Re: [QUAD-L] Long-term antibiodic therapy

[DeLiMiTeD4]

I keep bactrim DS and Cipro on hand for when I get a UTI. I tried taking antibiotics on a  prophylactic basis in the 80's. At first it did seem effective but after many months on keflex it loaded up in my system and caused renal failure. somehow I let the doctors convince me to take macrodantin. This worked fine for about a year when I began a fever nothing would touch. In the hospital I began taking 4 times as much macrodantin orally as well as having it IV. My legs had begun to swell and I asked the nurse for a PDR. I quickly discovered my problem. Macrodantin has a ton of adverse affects. Pulmonary edema had begun and edema of the limbs was well underway. I had them disconnect the IV and I stopped taking Macrodantin against medical advice, or AMA.  Dr. was livid. I got well almost immediately. I also have pockets in my bladder and when I must catheterize, I am ready to alternate antibiotics. If you are taking antibiotics daily I suggest you also take acidophilus and definitely read up on the stuff. I am sure that some of you can take antibiotuics long term, but I truly feel they have a serious potential to be every bit as dangerous as the infection you are trying to keep at bay. They can even be worse because they lull you into a false sense of security. I do wish you the best of luck.   john