How Taking Certain Antibiotics Can Kill - How I Survived The Wrong RX
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Better to Heal you With, my Dear
Why am I writing a hub about the dangers of antibiotics? I am doing so because I have experienced first-hand what it feels like to be so sick you can't even make it to the bathroom without dripping blood.
And I want to bring an awareness to my hub friends as well as anyone who comes across this article, of what can happen when you are taking antibiotics. It is not a pretty picture and does not need to happen. I had no idea what I was in for as I dutifully swallowed the first of 30 white tablets.
It was a recent trip to the dentist and a prescription for an antibiotic that put me flat in bed and made me sicker than I can remember. If you have a strong stomach and a curious mind...read on. Otherwise, skip this section and move to the next one.
Living in the Bathroom
If you've ever had a throbbing toothache, you understand the feeling of relief when you're prescribed an antibiotic and assured that soon the pain will be gone. Well, this is just how I felt - relieved. My up and coming appointment with the Endodonist (root canal), would be tolerable now, as the antibiotic would soon take affect and the pain would be gone.
Day 2 - the "runs" started and never stopped. As each day became more uncomfortable for me I thought about reporting my condition to my dentist, but didn't want to bother him with such a trivial problem. I would simply continue on the antibiotic until it was gone. I would just put up with the annoying and very uncomfortable "side effects." Immodium D to the rescue.
Call me stupid, because I deserve it. What is it with me? Where was it that I learned that I am a better person if I don't speak up for myself? Finally, the blessed day came and the antibiotic regimen was complete. Soon, my poor body would be back to normal. Not!
C. difficile - What?
Taking an antibiotic not only kills harmful bacteria you may have in your system, it kills helpful bacteria - the "good" bacteria that facilitates digestion and other bodily functions. Without enough of these "good" types of bacteria, C. diff runs rampant in your digestive tract. Once C. difficile bacteria get established, they produce toxic substances that attack the cells and the lining of the intestines and the colon, causing inflammation.
If a bacterial colon infection caused by C. difficile is mild, it may get better when you stop taking the antibiotic. However, if your symptoms are more severe, you may need another type of antibiotic to kill C. diff.
Trips to the bathroom continued for 3 - 4 days after finishing the Clindamycin. I just thought I needed to be patient until my body was entirely free from the "magic potion". Then came day 4.
This is a day that only Charles Manson should have to live through. As I sat watching t.v. and petting my shih ztu, Clancey, my stomach began to gurgle and that old familiar "I hope I make it to the bathroom in time" feeling bore into me again. Oh S---! But it wasn't what I had been plagued with for the past 10 days - now it is blood - lot's of blood. Every 10 to 15 minutes, it came...all night long and throughout the next day. In addition I was severly nauseated accompanied by severe stomach cramps.
I called my Doctor. "Get to the emergency room!" he yelled as my son Randy backed out the car. Holding a large red mixing bowl on my lap, away we went. Fifteen minutes later we were at the hospital and told to take a seat. I begged to lay down somewhere but was told in no uncertain terms that I was asking for the impossible. Still holding my red mixing bowl, I found a seat which faced the television. Now normally, this would be a good thing. But when a person is nauseated and the television show is Rachel Rae demonstrating a new recipe...
Finally I was escorted into a room, cold enough to store ice cream in, and put through the "routine". "What seems to be the problem"? she asked as I am vomiting into my red mixing bow. "Your name?" "What is your age?" Shivering, I asked the young blonde nurse for a blanket. "Oh, sure", she said and left the room. After what seemed like forever, she returned to prepare me for an IV and blood tests and no blanket. "Please hold still while I insert the needle...ok...a big pinch now." Ohhhhh, I moaned and asked her if she had done this before. She said, "of course, and the Doctor will be right in." "Could I please have a blanket?", I sweetly reminded her. "Oh, sure" she tried to be sweet too.
After the Doctor examined me, he confirmed that I was de-hydrated and had an infection in the colon. The cause? The antibiotic, Clindamycin.
Taking an antibiotic to cure the damage from another antibiotic
I was put on "Flagyl", 500 mg. 3x per day to kill the infection along with a medication for nausea and another for pain. I don't remember much for the next 48 hours except for traces of a voice telling me to "drink some gatorade" and "take your next antibiotic."
You know the instructions and side effect pamphlet that accompanies the antibiotic when it is first filled? READ IT! I was too eager to toss the literature and did not study the side effects. I paid dearly for my mistake.
