I suffered a severe allergic reaction to levaquin, a fluoroquinlone antibiotic, approx. one year ago. It has been a long, hard, painful year. Now the dr has diagnosed me as being cortisol deficient. He says that I am "wasting away". He wants me to start on cortef. I am concerned that cortef will cause me some of the same reactions as did the levaquin. My levaquin reactions included many neurotoxic symptoms; I had most of the same symptoms as someone suffering from fluoride poisoning (there is fluoride in levaquin). I react now to a lot of foods and medications so I am really scared. I also suffer from GERD from time to time and have read that cortef can be hard on the stomach and such. Any advice concerning any of what I have posted would be appreciated. Thank you so much.
PJ

PJ:
I'm still learning about this adrenal dysfunction, but one thing my doc did tell me is increased allergies is one of the symptoms. I never reacted to anything until my mid thirties, then it seemed I was reacted to many things. Everything from trees, (just touching a maple leaf will give me hives), anything floating in the air to 30 different foods. I just started on the Cortef and also have GERD. My GI doc said it would be hard on the stomach but I haven't had any more problems taking it. Are you on prevacid or prilosec? Another thing that might help is Gavascon. It's in any of your local stores. It tastes nasty but helps. I also react to the fluride. In fact, since all these allergies, I react to chemicals, perfumes, cooking odors. Anything that is a solvent, i.e. fluride, mouthwash, and even toothpaste. Good luck. Dawn2

Dawn, I would be grateful to know how you do on your medication. Also, what strength/dosage does your dr have you taking? Any information is appreciated. I hope it helps you tremendously!
PJ

I also have GERD and take prevacid....so no problem with the cortef...and allergies I do believe go along with this Addison's....never a problem before then WHAM ! Everything can bother me...when nothing did before or didn't think it did....perhaps immune system was better years ago....MOLD especially bothers me and living in the south...well, I must be careful ! I find I pick up everything from the kids at school...700 kids come through my computer lab each week...so I am very careful!