Guts symptoms and conditions

After you read a representative sampling of this website's testimonials, you certainly ask yourself inter alia: Can this be true? Did thousands of people inject an antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone family, which crippled them for longer or for shorter? Most of us, I suspect, never really get beyond the initial litmus test: Did this medicine poison me or save me? (The answer depends, of course, upon the age, gender, medical condition, and most importantly, the DNA make-up of the individual patient. For hundreds of thousands of patients this antibiotic is a boon. For thousands of other misfortunes this antibiotic is a disaster.) But there is another important question here.

Who gains from self-revelation? To be sure individual sufferers gain certain emotional catharsis from posting their adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to levaquin. E-postings are one-way anonymous tracks that form ruts on a well-traveled trail of tears. Unless these postings are hoaxes written by mischievious gnomes, then they consitute prima facie evidence for a causal link between levaquin injection and sundry crippling ADRs.

Curiously, this e-forum cannot be used as a tool for organizing thousands of potential litigants who might coalesce under a class action lawsuit. Yes, we can analyze each other's anonymous revelations to see if they muster our respective sense of the "ring-of-truth" re: levaquin toxicity, and we may contact each other one-on-one, but no-one can harness this intoxicating communication's technology to reach simultaneously all respondents en masse as a bloc.

So, who wins? The emotionally unburdened e-poster who learns belatedly that s/he is not alone and that prescription medicine likely caused more pain than the underlying malady for which s/he is being treated? Or big pharma that continues to manufacture and market a medication that poses downside risk to many consumers who unwittingly incur more damage than therapeutic value?

Indeed, who wins in a forum where consumers anonymously reveal their symptoms and unconfirmed suspicions? The answer is big pharma wins. Pharmaceutical companies data-mine our postings to estimate the frequency and bredth of ADRs about which consumers complain. House statisticians estimate the ratio of active complainants : silent complainants, i.e., the ratio of complaints who show up on this website to the far heftier percentage of complainants who never post on this website because either they are technology-challenged or they are incurious. House actuarians proceed to estimate how much operating profits their employers must set aside to cover losses in out-of-court settlements or in awards made to plaintiffs in class action lawsuits.

I think this is how the game is played in a behavioral sink where billions are made in a deregulated marketplace that allows predators and prey to interact anonymously. Sorry to be such a downer, but I fathom only the desperate plight of tens of thousands of levaquin consumers for whom no monetary award ever will compensate them adequately for their suffering, and the hundreds of millions of dollars at stake in court awards if consumers ever brought to bear their aggregate numbers and draw a bead on their big pharma tormenters.

I think it a true horror and shame that pharmaceutical companies have not devised a test which determines in advance which patient safely may consume levaquin and which patient's DNA places him or her at risk. I suspect the genome technology is available, but would dig too deeply into big pharm's bottom line. The economics of "parachutes-for-everyone" is infeasible. We are all guinea pigs in a B-grade movie featuring Russian roulette, billion-dollar pay-offs, and an FDA that pretends not to know.

Yep, I had the same problems as everyone else...I had a sinus infection/ear infection and usually take amoxicillin but my doctor thought it would be good to try a new thing....um, that's never happening again..I have puked my guts out both with and without food in my stomach.....I am currently on hold for a doctor's appointment now! THIS DRUG NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET.

I have been taking perocect 10's for the last 1yr or so and it is very bad when I don't have them I feel like crap. When taking just one it is like taking 3more 10 min later cause it does not work as well from when I first started taking them. When I run out I am looking for them everywhere and taking other pain meds to cover the withdrawals. Man it is so bad feeling like that the runny noise,sweating,being angry,shaking, throwing up,shiting my guts out etc. I have a chronic back problem and I'm only 24yrs old. I have a very supporting husband who is there for me when I'm withdrawing all the time and I love him for that cause if it was any other man they would of left me hanging. I advice anyone who starts this pain killer to only take it when needed cause the chemical in the pill will mess your who life up and you will have some serious problems for realist is true but how I'm going to stop I will take a week out of my life to go to the hospital for help. Also there is so many other medication that can make you sleep.(PEROCECT'S WILL MESS UP YOUR LIFE SO DON'T GO DOWN THAT ROAD, PLEASE TAKE THIS MESSAGE SERIOUS THEY ARE VERY BAD, DON'T COVER UP THE PAIN GET IT TAKING CARE OF AND IF THE DOCTOR GIVES THE PEROCECT'S TO YOU DON'T TAKE IT CAUSE THEY DON'T CARE IT IS NOT THEM PLEASE DON'T).

i had the most painful and frightening episode last night. thank god for the internet....the zocor stops today....after only a week or so of low dose....severe leg ,inner thigh muscle cramps and then last night...i must speak frankly,at the end of normal sexual relations, my climax spasm transitioned into a groin and lower stomach cramp that made me roll off the bed in pain and confusion,never have i felt such horrible mind numbing pain....took about ten minutes for spasm to release,still awful sore this morning....it's oatmeal and more swimming for me...just the memory of the pain and helplessness in the midst of it make me nauseous.

