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Hey Kids,
This is Trae, I wanted to let everyone know due to inactivity and spam I have closed the forums.
Until then..
Trae
Home » Forums
Hey Kids,
This is Trae, I wanted to let everyone know due to inactivity and spam I have closed the forums.
Until then..
Trae
Hi. I was prescribed Cipro (generic made/distributed by Bayer) but no label or warning was included. I’m usually very paranoid about any drugs that I get prescribed and I usually run to the internet and do some research about it before taking it. But, for some odd reason, I didn’t do it this time.
The doctor prescribed me Cipro, to take a 500mg pill every 12 hours for 7 days to treat an infection. On the sixth day I finally did the research I didn’t do days before and found out all these horrible stories so I stopped taking it… just one day away… maybe too late.
Anyway, I was feeling good, the infection was gone and after reading about all the side effects then I started to feel things all over my body. I focused specially on the tendon rupture side effect and before reading about it I was walking and going up and down stairs without any problems, but now I feel like something in my legs is going to break.
¿Aren’t we getting stressed about the side effects that our body really make them like that? or ¿all this is part of the side effects kicking in within my body?
Cya all.
Noah, You are not imagining the side effects of Cipro. They are real as all of us on here know.
Stay with us as we encourage one another to become Cipro Survivors. And a note to all of us including Noah:
>Dear Cipro Survivors or those of us attempting surviving,
>
>I looked at some other sites tonight and found this one the most positive with
positive thinking and possible solutions of things to try. Thank you so much,
Nikki (right?) for having this site!!!
>
>I’m at the stage where my right leg is having severe ham string problems and I
hear a popping now and again. Today my husband literarally had to help –
actually lift me up from my seat. The pain is difficult as is sleeping. And
the bottome of my feet hurt all the time. But these are the two worse symptoms
which have cut down from a multiplicity of symptoms earlier. So I thank God for
that (as I’m a believer). If you are not, just keep thinking positive.
>
>Someone mentioned Milk Thistle; I’m trying that and the vinegar and honey.
Willing to try things that have helped others. (Apple cider vinegar by the way)
Praying for all of us including each and every one of you or thinking positive
thoughts for all of us.
>
>Yours for surviving Cipro,
>
>Alison
Hi Allison – Thanks for encouraging others while doing the hard work of healing yourself. It’s that kind of generosity on the part of followers of this forum that makes it different from some other sites.
Have you tried alpha lipoic acid for the painful neuropathy in your feet? It really helped me.
Hang in there. I know how humbling it can be to need help getting out of bed or a chair, or to do the simplest of things. Add to that the lack of validation from most of the medical community that our pain is real, together with the way Cipro can affect brain chemistry, and you have all the makings of some serious depression. One of the best things I’ve found on this forum is encouragement and support that things will improve. You’re talking with people who really do understand.
Vicki,
Thanks so much; hope better late than never works for you. My feet were better, but now again worse, much worse. So I will be glad to try that alpha lipoic acid. Thanks for the advice.
And I agree with you wholeheartedly; we need this site and support group, because I know my doctor does not understand nor even believe all that Cipro can and does do.
How are you doing now? Fine is my hope! You deserve to feel great for the rest of your life after all that you’ve been through. Amen!
Love, Alison
You are probably creating side effects. The fact that you had none until you read about them strongly suggests so. I have done the same with various medications. There is a fine line between being well informed of the risks of medication and over educating. You find then yourself creating psychosomatic fear based symptoms. Constantly scanning one’s self for any pain or discomfort then focusing on it. Hypochondria based anxiety is a powerful foe and should not be under estimated.
Ben – With all due respect, I have to say that it’s responses like yours that drive so many of those damaged by fluoroquinolones nuts. I absolutely grant you that fear, anxiety, and hyper vigilance can cause physical problems. But most of us on this forum will tell you uncategorically that the many harmful side-effects of Cipro are quite real; new side effects sometimes occur long after Cipro use is discontinued; and side effects can wax and wane, or cycle over months/years.
I am firmly committed to analytical, science-based medicine. The problem is, doctors do not understand the science of Cipro — beyond the fact that it kills bacteria. They don’t understand how it affects the many interdependent biochemical processes throughout the body — hence they fail to recognize and associate symptoms with Cipro use. Western medicine tends to isolate systems one from the other, treating each system independently, rather than as a part of a larger whole.
I believe that fluoroquinolone damage can be largely healed, over time, by setting right all the systems affected. The only way to do this is nutritionally, not pharmaceutically. Some suffer long-term damage, for instance to the liver or tendons, and may have to deal with some level of symptoms indefinitely.
As you will read on this forum, there is great commonality, but also significant variation, in the side effects suffered and their intensity. To suggest that these side-effects are psychosomatic is insulting and dismissive. We’ve all experienced that from doctors, friends, even loved ones, but every time it happens it’s galling. People are being legitimately damaged by this drug, as well as Levaquin, Avelox, and other fluoroquinones. Lives are changed by that damage. It’s quite real.
On Natural New, they suggested Maguesium for treatment of tendon issues. I am presently using this and capsules of Gelaton which is helping, but I stiil have pain.
HELP! I cannot get on the new site; Tried over and over and over. Very frustrating as surviving CIpro is hard enough. I was confirmed before and thought I had the correct name and password. But cannot get on; need some HELP please!
I had some immediate reactions when taking the fluroquinolones and then the hard ones set in within a week or two.
I was on Ciprofloxacin 500mg twice a day for two back to back courses and it was all served up with Prednisone throughout.
I am 2.4 years post flox and 3 weeks ago was hit hard and back at the ER and have not been the same since.
I can no longer be up for more than 20 minutes without severe heart and chest pain and difficulties breathing.
I am constantly breathless and have been since the beginning but now it is much worse. This has been a shock.
The random pain in tendons and bones which will be in my fingers one minute then my femur then my shoulder then a toe etc, it moves about and is constant now.
I have been fortunate in that I had no anxiety or depersonalisation nor have I had any tendom rupture.
My biggest issues have been cardiac, brain, vision, acute sensitivity in hearing,breathlessness, a suffocating/pressure feeling in the throat area, insomnia, light sleeping, nightmares and pain in my chest.
I was incredibly fit prior to this about to grade my 4th belt in Muai thai kickboxing and alternating at the gym or jogging the beach for a few miles every day.
I have not been able to do anything physcial since Feb 2010 when I took the pills as my cardiac is so compromised. My heart rate increseas dramatically even from speaking or walking to the bathroom.
I live for the day I can train again and be the powerhouse of strength and energy I used to be. I don’t have fatigue though, I have major adenalin issues, the opposite of fatigue. Forgot to add that one above.
I just want to be able to stand without feeling like I’m either in an elevator which is falling or shooting upward and I long to be able to run and swim and go out into the world again.
Blood pressure too is now extremely low at 80/50 and this is 2.4 years out.
I don’t hear much about others having major cardiac issues which I am glad of for them, not that any of these symprtoms any of us are having are any easier.
I do feel afraid though because its in my heart that even if I tried to do anything I could die.
I’m glad I found this site. It helps to not be so isoalted.
Sorry for the GIANT post, I guess I’ve been carrying that around for 3 weeks since this last scare.
I have been having issues with my heart just started and my blood pressure goes low.
Marie-Have you gone to a cardiologist to check outt your heart? Before I was floxedI had issues w my heart persistant tachycardia I got right after I delived my baby…..it would shoot up to the 130-150 just standing I am too afraid to die bc of my heart….AND I BURN ALL over like a 24 hour sun burn- I could go on and on it SUX w my anxiety panic attacks brain fog etc.
Wow! I am so sorry to hear about how severe your side effects are. Feeling sorry for myself after a month off this horrible drug and still feeling awful, but nothing compared to what you’ve been through. You are in my prayers and positive thoughts being sent to you for a cure and a halting of these awful, terrible, horrendous symptoms. Do keep us posted on how you are doing.
Praying you’ll soon be posting a wonderful survival story. My very best to you, Alison
Dear, dear Marie,
I it’s OK with you I will be glad to put you right on my prayer list (with myself and all of us on Surviving Cipro). I do believe in the power of prayer. One of my favorite poets, Alfred Lord Tennyson penned, “More things have been wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”
I’ve had a little of the heart pressure, but it seems to go away. Blood pressure is unusually low, too. But I have not – or not yet – had the breathing problem which I can appreciate as I had so many asthma attacks last year that my doctor told me I had to quit teaching (42 years of middle school) RIGHT NOW! That was a shocker. Then she said it would take months for my immune system to get back to normal; then the ADR with prednisone began. Just getting over that and then my Primary Care gave me Ciprofloxacin HCL to take care of a UTI last September. Haven’t been the same since. Noticed at times my vision seems affected. I just keep praying and trusting God for a healing. Hope you don’t mind if I pray for you, if you do, I will keep positive thoughts going 24/7!
Please, please keep us posted on how you are doing. We are all here for you and “cheering” you on to better health!
