In January, 2004, my 69 year old father was prescribed Levaquin in combination with Prednisone.  [Contraindicated].  Six days after the prescription, his left ankle "popped" and he experienced serious pain, bruising and swelling.  Three days after, his right ankle "popped" with the same results.  Since 1/11/04 he has been barely able to walk, is unsteady on his feet, and has fallen as a result of the injuries caused by these adverse reactions.  He promptly reported back to the prescribing physician, and my mother was prepared with articles written by Dr. Cohen and other evidence of bilateral Achilles tendon rupture.  The prescribing doctor was unconvinced, but referred my father to a neurologist.  After running a battery of tests, I believe the neurologist was convinced this was an ADR to Levaquin.  But my father's condition was diagnosed as tendinopathy.  Yet another referral was made to a "specialist" in a neighboring state.  In an effort to find some relief from his pain and immobility pending the appointment with the "specialist," my father met with a reflexologist and did experience some relief.  When he reported this to his neurologist, he was referred to a sports medicine specialist for therapy pending the meeting with the other "specialist."  Immediately upon presenting to the sports doctor, my father was diagnosed with bilateral tendon ruptures.  In fact, the medical personnel in this office were astounded that my father had been attempting to walk in this condition for almost three months.

My parents live outside of town in a two-story home, with a barn and three outbuildings.  They are retired.  There is a large amount of property to care for, and my father can no longer assist with the physical requirements of such a property.  My mother is concerned that they may have to leave the homestead property and move in town in order to meet my father's physical needs.  My father is depressed over the fact that he can't assist with routine chores.  Their children are heartsick over their pain.

My father is 69 and faces bilateral tendon surgery.  He and my mother live in a 2-story house in the country.  Currently, their emotional conditions are distraught, at best.  They had planned a healthy, but not extravagant retirement.  All of that has changed.