Levofloxacin - Tendonitis

Tim,

I stopped taking the Levo. I called my Doc and told them im not taking the meds no more. Now im waiting to see what the substitution is with.

I've not come across that before, but I'm afraid most medication has side effects and its worth reading the note supplied and just being aware of anything odd. Not sure which broard spectrum antibiotics saved me last time, when my infected thumb was spreading to my arm but at the time I would have accepted tendon issues as the lesser of evils. We just arent that good at assessing risk.

Levofloxacin belongs to the Fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. They were designed to tackle Anthrax, Pandemics etc. They are the 'Big Guns' and they are NEVER supposed to be prescribed as a first line defence. There is an MHRA directive to this effect but most GPs and Specialists are unaware of this and the many horrendous Adverse Reactions, that are 'hidden' in the patient leaflets and listed as either 'rare' or 'very rare'. I can tell you that I have come across thousands of people who have had the varied ADRs, often they are delayed and don't manifest for months after stopping the Fluoroquinolone. They are supposed to be used as a Last Resort, when all other antibiotics have failed to work ie., when it's a life or death situation. They cross the blood brain barrier and affect DNA - breaking strands. Their ADRs are systemic and typically cascade throughout the body. 

I was was literally bedridden for almost 6 months, due to both Achilles and all tendons in my feet and ankles being affected. I was completely unable to walk. Many people are affected after only one tablet and others take longer to reach their own personal threshold of tolerance. I took Levofloxacin almost 2.5 years ago and I still suffer from some ongoing ADRs.

In the USA over the last six months, there have been many TV news items, about this class of antibiotic and the news channels have been inundated with thousands of sufferers. I know of some who have lost their lives due to FQ Toxicity.

Please look them up, as they are unlike any other class of antibiotic. They contain Flurine molecules, which allow them to penetrate deeply into cells. They are actually chemotherapeutic agents.

Don't ever take them, unless your life is truly at risk!

Plodding on

 

Looking back in my diary, I was given Flucloxacillin for a staph infection that was resistant to the first line of defense.. big dose but it sorted it

I don't think that's a Fluoroquinolone Tim. It can be confusing because of the prefix 'flu' but that sounds like one of the penicillin types. I posted a really long list of all the generations of FQs, in a discussion..... if I knew where you could find my list, I'd say but this site being as user unfriendly, as it is, that's difficult! Have a look around the discussions here though. Ciprofloxacin is in common use here, especially in hospitals and after any surgery. The FQs usually have the word 'flox' in the name but not always, which has given rise to the term 'Floxed', those of us who have been poisoned by them, use to describe what has happened to us.

FQs will usually clear up an infection (they are like sledgehammers) but the destruction they leave in their wake, is criminal. What's worse, is that many Floxed people can't get their docs to believe them! I was 'lucky', as mine did. There was nothing to be done to help but at least I had support. I was also lucky that my tendons didn't rupture (fingers crossed, as I'm not out of the woods yet). My affected tendons are still painful and any tendons can be affected and may rupture. FQs destroy Collagen and it never regrows in the same ordered way. As I said, FQs penetrate any/all systems in the body and it is even thought that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia could be due to FQs. 

They have been used in their millions for the military and it's beloved that Gulf War Syndrome could be FQ Toxicity. Also they are being chucked at African countries, to protect against Ebola and now millions are having strange, unexplained  symptoms.

Sorry, I could waffle on about this subject for ever!

Plodding on

 

My apologies......Flucloxacillin is an FQ Tim. My brain is foggy today!

Am even more confused now as i didnt spot any warnings on the Flucloxacillin sites and I certainly had no negative side effects

After telling you it wasn't an FQ, I looked at one of my FQ lists and there it was, so although I feel like a complete idiot (especially having posted all those incorrect links too) I had to let you know. Have you looked it up on the drugs&.com site? (Miss out the &; I only write it like that here, otherwise it'll take 24 hours for the post to appear). It should tell you on any info, which class of abx it belongs to though.

Often people can take one or two plus, courses of FQs and they say they've been fine. The problem is that everyone is different and each person has their own individual tolerance threshold, beyond which the ADRs can be noticed. Once you reach that point, it can just take a single dose to push you over into the ADRs. Many say that the damage is being done but people haven't been aware that things are going on. 

Also people can be suffering odd symptoms but not realise they're down to the FQs. You could use the last link I posted before and go to the Floxie Hope site, where you'll find a list of ADRs....ranging from musculoskeletal or Central Nervous System problems, to Digestive etc.,the type of ADRs is huge.

You are lucky you weren't affected. If I were you though, I wouldn't risk taking them again.

Plodding,

Looks like the meds i took is part the of 3rd generation. I have taken Cipro before and had no issues. But i am afraid if they give me Cipro again that this tim emy body wont be able to handle it.

Im starting to get a little worried now.

My other foot is starting to ache a little and now my wrist hurt a bit.

Im not taking the Levo no more and my Doc know that.

Any suggestions of any herbal or supplements to take to help repair the Tendons?

