Comment from Jerzy Tyszkowski

My name is Jerzy Tyszkowski. In 2010, after being harmed for the second time by fluoroquinolone antibiotics, my life changed forever. Before that, I was active, productive, and fully engaged in my family, work, and community. After the exposure, I developed more than 100 symptoms affecting nearly every system in my body, including my nervous system, muscles, tendons, cognition, sleep, and energy production. I lost many of the things that matter most in life. I lost my health, my independence, my ability to enjoy time with my family, and the simple joy of living that most people take for granted. Everyday activities became difficult, and many years were spent searching for answers while very few physicians understood what was happening. Over time, I was diagnosed with Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability (FQAD), documented mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA changes associated with fluoroquinolone exposure. My experience led me to dedicate my life to helping other patients and raising awareness about the long-term consequences that these drugs can cause in some individuals. This petition is not only about me. It is about the thousands of patients around the world who have lost their health, careers, families, and futures after exposure to fluoroquinolone antibiotics and who continue to struggle to be recognized, understood, and helped.