Alison
So sorry, to hear about your regressions after so long. What a slap in the face! Going through it once is more than enough, but to have this dire a reaction is awful. Let’s keep thinking positive and keep those positive thoughts and prayers going that some higher power will intervene and take care of that cipro reaction for you.
lots of love, and do keep us posted on how you are doing. Know that we support you and will be thinking of you.
Alison
depression drops your blood pressure that low. My moms on Cipro now and shes sick from it but they also have her on flagyl too. seems like we are all living in hell. some life huh?
Hello, I have been suffering from being poisoned by cipro, and I just recently found out that I am pregnant, is there anything you can recommend for me? Will the baby be poisoned aswell?
Hope and pray that someone more knowledgeable than yours truly has a good answer for you. Do please keep us posted. Prayers for a successful pregnancy with no complications! Alison
Is Bactrim OK? Is it safer? I know it is not a quinilone but there us a website that makes bactrim look just as bad as cipro. Coments?
George, Just read this and I know it was quite a while ago – in fact when my reaction to Ciprofloxacin started was in September. But at that time I did not know about Bactrim, but this Christmas a good friend of mine was given Bactrim for an infection and ended up in the ER. It triggered what appeared like severe osteoarthritis in her knees and wrist. She had to use crutches and have her wrist taped. Then she and her husband both caught the flu that they were exposed to in the emergency room. She has had a rough go of it; getting better a little each day like those of us on Cipro are doing hopefully. Just to let you know. How are you doing?
I am so glad to have found this website…. Thank God for it and it finally brings a piece to the missing puzzle of what I have struggled with after taking Cipro…. First dose when hospitalized five years ago with diverticulitus… Was injected with Cipro four days… More d attacks later so more Cipro… You all have confirmed much with your testimonies…I have good days and not so good. But I see I am not alone….thanks
What are my chances of healing from toxic neuropathy?
I have Peripheral Neuropathy from a prescribed, 21-day treatment of Ciprofloxacin (500 MG twice a day) back in June 2012 for a case of prostatis. After 3 weeks, I first noticed the pain and then I quickly stopped taking it after noticing very severe pains. Now, 3 months later – the 1st week of October, I still have frequent pains though they are far less painful. At the time, I was taking Cipro I was also taking the NSAID Naproxen (1 pill per day and my 1 MG of Clonazapam twice a day). I have discovered afterward that taking NSAIDS and benzos such as Clonazapam/Klonapin while taking Cipro augments Cipro Toxicity. I have had many tests done – I do NOT have diabetes or MS. So this suggest further that my Neuropathy is from taking Cipro.
I had regularly drunk less/or about one 6 -pack of beer on the weekend – so alcoholism seems a very unlikely cause. Now, in October of this year, I still suffer from daily pains of burning, needle and pinpricks and cramps, especially in my feet, toes, and fingers. What has changed is that I no longer feel the hardcore stabbing pains in my toes or the prolonged cramps.
I even have days where I feel “Almost Normal”. Basically I’m afraid of what most Cipro poisoned people are of – that this pain will last for the rest of our lives. Still, I feel much better then I did 3 months ago, especially after taking the four vitamins I’ve been taking daily since august. (Vitamin C 120 mg, Omega 3 120 mg, Magnesium 250 mg and B-12 500 mcg). Please give me your opinion on my case, as I think it will help many others with similar circumstances.
Wow. I did not have days where I felt “almost normal” at 3 months. I’d say your chances of healing are quite good. Hang in there!
Thanks. …As it is I have flare ups of bad days when the pain is very annoying and almost unbareble, but then days when I certainly feel it fading away…times where the pain is far “less frequent” and “less painful” – the 2 ways I judge my healing. I can only hope these are good signs. I keep a daily journal of how I feel each day & what I’ve done. This helps me figure out what irritates my symptoms as well as what heals them, i.e, bad weather, exercise, new vitamins, whatever.
I started eating better and lost nearly 30 pounds in 3 months. (quit Fast-Foods) I will continue to try to be a healthier person, even when this neuropathy stops – better for life in general I think .
About “Escapes”
Escape #1: Dreams
On an odd note – I practice some strange “escapes” that keep my mind off of the pain. First off, I take no medication for the pain at all. I only take 0.5 mg of Clonozepam/Klonapin twice a day for the anxiety – the rest of the stuff I take are vitamins. So I’m always looking for an escape.
– so, back to the escapes – I realized I dream every night and I kind of live a 2nd life there (in the dreamworld that is – like most of us ) where the pain can NOT follow. So that’s something we can all look forward to EVERY night.
In the morning, I write down the dreams in a daily journal so I can remember them as life-experiences. We literally spend half our lives sleeping, so I figure remembering the dreams (no matter how odd or silly) owes the same as remembering real experiences at times.
Escape #2: RPG Video Games
I also got into playing certain types of Video games. Yes, I’m 42 years old, but I noticed that playing “RPG” or Role Playing Games (On X-Box or PlayStation, or whatever) provides a weird escape from real life. RPG games don’t require much rampant button pushing as most video games; so it’s not so bad on your fingers – and after a while playing them, they place your mind in an alternate world so to speak.
This might seem downright stupid. It certainly sounds stupid, but it’s not. I actually got this idea when I heard that video games are banned from prisoners -why? Not because its entertainment (many prisoners have TVs) but because they make time pass quicker and provide a kind of limited alternate reality that Wardons don’t want prisoners to have.
It seems to me, that your mind can only focus on certain things at a time – playing video games for a while during your day or after work in your personal time WILL relax you and take your mind off of depressing thoughts -plus they are just fun in general.
There are many RPG games for women, too like any of the SIMS games. I play Fallout 3 -an apocalyptic game & some cool Star Wars ones, too. ..Is this immature? — it probably is – does it work as mental therapy? – I KNOW it does for me.
In my therapy group other people use TV shows to pass time and for similar reasons (any Netflix or cable TV Series to be specific) to get their minds off of negative things – I think gaming may be similar, just more interactive. The difference being, games place YOU in the show rather than just watching it.
Anyway, that is my two thoughts regarding “Escapes”.
Hi everyone! I am 5 weeks post flox and need to have my wisdom tooth extracted. Are there any painkillers that we can take? Is anesthesia safe for us? Many thanks!
Make SURE you tell your dentist that you have neuropathy or toxic poisoning. In the US, most local anesthetics are safe, but some used in Canada and Europe, particularly one called “articaine ” & “Ultracaine” as well as “prilocaine & Citanest ” that are basically the same drug under different names, are ones to avoid.
I posted a link about this below and the paragraph where I got it from. Remember though, don’t be too upset by these findings -these are very rare occurrences and most in America are quite safe.
Link:
Dentists & Neuropathy
http://www.cda.org/Library/cda_member/pubs/journal/jour998/complica.html
Pasted paragraphs on dentistry and Neuropathy:
(How often do paresthesias occur in nonsurgical dentistry? A recent study led to an estimated incidence of 1 irreversible paresthesia out of every 785,000 injections.13 It has been stated in a legal case in Canada that this low frequency would not warrant advising every dental patient of this risk prior to each injection.14 This same study did note that specific drugs were more likely to be associated with paresthesia. Two drugs, articaine (which is available in Canada and parts of Europe under the trade name Ultracaine, among others) and prilocaine (Citanest), were more likely to be associated with paresthesia compared with the other anesthetics, and this was statistically significant when compared to the distribution of use.13 These same two drugs were again found to be significantly more likely to be associated with paresthesia in 1994.15)
Also avoid taking any NSAIDS ( such as Alieve, Naproxen and Aspirin) as in people affected with Cipro toxicity, it can “augment” the problem. I hear Tylenol and Acetaminophen is safe though.
Hello everyone. I am 3 weeks post Cipro (I started the meds on Sept. 15 and finished on th 22nd). On 9/9/12, we were finishing up our vacay to SeaWorld in San Antonio when I woke up with diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, & headaches. I waited it out 4 days, assuming it was a stomach bug. That Thursday, I went to see a doc, who told me she thought it was probably just gastroenteritis. No tests were done or anything…she just said “If you don’t get better in a couple of days, here’s a prescription for an antibiotic.”
That Saturday, I started the antibiotic (2 500mg pills a day for 7 days). The first night, I experienced a panic attack for the first time in my life. Anxiety, racing heart, shortness of breath! I didn’t realize that the pill I had taken a couple of hours before would be causing this. I thought I was just stressed from being sick for a week. I also experienced numbness in various places in my hands, face, neck, and legs. I had lots of muscle twitching, and for a 24 hr period during the course of the pill I experienced what I would call a recurring vibration sensation in the instep of my right foot. Buzz…buzz…buzz…(couldn’t feel it on the surface when I touched the area)
I experienced severe acid reflux/heartburn – the diarrhea continued as well. I also had pressure on/around my head and stiffness in my neck down in to my shoulders and developed a sore throat/cough.On day 2-4, I started feeling severe pain in my left knee joint…couldn’t bear weight on it without pain (this knee had bothered my once before, but it had been a couple of months without any pain whatsoever prior to this) I called my doc about most of these side effects, and was told to finish the course…Cipro wasn’t causing these things – I was just stressed out! Of course, it was all on me.
