NewIma Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Please don't quote as I will delete later. Back in August almost overnight I developed a huge labial abscess almost the size of a golf ball. I went to my Dr and he drained it (painful) and put me on antibiotic #1. After 7 days the area was still infected so he added another week of antibiotic #1. After that things were ok for a couple of weeks on my labia, but I developed an outer ear infection in both ears from all the baths I was taking to help my heal my abcess and was put on antibiotic #2. A few weeks later the abscess came back. Dr. drained it again (again painful) and put me on antibiotics #3. The abcess is not healing. He prescribes me antibiotics #4. I am taking antibiotic # 4 the week before the election. My anxiety is through the roof. I end up in the ER one night thinking I am having a heart attack but it ends up being panic/anxiety. I assumed it was because of the election. On the day after the election I go back in because I am still not healing. Dr. puts me on antibiotic # 5 and schedules me for surgery on the 9th to remove the abcess. I feel better emotionally and assume it must be because the election is (sort of) over. I had my surgery on Monday (the 9th). It was way more intense than I expected. I have internal and external stitches and the incision is 3 inches long on my lady bits. Obviously the pain is terrible. Yesterday I went back to the Dr because the incision is infected. He switched me off antibiotic #5 back to #4. I took #4 yesterday and this morning. Today I have completely spiraled out and am having the same feelings/sensations I had at the beginning of the month when I thought I was having a heart attack and in the middle of it put together that both times I felt this way I was on antibiotic #4. So I called the on-call Dr who called my regular Dr who says that severe anxiety can be a side effect. So now I am being switched to antibiotic #6 and hoping my chest will go back to normal and my lady bits will heal and this whole nightmare will end. I am so so tired of it all. 1 70 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Oh my goodness. I am so, so sorry! That sounds absolutely horrendous!!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El... Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Oh, babe, I'm sorry you're going through that. That sounds really rough. And it's crazy that an antibiotic has such a side effect! I'm really glad you figured it out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Hugs. I am so sorry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewIma Posted November 13, 2020 Author Share Posted November 13, 2020 1 minute ago, elroisees said: Oh, babe, I'm sorry you're going through that. That sounds really rough. And it's crazy that an antibiotic has such a side effect! I'm really glad you figured it out. Right?!? I had to do some digging but it is listed as a possible side effect on some websites and in the UK. I also found some case studies where they suggest it might make people suicidal occasionally? It is a common antibiotic so I think these are uncommon side effects. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Uggh, that sounds absolutely terrible. I am so sorry. Sending healing thoughts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristin0713 Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 I am SO SORRY! That sounds horrible. I hope you heal up soon and can finally kick the infection. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Oh, I’m so sorry. I hope you get better soon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkTulip Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Oh wow - that sounds like an absolute nightmare. Sending lots of gentle hugs and prayers for rapid healing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 What a pain....literal and figuratively. Hopefully this will fix it. Then make sure to get a good probiotic in you. We use Florastor. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Praying. It's so rough to be on that journey. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Holy cow, you are incredible to have gone through all that and the anxiety was from the medicine! Prayers for a quicker recovery 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh dear! I hope that #6 will work without side effects and that you will feel better!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 I'm sorry too. That does sound awful. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh my gosh I am sending you so many hugs. That was a horrible ordeal. You must have been in so much pain. I am so sorry. I am glad you figured out what was going on right now. I hope that now you will have an easy and smooth recovery. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easypeasy Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 oh wow. What an ordeal. I am so sorry - all of it sounds terrible. I hope that abx #6 is the Magic Elixir and that you're on your way to being fully mended very, very soon! ♥ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh my, I'm so sorry! I'm glad you're off that drug and hope your body responds quickly! What misery. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 How awful, I am very sorry! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Ugh! I think anytime medication can do a job on our gut microbiome, anxiety is a very real risk. Gut and brain seem to be linked that way. Agreeing about Florastor type probiotics--I take a different brand of the same organism, and it's amazing stuff. Do you have cushioning that helps (like a donut)? There are a some nice hot/cold packs made from clay (inside plastic) that can be molded to fit where needed. I hope you have access to several things to try. Is the outer ear infection cleared up? I am very prone to those, and I found out that you can use white vinegar drops every 4-8 hours to clear those up. I have successfully avoided antibiotics for outer ear infections with this method in spite of having had MRSA infections in my ears in the past. You have to keep it up for a few days after the ear feels better, but it doesn't have to be at quite the same frequency. If you add a little bit of rubbing alcohol, it helps the vinegar drain out better (interferes with surface tension). 