posted
I was on herbs for six months and they definitely helped but didn't get rid of lyme. They were not the correct herbs for neuro lyme which I have. I just finished two months on doxycycline and that also has not done the job.
Doxy wiped me out and I was less functional than with the herbs but my intestines were calming down and my elimination becoming more normal, also less in the way of neuro problems.
My treatment is pretty much up to me now. I can go with clarithromycin or herbs more specific to neuro lyme. Will it be counterproductive to stop with the antibiotics for awhile to try the herbs? Will the lyme regain control, leaving me back where I was.
One of the books I read said that a couple of individuals stopped taking everything and let their lyme return completely. Then after three weeks they started on antibiotics again and that is how they got rid of their lyme.
Any ideas appreciated,
Sheryl
Posts: 258 | From Spokane, WA | Registered: Oct 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Oops, I did it again. I go off on a subject - go back and re-read the original question and find a simple answer would have worked.
Q: "Will it be counterproductive to stop with the antibiotics for awhile to try the herbs? Will the lyme regain control, leaving me back where I was. "
I think you will be fine if you stop abx for a while and work with a lyme-specific protocol for a few months. You will not loose ground, in my experience (especially if from the sources listed below).
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There is no one correct way to approach this. Everyone is different.
You make a few points: one is that if you do use herbs, it is vital to be sure it is a full-bodied protocol, specific for lyme or the other Tick Borne Disease (TBD). Biofilm and cyst forms are also to be considered.
Some are simply supportive herbs and it is clear that just taking herbs to help strengthen the body is not enough to address serious infections such as TBD.
Still, there are a couple protocols that have been very good for some patients.
As for dong a pulse technique with antibiotics (abx), I have read that helps some. While I never had access to a LLMD before - when I could finally get some sort of abx treatment, I found I simply cannot tolerate oral abx at all past a certain point (my liver just can't do it).
So, I have seen good improvements with herbs - but it's not a quick fix, either. Whatever you choose will take time.
You might investigate IV abx. with nutritional support measure, too. I assume you have a LLMD but that s/he is stuck regarding the next step?
I cannot say what is right for you but I hope you find your path soon.
If you work with an herbalist or a naturopathic physician (ND) be sure they are LL. I know you are on the east side of Washington but there are a couple LL ND around Seattle. One is even an ILADS member so would know the best of both worlds, allopathic (pharmaceuticals) and nutritional.
posted
Thanks Keebler, I've read Singleton and Buhner but didn't know about the other information. Maybe it's most important to just continue treating yourself.
Posts: 258 | From Spokane, WA | Registered: Oct 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Sheryl,
Sorry for the repeat on the books. It's hard to know what anyone has read.
I wanted to clarify something.
You say "Maybe it's most important to just continue treating yourself."
Yes, for myself, that seems the best option at this time, all things considered - but the learning curve continues to be steep. And, although not for lyme/TBD stuff, I do have a good G.P. and a N.D. who both can field some questions and be there for other stuff.
If that was a general comment, I believe that whether with a LL MD or a LL ND - or both - on your team, having a knowledgeable and persistent doctor is the best way to go, when at all possible.
I will say that I am extremely grateful to the authors of all three books above - as with all the ILADS authors, too. Their work - and their willingness to be in the public eye with this is a true gift.
posted
I can't imagine how letting lyme return completely then going abx would work. We have chronic lyme because it became too advanced before it was treated. So why let it advance purposely?
I'm a big believer in doing as much as you can naturally. I believe a good multivitamin/mineral is essential. Strengthen your internal systems and immune system. A strong immune system can only be beneficial.
Be sure to work with your doc as you do this.
Posts: 51 | From Reno, NV | Registered: Dec 2008
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posted
Combo of both. Try to do as much as you can tolerate. Slow and steady is what my treatment has been.
Now I want to take out the big guns. Iv or Bicilian shots.
Good luck,
-------------------- Suffering too many years to count. Can't remember anyway!!!! Posts: 46 | From It's News to Jersey | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
I, personally, swear by the herbs. The herbs I take give me fewer side effects. I do believe antibiotics are necessary in the beginning of treatment, but I think that if you get to a level of Lyme that is not making your life absolutely horrible, the herbs are a better option. I couldn't take how bad the antibiotics were ravaging my body.
I was on Doxycyline for 7 weeks, with killer stomach pain. I was on tetracycline for 3 weeks, but kept breaking out in hives on all of my joints each morning. I was on Biaxin and Ceftin for 4 weeks on two separate occasions and I was getting stomach pain, metal mouth, but not really seeing any change in the Lyme. Then I was on Mepron for 6 weeks, which I hated because of the amount of fat I had to consume with it. When I was done, I got blood tests back saying that some important levels in my liver were really bad thanks to the Mepron.
Now I've been taking Cat's Claw, Andrographis, and Resveratrol since August and they're amazing. I'm following the Core Protocol from Buhner's book, Healing Lyme and I swear by it. If my Lyme does come back in a really bad way, I would be willing to try antibiotics, but not unless I am in horrific pain.
Hope that helped at least a little.
Posts: 55 | From Connecticut | Registered: Oct 2007
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