I am now six days in to the new antibiotic, (mouth tasts like metal) and still weak and at times nauseated. This is no picnic. Save this information as a reminder and forward to your family and friends.
As an added note - it is important to take probiotics, especially when taking any type of antibiotic.
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What are Probiotics?
According to Wikipedia:
" Probiotics are live microorganisms thought to be beneficial to the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host". Lactic acid bacteria(LAB) and bifidobacteria are the most common types of microbes used as probiotics; but certain yeasts and bacilli may also be helpful. Probiotics are commonly consumed as part of fermented foods with specially added active live cultures; such as in yogurt, soy yogurt or as dietary supplements.
Some probiotics have been shown to be beneficial in preventing and treating various forms of gastroenteritis. They reduce both the duration of illness and the frequency of stools. Fermented milk products (such as yogurt) also reduce the duration of symptoms."
One of the few foods that presently appeal to me is a Cultured Milk product by the name of "Lifeway - Bio Kefir". I prefer the small 3.5 fl. oz bottles that come in a 4 pack and my choice of flavor is pomegranate/blueberry. To learn more about probiotics here is a helpful link.
I am feeling better each day and glad to be back on my computer sharing my experience with you. If this article helps even one person, then I am satisfied. Take good care of your body. It is the only one you have. It houses your beautiful soul.
Thank you for reading my hub. I welcome your comments and your rating.
Please visit my profile where more of my articles are listed for your reading pleasure.
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What an awful experience! Antibiotics is necesary sometimes but as you say it kills the good bacteria too so the pro biotic is needed. I am glad you are back with your computer and hope you feel better now! Thanks for sharing this useful information, maybe pro biotic should be prescribed along with the antibiotic! Tina
Sorry you had to go through this crap!
I think we all need to get clued up on natural herbs and remedies to 'assist' us in the healing process. And for those who rely on the awful service in public hospitals [UK], go private!
Hoping you're in good health now, and thanks for sharing this vocalcoach. Blessings.
What a terrible ordeal. It seems even when properly prescribed, drugs have so many side-effects, one hardly knows what to expect. The prospect of being given the wrong drug is just scary. I do hope you have recovered and are in good health.
up/very useful
You can also have allergic reactions to anti-biotics,thanks for sharing vocalcoach.;)
Wow so glad that you are feeling better and am so sorry that you had to go through all this. I will definitely remember reading your hub and will be forwarding it onto other people. One just never knows what the body will accept and what it will reject. Hope that you continue to feel better every day!
Up and useful
How horrible. We just blindly take these medicines without question. The problem is that so often doctors prescribe drugs that they themselves no very little about because drug reps push them and shower the docs with incentives. Be well!
What a terrible experience. I'm glad you're on the mend. I avoid all kinds of medication. I don't even take aspirin. I never say never, but the condition would have to be unbearable or chronic before I'd see the need.
Up and useful for this hub.
Very useful, thanks for sharing that! Sometimes, speaking up for yourself can save your life!
Glad to know you're getting better. Sounds like a horrible experience. I'll always have this in the back of my mind when my doctors/dentists get out there prescription pads.....
Sorry for you vocalcoach!! I am very leery of antibiotics - they are overprescribed. My mom is an R.N. And my step dad is an MD. You would not believe the stuff I hear!!
I'm so glad you got this worked out!! I hope you are well on your way to healing:-)!
Thank you for the useful information. Be well.
Hi Vocalcoach, I am glad that you are feeling better! What an ordeal to go through.
I have a strange feeling that I will have a root canal eventually, and I need to think about the fact that antibiotics might be prescribed. The dentist says, "a nerve in that tooth may be slowly dying." Yuck.
You've offered some excellent information, and it's presented well. I immediately thought about yogurt cultures about halfway into the hub, and you answered my question on that issue. Thank you.
What a scary story! I'm happy that you are now well and thank you for this warning.
Vocalcoach,
I rejoice in knowing that you survived a terrible ordeal. It must have been a great challenge for you.
The scary part about antibiotics is that most people will not know they are allergic or susceptible to a negative response until they try it for the first time. Whenever I need medical attention I am always asked if I am allegic to antibiotics and they name the particular one they intend to give me. As far as I know I am not, but if it is different from the ones I have experienced, I could react negatively to it.
But then, this is true of all medications. Our systems are so uniquely different that doctors can only tell us to notify them if we reaction negatively.
Great hub and good news about your health. Voted up and useful.
Love and peace in His,
Forever His
What a monstrous way to learn about the potential dangers of antibiotics, Audrey. I am so sorry you had to endure this terrible ordeal and hope all is well with you once more.
