On the verge of a breakdown - please reassure me (abx).

[nalo]

Posted in allergies because of the connection to our leaky guts, etc.

I have randomly developed an infection in my toe (after I popped a small blister) that now has a red line travelling up my foot. I just saw an MD who prescribed abx and I would take them right now if I weren't nursing. I emergency paged my ND who was not in the office today and she gave me a list of things to do for the rest of the day and during the night but agreed that if this red line has gotten any longer by 8 am tomorrow I am to start the abx immediately. This is an ND who told me when I first met her that she prescribes abx about 2x per year so I believe her when she says they are necessary. I am going to try the alternative things but in the back of mind I think I am going to be taking a 5 day course of abx starting tomorrow. So...I am terrified and sad about this prospect. Any advice on how to make the damage as little as possible? (Besides everything we're already doing). Should I cut out 100% of sugar, including fruit and if so for how long. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I just can't believe I'm in this situation because of a stupid little thing on my toe.
FWIW - the MD cultured it so in 3 days I'll know more details although I will have already had to decide to take the abx or not.

[aprildawn]

Sorry for your situation. Unfortunately your question is outside my area of knowledge, but I didn't want to read and not respond. I'm sure you already know to load up on probiotics which is what I would recommend.

[tanyalynn]

Couldn't tell if this is the type of advice you're looking for, but a couple times (both me and the kids) I've had good outcomes with really, really, _really_ high doses of vitamin C to deal with infections (mastitis 2x for me, a couple illnesses that I was worried about for my younger child). As an example (knowing everyone is different), I took about 60 grams of vitamin C in 4 hours for mastitis the first time, dosing every 20 mins or so. Caused massive diarrhea (that was how I knew I'd taken enough), but kicked the infection's butt, so to speak.

Other than that just in case you do need the abx in the morning. Someone else will have good btdt advice for abx and leaky gut.

[nalo]

Boo Hoo. I started the abx. It hurts really badly and the red line is getting worse. I feel like not treating it is really risking my health and I would rather have DD and I have to deal with abx side effects than have me end up in the hospital or really sick at home. I am sad but the decision has been made and I just took the first dose. Hugs welcome...I'm trying to direct positive energy into healing now but it's hard.

[aprildawn]

I hope you get some good advice for dealing with the leaky gut and abx. I would have done the same thing in your situation and taken the abx for the infection.

[joybird]

Okay so I know this is not an ideal situation, bit if I were you I'd look at it as a chance to have some control over re-populating the gut. Not that any of us wants to do it this way, but I think you are wise to do abx in this instance. So . . . I would stop ALL sugar, so as not to feed the yeast or bad bugs. I would take massive, massive doses of high quality probiotic, and also S. Boulardii, as it will definitely help keep bacteria/yeast in check. I would do this during the abx course and for some time after. Look at it this way - the abx are killing off good bugs AND bad bugs, so if you had any type of bacterial overgrowth in the gut, the abx are getting those too, kwim? Just make absolutely sure to do the probiotics, Read up on the S. Boulardii, too. I think it will help. Good luck with your poor foot!

[nalo]

Thanks for the S. Boulardii reminder Joybird. I had been considering starting that but didn't just because of how much $ we're spending right now on all this stuff. However, at this point it seems a very important thing to add so I just ordered 2 bottles from Kirkman. I have been advised by two ND's not to bother with any probiotics during the abx course because it will basically be wasted doses but I will resume in full force after the 5 day course and I can give DD the S. Boulardii as soon as it arrives.

[changingseasons]

Just wanted to send some hugs. That has to be so frustrating. Hopefully you can get through the abx without setting you and DD back too much with your gut healing.

[JaneS]

B. Subtilis in Pro-Bio by Enzymedica is resistant to most antibiotics.

Also beneficial yeast in kefir.

Also B. Coagulans when given concurrent w/ abx. This is available in most drugstores now under brand name Sustenex.
http://mrw.interscience.wiley.com/co...827/frame.html

B. Coagulans is aka L. Sporogenes but the first name is correct. It's also the hot new strain according to such diverse specialists as Dr. Mercola and Dr. Oz.


I disagree, I thnk you should take probiotics while you are on the abx protocol. You want to take in between doses, at least 2 hours away.

[changingseasons]

How are you doing on the abx? Is your foot getting better? Have you noticed any changes in you or DD? Hope all is well.

[nalo]

Well, thank goodness my foot responded right away to the abx so I am definately on the mend and never got any sickness with the infection. I am not noticing anything different in myself but DD has been responding to them (of course!!). A little slime and more wateryness back into the poop plus more night waking accompanied with distress/pain cries and gas. Ugh. I think we may never sleep. Ever. Again.

[changingseasons]

Oh no. I can totally sympathize... I cheated on the ED and ate some Pita Chips yesterday (that seemed to have ok ingredients), and now DD is miserable again, her face is all flared up, and yucky poos today. No sleeping for us either.

How long do you have to stay on the abx?

[nalo]

Man, can I just say...THIS SUCKS! Sorry you guys got the yuckies too. My abx are a 5 day course - so 3 more days.

[mommydancer]

The fallout sucks, but you did the right thing.

[chlobo]

hugs. I hope things get back to normal soon!

[Astromom]

I'm so sorry you were hit with this!!

Originally Posted by DoulaMary

I have been advised by two ND's not to bother with any probiotics during the abx course because it will basically be wasted doses but I will resume in full force after the 5 day course and I can give DD the S. Boulardii as soon as it arrives.

I'd go ahead and take probiotics during the course of the abx -- it wouldn't hurt and could help!