My Cipro Story
THE SHORT VERSION (written 10/14/2010)
I am a 39 year old woman who lives a healthy lifestyle. I eat good organic food, I get restful sleep, I walk regularly as a form of exercise, I care for my home and my two young children, and I own my own business. My husband grows a large edible garden and we raise chickens for their eggs. Between the two of us, we are practitioners of Chinese Energetic Medicine, Reiki, Ayurveda, Herbalism, Yoga, Meditation, and other forms of healthy living. We have an active family lifestyle and in July 2010 we were working with a real estate agent in Costa Rica where we were planning to buy property in a beach community. During a particularly stressful time in my life, and against all of my usual protocols, on July 29, 2010 I decided to take an antibiotic for a UTI and possible kidney infection. I took Cipro 500mg 2x per day for 6.5 days before I realized that my body wasn’t appreciating it. Three days after I discontinued use, I made another unusual and desperate decision, and took one dose of Advil for pain. Four hours later, my life was hanging on by a thread.
Over the course of the next week I would lose my ability to walk, my ability to drive, my ability to see, think, and communicate clearly, my ability to rationalize, my ability to care for my family and myself, and my ability to feel okay about ANYTHING. Over the course of the next couple of months my family would endure a living nightmare while my body and my mind degenerated before their eyes. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally incapacitated. These are some of the symptoms I have experienced to date: peripheral neuropathy, numbness, dizziness, convulsions, seeing things out of the corner of my eye that are not there, acute tendonapathy (in both ankles, both Achilles, both knees, right bicep, both shoulders, both wrists, neck, right hip, both thumbs and 8 fingers) torn rotator cuff, tremors, anxiety, fear, fright, nightmares, headaches, ringing in my ears, ear pain, confusion, depression, paranoia, hives, rash, irregular heart beat, irregular breathing, chills, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, pain, burning, tingling, tremors, weakness, a brain spasm/squeeze (wait, did I already say that?), difficult speech, brain fog, blank spots in my thinking, creaking joints, popping sounds when I move, loss of smell, vibration throughout my body, persistent twitching, loss of words, momentary blindness, short term memory loss, inability to walk, fatigue, extreme sensitivity to light, sound and movement, nausea, inability to raise my arms above my head, inability to grasp things with my hands, terrible body odor, loss of appetite, muscular atrophy, loss of control over my bodily movements, weight gain, blurry vision, irregular eye movements, and among other things that my messed up brain can’t think of right now, a condition I can only describe as “the crazies”. None of the symptoms I mentioned have been mild. They have all been profound in their incapacitating, annoying, painful or frightening character.
Currently, I am still suffering from about a dozen of these items, but generally speaking I am more stable mentally and physically thanks to the use of “alternative” medicine. During this acute phase, I have experienced drastic improvements followed by slightly less drastic setbacks, but overall I’m slowly and sometimes quickly improving. My tendons are still acute, my right shoulder rotator cuff is torn and painful, I still have nerve damage, and I have no idea what my future holds, but I am alive and I am doing the best I can to keep my spirits up. One thing that helps is hearing about peoples success stories, so if you know any, please post them here on my website. We can all use a little direction, inspiration and hope.
I haven’t yet prepared A LONG VERSION of my story, but if you are interested, you can read my daily journal here. This is just my journal, its pretty boring and there are spots where I rant and rave, but it is all there. The spelling is bad, the grammar is bad, and the language is bad, but I can’t say I ever intended to share it. It is really just something I started the day after those first horrible symptoms because I was already experiencing horrible memory problems and I was afraid I would forget something important, or maybe I would end up in the hospital unable to communicate, so I figured a journal was a good idea. The journal started off as scraps of paper in a pile next to my bed, but one day I needed a project that did not include self reflection, so I transcribed it all into my husbands laptop. Since then, I have done my best to write something down everyday so I could track my progress. Maybe you can find something useful in there, or maybe reading through it will remind you that you are not alone.
I’m so sorry to hear Cipro is still out there! I’ve been suffering Since September 21, 2009. Constant nerve pain in my feet & ankles, tendon pain up to my knee’s. Shoulder & elbow pain. I’m really starting to give up. I take a ton of vitamins. Any new drugs they give me now makes me break out in sores! So I live with the pain & try my damndest to do what I have to do everyday & hope one day I will wake up and have my life back.
Funny thing is my Dr. asked me if I could take Avelox and I said NO, then asked if I could take Leviquin, and I said NO. Then he gave me Cipro & I not knowing it was the same thing, took it for 2.5 days. All it took was 2.5 days to bring me to my knee’s, which also hurt!
Feel free to email me & I will tell you some things that have helped me. It took me 8 – 9 months to be able to drive again & even that is still painful. If my husband hadnt gotten layed off, I would have lost my business. (He drove me everywhere) Anyway, enough complaining. If I dont hear from you, I wish you luck. Please do not publish this on your site.
