I am out of prep money for the remainder of my preps, and this is very scarey stuff! So my question is this: for the broadest range of possible infections, having to choose from amozicillin, tetracycline, cephalexin, erythromycin and metronidazole (latter to preven Giardia), which are the indispensable, most important two or three? Thanks in advance, medical pros here.

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), November 24, 1999

Answers

I'd go with cephalexin, erythromycin, and amoxacillin, in that order.

But I'd be taking colloidal silver daily prophylactically if I were at all concerned about various microorganisms. But then what would I know? -- I have no 'peer-reviewed' statistics, or even FDA approval, for my off-the-wall recommendation. (Just think of all those patients during my 30 years of family practice whose lives were put in great jeapardy by my poor clinical judgment.)

Good thing Y2K won't last longer than everybody's stash of prescription antibiotics.

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), November 24, 1999.

Also, check out grapefruit seed extract. Kills tons of bacteria. A little goes a long way Sue

-- Sue Landress (Sulandherb@aol.com), November 24, 1999.

not sure where i read this recently but i found it to be very interesting. if you take a tablespoon of vinegar a day it helps fight bacteria in your system.bacteria has a hard time thriving in a high acidic enviornment. i believe it's apple cider vinegar that you should use.personally i tried this one day and was nauscious [naucious] well, sick to my stomach the rest of the day so now we just eat it on salad. also have read quite a bit about Amish using it for all kinds of ailments.It is a good system cleaner outer. Elaine you might want to pick up a good book on natural remedies.

-- tress (tress59@aol.com), November 24, 1999.

I would agree with Dr. Bill's order of preference, but Elaine do you know of any allergies you or your family might have to a particular antibiotic. It might change your personal preparation list.

-- Bill the RN (Bill@SHF.com), November 24, 1999.

Elaine -- don't forget things like garlic capsules (or actually garlic itself is cheaper -- get some now to plant in containers or in your yard...), echinacea, and goldenseal. I think Trader Joe's or Price Club would have the best prices on echinacea and goldenseal...

Also see if you can get peppermint oil somewhere (maybe that Mennonite grocery store you went to?). It's always great for putting a little in steaming water, putting a towel over your head and the pan, and breathing in when you have nasal/bronchial congestion.

Plus Vitamin C, of course...

-- Libby Alexander (libbyalex@aol.com), November 24, 1999.

I am all for nature's remedies as preventive and Rx. But if the money is really short, go with Bill's recommendations. When the body is really septic you need the antibiotics...the real stuff!

Taz

-- Taz (Tassie123@aol.com), November 24, 1999.

Bill,

Could you give your first choice of meds to have on hand in case of a biological attack? Will CS be effective against anthrax if we are taking it?

You have recommended CS in earlier posts. Could you give some instructions on the most effective dosages and how often to take it?

Thanks a million. I know you are very busy, and I'm sure we all appreciate your sharing your professional insights on the board.

regards,

gene

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), November 24, 1999.

Of course I agree with Bill--tho with the following changes--erythro is a great drug, but unfortunately poorly tolerated by many (GI side effects). Keflex is cheap and useful for many infections. Amoxicillin is also cheap and useful. I would also consider Septra DS (also cheap), a sulfa based antibiotic that is useful for sinus, pulmonary, and urinary tract infections. Approx 10 percent of the population is allergic to sulfa, so give it only to those who have taken it in the past without problems... In my larder are also Doxycycline for bronchitis, sinus, and various other infections (including anthrax), and Cipro for everything from respiratory, GI, skin, reproductive tract infections (also useful for Anthrax). Don't give Doxy or Cipro to kids.. Disclaimer--information given for information purposes only, not meant as recommendations for treatment or to substitute for professional medical care if available :)

-- Cath (fin@llyGI.now), November 24, 1999.

Given the growing reluctance for MD's to prescribe antibiotics (bacteria is growing increasingly resistant), I would take a hard look at some of the alternative medicine options. Note Dr. Schenker's opinion in the thread.

Look at all the forum information on colloidal silver, and tea tree oil. Same kinds of data/folklore/opinions on garlic, vinegar, cinnamon, etc. I also added oscillococcinum (had to get the package to spell it) A good friend of mine who is a credible healer recommended it for influenza first aid. She knows that I have developed secondary infections from flu in the past that morphed into bronchitis/walking pneumonia.

