I have to post this and my fingers hurt so you BETTER read. I also intrigued you with a catchy title, so you sit down and get comfy. I debated to share my personal, intimate feelings, but it is all about being AWARE.
This was the antibiotic I took through my IV in the hospital everyday. I also received this prescription from the doctor with the instructions to start taking it right away once I was home. Of course I listened. John took it to Wal-Mart along with some others I needed filled. I received a call from him.
“Hey Babe.” John
“Hey, so how much are the prescriptions going to be?” Me
“I don’t want to tell you.” John
“Tell me.” Me
“The Levaquin is going to be $106.” John
“WHAT!!!??? Let me call the doctor and get a cheaper prescription!” Me
“I would rather not. I would feel much more at ease knowing you are taking the best kind of antibiotic.” John
Remember we were still in scared, freaked out mode. A lot was discussed, and I finally agreed.
John brought home this golden pill, and I swallowed $15.
The first night I took the golden pill I couldn’t sleep. I was restless.
The second night, my sister convinced me that sleep was a must so I should take my Motrin and some Lora tab to help calm my nerves and allow me to sleep. I agreed.
In the middle of the night I woke up sweating and freaking out.
“John, someone is trying to choke me!!” Me
“What?!” John asleep.
“Where have you been!?” Me
“When? I’ve been asleep.” John
“I can’t breath! My hands, lips, and tongue are numb! I feel like someone tried to choke me! I feel pressure on my throat like someone choked me!” Me
This went on for awhile. I started to cry and felt a little out of control of my emotions.
John checked my pulse and watched me breath and concluded I was fine and it was probably the pain medications. (Uh huh, right John!)
(Background: I NEVER take anything stronger than Tylenol for pain.)
I agreed.
“Just to be safe, I’m staying awake!” Me. I sat up straight in bed and kept checking my bedroom door.
I felt this overwhelming feeling of paranoia, confusion, and anxiety. I was jittery, frightened, and thoughts were scrambling in my head that had me stressed. I was freaking out! Finally, after a few hours of this, I fell asleep. I woke in the morning and called my sister who is an RN and a trusted source who knows me.
“Mary, I can’t take the Lora tab or Motrin, it’s just too much for me.” Me.
I explain my symptoms.
“Kathy, maybe it’s your antibiotic. I would go read up on it and see if any of it fits your symptoms. It’s just doesn’t sound like the pain meds you are taking.” Mary
“But I took it in the hospital and was fine.” Me.
“It might not have manifested itself then but is now. Also, pill form is different then liquid in an IV.”Mary
We hung up. I read it and this is what I found. (Just so you know these were just two of the MANY, MANY side effects. A matter of fact it had a number to call to get the complete list.)
What are some of the side effects of LEVAQUIN®?
Central nervous system side effects may occur as soon as after taking the first dose. Talk to your physician right away if you experience seizures, hallucinations, confusion, depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, nightmares, feeling more suspicious, or other changes in mood or behavior.
Damage to nerves in the arms, legs and hands can happen. Tell your healthcare professional right away if you feel pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.
(I underlined my symptoms for you.)
Along with this, it said to not take with iron BUT docs orders were to take iron.
I still can’t sleep at night because I am scared, paranoid, and emotional. I cry a lot, over everything, good or bad. You know what else it said:
“These symptoms can last up to 2 months after the use of antibiotics.”
LUCKY ME!!
I wish I was a little smarter in the drug department. The $106 made us think it was the best. I realize the $106 is paying for all the lawsuits they have against them. Sorry, I don’t mean to be mean but it does makes you think. The positive side, for two more months I can blame any meanness, crying, and any stress on the antibiotic. Right?
This could be an interesting two months. You might want to stick around, just sayin’.
Anyway, if anyone has any great advice for sleep let me know, or if you want someone to cry with, I’m your woman.
Just so you ALL know, last night, we flushed $75 down the toilet. IT HURT and yes, I cried, but so did John.
1 comment:
That fine print will get you every time. I had some crazy reactions to morphine in the hospital - the worst one - it doesn't dull pain for me. Not a great thing to discover post surgery. Glad you figured it out quick though. Hope it's back to normal soon. Hugs!
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