My hands and arms would fall asleep during the night…whether I was laying on them or not…I did experience brain fog for a few days…night sweats. Sorry this is a bit disorganized, but I’m just adding side effects as I remember them.
I should mention that I took a z-pak (5 days) and nexium (10 days) a few days after finishing Cipro.
At this point, my bowels are not back to normal. I bloat and am gassy for most of the day (doesn’t seem to matter what I eat), which causes discomfort and sometimes pain.Only a couple of times have I had slight, but concentrated, lower back pain. Like clockwork, every morning I have a bowel movement twice and not again until the next morning. I’m thinking I should get some probiotics ASAP to help solve that problem.
My scalp has been sensitive in some places…some “headaches” or pain in concentrated areas in my head. I notice some joints and tendons bother me from time to time…like I strained them or something, even though I had been fairly inactive. I had to limp on one foot for a little while yesterday because my achilles tendon was hurting. I exercised regularly prior to this, but haven’t done so since all of this junk happened because my heart feels like it’s racing and I sometimes have a hard time catching my breath even when I’m just walking around.
I had my thyroid checked (2 days after finishing cipro) and everything came back normal…my Ob/Gyn had that done for me.
I haven’t seen a doc since the day I was told to take Cipro if I didn’t feel better in 2 days…mostly because when I would call for an appointment, I would be told just to finish my meds…or I would be told she called in an additional scrip to cover my new symptoms. Just what I needed…more meds!
I just try to drink as much water as possible and eat a healthy diet (salmon for b12)…praying and believing every day that I’m on the road to complete recovery.
Sorry to hear someone else is going through what I went and am going through. Nevertheless, as I was told and informed, “you will get better”. I am 9 months out and in many ways I feel much better. I am still struggling, but the fight seems easier than it was for now.
Thanks for your reply
Is anyone else still having digestive issues? I’m a little over a month post cipro, and I’m not back to normal. I’m thinking digestive enzymes followed by probiotics would help, but I have no idea to be honest :/
Also, has anyone gotten sick more easily from other things after having taken cipro than before?
Thanks in advance!
Hello,
Here’s my brief story new years eve went to Er with sever stomach pain they did blood and ct scan and found nothing sent me home with pain killers. I figured it was left over bad bacteria from food poisoining a few weeks prior. Went to my dr gave me cipro 500 mg twice a day for 5 days. My reaction wad stomach cramps and sever acid reflux. Beginning of feb got better but still not 100% I’d say I’m at 60% right now. I took Prilosec but what helped more was aloe Vera juice, probiotics , hcl w pepsin only after high carb/protein meals, hot teas : ginger fennel and a detox tea and a throat coat tea also licorice root to protect stomach. May seem like a lot but it helps ! My advice to anyone reading this is to stay away from cipro!
Thanks for posting, Mike D. Do hope and pray that you are doing well. The dates seem to be all over the place; so am looking for recent posts ie. February 2013.
I haven’t been on a while and just wanted to let my friends at “Surviving Cipro” to know that I’m still surviving though a bit discouraged as progress is so very, very slow. Have been house-bound since Dec. 18th because of the pain in my ham string muscle which will not allow me to sit down. Plus the muscle loss makes it hard to get up once I am sitting down. Getting in and out of the car is so difficult and painful.
I’m taking some of the supplements that you suggested, trying to exercise to the Lesley Sansone walk videos that I love so much. Hope to get out for lunch this Friday if able to with my dear husband’s help. Two dear friends would love to see me.
Hope this finds all of you doing better and keep thinking positive. I know that helps and positive thoughts (prayers, too, are always welcome in my book!).
Have any of you experienced an unwanted fungus? THe neurologist told me that that ugly growth on my toe was a fungus. I’m supposed to go to a podiatrist, but since I was forced to retire due to Cipro and asthma I cannot afford to run to a doctor for everything. Researched the internet and found Vick’s Vapor Rub is supposed to work and my daughter suggested Tea Tree oil. Am using both and it is getting smaller; soaking in epsom salt once or twice daily. The other foot has nasty calluses/corns and I haven’t even worn shoes for months. (Sept 29,2012 was the fateful day I took ciprofloxacin. Sure wish I never had just like the rest of us!)
Hang in there everyone! Love, Alison
Will try the new site when I have more energy.
Nikki just read about your blue algae you are taking… Could you elaborate more on this.
Nikki , could you please say more on the blue algae you have been taking ?
My name is Robert and I’m a 22 year old young man. Two days ago I took two 500mg pills not knowing the consequences… And I usually read over things online but the one time I didnt thinking it was just a regular antibiotic, is the one time that can change my life! Terrible. Anyhow so far I’ve experienced pain in both Achilles tendons and in hip area and thumb… It has been about 36 hours since I took this poison and I want to attack it early.., I’ve heard of anti fluoride treatment as well as detox tea’s along with magnesium and a few other vitamins. I’m very desperate I don’t want to lose my life here due to two pills which were wrongly prescribed as I am in the risk group with a medical condition and the doc didn’t even know what type of infection I had!!! The one time I slip up it costs me!!! I feel so sad an depressed for letting myself down and not reading like I usually do. Please any help would be appreciated!!! Please!!!
How you are doing? I would like to hear from you.
I am currently 4 months out of being “floxed” and I still have daily neuropathy, muscle and bone pain and within the last month dilated (enlarged) and visible veins, everywhere. Has the vein issue happened to anyone else? It is even in my eyes, so it has made my eyes red. If there is anyone out there that is going thru this–please let me know. Thanks!
How large was your dose and for how long? I only took this poison 2 pills in one does and have the side effects!!!
My eyes have been red this week, and now I wonder if that’s why…other veins in my body have been odd and enlarged at times too. 10 months out of cipro..
I had some eye issues, too. Red eyes and clear red veins streaking across my eyes, even close to my pupils. Still, this has faded much. But not until about a month or so after the Cipro. Basically, I would have some dull pains in the back of my eyes at times and some nasty little pricking or stinging in them from time to time. As it is, these particular pains seem to have faded away for the most part -thank God.
I went to the eye doctor and he said my IOP (Internal Ocular Pressure) was too high and that I was at risk for glaucoma. I went back & my eye pressure had gone down from 23 to 20, which is basically the border of “Normal”. I don’t know if Cipro caused this -basically for me, Cipro no doubt has caused Peripheral Neuropathy, which I feel is the greatest threat of that drug.
Like “Melodi McDonald” I am near 4 months after being floxed. (I even went to my Neurologist today for more blood tests – and she still thinks Cipro CAN’T cause Neuropathy) However, I have noticed a definite reduction in the pains and their frequency. Despite this I still have times in the day when the needle pains and cramps in my feet and fingers is very annoying and dealing with the pain becomes depressing. Even so, I am having more “Good-Days than Bad-Days this month, so I think this is a positive sign.
I seem to get worse flare-ups (especially cramping) when it rains. Is anyone familiar with how the weather effects your NP pains? …And also, is anyone here with Cipro poisoning having a hard time with their Neurologist?
yes I think it’s all from cipro . I’ve seen 3 neurologist and tested frequently . one believes it’s probably cipro as he’s ruled all else out . my situation is now near 3 years . has gotten somewhat better but cold has an effect on my condition . many issues have abated but it’s a long torturous process. things slowly get better for the most part . good luck
I just got on here today, just want to talk to someone. How can I do that?
I did have nerve pain ,cold fingers ,very tight calves,plus numerous other conditions ‘ feeling much better now . three years this dec . i follow the levaquin tendinitis proyocol . look into it . time seems to be the healre if you give your body what it needs . norm
Nicole, I am still suffering from severe heartburn and digestive problems from cipro and I’m 10 months out. I’ve started a probiotic and am considering trying digestive enzymes as well. I heard they are very good for your health in general, but I’m not s they’ll provide help w the heartburn..
Kristy – Digestive enzymes really helped reduce, and ultimately eliminate, my heartburn. I still take them because In addition, digestive enzymes are instrumental in healing tendinitis, helping build new connective tissue, and smoothing scar tissue in damaged tissue.
Here’s my brief story new years eve went to Er with sever stomach pain they did blood and ct scan and found nothing sent me home with pain killers. I figured it was left over bad bacteria from food poisoining a few weeks prior. Went to my dr gave me cipro 500 mg twice a day for 5 days. My reaction wad stomach cramps and sever acid reflux. Beginning of feb got better but still not 100% I’d say I’m at 60% right now. I took Prilosec but what helped more was aloe Vera juice, probiotics , hcl w pepsin only after high carb/protein meals, hot teas : ginger fennel and a detox tea and a throat coat tea also licorice root to protect stomach. May seem like a lot but it helps ! My advice to anyone reading this is to stay away from cipro!
