs were obtained in seven cats, and
electroretinography was performed in five cats. Histopathology was performed
on two eyes from one cat (case 1) that received enrofloxacin 5 months
previously and developed retinal degeneration. RESULTS: All cats were the
domestic shorthair breed; seven were females (one neutered) and ten were
males (seven castrated). Ages ranged from 3 to 16 years old (mean +/- SD;
8.8 +/- 4.6 years). The medical disorders for which enrofloxacin was
administered ranged from lymphoma and pancreatitis to otitis and dermatitis,
and eight cats had urinary diseases. The daily and total dosage of
enrofloxacin and number of days of administration were also highly variable.
Presenting clinical signs were most often mydriasis and acute blindness. All
cats had diffuse retinal degeneration as evidenced by increased tapetal
reflectivity and retinal vascular attenuation. Absence of recordable
electroretinographic responses suggested diffuse and extensive outer retinal
disease. Vision returned in a few cats, but the retinal degeneration
persisted or even progressed. Histopathology of two eyes revealed primarily
outer retinal degeneration, with diffuse loss of the outer nuclear and
photoreceptor layers, and hypertrophy and proliferation of the retinal
pigment epithelium. CONCLUSION: Parenteral and/or oral [corrected]
enrofloxacin is potentially retinotoxic in some cats, and may result in
acute and diffuse retinal degeneration. Blindness often results, but some
cats may regain vision. Practitioners should adhere closely to the
manufacturer's current enrofloxacin dosage recommendation (5 mg/kg q 24 h),
and continue clinical observations for this drug toxicity in cats.




21356 From: jwk <jwk@m...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 9:05pm
Subject: Re: measurable vision deterioration

Cataracts are on the ADR list. If not in the new PDR, they've been
officially recognized somewhere in the FDA literature just like the
irreversible nerve damage that isn't yet listed in the PDR. I not only got
cataracts but macular degeneration and I'm nowhere near the age when that
should happen. But it showed up 3-4 years following levaquin toxicity. It
shouldn't be surprising when you think of how many years after being exposed
to toxic chemicals that people get cancer, etc.
21358 From: inthicket <inthicket@y...>
Date: Tue Jan 4, 2005 10:46pm
Subject: Anti-imflammatories


I have heard a lot about no anti-inflammatories, but haven't seen
anything concrete about why they are contra-indicated (or cause
greater "risk of rupture") I do know that Cohen claims they work
for 50% of people with ADRs, and Dr. Flockhart recommends them in
various cases.

It's been over five weeks since my levaquin floxing and i have had
the full spectrum of horrible side-effects: burning pain, crippling
tendon/joint pain, head pressure, etc etc. I stopped taking B
vitamins, which were making me cramp more. b6 in fact can make
neuropathy worse, and I really felt my body react badly when I took
individual b vitamins, including niacin, b12, and folic acid.

Also, magnesium on its own made my pain worse. I have switched to a
cal/mag supplement. I also take alpha-lipoic acid mixed with acetyl-
l-carnitine (solaray brand) and activated quercetin (also solaray)
to enhance vascularization. These supplements support cell function
and seem to be helping. I credit the quercetin for lessening the
burning neuropathy. I also take organic evening primrose oil (per
Cohen's rec) for its anti-inflammatory properties.

I can see the blue veins in my feet (looks like broken blood
vessels), so I'm fairly confident I'm having some vasculitis
issues. Hot baths help stimulate my circulation, and it feels great
to be in the warm water.

As I'm learning, it's tempting to OD on the supplements in the
beginning; but I've narrowed down mine to the above, and I can tell
a difference. Doing extreme things, like cleansing or megadosing,
seems way to dangerous for our fragile bodies. I think eating lots
of healthy organic foods will fill in any gaps.

I highly recommend reading Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain while
you're laid up. It was written for people in our shoes! I tell
myself by the time I finish it, I will feel much better (it's long).

All the best to everyone and heartfelt thanks,

Mary


21359 From: judeesews <jaebees@b...>
Date: Wed Jan 5, 2005 0:51am
Subject: Mulitple Tendon Problems


Heigh Ho All.....
Its been 5 weeks since I took my last does of levaquin... and all of
the pain and swelling I had has been reduced to a few main areas:
The R knee (the left knee is not as bad - but still affected...
hurts to go up or down stairs or take long walks... and if I sit to
long getting up causes major pain - where I cant walk until I slowly
flex my knee/leg for a few min-- embarassing when out to dinner!)
The R thumb and into the index finger (makes it very hard to even
hold a glass of milk or anything at times)The R shoulder - my range
of motion is way down :( Hurts to bring my arm forward, backward
and out to the side) The left shoulder is also affected though,
less. At least all of my fingers are no longer affected as badly
(just a wee bit, compared to a few weeks ago) I go on Thur for a
doctors appt. to get the script for an MRI of my R knee... so much
pain from this :( I am taking 25mg of demerol every 3-5 hours. I
dont get the "waking up gasping for breath choking episodes"
everynight now... just 3-4 times a week. That is a good thing at
least! Nothing is more scarey than not being able to breath!!
My husband is SO supportive... I hope that all of you have a good
support system too!

Does this sound like anyone else - where it has "settled" into a few
main areas after a few weeks? The Choking/gasping for breath? My
depression comes & goes. I am be doing well for a day or so... then
WHAM! its back.



