dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
I know there are many threads on this, but I am looking for some hope here.
I have been on zithromax, mepron and omnicef for almost a month. About 10 days ago, I noticed some strange crackling sounds in my already damaged left ear. It has gone from bad to worse following some loud noise exposure at my daughter's wedding reception.
I am now deaf in my left ear and the tinnitus is unbearable - in BOTH ears. My voice sounds 'echoey' and other people's voices sound distorted.
I am going to speak to my LLNP this a.m. about stopping the zithromax as I am now thinking this could be the culprit - as the symptoms actually began before my daughter's wedding reception.
I have read about how ototoxic zithromax is to some. I would like to know if anyone's auditory or vestibular symptoms reversed after stopping the zithromax.
Also, what ABX can be substituted that are not as damaging?
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Jane2904
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posted
Daughter had ear issues while taking Zith. She had to stop it.
Good luck, hope you find relief.
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dbpei
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posted
Jane, did your daughter's symptoms improve after she went off the zith? Was anything else able to be substituted that helped her?
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Jane2904
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posted
Yes, ear issues improved. Rifampin and small doses of Minocycline seem to be the best.
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- You say: " . . .going to speak to my LLNP this a.m. about stopping the zithromax"
The best chance for hope is the stop the zithromax now. Do not wait to talk to anyone. Talk to them, sure, but I would not take one more dose at this point.
I know you want hope but the fact is that the ear is experiencing hearing loss and zithromax has been known to cause that even at low dose. It may be reversible, however. But it also could be permanent. There have been cases of both.
Be sure to see Neil Bauman's links in that EAR thread that was posted for you last week.
I would see a neurotologist immediately. As the noise exposure that tipped the scale was recent, there may be some measures now that will help.
I would also see a LL ND for the very best advice for non-pharmaceutical antiinflammatories.
The medical mushroom: LION'S MANE can help the nerves. That much I know.
You may need steroids, but ONLY if your LLMD is on board with that with other protective measures. Inflammation from the noise damage may be able to calm down but will need strong efforts.
That may help, or not. And, with your LLMD, you might try other antiinflammatory action first but since you posted about this last week, you probably have done all those that were suggested.
Avoid acetaminophen as that can make it worse for a couple of reasons, mostly it is ototoxic and blocks the liver from making & using glutathione which is required.
Ibuprofen should also be avoided as that constricts blood vessels and you need the best circulation you can get.
I know this is very scary. Still, I hope you can find the best experts to help save your hearing. As you know, the ears do so much more that just that so be very careful to keep balance, etc.
I think this could get better. No guarantees so just take all the right steps and hope for the best. Take care. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
Keebler, thank you again for your advice. I did not take my a.m. dose of zith. Still waiting for a call back from my LLNP.
I do not plan on ever taking zith again. I have Neil Bauman's book and re-read about hearing loss being caused by ABX as well as noise this a.m. I am convinced the zith and the noise combined did this to me.
I doubled my magnesium today and will continue to take more. I will start drinking mangosteen juice again. Praying for recovery but I don't know... I am so afraid to take prednisone. I took it when I lost my hearing in Jan. 2011 and I was never the same. That is when my neuro symptoms began.
I don't know what my ENT or neurotologist could do for me, as they do not understand lyme. All they did for me in the past was do more hearing and balance testing and say I would have to live with the loss. (besides giving me prednisone). By the way, I went to the best of the best in Boston and that is all I got...
I am going to make an appt. with an ENT recommended by another lyme patient who is lyme friendly and get his take on my most recent loss.
Jane, I am glad that your daughter's ears improved and she did well on rifampin. I may have to go back to that as hard as it was for me.
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- Good moves with magnesium and the antioxidants in Mangosteen.
With your past experience with prednisone explained, I tend to agree with your thoughts on that as not likely a help now and also for the ENT not having many answers, all that considered.
Glad to hear that you will consult with a lyme-friendly ENT. I hope you can talk to him/her today - be sure to convey the urgency.
If you have to wait, I try to then talk to the best audiologist in town today and see what you can find out. There may be some methods I've not heard about to help sudden hearing loss from a multiple hit of trauma and chemicals (Rx).
