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Rosie33 · 09-08-2012, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idiopathic PN

During my last visit to my neurologist (August 31), I mentioned to him that my pulmonologist initially prescribed me with Levaquin (for minor Kleibsella) but I politely refused because of the effects on my nerves (I was given Augmentin instead). I was very surprised with his reaction about it. He said that this "side effects are over-blown". He does not believe that Levaquin (or Fluoroquinolones) has side effects to the nerves. he said there has never been any studies that say about Levaquin or Fluoroquinolones causing damage to the nerves.

I did not argue with him because, as a layman without medical background, I am not well-equipped with sufficient knowledge to argue on something he studied for many years.

I am so tempted to bring him the article I read in one of Mrs.D's links about antibiotics but I dont want to antagonize him because he is good in his area. But, I was just disappointed how can he not know about it????? How can he properly diagnose his patients whose cause has not been determined - but were on this antibiotic????

I do not hesitate to bring my doctor information that I find. In fact I once brought her some info on Red Yeast Rice I was taking for cholesterol. As she was reading it she said, "Hmm, interesting". When she finished she said, "Your numbers have improved, keep doing what you're doing".

Your doctor said he doesn't believe Fluoroquinolones have any effect on nerves. The key words are "He doesn't believe" so maybe you should enlighten him with some info on the subject. I actually diagnosed my own PIN by researching on the internet, and bringing many pages of info to my doctor. I was very careful not to read into any site that was an advertisement for products unlike the links that Mrs. D recommends.

I was given Levaquin a few years back for about 10 days, and Cipro throughout the years until I realized what was going on. It is now in my medical records that I am allergic to all Fluoroquinolones. I never would have known about it if I wasn't able to search on the internet, and I would probably be given this antibotic to this day when I have a bladder problem.

I understand what you mean about having complete faith in your doctor. Maybe you could bring him the info, and say something like, "My friend told me about this, what do you think, Doctor? I value your opinion".

Unfortunately we have to make our doctors feel like they have the almighty power to make decisions about our health issues. Nowadays we are able to take our health issues in our own hands thanks to the internet and..........Mrs. D!