When should one give up on antibiotics?

[Wolf]

Last year when my symptoms first occured (started with frequent urination), my doctor gave me levaquin for three weeks. My symptoms seemed to improve but when I was done with the levaquin, a few weeks later, my symptoms were back and worse, now including pain. My doctor put me back on the levaquin for another three weeks but this time I didn't feel any better. After that, I ended up seeing two different urologits who both said I didn't have an infection and should not take antibiotics. This diagnosis was based on a rectal exam of my prostate and by one of the urologists, a massaging of the prostate followed by testing of my urine. In a state of great depression over my chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome diagnosis by both these doctors (most websits say chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome suffers are doomed!), I guess my fundamental question is: was I ever on the levaquin LONG enough to know whether it was going to work or not? Both urologists felt I should have improved in three weeks on the drug if it was bacterial. But then reading a great deal about this illness on the internet, it looks as though patients are typically put on the drug much longer. The crazy part of this story is that after being diagnosed with chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome my regular doctor still believes I should be on an indefinite, long-term dose of levaquin. Long story short: I'm confused!!!!
Any help anyone can offer would be great. I've started PT and hoping that gives some relief. I'm also in the midst of weening myself off using Xanax daily for six months (something I should have never been allowed to do...) so no wonder I'm feeling crappy! In fact it is the fact that Xanax was the only drug that gave me good parts of the day that leads me to believe my illness is tension and stress related and NOT bacterial. Anyway, I'm rambling. I apologize. Thanks ...

[timberdoodle]

I would say yes; you were on the antibiotic long enough. I was on Cipro for 30 days when I first had symptoms around a year ago, and I felt slightly better but then no better by the end. If it didn't help you after the time frame you indicated, I would say it's time to put the practices of A Headache In the Pelvis in full swing.

My general practitioner also suggested I should be on Cipro longer, but I am convinced he has an "old school" approach to "prostatitis," and I'm going with the chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome diagnosis, confirmed by a competent uro.

Good luck!

[Wolf]

Thanks for the info. I think I'm just REALLY depressed and reaching at straws.

[MastCells]

The crazy part of this story is that after being diagnosed with chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome my regular doctor still believes I should be on an indefinite, long-term dose of levaquin.

Marathon courses of antibiotics can be hazardous to your health. By "regular doctor," do you mean he is your GP or primary care physician? If so, I don't think his recommendation should overrule the consensus of the two urologists who told you to stop taking antibiotics. I would find a new "regular doctor," and forget about his radical and irresponsible suggestion to take antibiotics indefinitely. You've already tried antibiotics; it's time to move on to more effective treatments.

[prisoner]

I took Levaquin for two months in two separate one month doses. I was told by one urologist that regardless of anything being found in a urinalysis or otherwise it should be taken. Why, they didn't know. They said "we don't know why, but it works for some." At $300 a month, and as readily as it is prescribed, I wish I was the company selling this drug. I can't beleive the list of medications some people have gone through over the course of years. If taking medications can be bypassed, do so at all cost. The last thing anyone needs is side-effects from taking something for another problem. It is amazing what the body can do on it's own with the right regimen and some TLC.