If someone in your family is elderly or has consistent issues with upper respiratory infections, you might look into a pneumonia shot. I was starting to run out of antibiotic silver bullets a few years ago and have had but one case of bronchitis in 10 years after having the shot.

Good luck to you. I read up on the colloidal silver and have added it to my first aid stock.

-- Nancy (wellsnl@hotmail.com), November 25, 1999.

Ok here's a home made herbal mix thats easy to make up and is good for viral and bacterial infections: Take onions, garlic and hot peppers (all fresh). Put in blender and cover with 80 proof vodka. Blend. Then bottle. The vodka acts as a preservative so the stuff doesn't spoil. Beware tho that this is REALLY hot when taken so use caution or you mouth might be HOT for awhile. This works with all herbs. Kind of neat huh. I got this from a herbalist in CA.

-- Stacia (ClassyCwgl@aol.com), November 25, 1999.

Regarding the vinegar, I think you're talking about a recommendation from an old book on New England Folk Medicine (I've got a copy around somewhere, haven't seen it in years, not sure of title or author name.)

As I recall, the author recommended mixing the vinegar in a glass of water, rather than taking it undiluted.

-- Ron Schwarz (rs@clubvb.com.delete.this), November 25, 1999.

EVERYBODY:

In general, lots of good, sensible, reasonable, knowledgeable posts on this thread (in contrast to a lot of other threads on post-y2k medical therapies.)

GENE:

Your questions deserves a specific answer, bec of a lot of confusion surrounding anthrax treatment, and also colloidal silver. I've let it all go by 'cause I've been too busy with preps. But I've got a breather this Xgvg nite, & it's supposed to rain tomorrow AM -- can't do some of my outside projects. So first, here's a cut/paste from an email I sent out a few nites ago to a friend:

##############################################

" >5. I have read that the treatment of choice for anthrax is supposed to be >doxycycline, and that the common prescription of tetracycline is based not >on tests of tetracycline but just on equivalent dosing and the fact that >the two ABs are in the same family. Are they equivalent in this respect and >is tetra likely to be effective, or do I need to get doxycycline (which is >expensive)?

This anthrax issue is a biggie --- I researched it quite a bit 1 1/2 years ago, when someone on the (old Gary North) forum asked me for advice on it. The crucial point is that there are TWO anthrax bugs, one is the familiar one --- known for generations -- responds to various ABs, including doxycycline. I don't know whether TCN, even tho in the same family, would be strong enough --- I tend to doubt it. The other is the 'military' version. Sit down for what's coming next. The Bio-Warfare guys mutated the bug so that it RESPONDS TO NO ANTIBIOTIC PRESENTLY KNOWN, KILLS WITHIN HOURS TO SEVERAL DAYS (IN A HIDEOUS DEATH), ITS SPORES WILL AIRBORN THEMSELVES ACROSS A CONTINENT WITH THE WIND IN A MATTER OF DAYS (AND KEEP GOING ACROSS THE OCEANS IF THE WIND IS RIGHT), AND WILL STAY VIABLE FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY. When I dug that info up I simply gave up trying to prepare for treating/preventing it --- and so simply forgot about it. Then I went for a routine followup a couple weeks ago to my ENT guy (who did some minor surgery on me in the spring.) He's a great guy, and has been a survival nut for many years BEFORE Y2K. So he's up on a lot of the stuff you and I are. Also he has a bro who's a microbiologist. So a few months ago he asked him what to do about anthrax (the military kind.) His bro said, "Alan, the best thing that could happen is that you'd die from something else before the anthrax got to you!" I take that as confirmation that it's not worth dialing it into our preps -- just pass right by it.

> >6. Do you have any dosing suggestions for treatment or prophylaxis for >anthrax or plague? I have a dosing chart that TACDA sells but everyone >seems to have a different opinion.

The anthrax I handled above. For plague, the only readily available oral one is TCN (but it's not the drug of choice): 30mg/kg in divided doses. 'Travelers at risk' prophylaxis: 500mg q6h [every 6 hours] during periods of exposure. BTW, I get most of my info from my trusty little 'bible,' Merck's Manual, 16th edition. It is the 1 single book I recommend everyone to buy for Y2K (if they're serious about their home treatment to the extent you are.)"

##############################################

Notice I threw in a little extra, about plague, and a med reference book. (If you're not familiar with medical lingo & procedures -- skip the Mercks -- it may just confuse you.)