Thanks Vicky…I actually was looking into purchasing them yesterday, so that’s good to hear..is there a certain kind that is best? I was told some have ox bile, while others are vegetarian.
Also remember that a lot of what we consider to be “heartburn” (that burning across our diaphragm area and our right abdomen) is actually a burning sensation from our livers. Most of us suffer from “drug-induced hepatitis” which simply means the flouroquinolone made our livers sick. We know that. It often does not show up on our metabolic panel but sometimes does show up as an inflamed liver on a ct scan. For strong intermediate to severe floxings it can take a couple of years for this to calm down a bit. For full out severe floxings it can take longer. I was going into liver failure about 14 months ago after taking one tablet of an additional antibiotic after the Cipro. So mine was pretty bad and unmistakeable. My liver burning appeared to be gone at around 16 1/2 months but came back as a mild flare a couple of weeks ago when I drank half a cup of chamomile tea. I’m at 18 months and doing very well despite what it might seem from what I just said. Functionally, no one can tell the difference in how I function any more though I still have lots of lingering little things, but they continue to get better as well. Give yourself time and gentle care. Eat lots of “liver friendly” foods like kale, broccoli, spinach, beets, onions, and garlic if you are not having food allergies to everything. Wishing you the best!
I take a formula fro mNOW called Super Enzymes, and it does contain ox bile, in addition to a number of vegetable enzyme sources.
Thanks Vicky and Joanne…mine is definitely acid reflux going up my esophagus. But ill take your advice about the liver-healthy foods, its a good idea bcuz I’m sure my liver is suffering after the cipro.
Anyone have any thoughts on probiotics? I just purchased megafoods megaflora 20 billion. Its vegetarian, soy free etc.. started wondering though if it would be beneficial to try one of the ultimate vaginal support probiotics, in case of candida in our systems. I haven’t had that confirmed for me, other than having a vaginal yeast infection during this. Just wondering, maybe it doesn’t matter so much, so long as its just a good probiotic?
Kristy, I have been taking probiotics for almost a week now. I haven’t been able to find any info on which one would be best, but I did go to the health food store and the one I got needs to be kept in the fridge. I have also been considering digestive enzymes, but I just don’t know who I can consult on this as far as whether not I actually need them and how they would benefit me.
Nichole & Kristy ..I’m so sorry for your troubles. Digestive enzymes & probiotics are a must! Probiotics clean out the bad bacteria in our gut we ingest during the day. As we age our body produces fewer and fewer digestive enzymes so it’s vital to top up the enzymes with a supplement. There is a huge selection on the market of both these products and price point may be the determining factor. I found Digest Gold by Enzymetic to be amazingly effective but it’s $90 and I go through them like water so I’ve opted for a less expensive one, Digest More from RENEW LIFE, that I find works great and also does not require refrigeration.
Hope this helps
I am 53 till Dec, guess I was floxed 3 years ago,starting in Sept 09 I took Avelox and steroids and then took levaquin in Oct of 09.(sinus infection/abcess tooth) Thats when my pain really started, hip pain,lower back and knee. I kept thinking I had a fever since I ached so bad all over. Went back to Dr. thought maybe I had came off the steroids too quick, so another round,no luck. I ended up at a Dr. of internal medicine in Jan of 2010. Of course I have been through all the standard tests,nothing shows up. So,I have been with the ranks of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia,due to no other answers. I tried some anti inflammatories,they really didn’t help,so I stopped. I have lots digestion problems also. I currently suffer from tendonitis of the right elbow and forearm, bursitis of my right hip,not counting the aches I suffer from in my back and up my neck. I have recently started taking 80mgs of aspirin a day,should I stop? I take 2 vicodin a day, very small dose,but thats it. I use ice packs when I am really bad and I take epson salt baths. And the depression, it gets really bad sometimes and I don’t want to leave the house, I do take effexor, I would never come out if not for that. I recently started taking antioxidants, maybe they are helping some. My pain moves around too, depends what I do,but once it starts hurting,very hard to get it to go away. I got my tendonitis of the arm in March of 12, varies in the extent of pain,never goes away.I also take acidopholus sometimes and GNC greens,and a multi…………I would like to get in a class action suit too,if anyone knows of one going on now. I am just tired of feeling like crap all the time. Besides it being an invisible illness, I look good, feel horrible.
Hi Betsy, your post is almost identical to mine as I was floxed too twice with levaquin and predisone. I took a delayed reaction of 4 months, It started mostly with the shoulder, then buttock, horrific acid like pain, it never did heal, then moved on into my spine, my shoulders, attacked my cns, stomach, heart ( all controlled by the vagus nerve) those symptons did improve a little.
If you would like to contact me it is rykerjem860@hotmail.com as our stories are so similar.
Janet
Nichole, I was told by my naturopath that digestive enzymes are great for overall health, and that everyone should takethem. I haven’t bought any yet, don’t know which brand is best..
Thanks for the reply
I will try to do some research on my own and see what I can come up with.
Hello Everyone. My heart goes out to all who are suffering from this unasked for, life altering beast of having been floxed. I am 60 and was floxed 12 years ago at 48 with a prescription for a dental infection. In total I have had 9 Cipro prescriptions, all 500 mg for 10 days. It wasn’t until 2 months ago on Dr. Mercola’s website I learned why for the past 12 years I have been very unwell. 3 years ago I was officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and was forced to leave my dream job and go on disability which I am still on. You can imagine my horror when I discovered what had really caused the demise of my wonderful life!! Cipro!! Looking back on my first dose 12 years ago there was no way for me to cast blame on Cipro as the stress in my life was huge; advertising sales rep for a TV station (constant deadlines and pressure & on commission); car accident with whiplash, elderly parents both hospitalized and subsequently passing away (they lived 2000 miles away & I was their major caregiver) and my boyfriend moving in with me( he had ADHD) plus going through a major dental reconstruction all within a few months. Whew!
For all these years I’ve had tons of food sensitivities, leaky gut, severe neck and back pain, burning feet, extreme sensitivity to noise, nausea and impatience but managed to keep it together to maintain a good quality of life and job.
My big crash happened though when I was in Africa 5 years ago where I self prescribed Cipro (2 / day) to ward off any possible infections. On my third day there I was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with malaria. That is when my hands started burning, my feet had been burning for 8 years already and at times I could hardly walk and still can’t. I was delirious and certain I had boiled my brain my fever was so high. Came home and had to take 3 months off work still thinking I had malaria.
My symptoms now are burning hands & feet, ringing in ears almost constantly, depression & hopelessness ( at times) neck and spine popping & grinding, my hearing is now bad, brain fog, pounding heart just sittings till, I exhaust easily if I’m around exuberant people (sucks the life right out of me), severe pain in back & neck, can’t bear loud noises like lawn mowers, motorcycles, big trucks, out of breath easily, clothing (waist bands, collars, earrings, necklaces) hurts my body and triggers my pain easily …I live in a bathrobe.
Nov 2011 the weirdest thing happened ..I was standing in a store and suddenly a current of energy started moving in my right hand, traveled up my arm across my shoulder blades and down my left arm. I thought I was having a stroke and sat down. It wasn’t painful just weird. Ever since then the pain across my back between my shoulder blades is crippling at times. Even minor movement like reaching, pulling, pushing, sweeping or sneezing sends me into agony and of course also sets off the severe pain in my neck. Anyone else have weird energy moving & creating another bad symptom?
Since being forced to abandon my job 3 years ago I have relentlessly kept up researching my symptoms and continue trying different products with the hope that something will alleviate a symptom or two.
I have improved in the past year or so … don’t give up!! I think one of the biggest challenges is getting control of ones “thoughts”. Surround yourself with “positive stuff”; books, tapes, websites, music ..anything and everything that can help you stay in the moment. The other biggy is “ACCEPT”. I know this “thing” is a nightmare and just not fair the way it has us held hostage to our symptoms and destroyed the life we had. But putting energy into fighting symptoms keeps us in a negative place. and I believe actually makes us suffer more. This is one of the things I read everyday (I have many) to keep my head space less negative ….
“Accept …. then act. Whatever the present moment contains accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it …this will miraculously transform your whole life” Eckhart Tolle.
this is getting long …sorry about that!
Here is what I do ..and I am improving.
Supplements:
Advanced B Complex … 2, 2 times / day (helps my burning hands & feet)
Mag Malate Renew … 2, 2 times / day ( apparently helps with body pain)
Ashwagandha … 4 per day
Turmeric …4 / day
fish oil
adrenal supplement
probiotics are a must!! …1 before bed with 5 magnesium (magn helps with bowel movements)
( my naturopath finally found a probiotic that is dairy free by Life Choice ). I think the best ones are “fermented” based but they are a bit more money. I will take them again just not now.
