In the past 6 months I have been treated for chest infections on three separate occasions with three different antibiotics.
On each occasion my PD symptoms reduced and/or my medication worked better. When I was being treated with clarithomycin I was able to reduce my Stalevo from 550 mg/day to 300mg and I felt better than I had done for years.
Tetrracyclin was less effective and the response when I was on ampiicillin was less noticeable.
A few days after coming off antibiotics my symptoms revert to normal
When I told my GP he told me antibiotics could not have that effect.
When I researched clarithomycin I found that it is used to control H pylori in the gut.
There is a theory that H pylori interfere with the absorption of L.dopa.
I went back to my GP and he reluctantly agreed to test me for H pylori.
The test came back negative (it was taken 4 weeks after I had come off the antibiotics)
Has anyone else experienced similar results?
What should I do now?
With all the research that is going on into the gut and PD I feel I should talk to someone but my GP is very dismissive!
My husband was also on antibiotics for a chest infection and his Parkinson's condition improved. This has happened a few times. I also told his Neuro Consultant but he had no response. My husband is at Stage 4 PD now after being diagnosed 20 years ago and has great difficulty walking with a rolator. He is currently on antibiotic and his mobility improves (walking without rolator) for a while after the antibiotic. I definitely think there is some connection that should be researched. Prior to being diagnosed with Parkinson's he was treated for H Pylori.
The gist of the article is that it works, but taking long term antibiotics is a bad idea. They are working on keeping the effectiveness without the downside to possibly create a new medication.
