Gastro Troubles Cipro related?

[aireamdh]

To give background, I posted in Uro forum directly relating to UTI which led to 3 day course of Cipro.Had taken this before a few years ago with no ill effects.  Had effects during this treatment (worsening of neuropathy, insomnia, headache, terrible muscle pain, several migraines)I am also a brain tumor patient(craniotomy benign meningioma '05).I have Hashimotos hypothyroid diagnosed 10/05. Take synthroid .125. Before Cipro had been on macrobid for 3 days, culture required change of med. I finished the 3 days of Cipro. 3 nights later 2/11/05 out of nowhere, sharp abdominal pains, burping, cramping, bloating,gas,loose stools 3 times this night. And this has occurred every day or night since,with varying severity. This morning seems a very slight improvement. One bout of urgency/cramping followed by loose  stools. Improvement perhaps because I am eating very little and bland foods. Earlier in week some of the night episodes produced thin looking stools. Sorry to be so graphic but trying to be thorough, as this has been upsetting. Tomorrow marks a week of this. I started a course of Primadophilus 2 days ago which I am hoping will allow "good bacteria" to regain ground. Also background, I had recurrence last month of grinding/burning high abdominal pain I had 8 years ago. Then tests showed "irritation" of duodenal area, not quite ulcer. This time placed on prevacid 30mg daily, which has helped. Took it 2x daily at first.1/17/06 H Pylori Ab IgG= 0.8 Values= ISR <=0.90 Negative. Could the Cipro have caused this latest trouble? If so,what can I expect from doc visit?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It is possible that the side-effects of the Cipro can be causing your symptoms.  Stopping the medication and seeing if the symptoms resolve can be considered.

If they continue, I would consider a lower endoscopy and/or CT scan to image the abdomen.  Colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other GI diseases can be present.  Sending the stool off for analysis and culture can be done as well.  

The H Pylori antibodies are negative.  If this is suspected, breath or stool tests specific for H Pylori can be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI evaluation.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_