Digestive Enzymes are a must! ..I take 2 every time I eat something, I’m using Digest More from RENEW LIFE
Betaine Hydrochloride ..1 everytime I eat
Aloe Vera Juice ..to heal leaky gut (I found a product where they have removed the taste and it’s tastes like water!)
Co-Enzyme Q10.. 1 / day
Pancreatin Plus enzymes …1 with each meal
DGL … helps relive nausea and build healthy gut
I do a homeopathic cleanse a couple of times a year, infrared saunas occasionally (should do more as you sweat out toxins from your organs), colonics 3-4 times a year, when I’m really ill I go to bed in the dark and plug myself into my iphone with earbuds and listen to Deepak Chopra’s Chakra Clearing or any other meditation I often fall asleep for a few hours and usually wake up feeling lots better. I do this most days.
Yes I’ve had very grim days. When I first departed from my job I went into deep despair & depression because not only had I lost my job, my health, my income, my social life and my lifestyle I was (am) deeply in debt. I thought I was going to have to sell my beloved home and became suicidal. My Dr. put me on Cymbalta on top of me already being on the lowest dose of Effexor for 12 years. He also put me on Percocet which I still take 4 / day.
I have a lot more to say but will call it day for now.
God bless and be gentle with yourself.
Hi joanne, I wrote below, I am 55 and also been floxed many times and levaquin and predisone twice last year did me in. I am 11 months out and getting worse. I would love to talk to you as well.My email is rykerjem860@hotmail.com
Thanks so much.
Janet
Jo Anne,
Would love to chat with you if you are open…kristy3289@gmail.com. I’m a bit of a late bloomer as well with figuring out what this is..I’m 34, and have been floxed pretty badly. Ovr 36 adr’s and rising unfortunately. I love your attitude…I’ve also struggled with many things you’ve described. Hope to talk to you…
Kristy
My “short” story. I am pretty unsure what to do or expect at this point, so I am writing here.
First of all, let me start off by mentioning that I do have unusually high blood pressure but that I am not taking any medication for it at this point. I also work out fairly regurlarly and take my bicycle to work every day, I am 30 and have never had joint problems before.
Recently, in connection with the blood pressure I was prescribed 500 mg Cipro twice a day for 10 days because it was suspected that I had some unspecified infection. I asked if there was anything I should know and was told that it could be hard on the stomach and should be taken with food. I did read the list of side effects but they all seemed incredibly rare (less than 0.1% will experience joint problems).
Day 1: Nothing worth mentioning.
Day 2: Nothing during the day. Suddenly at night I had heart palpitations, slight dizziness and nausea. Called a doctor and did remember to mention the Cipro I was taking. I was told not to worry and that I was just nervous. Personally, I assumed it had to do with my high blood pressure.
Day 3: Fine during the day and the infection or whatever it was seemed to be gone. At night I went for a walk and suddenly felt some pain in one knee. It wasn’t too bad so I just went home and sat down for the rest of the evening. My leg muscles twitched regularly, making it very hard to sleep. Thought it was because I had hurt my knee somehow.
Day 4: Still some pain in my left knee. Not much, but it made walking a bit difficult. After taking one of my two Cipro doses that day, I remembered the list of side effects and decided to stop taking Cipro. Later that night, I felt some pain in my elbow and in my other knee and my joints started cracking, but not in a painful way. Yet again, I called a doctor and explained that I thought this was a side effect, and that there were instructions to call your doctor if this happened. The doctor immediately told me that Cipro does not have these side effects. When I pointed out that it’s right there on the list, she decided that the joint aches must be because of the infection (which at this point felt like it was entirely gone) and that I should keep taking Cipro. I refused. Shortly thereafter I found the horror stories on the internet.
Day 5: Increased difficulty walking. Had to take a taxi to work. Called my own doctor (who wasn’t available in the weekend!) and he agreed with the decision to stop taking Cipro and reassured me that the effects would probably go away on their own.
Day 6 (today): Almost can’t walk due to pain in both knees and my left ankle. Constant headache. Some of the time my wrists and fingers hurt so I have trouble typing. Couldn’t go to work at all. The funny thing is that my blood pressure is better than it was a week ago.
So obviously, now I am worried sick and am not sure what to do. Going to see a doctor tommorrow but am not sure if that’ll help. It hurts to walk and I’m worried something will just break if I do. I don’t know if I should take painkillers for the headache. I am really just hoping I can go back to work soon.
Hi, Mike –
It always makes me sad to read the initial posts of Cipro users who learn, in spite of what their doctors say, that Cipro can cause a lot of damage very quickly. Most of on this forum have been told what you were told by your prescribing doctor — that Cipro couldn’t be causing the problems you’re experiencing, or that any problems you’re having will resolve quickly once you stop taking the Cipro. We’re told it clears the body in a matter of hours. We’re made to feel like hypochondriacs, or just plain crazy. It’s so insulting.
First, please try to stay calm. That’s sometimes quite difficult, as Cipro itself can cause severe anxiety, in addition to the general worry about the unknown.
Second, prepare yourself for other doctors to run tests and pronounce you to be fine. Cipro damage is mostly invisible — it occurs at a cellular level and disrupts the nervous system, the collagen function, digestion, nutrient absorption, and other systems in the body. Most of us have seen other doctors, only to be told that the worst should pass in a week or so.
I live in a very active college town and found a sports orthopedist who does understand, or at least believe fully in, Cipro tendinitis — the symptom most likely to be acknowledged. He was, however, completely amazed when I told him of the central nervous system problems: lack of muscle control, twitching, spasms, and the crippling anxiety and panic attacks; as well as peripheral neuropathy in my feet. He believes me, but has not been able to offer a “cure”. Physical therapy can sometimes help in promoting flexibility and encourage effective repair of damaged tendons. But my doctor’s experience tells him that, for those who suffer a lot of tendon and joint problems with Cipro, full recovery can take as long as two years. In my case, at 18 months out, that advice has been right on target.
It falls to the individual to take charge of what he can, particularly diet and nutrition. It’s important in the early stages to stick with a simple diet, rich in antioxidants. Oxidative cell damage is like a chain of dominoes — one damaged cell disrupts the chemistry of another, and so on down the line. The only way to stop that is by giving your body antioxidants — in addition to Vitamin C and E, Resveratrol, astaxanthin, glutatione, CoQ10, and alpha-lipoic acid are quite powerful. It’s been demonstrated that antioxidants work more effectively together, rather than high doses of a single antioxidant.
Probiotics are essential to help restore the bacteria levels in the gut. Without this bacteria, many nutrients cannot be synthesized or absorbed, like vitamin B12, which is crucial for proper function of the nervous system.
Understand that Cipro’s cousin, Baytril, is widely used in poultry and livestock in the U.S. and Europe. If you eat meat, stick with meat labeled as “No antibiotics-Ever”. Likewise, fish and shrimp from fish farms can be laden with all sorts of things. A better choice is fish labeled “wild caught”. You don’t need any more Cipro.
While waiting for these systems to be restored, which can take time, only gentle activity and exercise is advised, as tendons and other connective structures may have been weakened. However, as those tissues repair themselves, motion is important to guide the structure of new tissue. Tendons grow in a framework or matrix, and when there is damage, the repair is often not as smooth, supple, or strong as original tendon tissue.
I know you’re worried sick. But don’t lose sight of the bottom line — You will get better. It may take some time, or it may happen for you more quickly. You may experience additional symptoms, or a “relapse” of symptoms you thought had resolved. In the meantime, you’ll probably feel worried or fearful that your life has changed forever. PLEASE remember: You will get better. There were days when I felt so much despair, but those seem like a long time ago now. DO NOT let others, particularly doctors, convince you that you’re crazy or one-in-a-million. Whether through ignorance or intent, doctors are not keen on recognizing what Cipro can do. I myself had taken Cipro previously in my lifetime without major problems. When it finally “got” me, it knocked me down good. My prescribing doctor, a longtime friend, only offered Prednisone (for joints) and Neurontin (for peripheral neuropathy in my feet). I refused both, and she quit returning my phone calls.
DON”T PANIC. DON”T GIVE UP. BE PATIENT AND BELIEVE YOU’LL GET BETTER, THOUGH IT MAY TAKE LONGER THAN YOU’D LIKE.
Hello,
I am currently 22 months out and thought I was getting better, but all of a sudden I have developed itching all over my arms and legs mostly. At first I did have rashes, etc but that subsided, now I have just the itching. I am thinking that I may have upset the nerve endings from scratching. I had my liver checked, that is fine, I am getting my histamine levels checked. In the meantime, does anyone have any advice on a supplement that might help heal the nerve endings. I take C, CoQ10, Wild Salmon Oil, Vitamin D. I stopped taking B supplements – my levels were high – any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks and I pray for all of us every day.
I have Cipro poisoning that of course has a lot to do with fluoride. I already stopped brushing my teeth with fluoride toothpaste and use an antiseptic mouthwash instead (this has helped me with gingivitis in particular.)