I have been on Prednisolone about 4 times in recent years. the highest dose was last year when i was on 80mg reducing weekly by 5mg. I have had most of the side affects you all talk about above. I have severe colitis so the side-effects of this drug are something i have to put up with. at the moment i have all the classic side-effects i usually get, rapid hunger, swelling to my face (moon face), neck has layer of fat, swollen back (buffalo hump), bruising easily, horrible taste in my mouth, swollen stomach. the one good side effect is it gives me lovely smooth skin lol. anyway the point of my post isn't to rip this drug appart as i have to say for me its a wonder drug and this time has prevented me from having my bowel removed! from personal experience once you finish the steroid treatment after a few weeks you'll notice the swelling go, my hunger usually fizzles out quite quickly (altho i have a large appetite in the first place!!) none of the side effects are permanent, so please all rest assured you will go back to normal just try not to put on too much weight while on the drug.

Hi, I am a 36yr old mother of 2 boys aged 14 & 12yrs. I had the mirena fitted in 1 1/2 years ago.. had all the bleeding at the beginning, but unfortunately it carried on for months. had very heavy bleeding in months 7 & 8, so heavy it left me feeling nauseous and faint. then it went back to 3 weeks of bleeding out of 4. and thats now how long i bleed for all the time. have heaps of discharge (eww), zits, feeling constantly like crying over nothing. Had hard cyst, which went on its own. got referred to a gyno (cause of heavy bleeding) which i saw 3 weeks ago. he has no idea why i had the heavy bleeding, has no idea why i am bleeding 3 weeks out of four (not heavy) but he is now booking me in for a vaginal hysterectomy.!! I still have the mirena in, only because i am told that if they take it out, my periods will be a lot worse than before i had the mirena inserted!! argghhhh. anyone else being put forward for a hysterectomy??

Anyone experience vaginal swelling??? I'm kind of freaked out. I got it placed 2 weeks ago and was supposed to start my period a few days later, I did and have been bleeding for 10 days now. I normally have 4 day ong periods. I have had some pain in my left side really low but then about 4 days ago I noticed it was hard to place a tampon and felt like things were swollen in there. I looked in a mirror and had my hubby check too. It looks like the side of my vagina has collapsed and is laying across the opening of my vagina! When I push (like giving birth, but not as hard) it kind of pushes out. My hubby said it looks like guts coming out instead of a baby head (we have 3 kids, so we are familiar with that sight). Has anyone else had this side effect??? My midwives can't get me in till Monday but I am worried NOW!! She told me I could find the strings and remove it myself BUT with all the swelling I don't know that I could find the strings or that it would even be safe to pull out like that! HELP!!!!!

Took Lisinopril for one week, this was the only medication I was on at the time. I experienced light headiness, dizziness, motion sickness, rapid heart beat, chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness in my hands and arms. I suffer from some sort of bowel disorder, I have anywhere from 6 to 12 bowel movements a day normally, Lisinopril disrupted my bowels - they became totally unpredictable - make for the worse week of my life. My mother died the month before and I was already depressed, under enormous stress and most likely suffering from some sort of trauma disorder (PTSD) from watching my mother die in ICU screaming for 42 day. I became suicidal, to the point of sticking the gun in my mouth and cocking it. Guess I just don't have the guts to pull the trigger. I can sincerely say Lisinopril has changed me and it ain't for the better.

Hi, I had mirena placed two months ago after giving birth to my 3rd child. I wish I would've seen this site before I make my decision of using Mirena. My first symptom was chest pain and it was followed by heart palpitations, lower back pain, dizziness, heart burn, etc...... I asked my obgyn and he said "IS NOT MIRENA" the cause of your symptoms. I had to see a Cardiologist because I felt that I was going to die in any minute from a heart attack. My Cardiologist said you are to young to have heart problems. I had an ekg, blood work, echo, and stress test done. nothing seems to be wrong with me "Medical terms" you are fine. But I knew something was wrong, I got my own diagnosis "MIRENA" was the cause of all my symptoms. I have it removed about two weeks ago and I finally feel normal again. No more side effects. Please ladies do your own research really good before using this or any other medication that your doctor gives you and please DON'T trust your Dr. 100%, they are not always right. Good luck to all of you.