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Hugs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 (edited) 54 minutes ago, NewIma said: It is a common antibiotic so I think these are uncommon side effects. Remember to write down the name of the antibiotic and let your other doctors and your dentist know. I am mildly allergic to penicillin so I had to let my dentist know as well. Hope you recover soon. Edited November 14, 2020 by Arcadia 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh wow! I hope you heal well and this antibiotic works. That sounds so miserable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 What a horrendous ordeal!! I am so sorry for all you’ve been through. Praying for you to heal quickly and completely. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 1 hour ago, NewIma said: Right?!? I had to do some digging but it is listed as a possible side effect on some websites and in the UK. I also found some case studies where they suggest it might make people suicidal occasionally? It is a common antibiotic so I think these are uncommon side effects. I once took an antibiotic that spun me into a depression, like sobbing and shaking uncontrollably on the kitchen floor convinced I was going to die and baby DS was going to be all alone. I’ve never been so scared in my life. Finding the strength to call my husband at work during the spell felt like a superhuman feat. It, too, is a common antibiotic. I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. Sending you virtual healing thoughts... 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Sending good thoughts for your healing, Newlma. Regards, Kareni 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Bunny Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Sending healing thoughts your way! I’m so sorry you’re going through this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
historically accurate Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh, how awful! I hope you heal quickly, and this antibiotic (#6!!!) works like a dream. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh my! What a lot to have to go through! It all sounds so horrible. I’m so sorry you’re going through all this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewIma Posted November 14, 2020 Author Share Posted November 14, 2020 1 hour ago, kbutton said: Ugh! I think anytime medication can do a job on our gut microbiome, anxiety is a very real risk. Gut and brain seem to be linked that way. Agreeing about Florastor type probiotics--I take a different brand of the same organism, and it's amazing stuff. Do you have cushioning that helps (like a donut)? There are a some nice hot/cold packs made from clay (inside plastic) that can be molded to fit where needed. I hope you have access to several things to try. Is the outer ear infection cleared up? I am very prone to those, and I found out that you can use white vinegar drops every 4-8 hours to clear those up. I have successfully avoided antibiotics for outer ear infections with this method in spite of having had MRSA infections in my ears in the past. You have to keep it up for a few days after the ear feels better, but it doesn't have to be at quite the same frequency. If you add a little bit of rubbing alcohol, it helps the vinegar drain out better (interferes with surface tension). Thank you! The ear infection took 2 weeks but it did clear up. I might try the vinegar if it happens again! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewIma Posted November 14, 2020 Author Share Posted November 14, 2020 1 hour ago, MEmama said: I once took an antibiotic that spun me into a depression, like sobbing and shaking uncontrollably on the kitchen floor convinced I was going to die and baby DS was going to be all alone. I’ve never been so scared in my life. Finding the strength to call my husband at work during the spell felt like a superhuman feat. It, too, is a common antibiotic. I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. Sending you virtual healing thoughts... I am so sorry that happened to you, and I can totally understand now. The world was completely ending. I have mild anxiety in general, but this has been so intense and sudden and not like anything I've ever experienced. I never ever would have thought antibiotics could have that effect. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewIma Posted November 14, 2020 Author Share Posted November 14, 2020 Thank you all so much for your support and kind words. I needed them so much tonight. Thank you. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 I am so sorry you went through such an ordeal. And the panic attacks, too...they are the worst. Hoping for speedy healing and I second the rec'd to take a probiotic afterwards. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh, wow, that all sounds awful. I hope things clear up ASAP! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 I've been on antibiotic that caused anxiety and sleeplessness. It was awful. I'm so glad they figured it out and I hope that #6 works well. Definitely start taking probiotics. You've been on meds so long your poor gut must be reeling. Gentle hugs. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh, dear, I'm so sorry you are going through this awful experience. Praying for complete healing from the infection and from the med side effects. I'd like to share something that helped with a non-healing situation here, in case you want to try it. One of my dc had a scary skin infection, and antibiotics and topical meds weren't taking care of it. I read online that garlic is a natural antibiotic, so we tried adding it to dc's diet, in addition to the meds. By the end of the 2nd day of adding garlic, the infected area had clearly started to improve. Raw garlic is supposed to be more effective than cooked garlic (but I made foods that used both raw and cooked, so dc would be willing to eat them) and the garlic is most effective if crushed and let sit for 10 minutes before using it. I'm sure Google can explain better, if you are interested in trying it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Oh, I'm so sorry! I've had multiple cysts/abcesses/I don't know what on my labia, both inner and outer labia, and it is MISERABLE! SO painful! If it helps, the two things that help mine are 1. washing with hibclense. The surgical scrub stuff. It has antibactrial properties that remain on the skin in a film. And 2. not wearing pants that have a tight crotch to put pressure/friction in that area. So I wear either VERY lightweight/soft leggings or shorts/pants with baggy/loose crotch. Those two things seem to both make a big difference. The baggy clothes to prevent, and the hibiclense (any chlorhexidine based scrub) to treat at the first sign of a tingle/itch/pain. There is some evidence that cholorhexidine has antinflammatory properties above and beyond the antibacterial properties. 