21360 From: judeesews <jaebees@b...>
Date: Wed Jan 5, 2005 1:00am
Subject: A HUGE QUESTION


HI - I know I just posted... but, it just came to me: I had a fever
and huge hives a few years ago and was on Cipro for nearly a month.
I even had huge hives on my feet... (like 15 of them and had to use
a cane to walk) The fevers would spike daily to 103 or so... I went
to so many doctors to find out what I had... from Daytona Beach, to
Orlando even down to the Palm Beach area... and not 1 specialist
could say WHY I was getting the fevers, hives or even give a
diagnosis for what I had. Do you suppose that that could possibly
have been a severe reaction to the Cipro back then??? (The hives
and pain etc?) Even to this day (though the episodes are weeks
apart) I will get the chills... and I will get one huge hive in
almost the exact same spot... The hive goes away after about an hour
or so and just leaves my forearm sore (its always on the left
forearm area). Related?

Interesting thought for sure...

Thanks again... still wanting to know WHY...
Judy




21364 From: Carlene <carly_smith@s...>
Date: Wed Jan 5, 2005 7:12am
Subject: Re: advil/NSAIDs


21370 From: llnanna2004 <llnanna2004@y...>
Date: Wed Jan 5, 2005 7:09pm
Subject: nasea/vomitting


I was on Levaquin for 1 1/2 days and got bad nausea and vomitting. Is
this extremely common?



21374 From: hlnczn <acenzi@f...>
Date: Thu Jan 6, 2005 1:32am
Subject: scared


I took 500mg Levaquin in October for pneumonia. I quit smoking at
the same time. I had many strange feelings and kept blaming them on
smoking withdrawal. It's three months later and I realize the
smoking has nothing to do with what I'm feeling. I have lost control
for a few minutes, thrown things and did some damage in my home. I
have a constant ringing in my ears and feel a pressure in my head.
I have been so depressed that I cry for days at a time. I finally
questioned the medication my dr. put me on and that's where I found
all of you. This is such a nightmare. I've tried to take good care
of myself and now I have been poisoned but somehting that was
supposed to help me. I don't take any kind of medication without
checking into all the side affects first.. I was very sick and
although I read the info for the meds, I don't remember seeing that
all this would happen to me. I'm scared and I want this all to go
away. HElen


21375 From: Gina Martin <ginam2@c...>

21378 From: Brenda <b-cotter@c...>
Date: Thu Jan 6, 2005 0:45pm
Subject: head tremor


Well, I am a little over a month away from a very severe quinolone reaction and things are getting worse. My vision has deteriorated and my eyes hurt intensely. I also seem this week to have acquired a very noticeable head tremor. Also, I have joint pain spreading to the ankles and achilles tendon area and, worse of all, chest pain paired with impaired breathing.

Why do things continue to deteriorate after the drug has stopped.

Has anyone who has had heart issues, head tremor or vision issues had improvement?

Thank you all!

Brenda


21380 From: richardson_bart <richardson_bart@y...>
Date: Thu Jan 6, 2005 4:37pm
Subject: Re: head tremor


I would certainly get checked out by a doctor to make sure that your
chest pains were not early warning signs of a possible heart attack.
I will tell you that I took my last levaquin on October 16th and on
October 29th I went to the emergency room with chest pain. I was also
having vision problems. I could see but light at a football stadium,
for example, was really bothering me. I went in and I was tested and
there were no problems with the heart. I was sent to a cardiologist
the following Monday and had several other tests performed and
everything cameback fine. They originally diagnosed me with acid
reflux. It was an accurate diagnosos since I had been having
heartburn for several years. However, We later determined that the
chest pain was not caused by the reflux problem. The cardioligist
asked what medicine I was on and had been on. When I told him
levaquin and I told him I had to get off because of some other
reactions you could see the light bulb go on in his head. He told me
what a bad drug it was and how it could and probably would cause me
some other problems. He said that it would be in my body for at least
one year. However, he felt that it would get better with time. It has
but I am still fighting it. I have days or even weeks without
symptoms and then I will have days or weeks with symptoms. The
symptoms are pain in the ribs, pain just below the ribs, pain in the
upper abdoman, and pain in the lower abdomen. The pain is not severe
and it is not constant. I have been checked and rechecked and the
test all come back fine. Sometimes I will have slight pressure in my
head. Also, since levaquin my immunity seems to have decreased. It
seems that I am catching more colds and getting more sinus infections
then I have had in years. Please do get checked if you have not.
However, don't be shocked if all the tests come back normal. That has
happened to many people that are on this board and it has happened to
a couple of people that I know as well. Also, follow some of the
advice that other people on this board offer. Many of them have been
fighting this a lot longer than we have. They know what they are
talking about. I have been fl=ollwing the advice about diet and it
has really helped me.








21399 From: <Beadit42@a...>
Date: Sun Jan 9, 2005 10:34am
Subject: Re: Re: head tremor


I have been sick for over 7 years now and used to post on this site for
years. I will be 54 in April. After my hysterectomy, I had an infection and that
is when I was floxed, but a few times before that and after, unknowingly that I
was allergic to it, I was given Cipro. One would never put 2 and 2 together
that their knees gave out on them or their heart was racing due to an
antibiotic. Only rashes or anaphlatic (?) shock would the doctors say you were
allergic to the meds. I sort of gave up because we weren't getting anywhere with
our letter writing etc. I read your posts from time to time and get upset that
so many new people are on this site now.