You might take up to 2,000 mg. of a good quality magnesium a day - but always in divided doses - and work up to bowel tolerance and then back down again.
If you happen to have any andrographis, I find that helps my ears the most. It helps reduce edema & swelling.
REST you ears, too. Very important. I wish you the best of luck. My guess is that your ears do have a chance. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Alternative treatments may provide hope for decreasing or reversing tinnitus and hearing loss
Two-page pdf
----------------------
As much as possible, lie at a 30 degree incline with head / full torso higher than feet.
Don't just prop up head but elevate from the hips so you have a good line of posture.
The ears don't have very good circulation. ONLY when at this 30 degree incline, are they at the easiest position for circulation.
In fact, some ear specialists require a patient to lie like this for days, even weeks, other than a short shower - to heal a fistula.
As you describe crackling, I do hope you can have a ENT look into your ears and assess for what all might be going on other than the obvious. Still, as much as possible: lie elevated at 30 degrees, and sleep that way, too.
Do not bend over or lift anything.
Do Yawn and swallow. Maybe gentle hum, gentle lymph massage around the neck, ears and throat . . .
but no singing or loud talking. Of course, no in-the-ear pods or even headphones. The sound pulses are just too close to the ear nerves.
I hope you can create a healing atmosphere and that it helps. -
[ 07-10-2012, 01:45 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
Those were interesting articles, Keebler. Thank you. Unfortunately, we are preparing for a two-week vacation to Canada, so resting is not going to be easy this week. But I will certainly try to not over-do.
My LLNP is insisting that IV ABX will help to prevent any further damage to my auditory and vestibular system. But I am afraid that IV ABX can do the same damage to my ears as the orals.
It is such a nightmare. I am really thinking about trying to go the herbal route if I can find a practitioner.
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Are you planning to FLY? Hope you are driving.
As much as possible, get help to get ready. Your ears have been in an accident (that is what noise exposure is, really), the same as if your body was hit by a car. Your ears NEED the down time as much as possible.
We don't walk on a sprained ankle, so be sure not to also "walk" on those ears, so to speak.
Above all, no lifting, though. I hope you can call upon friends to come and help.
Ear MUFFS and plugs for car travel and restaurants.
If you are planning to fly, I would cancel the trip. Inflamed ears are not safe to fly and could actually make permanent the hearing loss. It's not just from the engine noise but also from the pressure -
- and the toxic exhaust from planes ahead of yours on the runway when waiting to take off. That will affect ears, too (but liver support can help that).
When driving, keep a good distance from vehicles ahead of yours and do a good air exchange often from clear outside air but do not drive with windows down on a freeway as the noise can damage ears.
If you plan to be on any boats, you may want to rethink that - and go for boats more on calmer rivers than choppy ocean waters or in wind.
GINGER CAPSULES can help for many reasons.
But hope it's to the area of Canada that is nearer to you, by car. Hope it's a splendid experience, all the way around.
-------
ACUPUNCTURE before - and even at your destination (Google to locate) - might be a good help.
The herbs, Stinging Nettle & Gotu Kola comes to mind, along with magnesium,B vitamins, Fish oil & GINGER capsules (not just the tea - capsules are stronger). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
We are driving, Keebler. It is usually relaxing because we are so happy and excited about getting to our destination. (It is our favorite place we are heading to - Prince Edward Island)
I am bringing ear plugs and I have a tinnitus masking device that plays soft music that I will be using as well. I am hoping that being in a place I love so much will be healing...
Thank you again for your good advice.
Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Glad to hear of your mode of transport and the destination. Can I come, too? (But I would have to fly, so you are off the hook.)
Sounds fantastic. Yes, my bet is this will be just what you need. Eat lots of good fish. Soak it all in.
As you will most likely do a boat trip, ask the captain where the most steady place is on board for balance but also away from a vibrating motor.
GINGER capsules well before, just before and on hand for during.
Homeopathics: Tabacum & Cocculus can work instantly
Even if you've not had concerns before, since the ears are likely inflamed, it's important to consider preventive action for steady water travel.
In the bay/sound will be less choppy, probably. With Ginger in advance, you will likely do well.
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