I stopped smoking the third day into the first week. I'm in week two now, and have had half a cig a couple of times...but it doesn't taste good or do a thing for me. My cravings are minimum, no mood swings...don't even want to drink! (I haven't even finished a beer since I started.)

My side effects have been slight nausea even when I eat before taking; severe joint pain; insomnia; exhaustion, intestinal distress. I'm willing to put up with this for a few more weeks, but I may do as others have suggested and cut back to one pill a day by week three.

I quit 23 years ago and then, like a fool, started smoking again. The first time I quit I used hypnotism. I paid for five sessions and only used four. Worked like a charm...but soon after, I plunged into a severe clinical depression. It wasn't until years later that I connected nicotine withdrawal to depression. So, I'll be very careful this time around...it's taking a lot of guts for me to risk going through another bout of depression.

I just got a very condescending private message from a doctor on this site who said that while my articles from Europe are very helpful that I don't know what I am talking about and that I could mislead the public. Then I see how many parents and patients got a condescending attitude from their own doctors.

Well the public has been mislead but it is not my fault. I don't see any experts in this field stepping up to the plate to acknowledge that these side effects exist, have been reported by authorities in other countries, and that these experts are interested in learning why they are happening. This is an extremely widely prescribed medication that involves the lives of millions.

Merck's research director was quoted as saying that they know of no mechanisms by which these side effects could be related to psychiatric adverse drug reactions. That was a flat out LIE. So what if I quoted you a research article from China that was very complicated and yes, could possibly be misinterpreted by somebody? I just needed to give you an example. The only expert so far that had the guts to give you a truthful statement was Dr. J. Douglas Bremner. Thankfully, he corrected a misunderstanding about saying that it was "unclear."

I hope that we will all hang in there and something will be said by somebody, anybody on this site that will make the FDA listen and investigate Singulair (montelukast) all the way back to the very original studies done in test tubes not on people. And, then take a new look at it from the standpoint of what we now know about human genetics. I guess I will keep repeating myself about one size does not fit all.

I would also PRAY that all clinical studies on Singulair (montelukast) would be suspended until the FDA decides why these side effects occur. And that they would issue a statement to doctors to make conservative decisions regarding treatment with Singulair until the results of the investigation have been reported.

I hope that nobody thinks that I am trying to mislead anyone. The answers are either unknown or being hidden by Merck. How would I know the answers? I don't work for Merck. How many other people are out there trying to translate articles in foreign languages to see what's going on? American doctors are calling Merck and being assured that there is nothing to these claims.

I wonder how many experts there are that just don't want to be another Jeffrey Wigand or don't know what is wrong?

I know that I am ranting but somebody should do it.

I was given Cipro 500mg twice daily for a UTI. After 4 days on the medication I developed severe joint and tendon pain. Every joint in my body was in pain! I have called the doctor and they had me stop taking the medication. I continue to have pain in my joints. By the end of the day, my knees are killing me! Will this ever go away. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow, I am so upset over this, I am in my mid-30's and am feeling like I am 80! I am a grade 1 teacher and have 3 young kids at home, I hope things will get better!

I am a 43 year old female who, until I found this site, thought I was dying of bone cancer - I am not even kidding. I just finished the last of my 10 day prescription for Avelox (for bronchitis and sinusitis). And I feel like I have been beaten about the head and body. Honestly, every part of my body aches and I can barely walk. I have absolutely no energy; throbbing and shooting pains up and down my arms and legs. Not to mention sharp pains in my chest area periodically. I have very clouded and unclear thinking abilities; and my neck and head hurt so bad not even an 800 mg ibuprofen helps. Oh and let's not forget the chills which are right down to the bone - I cannot get warm and I have yucky night sweats to boot. I would most certainly be interested in a class action lawsuit. I really hate that I took 10 days worth and wonder when I will start feeling better. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE AVELOX - it is not worth the painful side effects! The prescription flyer I received with the medication did not mention any of the side effects I encountered.