I have been on 1mg of Xanax for 7 years now, because I had panic attacks.

I have vision problems, I have hearing problems, thyroid type symptoms,
muscle pains and much more. I stopped eating poultry for 3 years, but recently
started eating it again because I felt that I truly missed it and if I was going
to feel lousy- might as well enjoy my food!! Organic didn't make a
difference to me. Well, I am feeling more lousy as time goes by and now I think it is
the chicken creeping into my system again.

I have symptoms that my doctor whom I love classifies me as an "enigma". She
thinks it is from the Cipro and Floxin I took, but doesn't know what to do
about it either. I've also been to other doctors who look at me as if I have 3
heads. I must add that my son, now 28, took Levaquin at 22 and is still
suffering the ADRs to this day too, but he has torn ligaments and stomach problems.

I have been getting so dizzy lately, vertigo type symptoms and no one can
find out why. I go for more testing this week.

I was diagnosed with Fibro several years back, but have you ever heard of
Costrochondritis??? If you haven't, it's an inflamation of the chest walls and
bones around the chest. A few years back, I thought I was having a heart attack
and went to my doctor. She just touched my chest area and said, "OK, now you
have Costrochondritis"! I said, "OK, what else is new"!!! So, anyone having
chest pain, may want to look into this diagnosis. They give you an
anti-imflam. drug to help! HA HA HA - Vioxx, Celebrex etc!!!!

What I truly want to know is why have they suddenly taken these drugs off the
market, (Vioxx etc) and we have been screaming about ours for years now??
Maybe they will start looking into these soon.


21406 From: lugo1997 <lugo1997@y...>
Date: Mon Jan 10, 2005 3:16pm
Subject: New to researching problems from being floxed


Hi.
After I was hurt in an accident, I was given a Tetanus shot and told
to take Gatifloxacin (Tequin) for a week. Four hours after the first
dose, I had sever head pain. Seven hours after the first dose, I had
a migraine, increased pressure in my head, ear aches, was throwing
up, couldn't tolerate noise, light, heat and felt like the back of my
head at the base of my spine was going to explode. I am not
exaggerating. I had never had a migraine before. I went to the
doctor and was treated for a migraine and got better. Unfortunately,
I have had migraines and dizziness ever since and it seems to be
getting worse. This week I have had 6 migraine days in a row and 8
dizzy days in a row. I have 3 small kids and a husband in the Army
so I am on my own most of the time. I live in a remote area and
health care is hard to come by and quality health care even harder.
I am trying to research some of this on my own. As I type, my vision
is giving me problems and I am not sure if I have another migraine
coming on. I need to get answers soon. Thanks. Kimberly



21413 From: hjvander <hvandeventer@n...>
Date: Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:21pm
Subject: Newbie question - pain in legs


I am a 32 y.o. in good physical health. I was prescribed Levaquin
500mg last week (for bronchitis and ear pain) - I only took 2 doses
before stopping due to sudden weakness and pain in my legs -
especially my knee joints. While I had never been on this medication
(or any other in it's class) before, I had been taking Prednisone for
about a week. I have since learned that these two meds are a bad
mix. My last dose of Levaquin was last Thursday (1/6). My legs felt
a little better on Friday and Saturday but have worsened to the
original level of pain since. It's difficult just walking, so I
don't even dare consider exercising.

I'm wondering how much longer I should expect to have these
symptoms? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.



21417 From: hlnczn <acenzi@f...>
Date: Tue Jan 11, 2005 1:53am
Subject: new warnings for levaquin


The FDA issued new warnings for levaquin in Sept 2004. I got
poisoned by this medicine in October 2004. If I had seen the new
warnings, I never would have taken this poison. How long should it
take for the new warnings to reach the pharmacies? Does anyone
know? Helen

From: hjvander
To: quinolones@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 3:21 PM
Subject: [quinolones] Newbie question - pain in legs



I am a 32 y.o. in good physical health. I was prescribed Levaquin
500mg last week (for bronchitis and ear pain) - I only took 2 doses
before stopping due to sudden weakness and pain in my legs -
especially my knee joints. While I had never been on this medication
(or any other in it's class) before, I had been taking Prednisone for
about a week. I have since learned that these two meds are a bad
mix. My last dose of Levaquin was last Thursday (1/6). My legs felt
a little better on Friday and Saturday but have worsened to the
original level of pain since. It's difficult just walking, so I
don't even dare consider exercising.

I'm wondering how much longer I should expect to have these
symptoms? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.






21440 From: rscott_68 <rscott_68@y...>
Date: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:16am
Subject: how do you cope with symptoms and family?


I still cannot believe what has happend to me (to you all)

The pain and depression are in full force. Neck, feet, legs,
shoulders, back, elbows, ribs, hands, gut, torso, head, eyes. Stabbing
pains,
burning sensations. Joint pains. Tendon pains.
Joints cracking. Eyes full of disturbances. Ears full of
ringing.

I have never been so scared in all my life. I admit this to
you all. My ADR started with my right knee and calfthree months ago -
Now it is everywhere; all encompassing.