But I drink a lot of tap water, at least 8 full cups a day now. Here’s my problem.
I live in Chicago and my city’s tap water contains 0.9 to 1.05 mg of fluoride per liter of water. The federal standard since 1962 has been a range of 0.7 to 1.2 mg.
My first question is if you have fluoroquinolone toxicity such as from the antibiotic Cipro, is it wise or unwise to avoid drinking tap water, since fluoride is added to it by the state?
I really need help with this one, since I think Chicago may be one of the cities that has the most fluoride added to its populations water supply that can in turn be harming people like me.
Please let me know what you think. Also, does bottled water such as PurAqua have fluoride added, too -I notice that I can’t find it on their listings
I’m not sure if I should be avoiding fluoride to begin with -it just seems logical to me that if Cipro poisoning is in large part damaging due to its fluoride elements, it would be smart to avoid fluoride whenever I can. Is this right?
I am also concerned about flouride. I love swimming and I would like to think it helps my floxing symptoms, but I worrying about the affects of flouride in the water and skin absorption .
I know a lot of bottled water does contain flouride… Even if its not labeled! Best to by distilled water by reverse osmosis in my opinion. I am off to the store to ought to by some.
Jesse,
I posted a comment on the “Your Survival Stories” page of this website a few months ago.
You will find it posted November 2nd 2012 and it tells of what I found out about flouride.
I took my last cipro over seven months ago and, although I still suffer from flare ups of peripheral neuropathy in my thighs and hips, I would like to think that I am on the mend.
Of, course, I still avoid toothpaste with flouride and I do drink bottled water, but I do continue to have doubts about the part flouride is said to play in what we are suffering.
Get well and stay positive,
Ben.
I’m not sure flouride is the only or biggest culprit, but I agree that it plays a role in the re-circulation of an INorganic chemo-therapeutic drug. Flouride poisoning is very similar – but much shorter & far milder. I agree with the distilled: buy a reputable brand. I think if our earth were as God created, we’d get our distilled water from the clouds as intended.
People have asked for positive results, so here goes.
My problems started in October with what eventually was diagnosed as prostatitis. I was prescribed a sulfa- antiobotic combination, but had problems tolerating it in my lower GI tract. The doctor changed it to Cipro, and I was put on a 30-day regimen, 500mg twice a day.
I had read the black box warning and was concerned. Several weeks in, I started noticing tenderness in my shoulders and clavicle. I called the doctor who said it was an unrelayed problem. I then started having problems with soreness in my hips when walking. The doctor told me to keep on taking the cipro, and that if I were to have problems it would have beeen in the achilles tendon.
I finished the course of citro on Thanksgiving Day. A week later, I called the Doctor again because I was developing serious tendonitis in numerous joints, the worst being my hamstring tendons at the back of my knees. I could barely walk. He finally told me to stop taking cipro. I said I already had been off it a week. He said if it doesnt get better in a couple days, to call him. It continued to get worse, I called him and he put me on naproxen, an anti-inflammatory. I was at my worst on December 2 and was in a state of depression, thinking that my life was ruined and I had overnight turned from an athletic, active 58-year-old to an invalid.
I have been on naproxen for about a week and have drastically improved. I can walk without pain. The tendonitis in my hamstring tendons is almost entirely gone. i still have some lingering tightness, and am not 100%, but I am now expecting that I will fully recover, rather than thinking that I will be permanently disabled.
I should mention that I have also been pushing water, have started taking a multi vitamin, along with glucosamine/controidtin with 4,000 IU of D3, and have iced my knees 3X a day. My prostatitis is gone, so at least the cipro helped with that. However, unless it is life or death, I won’t be taking cipro again. My ordeal has lasted for a total of Two months counting the sulfa drug. It will probably be another week or two before I am 100% unless problems somehow recur.
Jim
I took Levaquin about a month ago for a sinus infection. I felt better for about a week then I began to experience pressure in my head and ears again, along with dizziness. Since then I have experienced severe joint and muscle pain almost feels like growing pains in my legs. Also my vision has blurred and the dizziness and headaches are continuing to get worse, along with the muscle pain. Could this all be related to taking Levaquin, even the dizziness and headaches?
I was prescribed a 10 days course of Cipro for a sinus. After taking the first 500mg pill, I decided to google Cipro and read all the horror stories. I felt no immediate side effects but after a week or two I got some pain in my left achilles and in my right knee joint. I still have this pain on and off for the last 2 weeks.
After I googled Cipro, I decided to throw the remaining 19 pills in the garbage.
I am an athlete and do a lot of running and biking. Has anyone heard of others having sufferede mild to moderate pain after just one dose of Cipro and what is the prognosis for a recovery?
I have read that adverse effects might be delayed up until 18 months after taking Cipro.
Can I expect more side effects or would any major side effect have emerged by now?
I appreciate any comments as this drug litterally has scared the living daylights out of me.
Ole: I don’t think anybody really knows as the side effects aren’t taken seriously enough. I posted in here a couple of months ago. I was pretty desperate back then, almost entirely unable to walk, couldn’t sit properly, couldn’t sleep properly. I had joint pain just about everywhere, and I had palpitations, frequent muscle twitches and severe anxiety as well (but those three disappeared quickly after stopping treatment).
Two months later, I am finally fully functional again, but I started feeling much better already after less than a month. I did have serious chest pains that lasted for two months as well, but at least that didn’t cripple me. It’s not entirely gone, but I am sure it will be at some point. I am even working out again.
Not really sure if I did anything to help speed the recovery myself. I tried to follow some of the recovery guides out there and I did take a lot of extra vitamins to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. I have no way of knowing whether that’s what helped though or it just healed with time.
In any case, I am thoroughly disappointed with the healthcare system after this. I never really had any issues with the system before, but I am currently looking for ways to complain and to get these side effects properly reported. It’s hard to prove that they really were side effects, but the doctors I talked to didn’t even want to consider that possibility (it was impossible, I was told, even when I pointed out all the side effects on the official list).
I don’t think my case was treated professionally or even taken seriously, but it was the worst thing I have ever tried (most of all, I was scared because I just felt like I was falling apart). It’s sad to think that compared to everything I have been reading about it, I seem to have had a mild case.
I was floxed almost four years ago! My life since has changed completely – losing the big $200K job – house – etc… I must say, that I feel worse for many who have terrible joint and muscle problems that persist over many years and longer.
To be concise, here is the flow chart that covers the cause and effect of my illness:
I ate a poor diet and drank caffeinated drinks. This caused a prostate infection and I was prescribed Ciprofloxacin. These are the symptoms I contracted after I took Cipro:
Insomnia – dizziness – depersonalization – vision problems – anxiety – depression – fatigue – CFS – Fibromyalgia – brain fog – chronic head pressure – etc….
I had no idea that Cipro was the cause of these symptoms so I took it again for a skin infection in June 2009. This made all of the symptoms worse. I then started a multitude of other medications to deal with the symptoms, which almost killed me in February 2010. On top of that, I had to detox off of those medications, which is not to be understood or mentioned.
So – here I am four years later, still dealing with many of the symptoms I started with. God has told me that “this too shall pass” and “you will recover from this”, but God’s timeframe is not mine and I often get impatient.
The good news is, I have become a health food crazy fanatic and my body has been changed in many positive ways. I know I will live a healthy life based on these changes, but regardless, I am still seeking a recovery from Cipro, which I call: “the walking dead.”
Here are the things that have helped me:
Anti-inflammation diet – no sugar – no HF corn syrup – no processed food – no beef – no dairy – no gluten. I eat lots of steel cut oats, wild caught fish, purple potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower. Also lot’s of nuts – especially Walnuts and almonds. Dark fruit is good as well. I eat one ounce of dark chocolate daily as well – very important for pain relief!! The higher the cocoa percentage the better (Walmart has the best price on 90%, but it tastes bad).
Supplements:
Vitamin C – 1000mg
Royal Maca with zinc (1 a day)
Rhodiola (1 a day)
Gingko (1 a day)
NO drugs!!!
I went through a health food store full of vitamins and supplements – settled on these that work for me.
Overall, this diet had changed everything – eliminated my 7 year terrible back pain – eliminated my prostate problems which started this whole mess – normalized my blood pressure – and eliminated my Fibromyalgia pain, which was bad! Basically, I am now pain free, but still dealing with dizziness, depersonalization, CFS, anxiety on crack, and some depression. I know that list seems mild as compared to some, but I still feel really screwed up. I could no more handle my previous high pressure job than fly to the moon. I managed a $250 million dollar business for 17 years with no problem – now I would struggle to handle a paper route.
I read about people wanting to prosecute Bayer or the company that made their certain brand. Frankly, I have never heard of a successful lawsuit regarding a specific antibiotic drug.
My only hope right now is to eat right and get better. I also hope I can help prevent others from going down the same path. That would be gratifying!!
I wish you all great success! This is a wonderful site and provides a valuable service!!
