Symptoms: Akathisia, brain zaps, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, insomnia, depersonalization/derealization, suicidal ideation, tinnitus, neuropathy, severe anxiety/panic, muscle/joint pain, GI disturbances, tendon tears, air hunger, mast cell rashes, heat/cold intolerance, strokes, smell/odor sensitive, kidney disease
To make a long and brutal health story short: I suffered for many years with mis/ un-diagnosed Lyme/coinfections. To this day diagnosed but never properly addressed or treated. I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (can be Lyme related) and lost my bladder to it. I had a urinary diversion-Kock Pouch made in 1989. I periodically was prescribed antibiotics for infections. Later learned to request cultures. I was always sensitive to medications. I later learned I have MTHFR factor and do not detox like normal. My muscles always ached. And had blinding fatigue that rest didn’t help. I suffered with organ prolapse and multiple surgeries. Experienced mesh injury. Numerous bouts of sepsis and PICC lines.
Then in 2017, at age 57, the BOMB went off after 4 pills of Levoquin. I usually was given Cipro(like candy) another Fluoroquinolone). I was diagnosed with Fluoroquinolone Toxicity! I was “fortunate” to get a diagnosis as many who are injured are not properly recognized as such. I tuned bright red, felt like a spike was in my brain, could barely hobble, micro tears in my tendons, insomnia, rashes, burning everywhere, hallucinations, and became so painfully toxic-DEATH would be a welcome relief!
They had no idea what to do and was told - “If I was you I would -GO HOME and be a vegetable!” (so as not to rupture my visibly enlarged tendons.”!
I am sensitive/react to everything. Medications, light, sound, smells, weather, foods etc. Accumulative toxicity. I have had multiple stroke events. I recently was provided an electric wheelchair.
It has destroyed my life and each day is a test of survival! No access to affordable treatments as you are thrown into government programs just to meet some basic needs. The loss of health, family, friends, ability to earn income has been brutal. Living in survival mode is exhausting along with the grief of such losses. Healthcare is broken, dangerous and insurance nearly useless at this point.
I am proactive as far as education and Advocacy. It is demoralizing to have no access to care. Death would be a relief. Functional care and treatment would be preferred!
Blessings and love to all that suffer from pharmaceutical injury.
Holly fr Wisconsin USA