I'm so sorry. I am glad you got the lyme test. I would suggest researching a good LLMD.

It sounds like you all are starting a long journey--but you are heading the right direction.

Here's TREEPATROL's and tincup's combination newbie links.

Print off the links then check them off as you read as you could spend several months reading all of this.

print & read Dr. Barrascono's info first; you will come back to this often.
Betty G., Iowa

Erin, please go back into your post and EDIT making the paragraphs 6-8 lines at most.

I was not dxd until 7 yrs after his death, so we never got the Lyme/PD connection. You can click on the little blue word "search" in the upper right hand corner of this page for more discussion on the connection.

Stomach swelling.......most likely due to yeast, caused by taking abx without proper diet and/or by not taking a good quality acidolphilus.

I would also suspect babesiosis for the weight loss. Oh, I see he's taking mepron for the babs. Good. In case you don't know about the yeast, I'm including a link on that.

Don't let him give up, LYME is a tough road....but it's worth the fight!

antibiotics and Parkinson's http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4051951.stm

Candida elimination: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/021412.html
Lyme symptoms list compared with yeast symptoms http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/021202.html

Success Stories http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/022173.html

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oops!
Lymetutu

It's not unusual to feel worse, especially at 4 weeks, as a result of the herxheimer reaction.

I was extremely sore my first several months on the mepron-zithromax combo, which treats specifically for babesia (a coinfection from tick bites, often accompanies LD). The zithromax and samento get at Bb (Lyme disease). There are usually other coinfections to address, too.

Ditto on the candida.

Saw your post in Seeking Doctor -- you can also contact the 24-HOUR Lyme Disease Foundation HOTLINE (800-886-LYME) for a physician referral.

Good luck. Hugs to you, well done for being a strong advocate. I know this must be awful for the whole family.

I know some people have a hard time eating while taking the Mepron/Zith combo. It can cause nausea. If that is part of the problem, small, tasty meals can help, but you have to keep getting enough nourishment in.

Especially protein and fat. Does your dad know to take the Mepron with plenty of fat, to help absorption?

Some people find that ginger, in any form, can help with nausea. Licorice is another option, but you don't want to use it for long, or if there is a problem with high blood pressure. There are also rx meds that you could ask the doctor about if nausea is severe.

Babesia, as mentioned, can cause the heart issues. That is what the Mepron is treating. When I am under treatment for Babesia that symptom always gets worse. If it persists for long, or gets worse, be sure to check with the doctor. It may be benign, but you never want to fool around with heart problems.

The swelling in the stomach could be from yeast issues. Zithromax is notorious for promoting yeast, even more than some other antibiotics. Reducing starches and making sure he is taking plenty of good quality probiotics can help if it is a yeast issue.

Obviously, with all of these problems, you always need to check with your doctor. These are just some things I have seen help others, as well as myself. Treating Lyme and coinfections is a long road, and requires patience and persistence.

I hope things improve soon.