Now to c.s. for anthrax, and c.s. dosing in general. The following is not 'hard & fast' because I haven't had enough personal experience. I'm basing it on: 1) my own experience, 2) numerous private emails & public posts describing positive results with c.s., using various dosage scheds, 3) Roger Altman's groundbreaking (altho limited in scope) research on the long-term accumulation issue (excretion rate) and dosages of c.s. (which you can find out by mailing him some money for his report; if interested look up his email addr in the 'Older Messages' category -- probably under 'Health Care',) and 4) I'm assuming things will get bad enough, long enough that EVERYBODY WILL EVENTUALLY RUN OUT OF THEIR ANTIBIOTIC STOCKS -- which eventuality might radically alter the present scepticism about alternative meds in general and c.s. in specific:

1. (Military) Anthrax treatment: None. So why not try prophylactic c.s.? You've got nothing to lose except your life -- if you DON'T use c.s. If I've got wind of an anthrax terrorist "drop" (via my Y2K ham radio network) I will use probably 4 ounces or more daily, for everyone in our family and immediate neighborhood, and continue it probably indefinitely. Will it work? Hoo knows? For how long? Probably FOREVER.

2. Other bugs (and scenarios): If I or others in my community are under stress, in a prolonged post-Y2K upset (Is that an understatement or isn't it?), I will be recommending at least two tablespoons daily for everybody (1/2 dose for 6-12 yr-olds; 1/4 dose for 1-5 yrs; why those doses? Hoo knows? Just guessin'.)

If a particular bug is traveling the neighborhood (whether virus, fungus, bacterial, or protozoal) I will up the dose for everybody (not already infected) by 2x (Why that multiple? Hoo knows? Want to play safe? -- Take more.)

If somebody is actually sick with something I'll go to 4 ounces to 8 ounces daily for that person.

Q. "Hey, Doc, aren't you being a bit sloppy with your dosages? How do you know you're not going to HARM someone?!!!!"

A1. OK, Joe (or Jill) -- play it safe and call up your local MD, or County Health Office, or FDA, or Hospital ER, or.... What was that? You tried ringing them up post-Y2K but there's no dial tone? What are you, a DOOMER OR SUMPIN'?!!!!!!!

A2. That is the outstanding finding in Roger's work: all of the c.s. eventually gets excreted.

"But what about 'The Blue Lady'"? Check out her story by checking ALL the past posts on it (mine and others'.) [See lower down.]

How long will I continue these elevated dosages? Probably two weeks at a time.

Another question involves the STRENGTH of the c.s. you are using. If you want the answer to that, the price is reading my past posts at , and in this forum. Don't want to do it? Haven't got the time for it? Hey, Y2K ain't gonna' be no problem no how so fergit about it.

Last point: one of the most cogent reasons for doing your homework on c.s. is that YOU CAN MAKE IT YOURSELF, ALMOST FOREVER, AT MINISCULE COST using a small solar panel, two silver wires (or one ounce 'blanks',) and some distilled water (If you haven't figured out how to make distilled water post-y2k, better do some more research.) How do you make c.s.? Same answer as previous paragraph.

Parting shot: I've always remembered the framed announcement on the wall of my dentist's office when I was living back in the S.F. East Bay in the '70s: "You don't have to floss ALL your teeth -- only the ones you want to save."

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), November 25, 1999.

Sorry about leaving out that URL in my last post -- danged HTML!!!

It's: y2k.entrwave.com

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), November 25, 1999.

MORE sorry! --- it's:

y2k.entrewave.com

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), November 25, 1999.

Why are we (as a culture) so antibioticrazy? In the long run of things, antibiotics will probably be looked back at as an interesting but highly detrimental fad. For thousands of years herbs and other natural substances have been used very successfully. And more attention was paid to proper diet, lifestyle and thinking, etc. in many ancient cultures than is today in most countries. Why do we go for this "gimmie a pill" approach instead of building up strong health and natural immunity? Dis-ease has a cause. Just throwing drugs at the symptoms leaves the cause operative and health is further undermined.

-- Shivani Arjuna (SArjuna@aol.com), November 26, 1999.

Well, this has turned out to be a very productive thread. Lots of very good advice and suggestions. I have already a small arsenal of natural remedies, including a couple of bottles of c.s. and wish I could afford the means of making c.s. or purchasing more naturals. Because I use these regularly, despite my asthma/allergies, I have been able to enjoy good health and rarely am sick, nor as ill as others around me when I do get something.

