Antibiotic Left Musician Wheelchair-Bound

Kiley Woodland, once an active vegan and touring musician, found her life drastically altered after being prescribed the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, commonly known as Cipro, in July 2019. Though initially hospitalized for stomach pain, she experienced no immediate reaction to the IV antibiotic. However, in the days that followed, she developed symptoms such as muscle spasms, insomnia, and fatigue, which were initially dismissed by some physicians.

Three years later, after taking naproxen sodium, Woodland suffered a catastrophic reaction. Her muscles became severely stiff, her skin felt like it was burning, and blinding pain caused her to pass out. She became bed-bound and reliant on her partner for basic needs, describing the experience as being trapped in a "torture chamber." This led her to research and discover the term "floxed," referring to a rare adverse reaction to fluoroquinolone antibiotics that damages nerves and tendons.

Woodland believes the painkiller exacerbated damage from the Cipro. After extensive research, she sought specialized treatment in Los Angeles, undergoing regenerative medical therapies. While stabilized, she spent over two years in physical rehabilitation, regaining strength and independence. She can now walk and even return to her passion for music, aiming to perform on stage again. Woodland emphasizes the importance of informed consent and patient trust regarding potent medications.