Hi jha

I'm really sorry that you're starting to feel worse, with pain now in your other foot and wrists.

Your doc should know that as you're now experiencing Adverse Reactions to  a Fluoroquinolone, he mustn't prescribe you any more Quinolones. It makes no difference whether it's Cipro or Levo. They will all have the same effects on you. As you've taken Cipro before, with no problems, because the FQs are cumulative, you've now reached your tolerance threshold. You mustn't take any more FQs, no matter what they're called; they will just make you worse. You and your doc should report these Adverse Reactions to the MHRA, under the Yellow Card Scheme. The EMIS moderator has included the link you need for this, in the pinned post....the link I gave you last (I see that they have kindly removed all my previous mistakes in giving you that link). You should also report these effects to the dispensing Pharmacy and they will report to the drug company.

My ADRs started gradually with general aches in my legs, which moved down to one Achilles and then to the other and also to my feet and ankles. I felt changes for the worse each day. I hope your stops progressing soon.

All I can recommend, although I did nothing, is to take Magnesium supplements, as FQs deplete the body of this and you could also try putting some Epsom Salts in a bath and soaking regularly. I found that heat helped the pain a little, using hot water bottles wrapped around the painful areas and then I bought a few of those wheat filled bags that you heat in the microwave. Then you should rest your feet and take care not to put any stress on the Achilles, to avoid rupture. I wish I wasn't freaking you out but unfortunately, there's no way to give you this info without alarming you. However, you may find that you don't get any worse, as we are all different and react differently, so just because I ended up immobile for so long, doesn't mean that you will too. If you. Look at the MHRA site, you can find a table showing the ADRs which have been reported and you'll see that Musculoskeletal issues are the most commonly reported. Remember that most people,don't send in a report...many don't realise they are having adverse reactions.

Keep in touch and let us know how you go on. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and if there's anything else I can help with, don't hesitate to ask.

You might want to repost where you are up to now, on the discussion where the pinned post is, as others with FQ Toxicity will find you too. A couple of us have been private messaging and one man has been seeing an Integrative Medicine Clinic and ohers will be alerted of your post. It's good that we are discussing it within this discussion too, as there will be others with tendon issues who may also be experiencing ADRs, specifically Tendonitis, to FQs.

Take Care

Plodding on.

 

Hello Ploddingon,

Well today was a little better. The pain was alot lighter today. Hopefully seems to be fading away. I did ice it for a little while. I also got in a hot tub to relax my body. I guess those things seem to help. I also rub Bengay on my feet before i go to bed.

Not sure if your in the US or not. But Bengay is basically a icehot cream to relax muscles.

One other thing i began this week was Acupuncture. I have been wanting to do this for multiple other issues for some time now. So curious how that is going to work.

The Doc did return my phone call today and told me that he wont be putting me on any other anti-biotics. I have a follow up here in two weeks.

Thanks for your recommendations. Your right it is good to report these things.

I hope the rest of the week it improves.

 

I'm so glad that you're feeling a bit better and I really hope this continues.

I'm in the UK. As you're in the U.S., you'd report your ADR to the FDA and not to our MHRA!

Acupuncture can do no harm at least and and may do much good. I'd say it's definitely worth giving it a try.

Magnesium's especially good for Floxies and the B Vitamins are worth taking too, along with Vitamin C.

I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Keep on keeping on...

Plodding on

 

Hello Ploddingon,

Well just thought I would provide an update. My foot seems to still be improving day by day. I happen to see the doctor Thursday. I told him about the Levo causing my foot to hurt. I told him the Achilles is hurting. He told me that this never use to happen for the first 15 years the medicine was out. Then all of sudden out of no where people starting to complain. He then ask me you sure its not in your head. i told him No.

Also just FYI my urologist prescibed me the Levo for my Prostate problems i am currently having. I have a follow up coming up soon.

I told him about Acupuncture but he says it wont help and he told me to be careful cuz Dr's for Acupuncture claim to heal many things.

Thanks

It's great you're still improving!

So many people are being told they are imagining the Adverse Reactions. Hell, they are listed in the patient information but docs and patients tend to ignore anything listed as 'rare' or 'very rare'. I used to also. Even if they were rare (which they're not) it doesn't mean they can't happen. As I've said, I have been in contact with thousands of Floxed people. Why then does he say that other people are complaining too? So he has come across this before!!! That says a lot! I get so angry when docs say 'it's all in your head'. I had a ultrasound of my Achilles and it showed changes, which couldn't be explained. We know we are not imagining the pain! Aaarrrgghh. I did not imagine not being able to lift my feet off the floor and the pain was horrendous.

You should read 'Bitter Pills' by Stephen Fried.....so should your doc.

You say you were prescribed the Levo for your Prostate. Can I be personal and ask if it was Prostatitis? Many men are being prescribed FQs for this. I recommend strongly that you go to Lisa Bloomquist's Floxie Hope website. There is specific info about FQs and Prostatitis (if that was the reason) and says it doesn't help with that problem. There's also lots of other useful FQ info too and Lisa writes in words which are easy to understand (thank goodness). She also has a good e-book out called Floxie Hope. It's on Amazon and only short and not very expensive. I recommend that too.

