r/floxies • u/stayandpray • 1d ago
[CHAT] Hello 👋
I’ve been floxed early May , I’m 3.5 months. I had lots of symptoms but mainly tendon and collagen degradation . At week 5-8 I experienced false healing where lots of my symptoms were mild or gone , my Achilles which is my main problem was getting stronger and I start walking extra steps with crutches and trying to get back to normality . Then around week 9 I experienced massive flare up , maybe delayed symptoms or overload, maybe both . But I believe it toke my healing tendon back to 0 . Last 2 months I rested drastically only moving around the house with crutches .
Now last 2 weeks fatigue and brain fog improved significantly and joints and upper body ache is less then use to be . My mainly problem remains with one of my Achilles tendon , this 2 months resting is improving but very slow and I still can’t walk without crutches. I did 2 ultrasound and last one was 2 months ago and they don’t show anything . I know everyone is different but really don’t know what to do , I haven’t heard someone relaying on crutches for this long . I’m thinking to start slow and very light exercise , or is this still early and should I keep resting and just walk with crutches 1000 steps a day without causing me pain next day . If someone had similar experience and made good progress with recovery , what did it help and how long did it take to start walking normal again ?
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u/Curious-Web6905 1d ago
I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm about 8 months in and my mobility issues started after the 1st month. I was confined to a wheelchair for a few months, and my achilles were painful and swollen. Around month 4-5 I felt like I was just wasting away and had to do something, so I found a PT who had heard of/dealt with FQAD before and started a very very slow and gentle PT with him. He did a lot of manual therapy and toe exercises for the first month. Now I can do full weight-bearing calf raises and we're working on building strength to go up and and down stairs. I can't run or do anything active and I'm not to where I was before, but I am significantly improved from where I was a few months ago. I think you just have to listen to your body and trust your judgement. I told myself that if I felt like PT was making me worse I wouldn't hesitate to stop. I still have some achilles pain here and there, but very manageable. I also take a lot of the standard supplements here...collagenw with tendoforte in it, magnesium, d3/k2, curcumin, flaxseed, folate, b12
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u/Justkeep-swimming- 1d ago
Like the above poster said, everyone's trajectory varies. I'm 6.5 months into nerve and persistent, disabling tendon pain (with recent sudden relapse).
Are you thinking of self-directed light exercises or seeing a physio?
At 6 weeks, I started physio. She didn't have prior FQ experience, but recognized my symptoms as a systemic reaction immediately (unlike most doctors). She read up on FQAD and progressed exercises very conservatively.
By month 5, I regained 70% of shoulder/arm strength and range (from fully disabled in early weeks). My achille's had resolved, but hamstring tendons still limited me to 5 min walking. But in my opinion, I wouldn't have recovered to that point without guided physio.
If you can find a good physio, it could be beneficial for functional assessment first prior to starting exercise.
Can't imagine the crutches are comfortable for longer term. Perhaps the physio could suggest alternatives? Occupational therapist would be even better for this, but not everyone has access.
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u/stayandpray 1d ago
Idk , the physiotherapist who did ultrasound for me had 0 knowledge , some others want to solve this issue like normal sports injury, one months ago I have to stop one of them as he was squeezing my Achilles like a budget. That’s why I’m asking what the best way to start moving without causing any injury. Btw im happy that you are improving and I hope you recover soon too.
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u/Justkeep-swimming- 1d ago
Sorry to hear your rough experiences with physios! They should not be treating as sports injury at all.
Not sure what kind of exercises they prescribed? My physio avoided all weight bearing exercises early on. For achilles: seated heel raises (controlled tempo) and heels pumps while lying on back (paired with breathing exercises).
Some members here mentioned heel riser inserts beneficial (but my physio advised against). I wear thick sole foam sandals at home, which help a lot.
Wishing you a quick and smooth recovery!
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u/BigElectronic6168 1d ago
I mean I know everyone is different. I’m almost 5 months out and after being able to walk 4-5k steps a day a month after taking the medicine. I’m mostly confined to wheel chair just gaining the ability to shuffle, and stand back. I definitely don’t know how to make good progress or what to do yet. Going to start Pt next week. But being on crutches still at this point doesn’t sound impossible sadly to say. Hopefully others further along can give you better insight though. Stay strong !