Thank you,
Michelle
Hi Michelle, great to hear from u about ur story! I am a newly cipro victim, just more than two weeks when i finished my medicine. And it was only a week past when i started feeling pain in my right leg, arms, and tendonitis as well, but i am thankful that its not worse unlike others feel, its an on and off pain, this time my palpitation heart was high 98-100. and the moment my head started to get pain includes ear also sometimes. My proble is its been 2nights that i didnt get my sleep well. could u please update me on what u have done. only problem now is my hearbit palpitation which is high, ear, sometimes disturbance in my eye, and my head. Shall i go for acupuncture?pls do advice me, where to go and which doctor to go? i am leaving in dubai,UAE..many thanks..
I’m currently 5+ weeks post-flox. Though I feel I’ve been through hell, I realize from reading posts on this forum that I’ve gotten off relatively easy. I had pre-existing knee conditions (already have a knee replacement scheduled for next January and have had ongoing patellar tendinitis in the other as a result of compensation). I’ve had to work very hard to try to separate what I already had with what happened after Cipro. Like all of you, it hit me so suddenly and so hard that I was caught completely off-guard. Feeling so awful, it was hard to do any meaningful research and it took me a full week after completing Cipro to find the connection between my many varied symptoms. I initially thought I had the onset of an autoimmune disorder, which Cipro toxicity closely resembles.
I began taking SAM-e within 3 days after the end of my Cipro (taken for UTI – 5 days, stretched to 7 because I still had bladder cramping, probably Cipro caused). I had learned online that SAM-e was helpful for joints, and debiitating joint/connective tissue pain was my initial and worst symptom. As the last several weeks progressed, I experienced a broader array of symptoms: Extreme muscle fatigue and general fatigue; tingling/crawling sensation in lower legs and feet; resurgence/worsening of arthritis pain in hands and wrists; heavy, warm achiness in arms and kidney area; anxiety/panic attacks; sudden onset of extreme sadness/crying; overwhelming depression; pinpoint rash on ankles; foggy mental processing. I found this website, but I continued to research (when I felt strong enough) to try to understand the mechanism by which Cipro might cause all these symptoms.
I got a clue from my acupuncturist when I pointed out the cracked sores in the corners of my mouth. I thought early on these might be caused by yeast, which might have overgrown as a result of antibiotic use. She told me those are a symptom of vitamin b deficiency. It was a week before my brain worked well enough to begin to try to connect that to Cipro. I found a short paper by a doctor in which it was pointed out that Cipro causes vitamin b deficiency or sudden depletion. I didn’t know what vitamin b does for the body, so I went on to research vitamin b. I learned that the b vitamins support joints, cell/tissue regeneration; mental/emotional health via proper function of seratonin receptors; DNA/RNA production and red blood cell production (muscles depend on both of these); and sleep. Vitamin b deficiency can cause fatigue, muscle aches/fibromyalgia symptoms, joint pain, depression, anxiety, peripheral neuropathy and tinnitus (ringing in ears),
For lack of any other advice, I’ve begun taking a potent but balanced vitamin b supplement, heavy on the niacin and b12. I’ve also begun taking high doses of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production in connective tissue, and general healing. All of these vitamins are water soluble, so the body quickly excretes what it doesn’t need.
I would love some help investigating the Cipro-vitamin b connection. I’ve learned that you don’t actually get b vitamins from supplements and food. What happens is this: You eat vitamin b rich foods/supplements, but it requires bacteria in your gut to actually process and release the vitamin as something your body can use. Cipro does a great job of VERY QUICKLY eliminating gut bacteria. Because they are water soluble, b vitamins are not stored within your body. It’s possible that the sudden elimination of the good bacteria has a connection to the sudden, dramatic onset of many of our symptoms. And since gut bacteria takes a while to regenerate, the effect can persist for some time. MANY people have insufficient/inefficient gut bacteria all the time, meaning they have a low-grade b vitamin deficiency all the time, without knowing it. Could they be the ones hit hardest by Cipro? Dont know, but this would suggest that taking probiotics could be another essential tool in relieving symptoms.
I’m feeling a bit better as the weeks pass, and hope the same for all of you, too.
Hey Vicky, you sound just like me and all the other floxies, I would recommend you join us on facebook if you want, or you can talk to me about anything, I have experienced every symptom of this syndrome, I was floxed April 7th of this year, i was on Cipro for 10 days
hi can we be friends on facebook..cipro victim also..leihufg@gmail.com
Hi Vicky,
I am about 3 weeks post-flox and I have been having a lot of muscle twitching, fleeting pain in my joints, and muscle weakness. I’m also having problems with my left knee. Thank you for your info about the B vitamins and intestinal flora. I’m going to start taking B supplements and lactobacillus in addition to some of the other supplements I have been taking.
Hi Cheryl — I’ve found a great doc since I posted June 29. (This was after the typical clueless response from my family physician.) This doc practices “functional medicine”. He understands that Cipro attacks the mitochondria, a part of every cell that produces energy for the body. When mitochondria are damaged or destroyed, as Cipro can do, cells lose function and start a chain of oxidation damage to other cells.