However, with Taz, I have to say that if one is in a stressful situation like TEOTWAWKI, the natural defenses of one's body are apt to be stressed so that we become ill, and we are apt to being exposed to a lot more infectious material than ever from people's improper garbage and human waste disposal, etc. In that event, antibiotics that have had and do have a place in our healing will be most welcome...at least until something better comes along. If you've ever suffered from a serious infection and finally got an antibiotic that arrested the "bugs," then you are as thankful as I am that they exist.

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), November 26, 1999.

COLLOIDAL SILVER ARCHIVES -- DETAILS:

Go to the thread started by Herrick entitled, "Okay, I'm convinced that I need to have colloidal silver...." I've put the details on getting to my early posts on c.s.

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), November 27, 1999.

Dr. Bill, can you elaborate on your recommendations for the antibiotics (Cephalexin, Erythromycin, and Amoxicillin - in that order)? Seems to me both Ceph and Amox suffer the same problem of beta-lactamase sensitivity, and Erythro typically isn't prescribed for severe infections. The whole group also seems weak on the gram-negative side. Also, this combination of antibiotics doesn't seem to lend itself to combination therapy to get a broader spectrum of activity if the organism isn't known. Can you explain some of the reasoning behind this recommendation? Thanks, Tipsy

-- Tipsy McStagger (twerner@hotmail.com), November 30, 1999.

Shivani Arjuna:

Do you actually know the definition of the terms antibiotic and antimicrobial?

Best wishes,,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), November 30, 1999.

TIPSY:

You obviously ain't no layman -- your observations and reasoning are right on. So why did I make that reco? 'Cause that was the choice given to me by Elaine.

But there's more to my reasoning besides the 'easy way out' I resorted to in the previous sentence. And this reasoning has to do with something that's going to be hard to get across in a convincing manner -- but I'll give it a shot anyway, because the issue is close to my heart:

Why I gave out a reco that by normal, 'peacetime,' conventional, peer-reviewed, experienced judgment --- IS WAY OFF BALANCE --- has to do with a vicious nervous twitch I developed starting around January 7, 1997.

It was on that date that my reading of Gary North's Remnant Review article describing the Y2K catastrophe-in-the-making (especially since at that time EVERYBODY was ignoring it, including most corporate CEOs, CIOs, and Slick Willie and everybody in government below him) --- that reading COMBINED WITH my 5 years of professional programming experience --- COMBINED WITH my years of observing and working in various corporate environments (and watching management's repeated mishandling of systemic problems) --- it was all of that totality which immediately crafted my 'worst case' scenario into 'an 11 1/2 -- on a scale of 10.'

To say it more directly, Tipsy, I don't plan on Y2K to be played out within the framework of what it was like in med school, in internship, in 10 years of private practice, in Kaiser Permanente HMO for 15 years, and back in private practice for the last 6 years. I don't expect the basis for decisions will be what we read in our medical journals, what we discuss in our CPC's (Clinical Pathological Conferences) or our QC Committee meetings. I plan on that whole framework to vaporize.

(Insert hallway conversation here. Q. "But, Doc, what if it's NOT as bad as you're planning on?!!" A. I always assumed my patients might be faced with 'worst case' scenarios --- that's why I rarely got in trouble when they did happen. I've been doing the same with Y2K preps -- different verse, same chorus.)

I'll say it another way. I'm giving advice to people whom, worst case I expect will tend to misuse antibiotics because of lack of clinical experience, will be running out of antibiotics shortly (because their stash will be minimal), can't afford the 3d and 4th generation antibiotics that have a better spectrum than the 3 drugs Elaine mentioned, probably couldn't get the Rx from their family docs even if they could afford them, will be faced with profound stress within themselves and the patients they're treating -- which may well change the clinical picture of various infectious processes so much that typical past clinical course descriptions may be grossly misleading, will be faced with epidemiological challenges we've haven't seen in America since the 1800s and early 1900s, (making it not much different than in primitive Africa, Asia, or the Mideast), and could plausibly even change the antibiotic resistance patterns of various drugs within a breathtakingly short time.

