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Antibiotic side effects
Diagnosed nine months ago with MAC and bronchiectasis. Taking azithromycin, ethambutol and rifampin. In the last two months have developed severe itching of arms and legs, which pulmonologist does not attribute to meds. Neither dermatologist- prescribed creams or change of bath soap, lotions and laundry detergent have helped. I am wondering if similarly diagnosed patients taking the meds I am taking have experienced this unpleasant, ugly itching.
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I think I already have made myself crazy. My pulmonologist told me to stop all the reading and research and let him take care of it. He pretty much told me I am making myself worse by doing so. I need a Calgon take me away day.
With no disrespect to your pulmonologist- I am sure he wants to keep you calm because being anxious about it all robs you of life’s joys. However, reading is a great learning/teaching tool. Just try to keep it all in perspective if you can do that.
I agree with @irene5. The reason so many of us were misdiagnosed is that there was no information available until recently. Read and learn from others, but don't fret about what might happen in the future. A Calgon bath sounds good for reducing stress and anxiety. There are many evidence-based techniques for calming anxiety on line. Check a reputable site like WebMD.
Thanks. I want to stay up to date to advocate for myself. Yes, I don't want to be miserable etc. He did tell me that he realizes that every time I came and after every scan that got just a little worse but not enough to treat, was like taking away something from me each time I went. Then finally, when it was decided it was time to treat, it was like taking a bigger chunk away. He said he is hoping that the next scan will at least be stable or a little better and that may be a positive that will help. So lets pray for a stability or improvement.
Does anyone use essential oils?
Yes. Praying for that for you - and all of us.
Do these have any scent? I cannot wear perfume anymore and told not to have candles or scents in the house.
Hello everyone I have a couple of questions I hope someone maybe able to help point me in the right direction. I have been on the “Big 3” antibiotics finishing up month 10. I had to go off the ethembul at the end of month 7 due to serious breathing issues. My question is this. I am still on Clarithromycin 500mg 2 times a day meaning 1 tablet in AM and another in PM. I also take Rifampin 300mg 2 times a day. One tab in the morning and the other in the PM. As prescribed by my ID Dr. I am now having extreme pain in my shoulder and my next to the point of not being able to lift my arm up high enough to do simple things like putting my hair in a pony tail or even shaving that armpit.
When I mentioned this pain to my ID Dr. He gasped and said I have had to take you off one medication so far and now..... you are asking me to take you off the other two?
I did not ask to be removed off the meds. I just told him my serious pain I was suffering from.
Has anyone else suffered this kind of pain due to the medications? Any and all information is so appreciated.
Hugs to you all.
Carla, I'm sorry that I can't address your specific issue, but then I received little response re. my concern with the "Big 3," which I've been taking M, W and F for nine months. My issue is a lumpy rash on lower legs and arms with extreme itching. Pulmonologist was reluctant to relate my problem with the meds, so I do share something with you re. medical response to our separate dilemmas. I hope you will receive more meaningful exchange of info than I can offer. In the meantime, I, too, am seeking a solution to a chronic and irritating condition that dermatologist believes to be connected with at least one of the three meds I'm taking. I certainly hope that you will find a viable resolution to the pain that you're experiencing.
I would check to make sure the pain is not due to something else like rotator cuff etc. I have felt some weakness in my arms and legs. I have pain in my right shoulder but I also had it on and off before I started the meds. ( it think due to lifting grandchildren). I know I had to be taken off Rifabutin due to muscle and joint pain early on and was switched to rifampin. I am only finishing up Month 4. I did notice the first few months of treatment wasn't too bad but this last month was not as good due to various problems.