My doctor recommends powerful antioxidants like Resveratrol, as well as nutrients which are essential for mitochondria, particularly CoQ10, L-Arginine and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Of course, vitamin C is also an effective antioxidant, and can be taken at levels of 10,000+ mg a day; You can’t overdose on it, but if you take more than your body can use it may cause diarrhea. Keep taking probiotics, as the gut is where vitamin B and neurotransmitters are synthesized. investigate appropriate levels of B, especially niacin and B12. Magnesium is also recommended, although it’s difficult to supplement efficiently. Fresh, raw vegetables are the best way to get many of these nutrients in a form the body can use, complete with all the enzymes. There is a test that can be run to determine how well your cells/mitochondria are functioning and what nutrients are deficient. It’s called an organic acids test.
I’m 11 weeks out now. I’m actually starting to have two or three “good days” in a row now. I’m hoping that trend continues, but constantly remind myself that this is an up and down process. Until a month ago I had to wear a brace or wrap on one or both knees at all times, and I used a cane on the worst days. I haven’t worn a wrap on my knees for two weeks now, but my legs still feel “empty” a lot of the time. Tingling and numbness in my feet has come and gone twice — it’s gone now, but some mornings getting up on my feet is a very gradual process. My achille’s tendons ache some days — some days not. It’s impossible to know what is helping, how much of it just depends on the individual and the passing of time.
I quit acupuncture, as it didn’t seem to have any effect. I got help from a psychiatrist for my initial severe depression and anxiety, which is now very manageable. I haven’t used any other practitioners or therapies. I’ve been swimming and using pool therapy as a gentle way to exercise, and it really feels good. It’s a little hard to get on my bike, but I try to spend about 20-30 minutes just spinning around the neighborhood a few times a week. I have to make sure anything I do is gentle on my knees, but I think movement is important.
I sure hope you find things that help and that you Please don’t expect any overnight cures, and stay positive. This is a real challenge and I think getting well can take many months. Good luck.
Hi Vicky,
I went to my mother’s doctor yesterday and was shocked when she said that it was possible that the cipro might be causing the problems! She did blood work and also referred me to an orthopedist. I also made a consultation with an alternative doctor who does glutathione therapy. I see him next week.
Like you, I have to wrap my knees. My left is worse, but today they both feel unreliable. I am so afraid that my legs will give out on me. I am a teacher and I am supposed to go back to school after Labor Day, but I’m not sure I can do this the way I feel now unless I get handicap concessions. Even then it might be difficult. I do have quite a few sick days saved up, however.
I also started taking GABA to relieve my anxiety. I’m having difficulty falling and staying asleep. I know it’s a long recovery process, but sometimes I feel very depressed, and I often wonder if the worst has manifested yet.
I took Cipro for 3 days for a UTI….I quit taking it once I realized how terrible CIPRO was making me feel….2 days later I’m feeling worse. Severe depression, I feel like I can barely move my body, my muscles ache, severe stomach pain and I’m so scared this is going to continue for months like all of you guys…..Do you have any advice what I can do to get better? I already battled depression and I feel like I will go nutts feeling like this much longer.
Hi Cheri,
I Seriously recommend that you get some Magnesium Glycinate take 400mg 2x’s day. Also find a integrative MD immediately who does the Glutathione IV PUSH.! This is not painful by the way, and takes about 15 minutes or less. You could do it 2x’s a week for the first month and then see how you feel. This will absolutely help detoxify this drug. Please Stay Away from any “anti-inflammatory drugs” NSAID, or steroids if for some reason they are offered to you!
acam.org i(american college for the advancement in medicine) a great place to find MD’s, Naturopaths, who do Glutahione, Vitamin C,..etc intravenously….GO Online, put in your zip code, at lower top of web page, and you should be provided with list of Physicians.
There is no way of telling how this will manifest over the next weeks, months….But you do have a head start to begin to do some meaningful things that without a doubt can help you. Please understand that all of us have been through it on this website. I only took 3 tablets of Cipro too. Glutathione has helped me recently. I wish i had started that back 10 months ago.
God Bless, and You can print out the article from MedicationSense.com about these injuries to give to your doctor as well as email the PBS NEWS HOUR STORY to your new Doctor.
Hi Cheri,
I would go back to the doctor who treated your depression and tell them what’s going on. My GP gave me Elavil for depression and insomnia. It helps me sleep and deal with the anxiety that this problem gives us.
This is my Cipro story, I am 14 months out. I’m writing some personal history, Cipro effects, and recovery..
History: I’m a 34 year old male, previously very healthy. I played football in high school, and was relatively active in my 30’s (weight training, skiing, etc). My only known allergy was penicillin. I probably took a prescription antibiotic once every couple years, (I don’t have a good medical history of prescriptions recorded, but the last antibiotic I’m sure I took was a one week course of Avelox in 2007, with no known side effects). I’m married, and have a three year old son (2 at the time I took Cipro). I have worked in the aviation field for the last 15 years, and have had no major medical problems. I consider myself independent in most of my philosophies, and probably “old school” when it comes to matters of health. One thing I find very ironic, is the amount of “illegal drugs” I consumed in my youth with no permanent side effects, and now I’m faced with life altering side effects from a prescription antibiotic. I have found my life has permanently changed from taking Cipro, some for the worst, and some for the better. You see, in the past I was running through life on autopilot, I had no patience for anything, work, money, and insignificant problems consumed my life, and in basic terms you could have called me an a$$h*le.