Yes, antibiotics can save your life but sometimes they can also do a lot of damage. Thanks for sharing your story with us. I think that anyone who reads it will think twice and ask more questions before starting a regimen of antibiotics.
Thank you Aubrey for a very informative hub antibiotics, thank you so much for sharing. I hope you're back to your old self soon. Godspeed. creativeone59
creatone59 - I just had to share this in the hope that others do not have to live this terrible experience. Thank you so much, creativeone, for your healing thoughts. :)vocalcoach
Gosh this is so scary, I hate taking medicines and this has confirmed my opinion. I hope you're on the mend now.
Good information.Thanks for sharing. up vote
Hi there gracenotes - Sorry to hear that you may need a root canal (I am having one as well, which is why the dentist put me on Clindamycin). Just be sure to find out which antibiotic will be given to you and read up on the side effects first. I learned the hard way, as you now know. And yes, probiotics are key. Keep me posted and I wish you the best! :)vocalcoach
Wow, glad you to hear you are on the mend! That was a scary ordeal to go through. Good to remind us all to read about the side effects "before" we take any medications!
You have valuable information here. Thanks for share with us. This could be harmful to us if we don't pay attention to any of this. This looks simple indeed. I learn much from you. Thanks for being my doctor today. You deserve to get my VOTE. God bless you!
Love and peace,
Based on my wife's experience, Clindamycin is one of the most VIOLENT antibiotics one can imagine. It does seem to work on some infections where other antibiotics don't--but yeah, read the pharmacology sheet first.
Additional point: The paperwork you get with your prescription does not always include the ENTIRE list of possible side effects and cross-interactions with other drugs, alcohol, food, etc.
Hint: Hit the Internet, Google! Google! Google! Way more fun that hearing your insides suddenly go Gurgle! Gurgle! Gurgle!
Up, Useful, and Awesome.
realhousewife - You really hear some stories, don't you? I will protest any antibiotic from now on. I am doing better each day. Thank you, my friend, for your well wishes. Take care now. :)vocalcoach
Stan - I can hardly believe some of the feedback and stories sent to me by others who have had similar experience (some much worse). I am so glad that you will be careful about antibiotics prescribed for you, in the future. Sure wouldn't want my handsome and talented friend to get sick! Thanks, Stan. :)vocalcoach
Just last week a blind guy shot his own finger off - he was cleaning his gun that he kept for self protection. Wow! Riddle me that? Lol!
My girls have only taken antibiotics like 2 times their whole lives. Often the doctors prescribe them because parents want a bang for their buck. They took them to the doctor and they want drugs! Crazy! It's getting better now that awareness is being raised.
Take good care of you:)
philzgrill - How right you are. Perhaps "speaking up for myself" is the powerful lesson I have learned from this. Thank you, so much! :)vocalcoach
You are brave and thoughtful to share a delicate subject...I'm glad you're feeling better and thank you for reminding us how vulnerable we can be...take care sweet lady
amillar - I agree with you...after this bad experience. I doubt that I will be in any hurry to take any medications in the future. Thanks for reading my hub and for your worth while comments. :)vocalcoach
Clindamycin?! I know someone who developed the same problem with Clindamycin (except not as severe.) Sounds like the docs who prescribe it should insist on probiotics at the same time. Thanks for sharing your experience so that the rest of us are forewarned.
What an awful experience!!
I was once given a new fangled anti biotic for pneumonia. I woke up in the middle of the night with a delayed vision experience it was like everything was seen in delayed motion.
I quickly switched as this was so disturbing later to discover that people had died from as little as one dose from it. It was toxic to the liver.
I am super suspicious of new meds.
I am so sorry you went through this vocal coach! I am the same way about not saying anything, like you don't want to bother anyone as you are suffering in unbearable agony! I have heard of this happening but your Hub provides useful information to others about antibiotics and the real dangers! I am glad you are feeling better and are ok. Thank you for sharing this!!!
Scary stuff, prescription drugs - I am reluctant to take anything other than Aspirin or Excedrin when I have a major migraine headache.
So sorry you had this awful experience and I do hope you told your dentist and endodontist about it. They need to be aware of the effects of the prescriptions they write. Hoping you're so much better now. Blessings, Peg
This article is exactly why I don't take antibiotics any more. I developed intestinal candida from too many antibiotics, for tooth problems. I am especially afraid of the new strain of antibiotics, and won't take them, even when prescribed. I had one that said that it could cause death, I read that after taking the first one, I proceeded to flush the rest, and suffer in silence, until my homeopathic remedy kicked in.
