I just started a course of Avelox (an antibiotic first used on respiratory infections and now for intra-abdominal infections). After only one pill, I awakened to find that my feet could feel the floor and my hands felt whatever I touched. Both numbness and pain were gone in hands and feet. I can't find anything in the literature that indicates this kind of effect on MS. However, I did find an article on a Japanese research study that linked gut bacteria to the development of MS as one environmental factor. Has anyone else experienced something like this from an antibiotic?

Two days prior to that, I began using Olive Leaf extract as an antibacterial. I also restarted Florastor, a probiotic, that you should always take with antibiotics to prevent c. diff infections.

The fluoroquinolones can cause permanent neuropathies in some people.

I have a thread about it here:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread122889.html

Taking them with NSAIDs or steroids accelerates this effect.

If you Wiki, ciprofloxin or Levaquin, the range of side effects is the same for the whole family. Avelox is just newer.

The book Bitter Pills by Stephen Fried was written when his wife had a seizure after ONE Floxin tablet!

The reverse is not a likely effect from these toxic drugs. A member on RSD just developed a neuropathy from Avelox!

Someone else who is very much into alternative supplements and so on agrees with you. All I know is that I awakened with a major improvement that has continued for four days now. It stands to reason that if a drug can have a direct affect on nerves then the effect could be positive OR negative depending on the individual. I'm going to discuss it with the gastroenterologist who ordered it and, eventually, with the neurologist as well. Thanks for your input.

[QUOTE=mrsD;705052]The fluoroquinolones can cause permanent neuropathies in some people.

I have also taken Ciprofloxicin for diverticulitis over the years without negative effects. I eventually had an anaphylactic response to the Avelox, however, and had to stop after seven days. My feet continue to have more feeling now than before taking Avelox. In restrospect, I do not believe that Avelox was the reason for the improvement. While still on Avelox, the feeling in my feet got worse. I restarted the Olive Leaf Extract and the feeling came back again! NIH are doing research regarding OLE right now. Apparently, it reversed EAE in mice, which has hopeful implications for MS patients. It's legal and OTC. MS patients should give it a try and see if it works.

Just be careful. Lots of remedies have been around for ages. I will be the first one in line for a cure.

Hi Aarcyn,
Have you heard anything about Olive Leaf Extract yet? Know anyone else who has had results?
Jacquie

just wondering how you are doing 2+ weeks later? still feeling everything?