Cipro effects: In August of 2010, I visited a “family doctor” for a lower abdominal pain. I was concerned as it had lasted a couple weeks, and my profession involves exposure to high intensity radiation such as aircraft weather radar systems. The physician immediately prescribed two weeks of Cipro (500 mg per day, X2) for two weeks, suspecting a UTI. He also scheduled tests to confirm testicular cancer. I started the Cipro on 8/31/10. By the 3rd day I started experiencing side effects from the Cipro, severe anxiety, paranoia, brain fog, loss of appetite, fluctuating body temperature, and a general feeling my body was being poisoned. I was unable to contact my physician (as it was a holiday weekend), and because of my lack of judgment, and ability to reason, continued to take the prescription for another four days. I stopped seven days into the two week prescription, met with another doctor who confirmed I did not have testicular cancer, and told this doctor of my new symptoms. He said my original abdominal pains (which were now gone), were probably caused by a “tweaked back” and was “glad I had stopped taking the Cipro on my own, because it was poison”. I contacted my original physician back about the side effects, and he basically blew them off, and as you all have heard, said “Cipro could not cause them”. After 8 days (one day being off Cipro), all of my joints were extremely inflamed, cracking/popping, I had severe shooting/stabbing/pinching pains throughout my legs and arms, my ribs felt like they were being ripped apart by hot fish hooks, severe brain fog, anxiety, numb hands/feet, severe muscle aches, “electric shock” feeling in my legs, burning hands, stiffness, tendon pain, tinnitus, and was not able to walk without help. I missed the rest of the week of work, and when I went back, wasn’t much better. I would say my initial symptoms had me at about a “2”. (On a scale I use, 1 is your at the emergency room, 5 is severe symptoms effecting every part of your life, and 10 normal health). The first couple weeks were a complete blur. I am fortunate to have a lot of say in my daily work schedule, which afforded me the ability to keep my job. My severe symptoms lasted four months, and were a complete hell that only the people reading this can understand. I found myself unable to do common household chores, or pick up my 2 year old son. The mental effects of knowing your body is destroyed may be harder than the physical effects themselves. I am a very intense, and “hard nosed” person, and these side effects were destroying my life, my marriage, and my mind. I am not an “internet person”, (the only reason I have a facebook page is because of this), but thank god (and I’m not a religious person, but very spiritual) there is now information out there about these side effects. I spent countless hours researching everything that was ever written or put online about this. At first it scared the hell out of me, and I thought I would never recover. I do suggest to the newly “floxed”, research a ton, get all the info you can, make a plan, then turn your computer off. Four months in I actually talked to my wife about our future. One of my thoughts was to do something so drastic, that it would force the press to cover my story, and at the very least bring attention to this, as I seriously thought my life was over, (and I if I couldn’t raise my son, what is the point). Thankfully, I have the greatest wife that has ever lived, and she convinced me to keep fighting. If anyone gets to this point, and doesn’t have family to turn to, please call someone, anyone, me @ 303-956-7520. There is always something left, and something you can do, even if you are one of the people that has the most drastic side effects. I then reported my side effects to the FDA (Medwatch) which I recommend everyone do. I got a medical I.D. dogtag (stating severe “allergy” to fluoroquinolones). I’ve read the “Flox Report” too many times (which has very good info, but remember, all cases are different). I bought the Levaquin Tendonitis Solution book, and every other thing most of you have probably done. I did start taking Magnesium, and protein, one month in also. One of the best things I remember reading in my first three months of research was someone posted online, “If you can’t walk, roll out of bed, and crawl”. After talking to my wife at the end of month 4, I started a rehab workout. When I first started, I would do a few minutes on the treadmill, and my knees were so hot you could fry an egg on them, all of my muscles and joints hurt. I actually started working out with the bar with no weight, (which is a major blow to your mind). I worked out slowly, and carefully, with wrist supports, knee braces, shoe insoles, and anything else that would help my joints not come unglued. Within 8 weeks I noted a major improvement (60 or 70% recovery). In the middle, I did have a one week severe relapse of symptoms, but worked through it. Five months in I noticed my eyelids started uncontrollably twitching. They still do on and off to this day, not very noticeable, but very annoying. At 8 months I had a major 2 month relapse brought on by a cold?, which dropped me back down to about 50%. (I have had two colds in the last year, and both brought about a severe relapse of symptoms). Note* I have not been back to a tradition M.D. since the symptoms started, and have not even taken an aspirin, (just my philosophy now). I had seen a naturalist doctor about four months in, but they really weren’t much help, (they did confirm good liver and kidney function, and did a complete metabolic panel, which I do recommend doing at least once). After a year of hell, I now consider myself about 75% recovered on a good day (about 50% on a bad day or relapse). I have been fortunate to not have the complete laundry list of symptoms, but it is still a living hell. The brain fog and anxiety are a lot less, though my memory isn’t what it was. Most of the neuropathic pains are gone, and the muscle aches are a bit better. Still have the occasional numbness in my arms/hands. I still have the popping, cracking, sore, and weak joints, inflammation, twitching eyelids, and those occasional random pains. I still plan to try acupuncture, possibly ozone therapy, and plan to find a good homeopath. I consider myself fortunate. I have made a “to do” list for the future. I am still working out, and plan on running the Bolder Boulder (10K) next spring. I am not fully recovered, but am a little better, and know someday, I’ll be better than before.
