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Hey guys- back for a few herx questions- been feeling bad

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Posted 3/7/2013 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, so I started my ABX ( 1000 mg Clarithromycin 2x daily) on 2-18-13 and during the last few days I have been completely exhausted and in pain. My concern though is that I am COVERED in bruises (hands, feet, arms, legs, backside, etc)! I have severe muscle cramping. It's everywhere but most noticeable/aggravating in my hands and feet. I cannot even write without it cramping so bad that I have to stop after just a few seconds.

I have been detoxing. I have taken a few peroxide bath but I don't feel too bad of a burn. I mean I feel zapping in certain areas but from other posts I though it would be horrible.

Not sure if what I am experiencing is ok. I called a nurse hotline and she acted like I was speaking a different language.

Any information would be appreciative! Thanks for reading :-)
Posted 3/7/2013 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
If you are bruising I would strongly suggest to stop the medicine immediately and call your doctor.
Posted 3/7/2013 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
That's the problem is that my doc is only open Monday-Wednesday. I did look up side effects and it said it is rare butit can cause extreme bleeding and bruising is a rare but serious side effect. I just hate to stop without his approval and my nurse at my regular PCP wouldn't advise me of anything since they didn't prescribe it. Even though I have been going to them for years and treat them like family. Well, he doesn't even believe in Lyme.

Anyhow, I called the pharmacy and they said to go to the ER... I don't know if it is that big of a problem... Plus we just have an urgent care and the doc is a weirdo & more $$$$$....when does it end.
Posted 3/8/2013 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Can you call the LLMD office don't they have an answering service? That's what I would do first. I get bruising on meds, but not head to toe. I would say it's affecting your blood counts dangerously. I would either stop until Monday or try to reach them through their answering service.
Posted 3/8/2013 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Its not worth this Mrs. Mom. I would stop the medication, listen to the pharmacist and go to the ER.
Posted 3/8/2013 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Stop the medication immediately! Stopping it for a few days won't hurt anything anyway; that's not long enough for the lyme to reproduce. And as someone else mentioned, doesn't your Dr. have a voicemail system? Mine is closed 2 days a week, but said to leave a VM in an emergency because they check it frequently and will return a call if it's urgent.
Posted 3/8/2013 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Momof2with lyme,

You should go to a knowledgeable doctor or to the ER immediately. I found this information at Drugs.com. Bruising is a possible side effect of the Clarithromycin, and is very serious.

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/clarithromycin-side-effects.html


Don
Posted 3/8/2013 5:30 AM (GMT 0)
Momof2withlyme...hope you're doing ok. I agree, head to the ER (even though that's MUCH easier said than done, I am usually anti-ER, but this sounds to serious not to go).

I used to get bruises from taking Ibruprofen, and was told never to take it (or any NSAID), again. I know that's a different situation, but just my two cents.

Good luck, please keep us posted!!!
Posted 3/8/2013 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with the others: this is not a light side effect, you should stop taking the abx and see a dr urgently!!

Hope all is well meanwhile!
Posted 3/8/2013 10:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! That's the problem, that I am an easy bruiser, have been my whole life, but never on my hands/feet and backside. Just usually my legs and arms.

My doctor has an answering machine but I never hear back from him. Maybe this will warrant a call back.

My husband is the only one working and I have my two babies. So, I didn't make it to ER. However, I did call a nurse hotline. Was told to take Benadryl and no more meds (and contact doctor).

It's funny how everyone said they would help me out when I was diagnosed but don't answer the phone when I call, or make excuses on why they cant come babysit or take me, but then have the audasity to yell at me for not going to the ER. I still think they they i am making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Hopefully my doctor will call me back.

Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.
Samuel Smiles
Posted 3/8/2013 10:59 AM (GMT 0)
a decreased number of trombocytes is a known side effect of this antibiotic. I'm not a dr, but it may have an effect on coagulation.

I hope you make it to the ER or a dr today.

Good luck!

Posted 3/8/2013 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I was on the same stuff and had to stop...had some severe side effects :( praying for you...let me know how you make out? Also if you don't think your LLMD is responsive have you tried switching to another one or getting his cell phone?
Posted 3/9/2013 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Please let us know how you are Mrs. Mom - Ive been worried about you!
Posted 3/9/2013 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hey. Thanks for your concern. I stopped the medicine and have been taking Benadryl and feeling better. I have not had any more bruising. I see my LLMD on Monday and my husband will be home for the next two days, so I have him around if I start to feel bad again!

I will let you know how my appt goes on Monday! Getting a ton of lab results too.
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