The doctor thinks (without scoping me, long story) that I have pouchitis and "resultant cuffitis". He's got me on 500 mg Flagyl 2x day, 500 mg Cipro 2x day) and "nupalcaine" ointment as needed. I have Tylenol 3 for pain and am supposed to take 1 TBsp Pepto Bismol between meals (I'm assuming for nausea, although I actually didn't clarify that...)

I've been on the Flagyl since Tuesday evening, and started the other stuff Wednesday evening (again, long story). I've also been flat exhausted and resting a lot, and am beginning to feel a bit better. The spasms are slowing down, as is the frequency, and the incredibly sharp anal pain is much less. So something is working!

Here are my questions: 1) The Flagyl or Cipro, or both, is/are making me very nauseated and dizzy. Is there anything I can do, or just bear with it? 2) I'm drinking but seem constantly thirsty; is this the meds, too? 3) I'm eating yogurt (timed for the Cipro!) with a high culture count; should/can I do anything else right now, good-bacteria-wise? Any other tips for a newbie?

Thanks a ton,
Gin

I just finished a 3 wk regimen of Flagy and Cipro. The only advice I could give would be to take it with plenty of food. It didn't make the nausea go away completely, but it did seem to help. Flagyl is miserable, but it does seem to work. I didn't experience any increased thirst, but the flagyl did left a constant nasty taste in my mouth. As far as a probiotic, my doctor put me on Flora Q. I hope that helps!

Elise

Flagyl is probably the culprit for the thirst and continued nausea (it can give you a "furry tongue" sensation, some call it a metalic taste).

The nupercainal is just an anesthetic hemorrhoid ointment, and that is probably helping with the anal pain.

However, you have been prescribed nothing for cuffitis. So if you have it, it probably will quiet down while on antibiotics, just because they slow you down and will treat the pouchitis. But, if you do have cuffitis, the symptoms will return after the antibiotics are done. The treatment for cuffitis is hydrocortisone or mesalamine suppositories.

Jan

Flagyl is nasty stuff. Makes me dizzy and sick. I refuse to take it. See if your doctor can switch you to something else. I now take xifican. No side effects at all. It is released into your intestines so very little gets into your bloods. I also take Pentassa.
Hope your feeling better.
Susan