Question Title: Seeking an effective alternative to Flagyl

Over 10 years ago I had my large intestine removed with an attachment to my rectum. I am 68 years old and have an excellent physical condition although I weigh 240 pounds at 6 feet 2.1
My heart is excellent by sonic scan. I have no chest pains, no arthritis, and no gall bladder.

I have been taking 1 gram of Flagyl each day for 8 years along with 1 gram of Erythrymicin (sic). Of course I have some loss of sensation in my feet. It progresses month to month slowly.

The course of treatment has been effective at eliminating serious vomiting and diarhea which will occur after 1 week without the Flagyl. I work about 60 hours a week for a good wage and am employed variously in the U.S. and Europe for the same employer for the last 4 years.

My stool has been analyzed several time without any remarkable results. My blood chemistry analysis is excellent. My cholesterol is excellent at 140. I do not have diabetes. I do have corrected atrial fibrilation. I take Beta Pace, Atenolol, Prilosec, and Warfarin (INR 3.5). I also take Metamucil twice a day. My stool is unremarkable. I have had a TURP with excellent results. My urine is normal. My vision is excellent. My work is highly technical (Ph.D, Physicist).

Because of the continued threat of damage to my nervous system I would like to know why the Flagyl is effective and other antibiotics are not. i.e. Augmentin, Cipro, and others.

Of course, it would be better if a non-damaging treatment for the abnormal physiology and its concommitant difficulties, could be found. My life will continue, at this time, only if I use the Flagyl. The misery of any other solution is intolerable. I belch intestinal gas and vomit as if I had food poisoning within 6 days of the cessation of the Flagyl. Belching of intestinal gas is a torture I would not recommend for anyone at any time.

Regards with some hope for your assistance. If no solution is available I should like to offer to participate in any experimental study related to my problems.

Donald McWilliams, Ph.D.
301 816 1825
301 230 7510 Phone and FAX
mcwilliams@pbworld.com

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Dear Mr. McWilliams
Thank you for your posting. I am curious refarding the reason that you had your colon removed as this may explain why you have recurrent vomiting.

The use of antibiotics suggests that your doctors believe that bacterial overgrowth of the intestine is the cause for the vomiting. This excess of bacteria may be related in part to the previous surgery. However, there is often a problem with motility that creates the conditions that allow bacterial overgrowth.

Almost any broad spectrum antibioitic can be used to prevent overgrowth. Tetracycline, ampicillin should work. Parenthetically, daily treatment is often not needed. bacterial overgrowth can be controlled with less frequent antibioitics.

The erythromycin may be prescribed for the overgreowth or probably as a prokinetic agent. Other drugs may be more efficacious.

This information i spresented for educational purposes. Ask specific questions to your personalphysician.

If you wish a second opinion from us you may arrange an appoinment with the gastroenterologists of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. You can see Dr. Fogel, one of our experts in the management of motility disorders, by calling our Physician Referral Line at (800)653-6568.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: bacterial overgrowth, motility
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