Hi all, started levaquin two weeks ago and pulled myself off of it last night. Have had increasing Achilles, wrist and knee pain. First it was dull, and almost unnoticeable so I decided to watch and see. But, bummer, certain now it's side effect on tendons. Waiting to hear from LLMD for next steps. My question is how much magnesium and vitamin c to take to help with tendons? And in what form? Thx!
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Here's what Burrascano says:
"It has been suggested that loading the patient with magnesium may prevent this problem, and if the tendons do become affected, parenteral high dose vitamin C (plus parenteral magnesium) may afford rapid relief." (page 25)
This site gives dosages for the magnesium. It also says that just by stopping the Levaquin, this may go away. Let's hope so.
MagTab SR is recommended by Burrascano as a necessary supplement for all lyme patients. It is much better absorbed than the other types of magnesium you buy off the shelf. You can find it at GNC, I am told, and WalMart also used to carry it.
I would buy some right away and take at least 2 in the a.m. and 2 in the p.m. If you can tolerate more without getting diarhhea, then take more. Take as much as you can take without loose stool.
Vitamin C is hard on the stomach in large doses. I get reflux from taking one 500 mg pill, even in the middle of a meal. So, you can give Vit C pills a try, but as Burrascano says, the IV is the best form for both the Vit C and the Mag.
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
When I am on Levaquin, a take an Epsom salt bath every single night with 4 cups of salt, and dry body brush beforehand.
I also am taking 2 magnesium malate caps, and a separate mag pill (forgot the brand) that has various forms of magnesium.
I take 2 caps of buffered vitamin C (easier on stomach) and I also have some chewable C- so at least 2 grams a day.
I am also not doing any formal exercise while on it- but I am busy.
Sorry it didn't work out-- hope it gets better soon.
Posted by Love my kids (Member # 32876) on :
Thank you both! Great information. WHY did my LLMD not tell me this before starting. He is one of the good ones and very wholistic, usually covering all bases! ARRRGH!
Posted by linky123 (Member # 19974) on :
I took Mg chelated amino acid, Solaray brand, from Whole Foods. As much as my bowels would tolerate.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
Well, I suggest you always read what Burrascano says about any subject that becomes relevant to you.
If you pull up the Guidelines on your pc, you can search the document for any word, for example "Levaquin" or the generic name "levofloxacin." (Always search for the generic name AND the brand name to ensure a complete search.)
To do this search, hit Control+F while you are at the beginning of the document. Then the "find" box comes up and you type in your search word. Very easy. By hitting the "next arrow" you will see every instance of your word highlighted all the way through the document.
This way, you can quickly research what Burrascano says to do. The book "The Lyme Disease Solution" is a second resource. That is what I would do. The web page I gave you is from that book. It is very thorough and a great book to have on hand.
Doctors are only human and they can forget to tell us things. Happens a lot. This way, you can look out for yourself.