How do I look my wife and daughter in their face everynight?
Can they see the fear and despair in my eyes? They
stare in my eyes and
do not see the same person they did three months ago. Neither
do I.
How can I pretend to be the strong person that I was when I can
barely walk 100yards, or even stand in place?
People say it too shall pass, things will get better, I want to believe
this. I have to belive this. For them and myself.



21442 From: jefeche <jefeche@y...>
Date: Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:34am
Subject: Listen to this one!!!


I went to my doctor today to express the pain i am feeling. Since it
has been around 3 years now and the pain is tormenting me so much i
decided to see him afte a year to express I wanted to do some more
tetsts or see another specialist..

Her is what he said.... " Listen you have somatization disorder, dont
waste your time"

I suggested i only had these problems after taking the Cipro he gave
me.. his reply

" I have given this to hundreds of people its all horse shit stop
reading the internet"

I tried to give him a card I received from quinilone group.. his
stance " I dont want it"

I begged him to help me and all he said " I can give you effexor"

Basically I have had burning pain all through my body for 3 years..
and i dont think it will ever go away... so i remain in suffering
till I die i guess i am one of the unlucky misfits of society who
believed in taking this drug...

NO doctor i have seen will consider this a possibility.... saying no
such thing and wont allow me to provide them info..

Basically my doctor of 33 years said if i dont like what e has to say
take a hike and good luck with your pain..

He would not even examine me saw me for 3 mins tops...


Claims all my pelvic, arm leg stomach head pain is simple a
pyschological disorder...

I am so fxxxxxx pissed off! Excuse the term....

For everyone feeling better, be blessed you got over it and relaize
some of us will suffer till the day we die!!!

I have yet to find anything to help me.... guess its wortless trying
to get help.....

Steve


21448 From: Brenda <b-cotter@c...>
Date: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:58am
Subject: insomnia chest pain


Hi all. I am about six weeks out from a Cipro/Levaquin double whammy, My joint /tendon pains have improved lots but I am, not really seeing any incremental improvement at all in my insomnia or chest pain/palpitations or head pressure. Any comments on those symptoms or treatment?

Bren



21449 From: hjvander <hvandeventer@n...>
Date: Wed Jan 12, 2005 5:47pm
Subject: Re: Newbie question - pain in legs - update


I went to my dr's appt today. He said he'd never heard of anyone
experiencing joint/muscle pain in relation to Levaquin. I insisted
that I knew that the Levaguin has caused my symptoms, since they
started hours after taking the first dose - and I have no history of
similar symptoms. He did x-rays of my legs, which came back fine.
Blood work was drawn - results still pending. I'm to f/u with DR
again on Friday.

I am hoping the joint pain in my knees and hips resolves over time,
but I'm beginning to lose faith. It's been six days since my last
dose and the pain in my joints is still getting worse (not
lessening)!!! It's hard to get up and walk - it hurts too bad. I
was glad to hear from Gina that her joint pain got better with
time. Is it normal to expect at least a little recovery in due
time, or is this thing just going to keep getting worse? I'm
getting pretty frightened and depressed by all of this. Also, can't
sleep and no appetite.

Thanks for listening.
21454 From: gotoline37 <gotoline37@y...>
Date: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:53pm
Subject: Newbie needs help understanding symptoms


Hi

I have had several bouts of prostatitis over the years and on two
occassions I was given Cipro (500mg) to take for a few months. Well,
this last bout of prostatitis was horrible (felt like knives being
stuck in my gland!) so I saw a uro and he gave me a round of Cipro for
a month which did nothing and so he switched me over to Cipro XR
(1,000mg once per day). I was starting to feel a bit better but the
uro did'nt give me enough of the Cipro XR (I only got 7 pills) and the
infection came back worse than ever. I thought I was going to die!!!.

Finally, I read somewhere that Levaquin was supposed to be some kind
of "miracle cure" and so I begged and pleaded with the uro to give me
some and he kept refusing. Finally I went to my GP and he gave me a 30
day supply (500mg). So I finished these pills and although I had
aches, pains, stomach problems and all kinds of other problems, I just
put up with it and thought it would eventually go away.

Well, here I am 5 months later and this Levaquin stuff must have a
"delayed" effect because I feel like I am slowly going downhill. Here
is what I have to deal with on a day-to-day basis...

* Dizzyness/lightheadedness (especially when arrising for my chair)
* Sweat dripping down from my left armpit several times each day
* Fatigue, malaise, don't feel like doing anything anymore
* MAJOR anxiety/panic attacks (I'm taking Loprazem for this now)
* Aches and pains in my joints, neck, groin, legs/arms and right-sided
headaches that last a few minutes and then dissapear
* Metallic taste in mouth.
* Tremors, twitches, eye pain/blurryness, brain fog, etc
* A week into the Levaquin BOTH sets of toes went numb!

I'm a reasonably healthy 41 year old non-smoking, non-drinking male
who never felt anything like this prior to taking the Levaquin. Will I
ever get my life back and what can I do to minimize the symptoms?. I
feel like an old man who has just been beaten up and mugged by a gang
of thugs. Sore!!.

Thank you!!!!




21465 From: mistervnv <bu2@s...>
Date: Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:27pm
Subject: Levaquin - Four Months Later


Today is exactly 4 months since I took the last dose of 27
consecutive Levaquin (Levafloxacin) 500 mg pills for an alleged
prostate infection. That was part of a more than a month-long heavy
bombardment with an antibiotic cocktail of drugs.