I'll try to say it another way. My worst case scenario INCLUDES 'military' anthrax, not excludes it. (Which is why I've wasted bandwidth every now and then to explain to lurkers the difference between conventional anthrax and the 'creative' kind that our bio-warfare buddies have cooked up -- and that THERE IS NO TRADITIONAL ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT FOR 'MILITARY' ANTHRAX, no matter how much one is willing to fork up $$$ for an Rx for it.)

And finally one more shot at it. Worst case my motto becomes "All bets are off" regarding The World As We Know It. On the one hand, it's why I'm suggesting colloidal silver, which has NO peer-reviewed, academic track record whatsoever -- nothing but 'anecdotal' support for it. On the other hand, it's why I find myself increasingly taking time out to walk out the door of my workshop down here on the ground floor of our home overlooking a beautiful Alabama valley. It's so pretty tonight, a crisp hard frost is upon us, the universe of stars twinkle back at me, soon the moon will brightly add its conversation with me -- and I am thankful I can have these thoughts to give me perspective.

Isn't this kind of writing embarrassingly sentimental (Down South here they call it, 'gushy' -- I like that word.)? Isn't it, well, sort of unprofessional?! Isn't it also sort of Off Topic in a big, big way? Isn't it, to be blunt, really beyond the pale?!

My answer is: "Yep!"

--- Bill, doddering along, hoping to make it to 74 on April 22, 2000, the Lord willing.

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), December 01, 1999.

Dr. Bill: Assuming a worst case scenario, and ignoring for the moment the possibility of biological warfare (which I agree would be with antibiotic resistant strains), your selection from the options of amoxicillin, tetracycline, cephalexin, erythromycin or metronidazole still leaves me confused.

I'm assuming a worst case scenario would include large concentrations of people living (and dying) in shelters, wide spread violence, rodent infested cities, and contaminated food/water.

Wouldn't you want antibiotics in your supplies that are effective against clostridial infections (like tetanus or gas gangrene from deep puncture/gunshot/crushing injuries), parasitic infections like amebiases or giardiasis, brucellosis (from unpasteurized dairy products), cholera, or rickettsial infections (spread by fleas, mites, lice and ticks)?

I don't have your medical experience or background, but wouldn't amoxicillin, tetracycline, and metronidazole (in no particular order) offer the broadest spectrum of coverage? Your selection seems to have left out treatments for most of the above.

-- Tipsy McStagger (twerner@hotmail.com), December 01, 1999.

TIPSY:

I'm assuming a worst case scenario would include large concentrations of people living (and dying) in shelters, wide spread violence, rodent infested cities, and contaminated food/water.

Wouldn't you want antibiotics in your supplies that are effective against clostridial infections (like tetanus or gas gangrene from deep puncture/gunshot/crushing injuries), parasitic infections like amebiases or giardiasis, brucellosis (from unpasteurized dairy products), cholera, or rickettsial infections (spread by fleas, mites, lice and ticks)?

In short my answer is: "You BETcha!!" I'd also like to have beau coup units of blood, in date, in the cooler, along with the IV plumbing that goes with it. Plus extensive x-ray facilities, plus MRI capability, plus a sterile surgical suite with air purification and conditioning. On my want list would also be experienced surgical nurses, ortho nurses, ICU nurses, defibs, full vital sign monitoring equipment, and ... did I leave anything out?

But I haven't got the logistic, financial, nor (any more) the technical knowhow to use all this stuff. Do you think Elaine does? Her question leading off this thread is serious: she doesn't have much money ... (She doesn't mention lack of time or expertise but it's there too.) IOW, we're looking at COMPROMISE, COMPROMISE, COMPROMISE.

The only people who don't feel they've compromised in their Y2K planning are those people who say, "Hey, man, I'm relaxed -- I've got everything lined up -- I can handle ANY 3-day storm."

Bottomline: all your recos are valid -- if one has the time, $$$, sources for the Rx's, and expertise to know when to use what, and for how long (including using antibiotics via the IV route.) Would that we all could reach that goal in the next 29 days.

Bill

-- William J. Schenker, MD (wjs@linkfast.net), December 01, 1999.

Bill:

Oops, I neglected any coverage for staph infections in that last post.

In my uneducated opinion, the best choices are amoxicillin, tetracycline, cephalexin, and metronidazole. I know, this is four instead of two or three Elaine wanted - but these 4 drugs can be obtained for less than the cost of amox, ceph, and erythro (at lambriarvet.com) while providing a much broader spectrum of activity. IMO, your selections leave serious gaps in coverage for anaerobic, rickettsial, or parasitic infections - yet it seems you are anticipating bullet/puncture wounds, rodent/vermin infestations, and sheltered masses? What bacteria do you expect to encounter under these conditions?

