My LLMD has just put me back on Levaguin. I have been on for 4 days. I took it a few months ago, but stopped due to some "tightness" in my ankles and back of legs. And now, that same feeling is coming back.
My question is: Is tightness or mild discomfort around the ankles and heel a precursor to tendonitis? or What does tendonitis feel like? I have never had it. jo
Posted by Tammy N. (Member # 26835) on :
I have never had it. Also, I haven't tried Levaquin yet either. What I have read is that it is recommended to take magnesium for a few weeks before starting Levaquin, then certainly continue while on it. Check into it further. You don't want to develop a problem. Good luck!
Posted by kadee (Member # 21199) on :
When I started Levaquin - after loading up on magnesium - I had the same symptoms. Then I stopped and after the pain had subsided, I took it for 4 weeks. In my case, it ended with an inflammation in all tendons and joints + very bad other sideeffects.
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
Dr B recommends loading up on magnesium and vitamin C prior to taking Levaquin and then continuing to take it but making sure it is several hours apart so it does not interfere with the absorption of levaquin.
I got tendonitis from levaquin. You have to be very careful because if that tightness or pain was not there before, it can quickly escalate. I had a little pain in my shoulder and then it just snapped. It is thought that levaquin reduces the blood flow to your tendons, which already have limited circulation, which causes the damage.
After I was damaged the pain continued for 8 months. I found that take high amounts of amino acids helped get me over it, especially methionine and lysine. So if I were starting over, I would take 1000mg magnesium, 2000 mg vitamin c, 500 mg methionine and 500 mg lysine for a month before starting levaquin and then continue.
It is the super drug for knocking out bart. Even though I was hurt badly from it, I believe it is worth the risk as long as you remain cautious and quit at the firs sign of damage.
Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :
I get the same leg issues but really felt like Levaquin was working well. I may restart soon after adding in the magnesium. I'm wondering if lower dosing may also help.
There is also the option of trying its relatives: Cipro, Factive...
Good luck.
Posted by jo1 (Member # 27570) on :
thank you all so much. This is just the information that I needed. I am stopping the Levaquin. I agree that it works well, and I had hoped that I could continue, but I don't want to take the risk.
There must be other option for treating Bart. My LLMD did mention Cipro. But I think Cipro might have the same issues. jo