Hi,
Jennifer your dosage of Levaquin could absolutely cause your dizziness and head pressure. If I had checked Drugs.com I would have never taken the drug. It can raise your intercranial pressure. If you already have high intercranial pressure, it would make it worse. Not everyone knows their pressure is higher than normal. I do, but that is a different story. If you are more then twenty pounds overweight, your pressure will be higher then normal in your head. No one ever tells about that side affect of being overweight.
I took three dosages, three days, of Levaquin for a kidney infection after the first one was failing. On the second day I noticed a manic type feeling, heart issues and sleep disturbances. I was told about insomina, I thought no big deal I can manage.
No one told me about the Black Box Warnings, there are TWO! I was handed the bottle by a friend. I was really sick. I read what was on the bottle. I even told the prescribing doc I don’t do well with drugs that affect the long QT.
If you have a family history of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome or a connective tissue disorder, DO NOT TAKE this ever. If you are reading this it is probably too late.
I popped my Achilles Tendon on the morning afer my third dose. My psych symptoms are gone, except the worry. I was really wigged out on this drug and that is not like me. My tremors have stopped, and the only thing I am left with is a cast for six weeks on my foot, no work, and worrying about the rest of my tendons. But I am on bedrest.
My ortho doc said if I fall, I am screwed. I am not allowed to step foot outside the house if there is snow or ice. I love to walk in the snow.
I have been on bedrest with little activity. ALL my doctors KNEW I should not take this drug because of my Ehlers Danlos….but it was the doc on call that prescribed it. Lesson learned.
I eat very well, I also only drink water from Spring Valley in glass. No flouride. I feel in time I will get better. I wish I had known about the aluminum. I would have done it.
God Speed to everyone!
I did try and put some dishes away tonight. Nope, not happening. I am only 5 days off it and I am expecting to get worse for the next few weeks. I already feel it in my hands, and shoulders, elbows etc.
Warmly Lynnie
Hello all,I ,m a 60yo male in Australia.I used ciproxin ear drops 7 months ago and developed sore shoulders.I was diagnosed with tendonitis.Never had trouble with my arms or shoulders before.No warnings on Australian packs of cipro, however i suspected cipro the culprit.Doctor thought that was ridiculous.Now I am in horrible pain , particularly at night when I lie down.Throbbing ,moving pain deep in my shoulders, that seems to have a mind of its own, when to come and go.Muscle twitching in my shoulder and sometimes I wake with pins and needles in my arm along with the worst pain imaginable.I am on a public health waiting list to see a specialist so I could be waiting a good while yet.Hope some of you start to get better , Good luck Bill
I was prescribed Ciproflaxin after ending up in the ER from a reaction to Bactrum, which I was taking for a UTI. I was prescribed Keflex for the UTI (side effect free!) and after ending the treatment, still felt tingling. I went back to my general practitioner, who said he would culture my urine, and until then, to take Ciproflaxin. My stomach dropped when I heard the name of the drug, something didn’t feel or sound right about this antibiotic. I begrudgingly got the seven dollar prescription filled, and took my first pill at 4PM. Within twenty-minutes of taking the pill, my joints in my right hand began to swell and puff up, which caused them to ache. I reread the side effects (a comforting two page pamphlet), then took to the internet to see is anyone else had this experience. I was horrified but what I read, and what quinolone antibiotics have done to people’s lives. I called my doctor in haste, who did the only helpful thing through out this entire ordeal: he ordered me to get off Cipro, and to hold tight until the culture report came back in two days with my results on what my bacteria responded to. After doing more research, I became horrified at what this drug was possibly doing to my body. The next night, after taking only ONE pill, my knees started aching. It hurt to stand and to lay down, I felt a ton of pressure on my joints. My thumbs began to ache, and my Achilles tendon began to pop and snap. The only relief I felt was in a warm shower which lasted about ten minutes. The next night, the pain had spread all over my body, and it hurt to be sitting still; my friends encouraged me to come play darts to distract myself. I was in pain sitting or standing, and could not grip the darts in my hands, from the joint pain. I spent the next few nights crying hysterically, convinced my body was about to shut down. A WEEK later, my doctor called me back, and informed me that my bacteria was negative. I didn’t even need Ciproflaxin. He was going to put me on seven day course of Ciproflaxin, with no reason. I went to a urologist and found out I suffer from cystitis. In regards to Ciproflaxin, for the next month, I was in pain everyday and every night in all my joints, which were popping and cracking. I couldn’t wear any shoes other than flats because my tendons in my feet felt like they were being pulled and were going to snap at any minute. I suffered from nightmares, irrational mood swings, insomnia, loss of appetite, and tingling and numbness in my legs. I went to multiple doctors, who told me that they could prescribe me NSAIDS, which are not supposed to be mixed with Ciproflaxin, and that the joint pain may or may not be permanent. I consulted a friend who is trained in Eastern Medicine, who recommended dietary changes. I drank liters of water everyday, constantly trying to flush the Cipro from my system. I took vitamin E supplements to help repair the damage being done to my joints, and fight off the toxins from residing there. I ate nuts, fruit, and ate foods high in dietary nutrients. I avoided pain killers of all types, and after a month of hell and non stop crying, I began to see improvement. The pain gradually reduced, the nightmares trickled off, and I was able to eat food without gagging most of it back up. My story is nothing compared to the horrors this pill has caused to other people; words cannot express my regret and condolences. I posted this to give hope to those like me who are hopelessly scouring the internet wondering if there is any hope. I do have fear that my symptoms will return, but try not to worry myself with it, and to enjoy my pain free moments. I went back to my doctor, demanded quinolones be put on my chart, and when explained what I had gone through, his comforting response was: “I did not know it could cause these side effects.” My advice for all who are reading this: Look to Eastern Medicine and vitamins to ease your pain, avoid pain killers after ingesting Cipro, and be an advocate for your own health. Up until this happened, I blindly believed doctor’s always knew what was best for me, and I can see that they do not, and are trying to sell for the drug companies. Advocate for your own health, do research on what they’re prescribing you, and demanded alternate treatments if their suggestion makes you uncomfortable. This drug is poison, and I hope all those who support and work for Bayer, burn in Hell for eternity for the lives they have ruined with their greed, over seven dollars.
i had plateau tibia frac. with shelving of big bone,and total knee replacement after plateau was healed. six surgeries spread over approx. 3 years. got infection, was prescribed antibiotics 2000mg daily. long story short, i have all the afore mentioned complaints plus i have sensations that feel like long hot needles being slowly pushed thru the bottom of my feet. although they don’t last long the pain is terrible and nothing can alleviate it. luckily my daughter and son-in-law are chiropractors and use accupuncture, ancient eastern med so i’ve had good treatment but no lasting results. this has been quite frustrating for them as they have tried every angle. they have identified every symptom mentioned above, we are open to suggestion!
I took Cipro first time in the year 2000 for about a week as a priscription. At that I was about 33 year old. In the last 10 years without knowing the side effects I took about 5 other times each time about a week.
I did not know that symptoms are related to the Cipro..I took the medicine several doses while I was suffering from symptoms.
Now I can not walk properly- my knees, feet, pelvic, hands, shoulders, fingers.. pertty much every join/tendon/muscle in my body pains- day and night. I can not go up/down the stairs without extream pain.
Not sure if I will become blind. Planning to go see an eye doctor. I used to be very atheletic, initially thought my pains were due to the walking/running/swiming.
Even after telling my doctor about Cipro recently he ruled out. NO DOCTOR BELIVES THAT CIPRO CAN CAUSE SUCH A DAMAGE TO THE BODY…That is the most unfortunate thing…
Some years I thought it was arthrites.. and went to the speciallist… they had no clue and do not accept Cipro explanation…probably because they are all the same — Bayer the drug company, pharamacies, doctors…every body. They want new drugs..though there are good anti-biotics out there. Because old drugs patents are expired and they can not make much money. That is wny they invent new drugs and bribe the doctors to prescribe them.. becase they can sell these for premium.. they have the patenents…
Not sure how to get back to living and support several of the dependents – childern/spouse.
It is scary what this drug can do to the body.. not sure if the symtoms ever mitigate…
Not sure why FDA still keep this drug on the stores. This drug creates more crippuled people than number of people of injured in the wars.
PLEASE FIGHT TO BAN THIS DRUG.. OTHERWISE EVERY DAY THOUSANDS MORE WILL SWALLOW THEIR WAY INTO DISABLITY….