After only 2 days of Levaquin I had problems for instance a strong
feeling of anxiety and went to see my pharmacist. My family doctor,
my uro etc were all on vacation. There was no one else I could go to.

The pharmacist was sympathetic but insisted I should continue as –
"if you stop now they will start you up on it all over again!" I
stupidly continued with it. Before I stopped I went to see the
pharmacist (a different one on duty each time) 2 more times. My bad
symptoms mutiplied until I had to be taken to ER but even then
nobody accepted that it might be the Levaquin! I experienced a TIA
like episode that everybody, at the time, thought was a stroke.

I had a number of blood tests, saw two eye specialists, three GP's,
and my uro. Also had two Doppler MRI tests, one for carotids and one
for the heart, and a CT Scan of the head done. Two or three days
after the TIA, despite general consensus that "it's not Levaquin!" I
insisted we stop the Levaquin treatment. My uro wanted to switch me
to Cipro!! By this time I knew better and refused. He switched me to
natural herbal medicines and I am doing much better, at least with
the original problem.

I mentioned the internet groups and that many people are crying
bloody murder on account of ADRs from using the fluoroquinolone
based drugs. He dismissed that by saying: "What are you talking
about? I am giving them to patients all the time – left, right and
center!"

Since that time both my uro and my GP have accepted that I am
sensitive to Levaquin i.e. fluoroquinolones. By the way, my
ophtalmologist told me what I experienced was not a TIA but rather
an ocular migraine. Later I searched the net for OM and found the
symptoms and a picture of what I "saw" at one of the sites.

But I maintain that I am not particularly sensitive to FQs. I react
well to all drugs, always have. I have no allergies, no bad
reactions, all medicines always work well with me. Of course
Levaquin may or may not be medicine and the truth is I received
treatment that was too long and too strong. I understand Levaquin
is "safe" if taken for up to 7 days!

Incidentally, they also gave me Vioxx for pain. I was banned before
I used it too much.

Of course there is no such thing as a safe drug. The potential list
of ADRs that came with the Levaquin prescription is a mile long.

Anyway, here is a list of symptoms I have or had since the FQ
experience:

Anxiety - mostly gone, still shows up a bit at times
Panic Attacks - gone
Head Pain - sharp short localized stabs of pain - mostly gone
Headache - on one side only, bearable but steady annoying
pain – mostly gone
Migraines - lately rather bad, today it is better, starts
in the back
migraines are caused by a vascular spasm and
FQs may cause vasculitis
I cannot claim vasculitis or tendonitis but I
think I had some form of both of those
Ear Whistling - not the ringing, a steady whistle – now gone
Insomnia - it was just terrible while I was taking L. Now
much improved.
Light Headedness- not dizziness just being light headed and shaky
still with me
Concentration woes - suddenly my brain stops I can't focus for a
while
Achy eyes - especially the left one – still happens a lot
Dry eyes - ditto
Teary Eyes - happens when I go out into the cold weather
Vision Problems - happens here and there
Seeing Things - Especially in semi dark quarters e.g. at night
I see shimmering or lights floating
Head Pressure - happens in different places especially around the
eyes and the the nose
Throat Squeeze - rare, but very unpleasant
Chest (Wall?) Pains - sporadic, I did not have them before Levaquin
Back problems - low back pain as well as around shoulder blades
still happens
Suden weakness - still happens but not as often
Sweating - still happens even if I am doing nothing
Joint Pain - mostly gone occasional problems with my left knee
still here
Stomach Pains etc- pain is gone, at the height of the problem my
stool was black

I am sure I forgot a few but the message is too long as it is. Sorry.

21471 From: hjvander <hvandeventer@n...>
Date: Fri Jan 14, 2005 6:04pm
Subject: Re: Newbie question - pain in legs - 2nd update


Okay, had a 2nd f/u visit with my MD today. I had printed off a
couple of articles for him to review, and after looking at these he
agreed that my symptoms "could" have been caused from the Levaquin /
Prednisone medication I was taking. He still doesn't have a clue
though. He said as I walked out that he thought I would feel
like "a new man" by Monday! Are these docs for real??!

I'm still having a lot of difficulty while walking...if I walk any
faster than a turtle's pace, then my knee's feel like they are being
stretched / squeezed really tight. Overall, I have to admit the
intensity of my pain has reduced slightly over the past week - but
this may be due to the fact that I've slowed way down in my activity
level. I guess we'll see with time....

Hope everyone has a good weekend.




21474 From: gotoline37 <gotoline37@y...>
Date: Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:31pm
Subject: Constant state of low-level dizzyness


4 months after being on 500mg of Levaquin for a whole month, when I
arise from a seated position, I feel like I'm about to pass out and
like I'm in a constant state of low-level dizzyness. Is this normal or
am I just losing my mind here?. Do Quinolones mess with your
veins/circulation?.

- Thank's


21475 From: gotoline37 <gotoline37@y...>
Date: Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:36pm
Subject: What is "ADR" and "FQs" (Sorry, new to this)


Also wanted to say that I experience almost constant light-headedness
and my legs feel stiff a lot of the time.

