Hi guys,

I just wanted to add my 'case to vault' in case it helps anyone. I was fortunate enough to stop the medication I was on fast (after 3 doses), however understanding what had happened took longer.

Around 6 years ago I developed UTI symptoms with a rash on my arms and legs. I was seen by genitourinary medicine who prescribed antibiotics, they didn't work. After another attempt (and ruling out STD's/HIV etc) with no luck, I visited the department again a week later. The Dr. attending me called in the head of genitourinary to have a look at a sample under microscope (I recall lots of 'threads' - mucus I assume). After a bit of deliberation, I was prescribed a high dose of metronidazole.

Two mornings later (3 doses) my tongue/mouth was burning/sore so I asked my partner to check (nothing visible) - at this point I also concluded the antibiotics were not working and decided to stop (only time ever doing this). Rapidly over the next day I noticed burning/tingling in my extremities (then burning up to my waist) and periodic numbness through half my hands (ulna nerve) and feet (to a lesser extent). At first, I thought it was stress somehow until I noticed my response to temperature was different, cold felt hot and the slight breezes hurt.

My GP agreed it was peripheral neuropathy (I researched the symptoms) and had me sent to diagnostics (I also developed tendentious though my stress was INSANE as I was trying to studying through university).

Diagnostics NCV however showed very little (that I'm aware of, perhaps as numbness was abscent at the time). I was also sent for an MRI scan in case the infection had reached my spine, this had cleared up by this point (I was given an antibiotic some weeks later targeted towards the prostate which appeared to work). Nothing notable was mentioned.

I suggested Metronidazole to the consultant given the immediate time frame and gap between other medications. Unfortunately he seemed defensive (I assume in case I sue?) and dismissive of the cause, however did take my symptoms seriously as have health professionals since.

So snap forward these years and how am I? Well, I still have tingling/burning in my legs/feet which becomes worse when under stress, and once in a while brings on the ulna nerve numbing.. and there's the odd lack of sensation here and there, however pain etc is much better (I would guess around 70%).

All this seems consistent with other studies I have read regarding recovery. I will say though, I do have other health issues now, though it's hard to say what's related (though notably I have digestive problems with GERD/IBS, I had a bout of constant vomitting/nausea for ~6 weeks! when it started (perhaps gastroparesis as suggest in a previous thread)).

Looking back I often shudder to think what would have happened if I had taken more tablets given the speed of the reaction. Anyway, I hope this story helps (feel free to ask any specifics), I've read similar accounts of the forums here (noticed a lot of similarties to "Craziest Neurological symptoms! Read my story!") and get the impression you all understand the struggles . All the best,