This personal story was originally posted to the Quinolone Adverse Reaction Forum. If you are a victim of a quinolone antibiotic and need support or advice then please visit the Quinolone Adverse Reaction Forum (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quinolones/).
 

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Avelox + Cipro + Levaquin
Posted on 5 November 2002 [See earlier story on 23 February 2002]
A year ago today is the day I came down with a 103* temp and body aches that felt like someone was stabbing me with knives all over. I thought I had the flu, but boy, now I understand my nitemare.

One year later and I sit here and feel relief that I am still alive, because while I was going through those first four months, I surely thought death was following close behind. The night sweats, paranoia, electric shocks to my body when I tried to sleep, shooting nerve band pain and severe burning in every inch of my body was sure to drive me mad. I had never cried so much in my whole life, not even when I lost my mother.

I look back, and I am suffering a little depression at the loss of a year. BUT...I want this also to be a help to those of you that are just starting your journey. In some cases such as mine, things DO get better. Things will never be the same, I still suffer from time to time from nerve band pain all over my body at certain times which I am starting to understand happens when I drink wine, or eat certain foods . My feet feel as if the bones are painful mush when I get up in the morning and the bones in the heals of my feet feel as if they will break through the skin, but do get better if I flex them first before getting out of bed. After the first four months I was no longer paranoid, and starting living again. This experience made me realize how valuable my life is, and I actually accomplished more in this year emotionally and project wise then I have done in years. I didn't have more then and hour sleep a night from November to January, but that has gotten better, I sleep all night now. My eyes will never be the same, I have nerve pain in my right eye that no one will acknowledge exists (it must be my sinus condition they say....not). I have a gold spot in my right eye that is present when I look away from the computer screen. This still scares me, and I know I have to search deeper for an answer. The neurloigist thought I was crazy of course when I went to see him. "It is a neuropathy of unknown cause" he told me. The burning sensations in my body are almost gone, they errupt only when I am over tired or under stress.

This is just a reminder for myself and maybe comfort for those just starting their journey, that time helps, and support from forums as these help. Kind words and encouragement help the soul. It is getting better for me, and it is my deepest hope that those just starting find hope and comfort here. Keep a positive outlook and know that not all the advice here will cure you, but you can't beat the fact that everyone here shares this ugly scourge and has compassion for you. At times this forum was my only lifeline. Thanks.

Originally posted on the Quinolone Adverse Reaction Forum at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quinolones/message/10554