21478 From: gotoline37 <gotoline37@y...>
Date: Sat Jan 15, 2005 5:58am
Subject: Any legal remedies available?


I'm not one of those people who go around filing frivolous lawsuits
but I have been seriously damaged here and in a number of profound
ways. I may have to live the rest of my life in this condition and I
find it more and more unsettling every day. I was never warned by my
doctor (or anyone) about the possible long-term implications of taking
Levaquin or that it would drastically effect my health as it has done.
I should'nt have to live this way. Noone should.

Has anyone here had any luck with legal remedies either against their
doctor or the maufacturer of Levaquin or is this one of those cases
where the lawyers won't touch it?. Big pharms have big money and big
lawyers so somehow I don't think I would get anything except an
INTENSE cross examination as I was being ripped to shreds by some
pharmaceutical industry lawyer. So what legal remedies are available?.
I'd love to go down to the court house tommorow if I thought I could.

- Regards



21490 From: <bmr247@y...>
Date: Sun Jan 16, 2005 2:51am
Subject: I need relief.....


With enough of us suffering from the various side effects from
Levaquin and it's relatives, has there been any progress made in
treating the various ailments we now have? Has anyone had any luck
with supplements or physical therapy? Have there been any clinical
studies at all on people experiencing Levaquin-related ailments? I'v
had the joint pains, rashes, night sweats and eye pain for long
enough--I'm desperate for relief. If anyone had had any help from a
physician in the Las Vegas area with knowledge about these side
effects, please email me at bmr247@y.... I'm at the end of my
rope.

karp5050 <karp5050@y...> wrote:
21521 From: hlnczn <acenzi@f...>
Date: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:10pm
Subject: Is there any hope?


I took 500 mg levaquin in oct.for pneumonia. I got pain immediately
but thought I cracked a rib from coughing so hard. I have since had
pain for two weeks in my knee and now in my chest. I can take the
pain but I can't take the ringing in my ears any longer. Is there
anything I can do to make it stop? Between that and the psycotic
episodes I've had I feel like I'm losing my mind.



21531 From: Grettchen Greene <gretchengreene@s...>
Date: Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:25pm
Subject: Cipro side effects


I took Cipro in 1992 and my friend took it also (a double course).
The reasons for taking it were separate, but we now share many of
the same symptoms. Swelling in the gut, sleep difficulties, pain
(alot of pain). Pretty debilitating. It helps to have a forum like
this to share ways of dealing with this. Is there anyone who has
recovered? I was having many problems before taking Cipro, but now
everything is magnified. Sugar cravings. All I can do is take one
symptom at a time and do whatever I can to alleviate this.


21557 From: Ted Winters <tedwinters_@h...>
Date: Wed Jan 19, 2005 9:55pm
Subject: Cipro really that bad??


I've been on cipro for 3 weeks now to cure nausea... Haven't had any
other tests, but was given cipro while in Mexico on vacation.. Gave me
a horrible sunburn..

Came back to Montreal, and a doctor here figures one more week on it,
then further tests..

After reading this site, I'm wondering if I should just stop the cipro
immediately... These are damn scary side effects!!!!!!! I'm 27, love
outdoor activities..

Have many people been able to take cipro without the total body
deconstruction???



21561 From: rscott_68 <rscott_68@y...>
Date: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:45pm
Subject: face pressure/sensations


I have a terrible pressure in my face/nose. Not so much a painful
sensation but an odd tingling/pressure that hits my face between
the band between my ears including my nose. It gets worse when
I move my eyes from side to side. Also, when it is really acting
up my teeth will begin to tingle. Has anyone had this and has it
gone away?





21567 From: Vandeventer, Heath <hvandeventer@n...>
Date: Thu Jan 20, 2005 3:20pm
Subject: Knee's not working right


* Okay, some of my joint pain has subsided over the past couple
of weeks, however my knees continue to bother me. Walking is the most
difficult part. If I walk very slowly, then I'm generally ok. However,
if I try to walk even close to normal speed I begin to experience pain
in my knee caps. My knee caps seem to be moving around a lot more than
usual, and feel very unstable. I've also noticed huge "dimples" (only
word I can think of to describe it) on the inside of my thighs (just
above the knee cap area). I'm not sure if this is from muscle atrophy,
or what? Has anyone else had problems with the knee caps not working
right?

21568 From: judeesews <jaebees@b...>
Date: Thu Jan 20, 2005 7:32pm
Subject: Tendon Problems (Knees & Thumbs)


HI All....

I have finally had the MRI for my R knee and I do indeed have
tendonitis in the knee and in both my thumbs. The swelling and
major pain is gone... but, I continue to have lots of discomfort
when walking (especially upstairs and any elevated surface). I have
to go to the doctors office next week Tues - to find out just "what
we will do" now.

My other tendon issues seemed to have resolved... just the knees and
thumbs are still inflamed etc. I shall keep the list posted as to
what the doc says we will do about the knee problems...

Sincerely ~
Judy


21594 From: Ted Winters <tedwinters_@h...>
Date: Sat Jan 22, 2005 7:09am
Subject: Re: Cipro really that bad?? - minor update


Well, thanks for all the advice everybody!
I had been taking 500mg twice a day for 18 days...
Noticed extreme sun sensitivity (or maybe rash) all over my chest
during the first 4 days.. I happened to be in Mexico at the time..
(same place I was prescribed cipro.. Doc didn't mention sun
reactions,
cipro came with NO warnings..)