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewIma Posted November 14, 2020 Author Share Posted November 14, 2020 25 minutes ago, klmama said: Oh, dear, I'm so sorry you are going through this awful experience. Praying for complete healing from the infection and from the med side effects. I'd like to share something that helped with a non-healing situation here, in case you want to try it. One of my dc had a scary skin infection, and antibiotics and topical meds weren't taking care of it. I read online that garlic is a natural antibiotic, so we tried adding it to dc's diet, in addition to the meds. By the end of the 2nd day of adding garlic, the infected area had clearly started to improve. Raw garlic is supposed to be more effective than cooked garlic (but I made foods that used both raw and cooked, so dc would be willing to eat them) and the garlic is most effective if crushed and let sit for 10 minutes before using it. I'm sure Google can explain better, if you are interested in trying it. I have lots of garlic! I'll give it a try! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewIma Posted November 14, 2020 Author Share Posted November 14, 2020 13 minutes ago, ktgrok said: Thank you so much for these suggestions! I actually saw hibiclense at the pharmacy today and was wondering if that might help. I've never used it before. I'm sorry you have also had to deal with these issues. It is absolutely awful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 What an ordeal you've been through! Praying for your recovery and healing. 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Familia Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 May you get 100% soon, Newlma - you have been through so much!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 I am so, so sorry. I was recently on an antibiotic for a tooth infection and my DH said my OCD anxiety was through the roof compared to what it usually is. Such a weird and unexpected side effect! Praying for complete and total healing for you SOON! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Aside from the emotional issues, those physical issues are painful! I also deal with occasional issues there, though never that size! Ouch! Even small ones can be super painful. 😞 I can't imagine dealing with it that long. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 I’m so so sorry. That sounds so painful and awful. Praying you find some healing and relief very soon 💙 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 1 hour ago, NewIma said: Thank you so much for these suggestions! I actually saw hibiclense at the pharmacy today and was wondering if that might help. I've never used it before. I'm sorry you have also had to deal with these issues. It is absolutely awful! One of ways it works is to be "persistent" even after washing. It continues to kill germs for a while. Use it all over, not just in affected areas. 1 hour ago, klmama said: Oh, dear, I'm so sorry you are going through this awful experience. Praying for complete healing from the infection and from the med side effects. I'd like to share something that helped with a non-healing situation here, in case you want to try it. One of my dc had a scary skin infection, and antibiotics and topical meds weren't taking care of it. I read online that garlic is a natural antibiotic, so we tried adding it to dc's diet, in addition to the meds. By the end of the 2nd day of adding garlic, the infected area had clearly started to improve. Raw garlic is supposed to be more effective than cooked garlic (but I made foods that used both raw and cooked, so dc would be willing to eat them) and the garlic is most effective if crushed and let sit for 10 minutes before using it. I'm sure Google can explain better, if you are interested in trying it. This reminds me...I wonder if that special honey would be helpful? A friend used it for a surgical site, but it might have been after a few days, not right away. I think we've had threads on here about honey for wounds and what kind you need to get. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 I'm so sorry!!! That sounds objectively miserable, take comfort in knowing we are all wincing and crossing our legs for you! I hope everything clears ASAP. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 2 hours ago, kbutton said: One of ways it works is to be "persistent" even after washing. It continues to kill germs for a while. Use it all over, not just in affected areas. This reminds me...I wonder if that special honey would be helpful? A friend used it for a surgical site, but it might have been after a few days, not right away. I think we've had threads on here about honey for wounds and what kind you need to get. manuka honey. But I personally would check with the doctor before using. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoeless Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 This sounds horrid! I am so sorry you are going through this. I really hope you can find relief for this soon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 8 hours ago, kbutton said: One of ways it works is to be "persistent" even after washing. It continues to kill germs for a while. Use it all over, not just in affected areas. This reminds me...I wonder if that special honey would be helpful? A friend used it for a surgical site, but it might have been after a few days, not right away. I think we've had threads on here about honey for wounds and what kind you need to get. Manuka Honey, and I bet it would, as long as it didn't interfere with sutures. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Definitely get the Hibiclense! I know it says on there somewhere not for use on mucous membranes, but seriously, it's fine, lol. Also, again, I just sympathize. and it's hard to have pain "down there" because it isn't like you feel like you can talk about it and complain the way you can with say, an injured finger. It's just...awkward. So you are in pain, and tired, and miserable, and can't SAY it really to just anyone. "Sorry, I'm under the weather, my crotch hurts" isn't really considered polite conversation, lol. So that just seems to make it worse, because it feels, well, embarrassing on top of everything else. So hugs. You can talk about it here. No shame! And get that hibiclense! And baggy crotch pants! 3 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 That sounds horrible. I am so sorry. And @ktgrok you made me laugh. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.