I'm glad you came out okay, but take heed, intestinal candida can be a downside of antibiotics. Google candida, and check out the symptoms and be on the lookout for them later. By the way I wrote about my experience with candida, here on HubPages. Voted up/useful/awesome! I also liked it to share with my Facebook friends.
OMG vocalcoach. You really were singin' the blues. I'm so sorry. I also avoid pharmaceuticals whenever possible. I've had a couple of dental procedures that required antibiotics. In each case it was Amoxycillin (penicillin). This is much safer than the newer drugs. Also, I was never prescribed anti-biotics 'before' the procedure. The pain is usually relieved by the proper dental procedure itself. It is only 'after' the procedure that the anti-biotic may be necessary, and only if regular pain relievers are not effective after 2 or 3 days. In other words...anti-biotic as a last resort.
I'm happy to hear that you are on the mend, my dear.
We all need to proceed with caution. Be an informed consumer, read as much as you can about these drugs before you use them. Remember, those 'side effects' are really the 'main' effects. It's time to take back control of your own body.
Peg - Hello, my friend. Yes, I reported this to my dentist and my doctor, however, little sympathy and no apology was offered. The dentist said he knows about the side effects and did not sound to me as though he was the least bit sorry. Like you, I will not be taking any meds any time soon! :)vocalcoach
Chatkath - It's kind of comforting to know that I am not the only one who fails to speak up for myself...however, as I sit here (still nauseated) I plan to change all that. :) Isn't it ashame that our high level of trust in others, especially the medical/dental field, is quickly deflated because of bad experiences like this? Thanks, my friend, for your support and well wishes. :)vocalcoach
Tamarajo - OMG - How frightening is that? I, now, do not trust any meds at all and intend to keep as far away from anitbiotics as possible. I am still ill, though much better, And, I am with you!!! Thanks :)vocalcoach
I also stay well clear of antibiotics. Nobody beliefs me because I don't rashes of ichting but my brain gets all numb. Gosh, that must have been frightening. Take care and all the best.
Hi Betty - Yep - Clindamycin! It is a puzzle to me, why Doctors prescribe it without warning patients of the side effects. I am still not well and it is going on 4 weeks. Glad to be able to share and warn others about this RX. :)vocalcoach
Great advice for all who underestimate the power of antibiotics.I love and learnt a lot of lessons from you story because i use to think that nor matter how you take antibiotics its always not harmful but an sorry for the cramps you experienced and also happy you well now.
mojefballa - I am so glad that you read this hub. You should always know the side effects of any anibiotics your Dr. prescribes for you. Thank you for wishing me well. I really appreciate that, my new friend. :)vocalcoach
Audrey, I am so sorry you had to go through this horrible experience. I'm grateful you are on the mend. My gosh, that must have been so frightening.
I'm also appalled, once more, at the apparant ignorance and insensitivity of that E.R. nurse. Yours is about the sixth hub I've read that has shown negative images of nursing staff who have been detached and unaware of what the patient is going through. I'm embarrassed that she is part of the profession that I am involved in.
Take care of yourself. Big Hug...(((())))
Denise - The nurse was very young (no excuse.) This must really irritate you. I wish you could have been my nurse.
I am now finished with the meds prescribed for me and feeling much, much better. Still not 100%, but that will come in time. Thank you for your compassion and support.
Now, I am on my way to read your first hub challenge for April. :) vocalcoach
hello, hello - The more I study the effects of antibiotics, the more I realize its best to stay away from them. Glad you realize this. Thank you my friend, and very glad to see you back. Stay well. :)vocalcoach
timorous - Such good advice! If I had only known all of this before taking the first antibotic. Clearly, we must and I mean absolutely must, take responsibility for our own bodies. Thank you tim. :)vocalcoach
Hope your feeling better. I contracted c-diff last year from an antibiotic. It took 6 months and 4 rounds of flatly to get rid of it. I just had a root canal and now need an antibiotic for infection. I know I need to treat the infection but now I'm scared to take anything.
Clindamycin is notorious for causing colon problems. It seems to be the Rx of choice for all dental infections due to it's ability to penetrate difficult dense areas. The general side effects for most antibiotics is diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. Usually this side effects fall under the category as "common". So, it wasn't stupidity that prevented you from calling the doc. If you had he probably would have told you to take Imodium and let him know if the symptoms worsened, which is the direction you took when you knew you had to!
