I am a 41 year old female with no previous gastro history. My problem began in 12/02 when I took Zithromax for a sinus infection. Two weeks later, I had severe abdominal pain that spread across the abdomen at belly-button level. The doctor's dx was either a virus or Clostridium due to Zithromax killing off the "good" bacteria in my intestinal tract. Because it was a Friday, he decided to treat me as if it were Clostridium and prescribed a 10 day course of Flagyl. With Flagyl, the symptoms improved greatly, but did not go away. A stool test for Clostridium was negative, but the dr. said this is not unusual even if the bacteria is really present. Since finishing Flagyl, discomfort is still present on a daily basis, best described as gas pain - most often felt under my left rib, especially first thing in the morning. Occasionally it is also under the right rib, and often it spreads across the abdomen at belly button level. The left side is slightly tender if pressed on. I do not have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. - just the discomfort. Greasy foods make it somewhat worse, but generally foods have little effect. An ultrasound done 2/03 to check gall bladder, liver and kidneys was normal. My questions are:
Does this sound like a result of antibiotic overkill or something else? I've taken Zithromax before with no problem, and I didn't think it was one of the drugs that normally caused Clostridium growth.
Which organ is causing the pain - stomach or intestines?
Can continuous post-nasal drainage from sinus problems cause these symptoms?
What would you suggest to clear this up?
Thank you in advance for your help.