Some of the things that may have helped my recovery: tanning bed (if your not having skin issues), eat organic meat (not treated with antibiotics), only drink organic milk, juice, and natural spring water, drink Muscle Milk protein, drink plenty of Probiotics (Good Belly), stretch @ least once a day, work out (carefully), get a massage, meditate (positive thoughts)…. I never thought I would say that. Some of the supplements I have taken: (disclaimer, I’m not a physician, so I can’t recommend you take anything, also I have a soul). GABA, Cell Food, Magnesium, Vit D, Osteo Bioflex, Cherry (inflammation), Fish Oil, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Cinnamon, (helps w/ circulation), Theanine, Cayenne, Bilberry, Garlic, COQ10, Lutein, Cranberry, Ginko, Amino Acids, Protein (lots), milk thistle, Topical Magnesium, copper, Biosil, Wobenzym N, Tumeric & (valerian, melatonin, and St. Johns, for rest).
I would like to thank countless people that I don’t even know for your support. Even if you haven’t had much recovery yourself, know that you are saving lives, take solace in that. Thank you Nikki (Surviving Cipro), Jen, David, Lori, Bob, Dr. Cohen, Bill, John, and others, I don’t know you, but I thank you, my wife, son, and soon to be 2nd son thanks you.
Other than the supplements, workouts, and things I have mentioned above, the most important thing I can suggest is patience, recovery is very slow, and there will be “cycles”. Also, take this horrific experience, and better yourself, in any way you can. Believe me, if it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger. Take me… I’m not fully recovered yet, but I’m not such an a$$h*le anymore. Good luck, and “God” bless.
Tom Olmstead
Thank you, Tom, for your wonderful post! My favorite part was hearing that you and your sweet family have a little one on the way. I told my husband and he said, “You’re as happy as if it had been our own nephew announcing a new little life was coming.” I guess it’s just because it reminds me that life is still so good even with this tremendous weight we are carrying. Cyber hugs to you all!
Joanne
Thanks so much for this site and the wonderful information y’all have posted.
I acted against my better judgement and took Cipro in early October 2011 for “suspected” kidney infection and am now experiencing a plethora of nightmare symptoms. Had I not been aware of the connections beforehand I’m sure I’d have allowed myself to be bullied into taking steriods and NSAIDS.
In addition to supplements and increasing magnesium, drinking a minimum of 4 liters of filtered water daily has helped. Heat always helps. Its the episodes of waking up at 2 am with an entire side of my body, from feet to face, burning as if on fire and all muscles twitching that I’m having trouble dealing with. Any advice? I still am trying to decide if this is a good sign or really horrible sign.
Also, has anyone had issues with gaining and/or maintaining their weight? I was petite beforehand (5 ft 4, 115 lbs) and have lost almost 10 lbs and am unable to gain or maintain weight.
I’d like to add the key point that disgusts me most about this experience. Doctors are prescribing Cipro/floxins for “suspected” gram neg bacterium that have not been cultured as such. My suspected kidney infection was not an infection at all. Nothing cultured. I can’t imagine why a physician would prescribe something so strong as a first line choice for something suspected, regardless of bacterial resistance.
Good luck to all!
Emily
Emily,
I’m so, so sorry you were hurt. My thoughts are certainly with you.
I wanted to respond to your question about weight loss and peripheral neuropathy. Glutathione is used for many other people who are “wasting” (uncontrolled weight loss) from assaults on their systems (cancer, HIV). Several people on this website have reported good results from glutathione but I have not found a good practitioner to help me with this. So I have never tried glutathione, though I do take vitamin D and go out into the sunshine. (Vitamin D helps cells create glutathione.) After losing 25 pounds while desperately trying not to (I, too, started my Cipro journey fairly thin) I did find that olive oil helped a lot with slowing the wasting. For me, the wasting stopped after the first couple of months. I have not yet been able to gain back weight (I’m six and a half months out), but I am not losing either and the weight is shifting, meaning that my spine, hips, and collar bone aren’t sticking out like they were.
My neurologist said that peripheral neuropathy, especially during the night, it normal as your nerves are trying to regrow. He knows I cannot (and won’t) take any medications, but he did say that a good quality fish oil or flax seed oil helps with the regrowth of nerves. He also said that nerves often regrow at a rate of 1/2 to 1% per day. So hang in there. Your body is working hard at recovering. It will get better!
Best of everything to you!