Elaine: these 4 antibiotics provide coverage against a wide array of bacterial infections. All are generally safe if you follow the manufacturer's instructions with regard to their use. However, while some can (and sometimes should) be combined to treat a specific infection, some combinations are also antagonistic.

Knowledge is key to choosing the correct antibiotic(s) to use. None are a 'cure all', and the ones that have the broadest spectrum also are the ones that bacteria are more likely to be resistant to. Selecting the wrong ones generally won't hurt, but won't help either. If you can't afford a Merck manual (even a used one as far back as the 1980's is OK, but not the "home edition"), a medical dictionary, and a drug reference - at least pull (and print) some of the tons of info off the 'net. Either way, read and be prepared to learn. Just my uneducated opinion, btw.

-- Tipsy McStagger (twerner@hotmail.com), December 02, 1999.

Dr. Schenker, ref: what do you know.

Would have been delighted to have had you as our family's physicain for the past 30 years. Would be even more delighted to have you for the next 30 though. :-)

Thanks from all of us.

-- Lilly (homesteader145@yahoo.com), December 03, 1999.

I don't want to cause any problems on this board, you've got enough already. So I'll have my say and go away. Some general observations from Dr. Bill's "A POST-Y2K MEDICAL KIT" on y2kchoas:

#1 If you crush erythro tabs the drug will be destroyed by stomach acids.

#2 Pre-cordial "thumps" without training stand to do more harm than good - that's why they haven't taught it in CPR courses for about 20 years.

#3 No breathing, Do CPR?????

That last one's my favorite, btw. Guess you get what you pay for, huh?

-- Tipsy McStagger (twerner@hotmail.com), December 03, 1999.

This has been very helpful...Thank you Bill and Tipsy!! I have good success with grapefruit seed extract for certain "bugs" caused by bad water...however if someone is about to die from Giardia, or dysentry type diarrhea, which of these anitibiotics that you have mentioned would be best for this? Also, what for a wound that would cause a bad infection? (gunshot, or loss of a limb?) Also, another question; (You can tell I am quite medically clueless!) Is it smart to get everyone tetanus shots? Most doctors aren't thrilled when you ask for JUST a tetanus shots? Any side effects or warnings with this vaccine? THANK YOU!! Michele F.

-- Michele F. (michele@habitatinc.com), December 07, 1999.

Michele, first - I'm not a Doctor, but if you want my opinion anyway here goes:

For giardiasis (amebic dysentery), the drug of choice is metronidazole. For non-amebic dysentery (shigellosis) it might be best to just treat the dehydration, amox *or* tet may help for severe cases - but depending on the strain they might be resistant anyway. Tet can help keep other members of the household from getting dysentery if they're exposed.

Gunshots/bad wounds - Depends on the site of the wound, and again this is my mostly uneducated opinion. I'm assuming these aren't scratches - but life or death damage, in adults, with no allergies. Use the max dose listed in your drug reference (or get it from the net - there's a good ref at http://www.medsch.wisc.edu/clinsci/amcg/amcg.html Very broadly: if it's in an extremity probably ceph *or* erythro would be best (both cover staph somewhat, which is a likely infection everywhere, ceph may be better than erythro).

In the chest, I'd say amox *and* ceph if it's bad, or just ceph alone. (there's a lot of overlap between these two, and if a bacteria is resistant to one it's probably resistant to both - but taking both drugs won't hurt anything and we're hoping to get lucky so...)

Belly/abdomen - tough call. I'll guess amox *and* ceph *and* metronidazole (all three). Basically the same reasons as in chest wounds with the added anaerobe coverage of metro. Another option might be tet *and* erythro *and* metro, but not sure.

Tetanus? Sure, untreated tetanus infections can be deadly up to 50% of the time. If it's been over 5 years ask your Dr. about a booster- definately over 10 years. Always watch for any muscle stiffness or spasms following a wound, tetracycline will help afterwards but isn't a replacement for the vaccination.

Lastly, I'd greatly appreciate any Dr. telling me where I screwed up.

-- Tipsy McStagger (twerner@hotmail.com), December 07, 1999.