Hi all, 36yr old female, was prescribed this for a bacterial infection exactly 2 years ago. Two weeks after taking it I developed de Quervain’s tenosinovitis, pain in my left wrist and buringing in the tendon right up my arm; I also had burning tendons elsewhere but my doctors ignored those symptoms and focused on my wrist. The wrist pain took a year to subside. I knew it must be related to the antibiotics but I didn’t realise that all my subsequent problems were also related to the same single course of ciprofloxacin. My vertebrae in my back started moving around about 6 months after taking the drug, and I eventually developed horrible back pain; I now manage this through Pilates reformer classes, this has strengthened my muscles to help with structural support that my ligaments and connective tissue no longer provide, but it is a constant issue. My joints flare up every now and then, and my tendons do the same, with throbbing and aching, it seems to get worse around my period (possibly due to having to take strong painkillers including naproxen and co-codamol) or in cold weather. About six weeks ago all my joints started cracking and popping. A tendon in my throat now clicks when I swallow, and my hips pop while walking, my knees are popping a lot and my wrists and toe joints also pop. My muscles also seem to vibrate or buzz for no reason in specific areas when my tendons are especially inflamed. I get much more tired than I used to, have non-specific anxiety most of the time, and have recently noticed my vision blurring occasionally for no reason. After two years you would think the symptoms would stop coming, but they haven’t so far, it seems every few months there is something new to deal with. If anyone has been suffering for longer and the symptoms have stopped developing, please let us all know. I can’t offer any positive comments after two years of symptoms, except that my wrist got better and I got the strength back (with acupuncture) and I improved my back pain with Pilates (great but so expensive) – but new issues just keep coming. When will it stop? I am just starting to investigate dietary and alternative medicine to help. I am horrified that this drug continues to be prescribed and will be doing my best to make sure people are aware and that these drugs get banned as soon as possible. Good luck all.
Hi Steph, I had taken cipro and predisone alot in canada and for years was told I had CFS, I had to pace myself and was very tired but no pain. I moved to the states to get married and was given levaquin and predisone two months in a row. I took a delayed 3 months reaction. One morning I could not move out of bed or walk. My shoulder was attacked, then my buttock and bone, then my spine, ( it is the worse right now) I can barely sit. My legs hardly hold me and I walk with a strange gait. Then the pins and needles, stomach shut down, now I am 11 months out and more and more stuff happening. I am on organic, supplments, had Iv’s vitamin and hydrogen perxoide. I am in sheer dispair. I feel I was damaged by cipro at a low scale for years and then this blew it apart. I cannot look after myself any longer. Do you find at nighttime it is unbearable.. I am 55 so I know it hits the older people harder. I dont think I could do pilates as I can barely get dressed but the spine pain is so severe I cannot even sit in a car. It seems to be the connective tissues on either side as massage eases it but just for an hour or so.
If you have any suggestions I would so appreciate it. I have hit a brick wall.
Of course all my tests are picture perfect..
Prayers for everyone trying to recover..
I was given Cipro 250 mg tabs I ingested 27 tabs of 250mg over a 16 day period. My response will be short for now because i’m new at this. I have not slept in weeks. I cant eat. I have been on Oxycodone/percocet for the last 6 years at 30 mg 4-6 daily for prior severe pain. I then had a panic attack 2 yrs ago and was put on Zanax .50 3 times daily.
I have severe stiff lower legs, back stiffness, eyes red, anxiety thru the roof, depression, numb abd tingling, can eat, insomnia, rapid heart beat at night when I lay down to try to fall a sleep even if its for 1 hr
My question is my doctor prescribed Seroquel Xr 50 Mg for me too sleep. He also put me on Lexapro 10 mg.
Please I have not slept in weeks. The only thing that helps is my pain medication and the zanax helps a little. What do you do if you can eat force food down your throat? Someone posted no drugs? How do i quit 6 yrs of Percocet and Zanax with having cipro poisoning?
Can someone please respond if I can take the Seroquel for sleep, I need to sleep tonight or I’m going to the hospital Im so weak. Also the Lexapro?
Thanks
Phil
I was given Cipro 250 mg tabs I ingested 27 tabs of 250mg over a 16 day period. My response will be short for now because i’m new at this. I have not slept in weeks. I cant eat. I have been on Oxycodone/percocet for the last 6 years at 30 mg 4-6 daily for prior severe pain. I then had a panic attack 2 yrs ago and was put on Zanax .50 3 times daily.
I have severe stiff lower legs, back stiffness, eyes red, anxiety thru the roof, depression, numb abd tingling, can eat, insomnia, rapid heart beat at night when I lay down to try to fall a sleep even if its for 1 hr
My question is my doctor prescribed Seroquel Xr 50 Mg for me too sleep. He also put me on Lexapro 10 mg.
Please I have not slept in weeks. The only thing that helps is my pain medication and the zanax helps a little. What do you do if you can eat force food down your throat? Someone posted no drugs? How do i quit 6 yrs of Percocet and Zanax with having cipro poisoning?
Can someone please respond if I can take the Seroquel for sleep, I need to sleep tonight or I’m going to the hospital Im so weak. Also the Lexapro?
Thanks
Phil
Sorry had to correct email address
Hi, Phil — It sounds like you’re dealing with what I consider the WORST aspect of my Cipro experience. That was paralyzing anxiety, insomnia, racing heartbeat, generalized fear of nighttime (because that’s when the anxiety was worst), and depression. I also had no appetite for weeks.
I can’t address your question about Seroquel. I had to look it up to learn more about it. It’s not a sleep aid. Seroquel is intended for use in treating schizophrenia and the manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Did you know that? Have you ever been diagnosed with either of these illnesses? Because if not, I would say “beware”. This is apparently a VERY strong drug, with some VERY disturbing side effects, including anxiety, panic, insomnia, agitation, mood issues, suicidal thoughts — and these are only A FEW of the known side effects. (Please google Seroquel side effects for more complete information.) It sounds to me like taking Seroquel, when you’re already experiencing these problems, could be quite risky.
Cipro can seriously mess up brain chemistry, producing the problems you’re experiencing. Many of us on this forum have experienced them, too. The way people on this forum have addressed these problems has varied, from toughing it out, to using herbal medicine, to taking pharmaceuticals. I myself took Ativan, a mild sedative, and was fortunate to have quick relief from the nighttime anxiety, and resulting insomnia. I didn’t have to take it very long and ultimately took it only before bedtime. I did have some episodes of “breakthrough anxiety”, so I can’t say it immediately solved that problem, but it made the anxiety MUCH more manageable. I only took it regularly for a few weeks.
Currently I take either melatonin or the herb valerian, sometimes both, for sleep. They are not pharmaceuticals. Melatonin is a hormone which controls sleep cycles; valerian is an herb with mild sedative qualities. Both can be found in a vitamin or natural food store.
I tried Ambien a few years ago for periodic insomnia, but didn’t like the weird dreams it produced. Also, I began to hear more stories of people doing unusual things while asleep. It’s considered to be a “hypnotic” drug — not something I wanted while dealing with Cipro anxiety. I won’t ever take it again, either.
I had taken Lexapro successfully for generalized anxiety and mild depression in the past, so my psychiatrist suggested I start taking it again. I did, and still do, take 10 mg per day. To my knowledge, it has not contributed to my Cipro problems.
I will say this, though. The enzyme pathways in the liver which detoxify our body of chemical substances are often overwhelmed in trying to remove Cipro from the body. For this reason, many substances — even caffeine — are not efficiently removed from the body, resulting in their “recycling” through the body. Until the liver has recovered, which can take months, various drugs, compounds, even vitamins and herbal substances, may tax the liver even further. Introducing anything new at this time should be done with great care.
Good luck. I know this is awful, and the insomnia does make you feel crazy. You’re not crazy — it’s the Cipro. I would say your first goal should be finding something to help you sleep. But I would seriously question whether Seroquel is the best choice for that purpose, for the reasons above. Hang in there, and keep coming back to this forum with questions and for reassurance — this will pass.
Thanks Vicky.
You mention keeping you liver clean. I have suffered from a pain condition over the last 7 years and take 6–30mg of Oxycodone every day. I have been on this dose for 2 1/2 years.. I’ just recently over the last 4 months before taking Cipro I was constipated all the time. As of today I have not gone in 3 days and did not go much over the time I was on the Cipro. I also had the fever of 102.3 for 3 days and could not break it. I have not had any Cipro since 1/15/2013.. I’m having horible stomach discomfort .. is the only way for Cipro toxins to leave your system is to have it pass thru your GI tract. I’m concerned it sitting in my gut and eating it away. I’m hoping to go get off the pain meds next week so I can return to normal bowels? Then I’m going to ween off the zanax. I have only been taken that on a daily basis .50mg up to 3 times daily for my anxiety I got about 2 years ago when I had a panic attack. I quit smoking on the same day 11/05/2010. Ever since I quit smoking my health has gone down hill.
My main concern and question is alot of people on here have not been taking heavy pain meds for years. Does anyone have constant constipation or on and off abdominal pain.
The main factor to detox off this horrible medicine is to get rid of the toxins. If I cant go to the bathroom is the Cipro still siting in my gut???
Can someone share if constipation is an issue with them and if so how to you get the toxins out to get better? My anxiety is killing me and I need to know if not going # 2 is dangerous?
I also need a list of what foods I can eat and cant? I’m drinking fluriode free water and bought fluriode free toothpaste today along with some supplements.
Thanks so much
Phil