Joanne
I was just prescribed Cipro for a suspected UTI. As it turns out, I did not have one. I took it for 3 days before they told me I didn’t have an infection. Unfortunately, I had to wait this amount of time to find out due to the Christmas holiday. I have encountered 4 different people who have taken this drug without any side effects. I feel I am very lucky, so far, though it’s only been a couple of days. I was well aware of the side effects the first pill I took and I should have gone with my gut instinct and not taken it.
Diane
I’m taking Cipro supposedly for at least 3 months. I’m two weeks in now. It took me 4 1/2 months and two wound explorations to get a diagnosis of a gram negative mycobacteria. For any others with this diagnosis normaly treatment is two antibiotics for 9 -12 MONTHS. I was so relieved to finally have a diagnosis that I didn’t ask any questions about the treatment.
There’s no such thing as a gram negative mycobacteria. If someone told you that’s what you have I’d go back and question their diagnosis.
Although quinolones could be used for mycobacteria, they usually only partly treat them and as such would not be a great agent to take if that’s what you have.
I was prescribed Cipro for an infection. The doctor told me to take two 500mg doses twice daily for ten days. I noticed some burning and slight joint discomfort after taking my second dose of the first day. So, I stopped taking the poison pills. I’m only two days post consumption and I’m experiencing joint and tendon discomfort, joint popping, weak muscle strength, muscle twitches, muscle/tendon stiffness,foggy head, some head pains and insomnia. I already have a past of joint problems and being 23 years old, I’m completely and deeply scared. For the last couple days and nights, I’ve been regretting the decision I made to take this horrible “so-called” medicine. Especially, when I found out what it does to people and their lives. I’m hoping I can detox the cipro toxicity out of me, but can’t really find any pertinent info on what works. I have a consultation with a local naturopathic doctor this coming week. Hopefully,he can help me. Is there anything I should ask him in particular?
-Daniel
I would ask if he believes your symptoms are entirely caused by Cipro. If he says yes, then ask the other questions, if he says no, ask if he would be open to changing his mind. Best wishes, Nikki
Thanks Nikki. I have a few more questions, if you don’t mind answering.
I’ve read that fluoroquinolones can’t be detoxed, but one person stated they saw a naturopahic doctor who detoxed them from Cipro and that seemed to work. I don’t know if they did a chelation detox or something else though. What do you think?
Do you know if there’s a correlation between amount taken of said pills and severity of symptoms? I’m hoping since I’m not in complete pain (not really pain, just discomfort) this is due to the fact I only took 1000mg of Cipro. I’m hoping my body can naturally dispose of the toxicity, but want to get rid of it faster before serious damage starts to occure. I hope further down the road I won’t become “crippled” and riddle with pain like most victims of this vile pill.
And do you know anyone or heard of anyone being completely cured of this?
Thanks in advance,
-Daniel
Thanks Nikki for the advice.
I do have some more questions about this elusive condition. If anyone is willing to oblige me…
Do you think it’s benifical to detox? I read that flourquinolone can’t be detoxed, but someone on another firmed stated that a naturopathic doctor detoxed Cipro from him and he’s doing much better.
What exactly are we suffering from? Flouride poisoning?
Is there a point, where you’re actually healed fully? Any full healed survivors?
Thanks in advance
-Daniel
I have about the same exposure as Daniel. I took 2- 750mg doses this last week along with 2 doses of prednisone…..and spent several hellish days. Christ is the great physician so I advocate prayer and meditating healing scriptures. My approach was to start an aggressive detox. I immediately began doing everything I know about holistic and natural detoxing….including but not limited to:
CILANTRO PESTO (Be sure to include kelp or dulse in your recipe)
GREEN DRINKS WITH SPIRULINA
WATER WITH LEMON OR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
JUICING
BONE BROTH MADE W/ APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
VINEGAR, BAKING SODA, SALT, MAGNESIUM BATHS
NEBULIZE : NON-ALUMINUM BAKING SODA AND MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE
TOPICALLY APPLIED MAGNESIUM OIL…LOTS
TAKE LECITHIN (helps protect nerves)
DRINK LOTS OF CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM,CITRIC DRINK ( EBAY-CALM PLUS CALCIUM)
BREWERS YEAST
SAUNA (I HAVE A DIY FAR INFRARED)
FRS BRAND QUERCITIN DRINK
MEGA VITAMIN C
BORAX ( 1/32 teaspoon to a liter of water)
OZONE AIR TREATMENT (PROZONE)
VITAMIN D OIL
MILK THISTLE TINCTURE OR TEAS TO SUPPORT LIVER FUNCTIONS
DRY BRUSHING THE BODY
B COMPLEX INCLUDING B6 (HIGH DOSE), VITAMIN A, VITAMIN E
VALERIAN, MELATONIN, PASSION FLOWER EXTRACT OR KAVA FOR REST AND NERVESg
ALKALIZING DROPS, OR BAKING SODA IN WATER SEVERAL TIMES A DAY
PROBIOTICS, YOGURT, WHEY
FIND A COPY OF “HOW TO GET WELL” BY PAAVO AIROLA FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS
USE FAITH,BY HIS STRIPES WE WERE HEALED,IF WE TAKE ANY DEADLY THING…IT SHALL NOT HARM US
Hello Everyone,