I also noticed slight joint pain in wrists and ankles near the end...
The slight joint pain persists, and I wake up with a dry mouth every
morning... I have had two 'heart flutters' occur... One while on the
medication (I attributed to nervousness at the time) and one off...
I also experience a general chest tightness occasionally..

I hope everybody's advice has helped prevent some of the serious and
tragic ADR's that have been posted here.. I've only been off the
medication for 3 days now.. but nothing major has occured!

I've stepped up my calcium and magnesium intake as a preventative...
I'm very glad that I stopped short of the 30 day treatment, and thank
you all for your advice!
I'll keep you updated if any of the symptoms worsen..


21607 From: gsskier1 <gsskier1@y...>
Date: Sun Jan 23, 2005 5:57pm
Subject: Old timers--question


It's been a couple of years for me since my floxing. I have been
through a number of periods of recovery followed by a number of
periods of bad relapse. My problems are mainly centered around the
muscular skeletal system. I can be fairly active during the recovery
periods and then down for the count during the up periods. Anyone
else experience this same pattern? Has it ever gone away for some
after 3, 4, 5, 6 years?


21608 From: dearnannie <dearnannie@y...>
Date: Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:24pm
Subject: DOCTOR IN NY?


Does Anyone know a doctor in NY who understands this
condition of this adverse reaction. Although I have started to
recover after 2 months. The original urological problem that I
was prescribed cipro for never went away. It was recently
re-diagnosed as prostatitis and along with 30 days of Bactrim I
am supposed to take an anti-inflamatory so that it heals and
does not spread. I held out as long as I could and because of
severe pain in my testicles and fear of it spreading took
ibuprofen today. Predictably I guess the symptoms that I
experienced previously from my floxing have been aggravated
but I don't know what to do. If see a doctor who understands this
perhaps he can contact my urologist and they could make some
type of a game plan. I am in an incredible amount of pain and
am very frightened. Please help.

-Warren




21620 From: Dwight Ruffin <ruffin@a...>
Date: Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:27pm
Subject: Re: Nerve spasms


What kind of nerve spasms are you talking about? Do you mean muscle
twitching or irrated nervousness, like when you drink too much coffee.

I have had muscle twitches for 8 months now. They usually start when I
wake up. They continue all day until I go asleep. Sometimes they are
better. I think certain things I eat or drink make them worse.

They are maddening. I am 8 months out from Levaquin 500mg--7 pills. It
really caused a lot of problems. Starting with muscle pain and twitching
and numbness.

I am having a lot of weakness in arms and legs and chest muscles right now,
with twitching.

Good luck.


21638 From: cutte71 <nhoward5@h...>
Date: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:46pm
Subject: New to this site - Cipro ADR


I am just beginning to understand that I am having an adr to cipro. I
took Cipro for three days in mid August for what my doc suspected was
a uti. Here's what happened to me in chronological order:

1. Started with Back pain
2. Began having pain that radiated down leg (thought it was sciatica)

Within two weeks:
3. Noticed pins and needles sensation on fingertips

About three weeks the following happened:
4. Muscle twitches started in legs
5. Develped floaters
6. Buzzing feeling in calves and feet
7. Rapid heartrate
8. Weakness in left arm and knees

Within another week
9. Severe fatigue
10. Muscle cramps
11. Horrible shoulder pain
12. Eye Pain


Like many of you my doc and neuro had no idea what was going on. I
didn't even think to tell the neuro about the dose of cipro b/c it
just didn't enter my mind as a possibility. What remains are: what
feels like nerve pain in arm, eye pain, mild muscle twitches,
occasional stiffness, and these d--m floaters. I've not been on any
meds for it-just the medicinal benefits of a glass of wine.

I saw a patient insert for Cipro on the web dated 4/2004 that said if
you experience many of the symptoms like the ones I mentioned, you
should discontinue use or risk an irreversable condition. Is this
something we have to accept for the rest of our lives? And, anyone
have luck getting rid of these floaters? I have circles and lines in
my vision along with flashes of light.

Anything you guys can tell me would helpful.


21651 From: <go595@c...>
Date: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:44am
Subject: Re: LEVAQUIN


The anxiety is definitely from the Levaquin. I had the same reaction from
both Cipro and Levaquin and had multiple anxiety attacks. It really freaked me
out because I've never had anything like that happne to me in my life. My
advice to you is to STOP taking the Levaquin. The anxiety is just the tip of the
iceberg of possible problems from the drug. Just read more of the posts in this
group. Good luck!
Greg


21655 From: pmfddm <pamsy48@h...>
Date: Fri Jan 28, 2005 4:05pm
Subject: First time "chatting"


I only recently discovered this site as I was doing a google search
to find out what was wrong with me. I took Cipro for 6 days the
beginning of November for a bladder infection. Had a few aches, but
nothing that made me even connect the two, then had hives on my
chest and face when I went to the Dr. He put me on a week of
Prednisone which helped only temporarily, then another month of
Prednisone to "boost my immune system". Now, off any medication for
about a month, I am in constant pain which oddly floats throughout
my body, always a mystery waking up and discovering where I hurt
each day. The past few days I have had such pains in my left thumb
and hand, almost like arthitis must feel. I am 56, walked 2 miles
each day and twice with my dog, but now find myself relying more and
more on my husband who just retired this fall. I am from the Chicago
area and am wondering if Oprah is aware of this or even John Stossel
from 20/20. I have warned anyone I know how life-changing this drug
can be. I feel so blessed I found all of you and as I pray for my
good health to return, I always include you. Sorry this is so long,
and thank you for listening.

