posted
Many of my symptoms are greatly diminished with ongoing antibiotics treatment but I am curious what the latest is on treating with antivirals along with Lyme and co-infections.
Obviously you can only take so many drugs but it was recently suggested by a top LLMD to me that I look into the viral component of my illness and see if that is contributing to my head pain spasms and heart irregularities. I am still treating Bart and will soon be moving onto more Lyme (only treated with low dose Doxy, Mino, Zith) and Babs (never treated but not positive either) treatment.
My question is I am slightly confused as to whether I should explore the antiviral treatments also. I am positive for HHV-6, CMV, HSV-1. Have not been tested for Enterovirus.
I don't want to be seeing Dr's from two camps and getting my treatment confused (Like Dr. C in California who believes CFS is caused by a virus and those LLMD's who think it's all Lyme and Co). Last I heard you can also get viruses from a tick or insect bite.
Thanks for any thoughts!
Posts: 770 | From USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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IckyTicky
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21466
posted
My 8 yr old is being tested for virusis right now because of some blood work. My LLMD is considering both of us to possibly start anti-virals. We both have low Neutrophils and High Lymphocytes (I think that is what he was pointing at when talking about viruses... hmm)
I know that 17 months ago I tested positive for West Nile when all my testing came back for Lyme and Co. I also have Mycoplasma, RMSF and my Dr thinks probably Bart. H. He has not tested me extensively for viruses yet.
I'm sure I've got all sorts of viruses wrecking havoc. I always had plantar warts as a kid, I've had cold sores since I was in middle school. And I just always feel sick!
-------------------- IGM: 18+, 23+, 30+, 31+++, 34+, 39IND, 41++, 58+++, 66+, 83-93IND IGG: 31+, 39IND, 41+ Also positive for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and RMSF. Whole family of 5 dx with Lyme. Posts: 1014 | From Texas | Registered: Jul 2009
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glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
Myco,
I tested positive for high epstein barr titers, parvo virus, hpv, herpes simplex and others I can't remember. I haven't been retested for several yrs, but my symptoms are really calming down.
Dr. K. says that there is a symbiosis between EBV and bb. I suspect that the viruses that are lying dormant are activated with Lyme.
I have used a lot of coconut oil which is antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic and antibacterial.
I think lomatium is also antiviral and humaworm has herbs that are antiviral. The systemic formulas that massman has posted might also be a good option.
I also take salt/c which has antiviral properties. Hope this helps some,
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Many Lyme docs will use something like Valtrex along with antibiotic treatment to get the viral load down. Viruses that are lying dormant are usually activated by a bacterial infection (such as Lyme) it should and usually does put the virus back into dormancy once you treat the Lyme.
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posted
These are good responses. Thanks.
Posts: 770 | From USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
Hi Myco~ There really are not two camps with regard to lyme and viruses. I've been in the care of a couple of excellent LLMDs and now seeing two great ID doctors. For the most part LLMDs don't know to look for HHV-6 and enterovirus. Those pathogens are not on the radar screens of 99% of doctors. We are working to change that. I think once the LLMDs become aware of these pathogens (and that is happening) they will be testing their patients for them, and hopefully treating them.
It really is possible to have both bacterial and viral components to an illness. I am a case in point. You have to look at all the pathogens causing a problem, not just the tick borne ones, and not just the viral ones, for you won't get well if you limit yourself to one or the other.
And no, if you treat lyme, the viruses will not go dormant. I know too many people who had viruses only and could not get well without antiviral treatment.
This is all evolving medicine. No one has all the answers. But the best thing to do is test for as many pathogens as you can, at the best labs, and treat what is flaming obvious. Don't go by a "clinical diagnosis" for several pathogens can give the same symptoms.
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