I am so glad I came across this site. I was prescribed Cipro last Tuesday for a suspected UTI; 2 pills a day for 3 days. I took the full prescription, finishing it on Friday morning. Then, on Saturday afternoon, my right ear started to feel funny, and immediately I began to feel confused, delirious, and afraid. My legs started to feel a bit numb, and I had no idea what was going on. I was out at the beach when this happened, and immediately went home to rest. The next day I took it easy and didn’t leave the house in fear of having an attack while driving. Well, that’s exactly what happened on Monday morning on the way to work. I now constantly feel dizzy, confused, kind of like I am constantly on drugs, or have a few drinks in me. I have seen two urgent care doctor’s, one who performed an EKG to check my heart, which they said was fine, and also recommended an MRI. They prescribed me Meclizine, which only makes me extremely tired, and does ot cure any of my symptoms. The second doctor said my right ear looked a bit hazey, and prescribed me 10 days worth of Amoxicillin, which I am now on my third day of. I have an appointment with an ENT in 2 weeks since at first I was not thinking the Cipro had anything to do with this, and I assumed I had an ear infection/equillibrium issues. But now I know what has really happened! I do not feel the joint pain, and pray that It will not soon begin. Today is Friday morning, so it has been exactly one week since I stopped taking Cipro. Does anyone know if I can still acquire other reactions to the medication this far out? I am terrified already of the constant dazed and confused feeling I have. I’ve had a horrible memory the past week and can’t speak fully clearly anymore. I hope that taking the Cipro for only 3 days will not ruin my life forever. Thank you everyone for your stories, and I hope we all get through this.
HI Heidi,
real quick note here…
1) DO NOT freak out, if you can control it, but yes, symptoms can appear months after taking the FQ, however, that DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL GET WORSE!!!! MANY people do not.
2) You are showing very clear signs of toxicity, I suggest you find a doctor today who understands toxicity and how to detox you, possibly a NMD.
3) If it were me, knowing what I know, I would get a dose of glutathione IV, then H202 IV mixed with a meyers cocktail, heavy on the C, and I would have your doctor call my doctor for advice. My doctor has had more floxies to work with of late, so she has a bit of experience. I would prioritize this over everything else in your life, including your job.
4) Right now, jump in the hottest bath you can handle with 6 cups of epsom salts. Stay in for 90-120 minutes, reheating the water as needed. Sweat is good… NO, its great.
5) Go get a super probiotic today. Get the best quality you can buy, and take the maximum dose every day until you see a doctor for better recommendations.
6) Get support, from friends, family, strangers (like us), lovers, whoever. You need emotional support. This is overwhelming.
7) BREATHE. This is a temporary, although frightening, setback. You will recover. You will be ok.
I am so glad you found my site. When I got sik, this site did not exist. The stuff that did exist freaked the hell out of me. I hope this site is being found first, before the scary ones. That is my goal, to reach you guys with a message of hope before you find the sites that speak of, well… the unmentionable.
Hang in there, sorry I have to run, I am so glad I checked the site this morning!
Nikki
Hi! I am happy and relieved to have found this site tonight, after thirty minutes of searching and searching and coming up with the same, irritating web page trying to sell me Cipro….I took Cipro for 14 days back in 2009 for a possible UTI. At the end of my treatment, my knees began to ache like crazy and I had burning at the point of attachment behind my knees. It became harder and harder to walk or to use stairs. I also have general weakness.
I would like to say that three years later I am much better, but I am not. When I can afford to take a supplement called Vitality from the NuSkin company, which I sometimes get from one of my neighbors most of my knee pain stops, except the burning behind my right knee. But I am just not myself. As soon as the supplement runs out, within a week I am a mess again.
Is there any permanent healing from the effects of this drug? I also found out after I was having trouble that my father, in his 80′s took Cipro and suffered the spontaneous rupture of a tendon in his hand. OUCH!
Does anyone return to normal???
Elizabeth
HI
I took 7 days worth of levaquin and now I am feeling awful!! Does anyone know if sitting in a sauna helps with this toxicity??
Thanks
Patricia
I am so glad I found this website. I have been terrified out of my mind since I put the connection between cipro and tendon/joint pain. I had no idea, nor was I informed by my doctor or pharmacist that this was a possibility or I’d NEVER taken it. My pharmacy didn’t even include any literature with my medication! It was prescribed for a simple boil for heavens sake. I took approximately 3 500 mg cipro before I did not feel “right”. I felt completely drugged and out of it. I also noticed a very deep pain in my right shoulder one evening that nearly brought me to tears. I quit taking it and contacted my doc office. Three days of calls to them (frustrating) only to finally be told that “he said the medicine would not be causing your symptoms.” Then later after I went up there, it was determined he prescribed keflex 3x day 500 mg, NOT cipro 3x day 500 mg.