If you are on Facebook, there are a few groups for those affected by FQs and most of the people are from the U.S. You may find them useful too. Some are full of bitter people who like arguing though, so be warned. If you do join any, my advice is to go to the files sections and take what you need and then get out. There are some letters and files specifically to give doctors who don't believe or who don't understand.

Have you seen any of the U.S. TV news channels recently? There have been at least 20 reports about FQs over the last 6 months. The main channels eg., CBS etc have run the stories.

Acupuncture may not heal but it could help and it certainly won't harm.......except lighten your pockets! I don't know if it's expensive in the U.S.

Take care and do stay in touch here.

Plodding on

Hello PLoddingon,

Appreciate your feedback. Helpful information.

And yes it is Prostatitis. I have been fighting for about a year now. Some improvements. But still not cured.

So you recommend those books by Lisa?

BTW, I have been told and read the best way to cure prostatitits is by FQ's. But so far not much luck. Like i said i have had some improvements but no luck.

According to Lisa, Prostatitis can't be cured with FQs.

She has only the one book; an e-book called by the same name as her website "Floxie Hope", sold on Amazon. I really do recommend it and also her site. I think she has something up there about Prostatitis.

i know of at least 2 men who were given Cipro for the same condition. Another was given Larium, I think and that also left him with awful ADRs. It didn't cure it and left them with ongoing FQ Toxicity.

i have just been told my Cortisol level is too low and have to see an Endocrinologist. Apparently there are many Floxies who also have low Cortisol and I'm now thinking this is another result of Levo! I have most of the symptoms, which overlap with FQ ADRs. There is an article linking cortisol to FQT, on the Hormones Matter website.

These FQT ADRs seem to go on forever. Ugh

Plodding on

Ploddingon,

Sure i will take alook at the book.

Also just FYi i am also taking Vancomycin that my Urologist prescribed me as well. So far medicine has been treating me ok. Although i hate taking meds to begin with. But it seems we needs them to get better. ughh..

Also back to your other reponse on Acupuncture. You mentioned you think it wouldnt heal it but could help. My Doc did say the same thing you said. But you may be right it wont hurt to try. But i hope that the Acupuncture will help my Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome caused by the Prostatitis. Or maybe having my Chirpractor take a look as well.

Just on a side note. I seem to be improving on the tendons (right foot). I hardly feel any pain. I did ice for a few days and applied Bengay as well. I feel like i can wokout now. But still scared i may tear something.

Hello Ploddingon,

Well my pain symptoms retured on my foot. I had to go to the doctor to make sure i did not rupture my Achilles. The GP prescribed Meloxicam for the pain. That was on Monday (9-7-2015). The GP also said if i dont get anybetter by Friday (yesterday) to go see a foot doctor. So that is my plan.

Also i seen my urologist on Friday. I told him that i have not improved with the Vancomycin and Levofloxacin he prescribed for my prostatitis. He prescribed me Amoxicillin for 14 days and wants to do a CT scan.

I'm thinking of seeing a different Uroligist.

I have been seeing this Urologist for one year now. I am just not getting better. See no light at the end of tunnel.

UGHHH...

Thanks

Hello Ploddingon,

Just FYI i bought the book. Will begin to start reading this over the weekend. Just FYI i also bought a bookcalled "headache of the pelvis". I read that it is good to read for Pelvic issues that could be associated with Prostatitis.

Thanks

Hi jha

I've been meaning to get back to you, as I owe you a huge apology. I told you that Flucloxacillin was an FQ, because it was on a list of FQs. I looked it up again the other day, for a friend and you were correct - it is a Penicillin. I should not give such specific info....I am not a medic (not that medics know any better, as we've discovered). I am really sorry though, for giving you incorrect info. The FQ list I referred to was a few years old and that's all I can say in my defence; more is known about FQs now.

I'm so sorry your foot pain has returned. Sadly this is not unusual; things seem to improve and then it all goes pear-shaped again. Meloxicam is an NSAID and although these are contraindicated with FQs and can make people worse, I take daily Meloxicam for my Rheumatoid Arthritis and I can't manage without it. I don't think a foot doctor will be able to help but that said, I did have an ultrasound on my feet, Achilles etc. and it did show changes, which couldn't be explained. There wasn't anything that anyone could do to help - just time, rest and then VERY gentle heel raises and stretches....but only after about 6 months. A PT gave me Resistance Bands to use but they made everything so much worse, I wouldn't recommend them.

I hope you get improvement with your Prostatitis soon. Try not to lose hope, though we all despair with this poisoning at times. You can get better and I'm sure you will. It just takes time.....lots of it.

Glad you have some reading material now. I think it helps to get back some control by gaining more knowledge and it can only be a good thing.

Thanks for the update. I just wish it was better news. Keep on letting us know how you are getting on.

Look after yourself...you are the best person to do that!

Keep Plodding on