Thank you for the info on Probiotics. I am going to check out your link as I take Pentasa for an autoimmune disease that now affects my small bowel. Despite the numerous meds I take, I still have my days! Probiotics won't hurt. Great read on a subject that is, unfortunately, becoming more common.
Stixxie - This is so frustrating. I still have it and last night had to go to emergency for dehydration. Seeing a specialist today. I'm not so sure that I can stand 6 months of this. Om the positive side - am losing weight. :) Thanks for the information.
Stixxie - This is so frustrating. I still have it and last night had to go to emergency for dehydration. Seeing a specialist today. I'm not so sure that I can stand 6 months of this. Om the positive side - am losing weight. :) Thanks for the information.
fastfreda - I wrote this hub in the first part of march, and I am still fighting the same symptoms. Very, very frustrating. I will read you hub on candida and google also. I would love to chat with you on FB. If you can find me, let me know. :) Thank you so much for your very good and informative comments. Blessings to you, my friend. vocalcoach
Amy, I really like reading your comments. You seem to know a lot about this. I am still sick, weeks later after writing this hub. One thing has led to another and I am beginning to wonder if I will ever have my good health back again.
I want to give you the name of the probiotics my Specialist is giving to me. Colon Health probiotics by phillips. Thanks, dear Amy for leaving your wonderful comments.
Oh my goodness, what a terrible experience you had! Im sorry to hear that you had to go threw that tourture! My stomach began to gurlgle when I finished this. I work at a doctors office and I get to see alot of people that devolop Cdiff after taking antibotics. It breaks my heart seeing people go threw pain. But I am happy to hear that your doing better.
Fossillady - Sorry about this over-due response to you comment. Can you believe, I am still fighting this infection after all this time? I hope enough people read about clindamycin and refuse it, if offered. Thank you for hangin' in there with me. Blessings and peace to you, dear one.
Ashantina - I really do appreciate your comments, and you are right. The natural, herbal, is the way to go. I no longer, have the same level of trust for the medical profession that I once did. Take good care, my friend.
Christine - I want to thank you for sharing with me. I only recently have begun to see some improvement. I sure hope that my storie has helped someone else. You must see so much, working in a doctors office. Thank you!
:) thankfully it's all over now :) I just want to share something. We do know probiotics is important when we're on antibiotics, but it's also important when to take the probiotics. I just thought that maybe when you take probiotics too soon (or too late) after having your antibiotics will just cancel out each other.
Hopson - You bring a good point to the table. I will research this. I would really like to know the answer. Thanks so much and appreciate your good wishes.
You must be well by now - Thank God. The information passed is well received. Be well
Yes, I do agree with this. My sister actually have the same problem with too much antibiotics and thanks that she did cope up. Before taking meds, precautions are important and best to consult the doctor. Thanks for sharing this post and would you mind if I feature this one on my website Always10 - Top 10 List.
glowingrocks - Better late then never. I have no idea why it has taken so long to find these comments on this hub. Thank you so much! I will be visiting your area soon!
acaetnna - After all these months...I am now well. It was just this week that I finally "kicked" the side-effects of this antibiotic. So thank you so much for wishing me well. Because, now, I am!
Revlady - I am finally well, after all these months. I doubt that I will ever take an antibiotic again. I want to thank you for your prayers on my behalf. They were answered and I am so very grateful. Blessings to you, dear lady.
ubanichiijoke -
Would you believe I am just this week finally well? Yikes.
No more antibiotics for this lady! Thanks so much.
jrplaza - Thanks for your comments. And yes, you have permission to share this article. I am hoping it can save someone else from the suffering I went through. BTW - I am just now getting over the side effects!
Scribenet - I want to thank you for your support during my illness. Here were are in November and I just this week am beginning to be well again. I have sure learned my lesson!
Dear Prasetio - It has been a long time and I am just getting well after taking the antibiotics almost 1 yr ago. I hope others have learn from my hub and will be very careful about antibiotics. Thank you for wishing me well. You always give me the support I need. Blessings to you my friend.
Ghost - So you have lived through this with your wife. Very sorry about that. It is no picknic and can be discouraging too. I am just getting over it now and can't begin to tell you how hard it has been. I just want others to never have to go through what I did.
The next Doctor or Dentist who comes running at me with an antibiotic will never catch me :). Thanks, my friend.
Cherie 14 months ago
I'm so sorry Audrey. I am not a big fan the antibiotics at ALL. Our bodies heal from the inside out. Drugs are just a band aid. Glad you're informing others! I hope you are feeling better.