It came down to a he said/he said thing between him and the pharmacist. My doctor called it in so how would I know. Actually, I don’t know if he even told me what he was prescribing…just a simple “we’ll get an antibiotic to help clear it up.” Stupid is me for being so trusting. Never did I think such a strong antibiotic would ever be used for this. I mean, I’m in worse shape now than before. (And the boil is about gone even though I stopped all medications) Anyway, when I went up there, the nurse went next door to pharmacy and simply changed my bottle out for the keflex and offered a simple “sorry.”
I only took three doses of my keflex when four hours after a mid day dose I started experiencing severe burning sensations all over my body…chest, neck, shoulders, and calves mainly. I also had tingling and twitching all over. Three hours of this and I was headed to the ER only to be diagnosed with parasthesias and anxiety. Next day called doc office and told them only to be told again…IT’S NOT YOUR MEDICINE.
So as of now, two weeks later I am burning in chest, stomach, neck, calves, and shoulders. Popping like a bowl of rice krispies. Knees and heels hurt when I walk. I went to walmart yesterday and walked like a toddler in need of a diaper changing. I have daily headaches that nothing seems to rid of, it will ease only to come back. But I also have a low temp. My “normal” temp always runs about 97.5 (I am 5’4″ and 110lbs) and now it goes to 98.8 then back to 97.5. I have officially fired my doctor but feel like another doctor will say the same thing.
I am rambling, I know…but I am seriously concerned for myself. I am glad, however, I found this site to interact with others who have been affected. I would just like to know how I will be. I hope I have just been “bit” and not “broken” by cipro or keflex. I pray a lot for healing, and I will certainly pray for all of you who have been afflicted this horrible pain. God Bless.
Hi,
Did cipro make your hair fall out? My hair has been falling out in hundreds for the last 1.5 weeks so much so I have only 50% of my hair left
I feel so depressed.
Lynne
Good morning, Lynne and Leah!
Yes, people can and do recover! I am 12 months out from floxing and was hit very, very hard. Liver, kidney, heart damage was paired with all the neuromuscular stuff we face. I also had Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome and a long list of other problems. I could barely crawl to the toilet which was only a few feet from my bed for the first few weeks and had multiple, larger, partial ruptures of tendons along with that constant burning that comes from all the micro-tearing. I am only about 70-75% healed (my organs still give me some problems), but considering that I was told multiple times that I would die, I think I’m making a pretty good comeback!
I am only giving this background because we DO get better! LOTS better!
Lynne, your hair WILL grow back. My hair fell out by the handfuls. I had lots of completely bald spots. Really gross and pretty scary. Your body is concentrating its efforts on maintaining your vital functions. So, hair is not on the priority list. It DOES grow back. Mine grew back somewhat straighter and a bit darker, but it is just as thick and healthy as ever now.
Leah, as a point of encouragement, it took about 4 months for me to be able to hobble through the grocery store holding onto the basket for support and resting periodically. I am hoping that the fact that you can do that already is a really great sign. I am walking about 5-6 miles each day now. I still cannot to any percussive movements such as skipping or running, but I will gladly take the improvement. I would avoid any more meds, if you can help it. It’s like running heavy machinery over a fragile or broken bridge. It can cause collapse. I was prescribed Bactrim and Keflex when I was only a couple of months out from floxing because my kidneys were infected from the Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome. One pill almost did me in…. literally. I stopped the meds and the infection cleared on its own, but I am still affected by the damage caused by the additional antibiotic. I am guessing the headaches are from your liver being hit. Often floxies feel a burning across their diaphragm or “stomach” which is their liver dealing with the toxicity. Drinking lots of water helped me with the cranial pressure and headaches. Fish oil or flax seed oil helped some with the headaches as well.
Please keep in touch, both of you. II think we would all love to hear about your progress. Have a better day each day and keep healing!
Joanne
Darn computers, I just typed a reply only to have my computer freeze up on me so here I go again.
Have to keep the humor through all of this…good for the soul.
Anyway, Thank you very much Joanne for the encouragement. I know patience is the name of the game but boy its hard to not sit and cry. I am happy to report that the burning sensations have lessened some. My ankles, knees and shoulders are my worst. Still popping and today I noticed my left ankle slightly swollen.
I went into a local urgent care facility and had a CBC done just to check for infection (low grade fever sill present at times)… My white blood cell count is a little elevated. Would my body do this while fighting the toxins? I was offered amoxicillin (I have taken without incident in past) but I’m not too sure my body wants that right now. So confused… Of course the PA said my meds wouldn’t have caused this but she was aware of the fda black box label warning. Even said her mother took cipro and by then end of antibiotic course, she walked with the help of a walker. Not to be alarmed though because after three days when it was out of her system she was good to go. Huh? The PA was nice but why no one wants to link symptoms like this to cipro when it spells it out is concerning.
So far I have been taking omega3 fish oil supplements, Flinstone extra c vitamins, vitamin d/calcium chews, incorporating spinich, raisins and cashew nuts to diet. Drinking lots of water and doing the epsoms salts bath. Only been doing that for about a week though. What would be a good measurement in mg for vitamin supplements per day? Would a vitamin b shot help?