I called my ob-gyn today because I am so tired of the bleeding! I got my Mirena in August and have had maybe 20 days total with no bleeding. I had the copper IUD first...that was AWFUL-I have had children...with no drugs and it did not compare to the pain I would have with the copper. I do not do well with hormones so i avoided the Mirena. My MD assured me the drug was not systemic, but after reading all these postings I am more convinced than ever that I need it taken out. I have bad cramps, bloating, nausea...I actually thought I needed my gallbladder out....but after reading all this today I think that this IUD is the problem. Does anyone else have pain from the lower abdomen all the way up to your ribcage? Also...I feel like my ovaries hurt? Bad pimples, no sex drive, I don't think I smell right (gross I know). It is good to know that I am not crazy...all the nurses at the MD's office have it and "love it!" I think I will make an appt....out it comes even if it is condoms until my hubby gets enough guts to visit his MD!

Started taking the generic Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate) 50 mg/day 11 days ago. I had been having vague gastric problems prior to taking it but two days after I started, I began having severe stomach pain that would double me over with diarrhea so severe it felt like my guts were turning inside out. I got a presciption from a doctor I work with for Lomotil which is a fairly heavy duty smooth muscle relaxor for the gut. As the week went on, I was taking these pills every 2-3 hours to keep the pain at bay. I was starting to pass some blood because this was so severe.

I've made an appointment with a GI doctor to have this checked out (couldn't get an appointment for 2 more weeks) and said to my boyfriend I wish I knew what was going on. He pointed out that this started right after I started taking the BP med. I skipped my pill yesterday and today....guess what? I am pain free today for the first time in a week.

I NEVER would have associated this kind of horrible pain with a blood pressure medication. It did bring my pressure down very nicely...in fact it's a bit too low now. Back to the internist next week to try something else out.

I have only been taking it for 3 months,my moods have become worse but the MAJOR PROBLEM is my belly is huge, big time huge, like 3-4 months pregnant. No sexual side effect, just very moody and tired just like pregancy, The scale says i havent gained but my body says otherwise.I am 36 and Iwill not reinsert this product. My guts feel burning and alot more cramping in uterus, etc. WORD TO THE WISE,........ SO NOT FOR ME AND OTHERS

I have been on lisinopril for high blood pressure for about a month. A cough had developed about a week into taking it and got so severe at times I thought I was heaving up my guts but nothing would come up. I got another doctors opinion and found out it was because of the lisinopril. Good luck. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone.

First afternoon:
At first it worked great, the dizziness was the same as before I started on V-Q-TUSS, my coughing became controllable, and I wasn't drowning in flem.

First evening: Extreme nausea, disorientation, sleeplessness, and tossed my cookies 3 times.

Next morning: I was very week again and VERY tired from not being able to sleep, and choking on my own flem. So I decided to take a dose (not realizing this was part of my problem). As soon as it hit my stomach I realized that this was the source of my nausea.
10 minutes later I was puking my guts out again.

Next attempt: NEVER!

I went on Lisinopril when the VA quack doctors noticed my high blood pressure. I tried to read the many pages of side effects but never noticed the coughing one. What a wild ride this pill has had me on, many times I have hacked up my guts outside of my car.

That Cough is just crazy, it never goes away. It has been like having a year-round cold. I told my VA doc and they changed it to include a water pill and later to be a solo Lisinopril added dose pill.

I should have known that there was a catch when the VA just gives me these pills like candy each time I am there. LOL

One of the odd side effects I have noticed is a decreased on non exsistent sex drive. Even Viagra which the VA only gives out 3 pills every three months has little or no effect when I am using Lisinopril.

Thank God for this website, I am going cold turkey off this strange drug. I still have the cough after one week with some headaches but I am starting to feel better.

I'm wondering if synthroid is the answer for hypothyroid? I mean, pretty much all our guts give out over time... How many people actually go into a coma and die from hypothyroidism? I took synthroid and had to get off it after just one week! I was slamming doors around here, screaming, out of control, miserable. I've talked to plenty of women at work who have lots of trouble controlling their dosage. I've read some other comments here: BEFORE I took synthroid, I had aching legs and feet, thickness in my throat, weakness, tiredness, can't concentrate. I only take a tranquilizer for eight years, same dosage, for anxiety. I'm thinking there HAS to be another way to treat hypothyroid. What if my kidneys are giving out and synthroid is overloading it, and THAT is the primary disease, with the hypo business secondary. I can see kidneys giving out, what with all the stuff we eat, yearly innoculations for flu, and so on. Anybody have any thoughts on (1) How many folks actually die from hypothyroidism via coma, and (2) Is hypo the primary condition, or is kidney primary, and (3) What is with my feet and legs hurting and aching all the time?!?! Gail