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Hello! In 2007, I spent 6 months traveling between New Zealand and Australia. Toward the end of my trip, I started to notice a shadow that moves up and down or across my left eye. Soon after, I had sudden excruciating joint pain that would travel throughout my body, ravaging one area of joints/ligaments for about 36 hours. Sometimes my relief is short lived, as it will appear in a completely different location to wreak havoc once again. Since then, I experience these debilitating pains approximately 8-10 times a year. During that time, I am completely useless. I can't move whatever joint is being attacked, and just the simple act of elevating or lowering the area causes intense, unbearable pains. The area typically will swell and radiate heat. Most times the area turns bright red. I find that when I am having an episode in my shoulder, that one or two of my fingers on the side will also become stiff, hot, swollen and useless. IB Profen, Tylenol, Percocet, Lortab... you name it... don't even phase the pain. I can't sleep and there is no comfortable way to lay so that rest is even possible. It feels as though it attacks the ligaments, or tendons, causing sometimes a popping sound with no relief. I am a 27 year old female who is finding it increasingly difficult to be active, or enjoy life.
In the subject line, I mentioned fluoroquinolones poisoning. This was only brought to my attention recently, and although doesn't seem likely, I still have to throw it in the hat. I had a severe bladder infection prior to my trip to NZ and Australia that took several Cipro treatments. Is this possible??
Here is what I have been tested for:
Retna diseases = negative
Lupus = 3 positive markers
Rheumatoid Arthritis = negative
That's about as far as the tests have gone. I've pretty much been told that I have "Traveling Arthritis" or "Viral Arthritis" and as of right now, there is nothing that can be done. I am at a loss and feel overwhelmingly frustrated. I know that there is something wrong with me and I don't know how to explain it to anyone to get help. If there is no treatment, life is going to be a long, painful, confusing journey.
I truly am so appreciative of you taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Jourdan Sheldon
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Jourdan here. A few things I would like to add:
I feel as if I jinxed myself by writing this because I woke up in excruciating pain and I am unable to go back to bed. Currently, my left knee is swollen, red and hot making it hard to walk. To add insult to injury, my left hip is being "attacked" and I can barely walk. I have to hold on to walls and furniture to make my way around. It will be this way for at least 36 hours before all of a sudden, its gone... just as fast as it comes, it goes.
Also, as far as the Lymes Disease theory. I forgot to mention that i have been tested and it came back negative. However, I've been told that it isn't uncommon to get false negatives and that I should explore other Lymes tests. Also, please note that I live in Utah, and while quite "out -doorsy," I can't recall ever having a tick bite.
I'm at a loss right now. I just want to feel better. Since I am having an episode that has interrupted sleep... work will be hard today and I am also canceling my plans for an evening hike. boo.
July 22, 2011 - 4:14amThis Comment
Jourdan,
I am so so sorry that you have to endure this pain.
Believe it or not, you could indeed have Flouroquinolone Syndrome and a result of several rounds of Cipro. Fluoroquinolones have been associated with serious and detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, CNS and peripheral nervous system, circulatory system, maxillofacial system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, urological system, the liver, the brain, the skin, and the sensory systems; hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell. The problem with all of this is that there hasn't been enough research or studies to see to what extent the medications can harm a person who has had a reaction to the medication.
Lyme Disease in someone who lives in Utah occurs most likely if you had acquired it in another state such as:
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
New York
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Wisconsin
Maryland
Minnesota
New Hampshire
Delaware
Maine
Virginia
Jourdan, it is best if you continue to press on what or where this could be coming from. The Fluoroquinolones are a good place to start since it's what makes most sense right now. Have you asked your doctor what could be done about your symptoms?
Here's a little more reading about the adverse effects of Floros:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_effects_of_fluoroquinolones
Wishing you the best,
Rosa
July 22, 2011 - 8:44amThis Comment