21662 From: Fran Salomons <fsalomons@y...>
Date: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:42pm
Subject: Re: trajectory of healing


I haven't posted for awhile although I follow this site almost daily. I live in Western Canada.

It has been almost eleven months since I was "floxed" after taking 7 days of cipro followed 2 weeks later by 7 days of levaquin for a UTI. After 2 ER visits, an MRI, CT scan and many other tests, the doctors told me I had fibromyalgia (yeah right!) - I know without a doubt I had an ADR to the fluoroquinolones.
At first the anxiety was unbearable and the only way I made it through was by taking ativan. That eventually subsided after approx. 2 -3 months.
The tingling and feeling of being "sunburned" on the inside is about 60% better. I do have relapses usually after a trial and error of different foods I eat ( I got a very severe one after eating shrimp last fall). The relapses makes me "tingly" mostly on my entire right side - much like novacaine coming out after freezing. I also suffer from a sore right forearm with some minor soreness in my right knee and heel. I have come to the conclusion I am just chemically sensitive to most things - even fruits that have pesticides on the skin cause symptoms -even afer I scrub them.
The relapses are getting less severe and fewer and farther between. I also seem to tire more easily than before I was floxed.

So yes, for me it's been two steps ahead and one back over a long period of time. However I think everyone reacts differently.

This site has been very helpful, thanks everyone!

21672 From: redwhiteblueballoons <redwhiteblueballoons@y...>
Date: Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:47pm
Subject: relapse ?


Hi

I got floxed almost 6 months ago, I felt like I was starting to get
better. Now the past few days I have been really anxious again and
depressed and temper flaring. I can't sleep. I finally get a little
sleep out of exhaustion. Before this I had been kind of depressed
and really sleepy which I prefer if I had to choose, to the anxiety
and not sleeping much.

On top of that I have had some pain in the big muscles of my arms and
legs. I try and take it real easy so I don't make that worse. I
think I read the muscle pains can start at about 6 months am I
right ? If so is that permanent ?

I am still trying to eat and drink real healthy and I don't eat any
meat any more. My eyes are dry all the time and I can't wear
contacts any more. I read some old letters on this forum and it just
gets scarier and scarier. Then I get relatives who took it and say
they were OK and even a friend who basically wrote me off cos she
can't believe this is possible. She took Cipro and was OK.

Doctors didn't help me they probably made some things worse. Anyway
is it common to have a relapse and why now ? I am still eating right
and taking it easy and trying to avoid any stress. Why all of a
sudden am I anxious again and I also have had the chills the past
couple of nights even with blankets on.

I also have pains that come and go and I worry that the pains will
become permanent. BY that I mean joint pains. Why don't they take
this off the market ?

Thanks for any help on this.


21673 From: redwhiteblueballoons <redwhiteblueballoons@y...>
Date: Sat Jan 29, 2005 2:00pm
Subject: Re: Diffuculty breathing.....


I have trouble breathing too, or taking a full breath. Also
swallowing, I used to be able to gulp down water now I have to ease
it down or sip it. If I don't drink water all the time I get worse
pains and dryer eyes. So that makes it a special kind of hell.

I really am upset about ALL this (all my ADR which is a lot !!), and
told my husband I wanted to shoot myself in the head. That isn't
like me AT ALL, I'm worried and so is he !!

-----------------------------





21710 From: hlnczn <acenzi@f...>
Date: Mon Jan 31, 2005 7:17pm
Subject: head pressure


I was floxed three months ago. I have constant pain, ringing in my
ears and head pressure. This morning the pressure was really bad
and I feel very scared and nervous. I felt that for two months but
today is like the first day all over again.


21714 From: judeesews <jaebees@b...>
Date: Mon Jan 31, 2005 8:22pm
Subject: Another Update


Hi all ~ Well, its official! I have tendonitis in my R knee and in
both thumbs - thank you Levaquin. I also have a tear in the lateral
meniscus ....in the same knee as well as some built up fluid.
Related or not, there was NO pain until I had Levaquin in mid Dec of
2004. I go tomorrow for the results on an MRI on my low back that
has flared up dramtically as well - I dont think that it is related,
but the levaquin may have added to my whoas. I am SO tired of the
pain and discomfort! Perhaps a plan of action will be made
tomorrow... we shall see. In the meantime, I have "fired" my family
benefited from the pain killer effect but (we don't know this) they
might also have contributed to "other symptoms" popping up later
related to tissue or tendon problems. After all BigParm is not
necessarily telling "THE TRUTH" about the reactions and even less
about how to treat the reactions. So why would any of us put our
bodies back in their hands?????




21742 From: cutte71 <nhoward5@h...>
Date: Wed Feb 2, 2005 9:37pm
Subject: Anyone with vertigo?


On Monday I had a bout of vertigo for the first time in my life. It
was absolutely horrible. My doc sent me to the ER where I was
diagnosed with labrynthitis. I couldn't help but think this must be
another adr from the cipro. I asked the doc about this possibility
and she said it was "very unlikely". So, I am just wondering whether
anyone else has had this condition.

Thanks as always.