Happy Holidays 2015

Dec 22, 2015 | Blog | 10

Happy Holidays, friends!

For those who celebrate Chanukkah, HAPPY CHANUKKAH!

For those who celebrate Christmas, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

And for those who just want to celebrate the solstice, HAPPY SOLSTICE!

I hope that each of you has a lovely holiday season, filled with love and joy! I hope that any pain you’re experiencing because of FQ toxicity is lessened by the warmth and love of family and friends.

Though I sincerely hope that your holidays are filled with joy and love, I know that the holidays can be difficult for many people–especially those dealing with mysterious, chronic illness (like fluoroquinolone toxicity).

It’s difficult enough to feel like your body is falling apart–it’s even rougher when you’re expected to decorate the house.

It’s difficult enough to have a mysterious illness that most medical professionals don’t understand–it’s even rougher when family members don’t understand.

It’s difficult enough to have lost your job and income because of your illness–it’s even rougher when you feel guilty about not being able to afford presents for your loved ones.

It’s difficult enough to deal with horrible food sensitivities–it’s even rougher when everyone thinks that your food sensitivities are made up and that you should just have a cookie.

It’s difficult enough to deal with fatigue and exhaustion–it’s even rougher when kids need your time, attention and energy.

The holidays can, without a doubt, be a time of struggle for those dealing with multi-symptom, mysterious illnesses like fluoroquinolone toxicity.

I hope that those who are dealing with pain, exhaustion, lack of acknowledgement, financial troubles, grief, loneliness, etc. this holiday season are able to find support, love and healing. If those aren’t possible, I hope that you just are able to get through the season not too terribly scathed.

I hope that the traditions of the season give you comfort and joy. I hope that sitting by a fire warms your bones, and that hot apple cider warms your tummy. I hope that you get and give presents that show you and your loved ones that you are, indeed, loved. I hope that you enjoy some delicious food. I hope that you feel loved and appreciated and that both lessen the pain that you’re experiencing. I hope that you feel grateful for the gifts that remain in your life, because cultivating a feeling of gratitude is healing and good for the soul. I hope that this is a time of healing for your body, mind and spirit.

I truly wish you Happy Holidays, friends!

Huge hugs,

Lisa

Post Script – Tragically, several people have lost their battles with fluoroquinolone toxicity recently. My heart aches for their loved ones. I’m sure that this holiday season will be especially difficult for them, and I am so, so, so sorry for their losses! I hope that they are able to find some hope and healing even though the holidays will, undoubtedly, be difficult. Huge hugs to each of you!

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Janice Shields

9 years ago

Merry Christmas Lisa!! Thanks for the card.

Jan Shields

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Linda

9 years ago

Well, that about covers it all, Lisa. Yes, this was the first Christmas I was unable to buy gifts, something I love doing. It is also the first Christmas I have turned down holiday events. All I want for Christmas is for my breathing to return to normal, as well as my eyes, and all the other nerve damage. Thanks for all you do, and Merry Christmas. xoxo

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brookeleekeefer

9 years ago

Thank you, Lisa. Happy Holidays to you as well. Thank you for all you do all year long. Brooke

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Suzanne

9 years ago

Thank you Lisa!
I found your site when I was first floxed in January and it gave me a lot of answers and most importantly, hope! I posted just a few times and found I was overwhelmed by all the info and stopped following for awhile. I get your updates and they are always so helpful, thank you for that! This post really hit home for me. I was and am experiencing a lot of what you mention and it’s great to not feel alone!

I was floxed in January and have just recently received some answers. My docs have determined that levofloxacin, of which I took only 4 pills, triggered a few things: early Sjögren’s syndrome, POTs, dysautonomia, neuropathy from them, probable anti phospholipid syndrome and mitochondrial disorder including marked muscle atrophy. I’ve had numerous tests, biopsies, never ending blood work, doctor appts. I have been lucky in that I have good insurance that covers most of it but go back to zero come 1/1/16. I receive IVIG infusions of gammagard every 3-4 weeks that allow me to be functional, take Gabapentin and a lot of supplements to feed my mitochondria. I am awaiting genetic testing results in about a month. My neurologist wants me to take mestinon for the POTs and I am so nervous to take anything again. I don’t want to continue the Gabapentin but it helps the neuropathy so much! It was also recommended that I do plasmapheresis to rid my blood of the antibodies from autoimmune Sjögren’s. If you or anyone has tried either the med or the plasmapheresis I would appreciate any input.

I’ve had reactions to hidden msg, gluten and other food and times when nothing makes sense as to why I am having increased or varying symptoms, sensitivities and pain. It is a never ending battle to figure things out and constantly wonder if what I eat is going to harm me. I eat organic and a mostly plant based diet. I can only drink non-fluoridated water and make my own herbal tea with it. I fear showering as it fatigues me. I cannot take a bath, go in pools or hot tubs. I had a relapse after having a massage, as a treat to myself, needing to be hospitalized as it released toxins and it was like I was floxed all over again! It is very difficult to deal with people who just don’t understand (even family) and think we are overreacting about our limitations, food sensitivities and symptoms, esp when tests come back negative with the usual “normal” findings.

I did have to resign my job and that was very difficult but I know someday I will find a way to work again and have a purpose in life. I am a trained professional and will probably not be able to go back to that profession and that makes me so sad. I know there is a plan I am not aware of and only hope I can be open to whatever the future holds.

It is very difficult to live this present life as I was an athlete previously and am so limited now. I agree that positivity goes a long way. I try to do something new and better each day when I can and to not look back to what I used to be able to do pre floxed but what I can do since being floxed and all the gains I make despite set backs and relapses. I have a motto I borrowed from a book, “learn from the past, live in the present and prepare for the future” I tell everyone I know about this poison and hope I can help someone to not go through what we have had to experience. I’ve already prevented my mom and brother from taking levaquin prescribed for minor infections.

Thank you for your wonderful post and your positivity, words of hope and encouragement. My heart aches for anyone dealing with this and especially those who have lost the battle. I pray that this holiday season is a time for healing, love and support. Happy holidays to you and thank you again for all you do, I am continually amazed at your strength, positivity and willingness to help others. You are an inspiration to us all! Merry Christmas!

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Marie - Sweden

9 years ago

Lisa,
“GOD JUL och GOTT NYTT ÅR” (=Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year) from Sweden and thanks for your work. I try to tell people, whenever I can, to be careful with quinolones and why.

But, it`s not just the quinolones – people are taking far too many different drugs. They are scared into doing so.

I am particularly thinking of statins (cholesterol lowering drugs).
Their adverse effects are very similar to those that you can get from quinolones.

I hope you – and your readers – have read Dr. Malcolm Kendrick`s book – Doctoring Data (www.drmalcolmkendrick.org) and David Evans – Statins Toxic Side Effects.

Wishing you the best
Marie in Sweden