I just spent 5 days in the hospital. Friday I had a pretty strong case of the Noro Virus. I went to the IR because of concerns of the effect on MG and because my wife insisted because I looked so bad. The hospital decided to admit me. I also had a small bruise on my arm because of damage from a needle during a sugar diabetics test. During the stay I spiked a one time 103 degree temp. The virus symptoms were practically gone after the first day, probably because they kept me on IV fluids.

The hospital ran a number of tests including an MRI of the stomach because of the virus and the temp spike. It showed a small air bubble that the surgeon said was insignificant, I was given antibodies because of concern from the infectious disease oncall doctor. I was given Levofloxacin pill form (750 MG every 48 hours for 10 days after release. I also had at least one dose by IV in the hospital, and Metronidazole 500MG every 8 hours for 10 days. I was advised the Levo could make the MG worse but that I should take it,

I also have a small clot in a minor artery from the bruise.

My Neuro from Baptist Jacksonville was contacted early on and a Neuro from Mayo was the on call at the hospital and saw me as well. Both are considered heavy hitters for MG. The drug store print out does not say consult your doctor, it says Levo should not be used with MG. I have not seen a warning that specific for one disease only on a drug store sheet before. that is the reason I am asking this question.

I have never felt like I was near a crisis. The ER Doc thought I was but the Mayo Neuro said I was not. I have had some throat symptoms causing slurred speech but no negative reaction to the antibotics that were given in the hospital by IV. I did pretty good on all of the inhale exhale tests in the hospital. Have any of you ever been prescribed Levofloxacin before by a doctor knowing you had MG.

It sounds to me like I am treating a fairly minor issue with a drug that could cause an exacerbation of a major one.

My primary care physician prescribed it to me (for a minor issue) and I read the label and refused to take it. I took ciprofloxin a while back for a day and I could tell that I was getting way weaker so I stopped.

I'm sorry you were in the hospital. I hope they gave you IV fluids while there. The stomach flu is not fun!

Maybe I'm missing something, because this doesn't make sense. They gave you two antibacterial drugs for a VIRUS? Why is that sensible medicine? Why not an antiviral? Did they find bacteria in a UA or blood culture?

If they didn't identify a bacterium, if one existed in your body, there are other antibiotics they could've given you! Why a quinolone? Yes, the latest research has shown that it can adversely affect MG. I can see giving it if there was a specific bug they might be worried about, since some drugs work better on some bugs!

Did anyone suggest that you take acidophilus? I hope so.

Drugs are tricky. You can have a mild reaction this time, and have a bigger reaction if you take it again. Hard to say. Why take the risk?

I frankly think that "experts" are sometimes arrogant and, therefore, quite reckless with a patient's care. There is no way that the Mayo doctor could have predicted how you might react. And don't forget that doctors don't know everything about drugs!!! That's why there are pharmacists (right, Mrs D?!).

I do what Celeste does and read the inserts before I go near a drug. Doctors in an ER have tried to give me drugs I was allergic to! I had to come up with the drug I could take. There are usually alternatives.

If anyone ever "offers" you Ketek/Telithromycin, do not take it! It has a black box warning for MGers.

Watch out for any delayed effects of the quinolone. I hope you'll feel back to your "normal" soon!

Annie

I may have gotten things confused. I have been misquoting doctors all week. One of the tests they ran was an MRI of the stomach. It showed what the nurse said was 'a small bubble that suggested a perforation of the stomach' It did not show the perforation itself. They kept asking me if I had stomach pains indicating diverticulitis and seemed really surprised when I said no. They started the antibiotics before the surgeon came in. They did give me fluids, almost constantly for the first day or two.

The surgeon seemed very positive that I did not have a perforation. I never had symptoms of diverticulitis. I believe that the infectious disease doctor and the staff GP were not convinced. They continued the antibiotics and delayed releasing me. The discharge diagnosis was 'other and unspecified noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis perforation of intestine' As I have aged I have had more and more difficulty staying focused. My daughter suspects that I have dementia if not Alzheimer's. I believe my confusion also alarmed them. I am already taking an acid reducer (omeprazole). Would that affect the other medication recommendations. I believe that after the first day in the hospital the focus shifted from the virus and MG to the perforation.

I want to say something personal. You left the board just a few days after I joined, I was afraid that I may have said something in one of my confusing updates that may have added to your anxiety. I really appreciate your input and I am glad you are back.

Edwin, No way did you—or anyone else here—say anything to upset me. My life was tanking, and I needed a break from literally EVERYTHING. I was also sort of annoyed with any social media at the time. Too much negativity. I'm not good at putting myself first, and I needed to do that. I'm the only one responsible for my actions. I'm truly sorry if you had the impression that you might've said or done something to cause that. Thank you for being honest.

If you are having memory issues, and you haven't been tested for B12 yet, please do so right away! I had a severe deficiency years ago and I was having symptoms of dementia. Do you have any numbness or tingling in your extremities? Extreme fatigue? Lower back pain?

If you don't have the reports/notes and test results from your hospital stay, I highly recommend you get them.

The acid reducer alone can be causing a buildup of bad bacteria, which can then lead to inflammation of the GI tract. It's a vicious cycle. Diverticulitis is an "itis," which means inflammation.

Did they say why you needed an acid reducer? We NEED stomach acid to digest our food. Perhaps you could go see a gastroenterologist to discuss all of that and your hospital stay. Obviously, don't change anything until you talk to someone about all of this. Gastros are the specialists you should consult with.

Your confusion alarmed them. So they were more alarmed by being alarmed, than being alert enough to check a B12 level? Funny.

Take care,
Annie