I was excited about starting it again (after 2 wks, weaning off of Ultram), because of people swearing by it.
I know it is supposed to help the immune symptoms and since it ups the endorphins that it helps with pain. I think that is why I originally was put on it, but my pain was too bad and I needed something better.
Is there any other reason?
If you are taking it how do you feel you have benefited? Did it effect your dreams? I am having problems with vivid dreams and nightmares already. It seems to happen every now and then and last awhile. Sometimes the dreams go on and on and I feel like they wear me out.
D Bergy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9984
posted
LDN is primarily used to boost or normalize the immune function. Which in turn, reduces whatever bacteria is causing Arthritis or whatever autoimmune condition you may have.
I do not know if that can be done to a great extent with Lyme, since your immune system has to detect it, in order to destroy it. However, it should help with most co-infections, that are not so stealthy.
I actually have never heard of a pain relieving effect from LDN. I use it for Crohn's Disease.
I get the vivid dreams once in a while, but not nightmares.
Dan
Posts: 2918 | From Minnesota | Registered: Aug 2006
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karenl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17753
posted
My doctor wanted me to try it. Is it for the infection or just the endorphins? I am not unhappy.
You say it helps the immune system. Is is acting the same way as the immunglobulin?
Posts: 1834 | From US | Registered: Oct 2008
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posted
I spoke with Dr Bihari in NYC, who works with LDN. He said it helps about half of us with Lyme.
Posts: 13069 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
It is thought to help the immune system. So yes, kind of like IVIG.
It is thought to balance the immune system towards whatever way it needs to be balanced. So it can be used for autoimmune issues or just weakened immunity.
Endorphins play a role in immunity, hence the immune benefits.
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canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
I'm skeptical of this approach because i wonder what happens when you use it for a long period of time and then all of a sudden STOP.
Just something to think about.
I know Dr. S uses it
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
well, I did it, it helped with a few things, then I stopped, and those things came back. I wasn't a raging monster nor did my immune system take an unusual dive when I stopped. The way your endorphin production works, this isn't a huge risk.
That's the short version.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
I started LDN 8 days ago. I have lyme induced RA. I read somewhere that it helps with inflamitory issues and help the imune system.
It is my understanding, if it helps my imune system, it can help get rid of any bugs.
My Doc put me on a very low dose for a month, because he does not want me to have a bad Hex. 1.5 mg for the first mo. then 3 mg the second mo, then 4.5.
The first night I had a vivid dream. It was a funny dream, I was waiting for more. But I haven't had any more that I remember. I do feel good emotionally, I was pretty depressed. Pain wise it is hard to tell. I had a flare last Monday and it only lasted 24 hrs.
My LLMD started me on a new protocal and I started Serracor-NK (neprinol) also. I was on a downward spriral for the last 1 1/2 years and now I am spriraling up. I have high hopes for LND.
I will be very intersted how it works for others who try it.
posted
From The Lyme Disease Solution (I remembered I read something about it in this book, good ol' lyme brain):
Re-establishes the endorphin cycle, strengthens and regulates immune system.
The Bb may cause the immune system to lose its ability to regulate itself,...the result is chronic inflammation...
An often-effective approach for regulating...is to increase...endorphins...Endorphins act as natural pain killers...associated with improved mood and enhanced well-being.
...to help improve and normalize endorphins are among the most promising and exciting of all immune regulation, inflammation management, and pain control modalities. (accupuncture, bodywork and massage are effective for raising endorphins, too- noted in the same paragraph).
LDN has been shown to have benefit for a wide variety of illnesses...including cancer,...cfs,emphysema,endometriosis,fibro.,gastro. disorders (celiac,colitis, Crohn's,IBS),lupus, MS, Parkinson's,RA.
It can even be helpful for AIDS/HIV, ALS, and Alzheimer's.
He says the reason it benefits some Lyme patients is it appears to restore the ability of the immune system to regulate itself and so there's a significant reduction of chronic inflammation of the autoimmune type.
Over time the body no longer needs the LDN, it is able to regulate production in its normal cyclical way again.
He believes, by results of the CD57 test, that the natural killer function is improved.
LDN works best, he believes, when vit. D deficiency has been addressed,food sensitivities have been, and adrenal stress and fatigue has been corrected.
Another benefit is that it is safe and virtually free of side effects, although occasionally it can cause sleep problems during the 1st week or so, of use. *******************************
I felt dumb having asked this question and then remembering today I had it in this book, but maybe it will be of benefit to others reading this thread.
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