Tolerating medication

Posted by pollyflinders @pollyflinders, Dec 17, 2022

Hello everyone
This is the first time I’ve ever joined a group but have been reading a lot of your posts. I live in Northern Ireland and here there is little information and no support groups for this illness.
I have been on what you call ‘the big three’ for about a month and initially tolerated them reasonably well but over the last few days I’ve become very nauseous and am finding this difficult. I’m very slim and worry about losing more weight. I take the medications all together an hour before breakfast,as advised by my doctor.
Have any of you experienced this and will it settle down again?
Many thanks.

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Here is how I take my antibiotics. Azithromycin first thing in the morning - on an empty stomach. Wait about one hour and take my ethambutol. Finally. I take my rifampin about one hour before bedtime. Take it with a light snack.
I also take a probiotic every day - four hours separate from an antibiotic.
Hope this helps.

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Thanks for your reply. Will maybe have to change my schedule. Will talk it over with my doctor.

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Hello Ireland!
I am very thin and went from 115 to 99lbs when first diagnosed. For me, I found that taking the Big 3 all together about 30 minutes b4 bed relieves most of the stomach related issues. I also eat smaller portions more frequently and supplement with smoothies.
I now fluctuate between 102-105 but have remained constant there for 6 months. Hope this helps!
Blessings
Dee

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Hi Polly,
I too am thin. I always took my meds before bedtime. I found that it worked best for me. Perhaps spacing them out and not altogether would be better for your stomach? Good Luck and I am glad you found us! Carolyn

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@nana43

Hello Ireland!
I am very thin and went from 115 to 99lbs when first diagnosed. For me, I found that taking the Big 3 all together about 30 minutes b4 bed relieves most of the stomach related issues. I also eat smaller portions more frequently and supplement with smoothies.
I now fluctuate between 102-105 but have remained constant there for 6 months. Hope this helps!
Blessings
Dee

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Hi Dee
Your weight is similar to mine so reassuring to know you have stabilised.
I’m going to discuss with my doctor changing my dosing regime so hopefully that will help. Thanks for your diet advice- I’ll give it a go!
Best wishes.

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@bluesplashgirl

Hi Polly,
I too am thin. I always took my meds before bedtime. I found that it worked best for me. Perhaps spacing them out and not altogether would be better for your stomach? Good Luck and I am glad you found us! Carolyn

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Thank you Carolyn. I’m going to discuss spacing out the medication with my doctor. Hopefully I’ll get the go ahead!

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@nana43

Hello Ireland!
I am very thin and went from 115 to 99lbs when first diagnosed. For me, I found that taking the Big 3 all together about 30 minutes b4 bed relieves most of the stomach related issues. I also eat smaller portions more frequently and supplement with smoothies.
I now fluctuate between 102-105 but have remained constant there for 6 months. Hope this helps!
Blessings
Dee

Jump to this post

Dee, I know you were struggling with the meds, so I am really glad you have found a method that works for you, and that your weight has stabilized. I also found adding a 1/2 or full scoop of protein powder to many foods helped my weight - especially in smoothies, yogurt & soups.
Sue

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