Topic: To treat or not to treat???? What would you do?
tickbattler
Unregistered
posted
Hi all,
I am seeing an LLMD next week but would like your opinions on this. What would your LLMD say? What would you do?
I have a positive Igenex test and only tested myself b/c my kids have lyme and I wanted to know if I could have passed it to them.
I am basically asymptomatic except for a pain near my temple or near my ear about once (maybe twice) a month. It only lasts about 2 seconds.
I did, however, have bart-like symptoms 4 years ago after I delivered my twins. I had a sore throat for a year and the bottoms of my feet hurt in the morning. I also had tingly feet (like they were falling asleep) for about a year and couldn't wear tight shoes. These symptoms have resolved.
This makes me think I was able to fight off the bart.
But since I am still testing positive through Igenex (IGM), I guess I still have Lyme. Band 31 showed up and that means I have been infected for at least a year, since Dr. Jones told me that it takes a year for that one to appear.
So, do I treat or not? Some LLMD's would argue that the Lyme is under control so why stir it up? Others would argue that it won't go away and could rear up with a stressful event, so we would need to treat now.
It seems to me that it would keep multiplying in my body, so I will need to treat. I would love to hear what you think.
sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
It sounds like you have an awesome immune system. Maybe your immune system is capable of erradicating it on it's own. I really don't know much about that though. I know we are made to fight off illnesses, but sometimes they are too powerful for us. If you aren't suffering then it must not be that serious; but on the other hand it might be a good time to treat it. And maybe all you would need is a short round of treatment to completely recover.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
Did you read through a comprehensive symptom list?
If so, and if you truly have no symptoms, I would not treat. My LLMD treats till symptom-free, not until testing shows negative.
You know you have it, so I would act as though you know it can come out at any time. I would be sure to get enough rest, drink little to no alcohol, exercise, etc.
If you can, I would sauna as that's a good way to keep toxic load low.
I also would take herbs and supps that are good for the immune system. A multiple, vitamin C, transfer factor, and Host defense .... also garlic. Those come to mind ....
You could even try some of Cowden's herbs (Samento, Cumanda, Quina, and Enula) to get rid of some of the bacteria that you have.
We treated my daughter, but she had a few minor symptoms.
The idea of treatment is to get the bacterial load lowered so the immune system can do the rest. We can't get rid of the bacteria completely with abx. It sounds like your immune system is working, I'd just support it since you know enough bacteria is there to test positive.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
If there is any question as to treat vs. non-treatment,
My LLMD usually goes with an antibiotic challenge.
1500mg of flagyl on one day followed by 1500mg of biaxin the second.
If no herx, then repeat the following week for up to a month.
No symptoms, no herx, no treat.
Glad to hear that you are doing so well.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
Hi. My LLMD has a remission protocol.
Following being symptom free for 2-3 months on antibiotics,
The following protocol is initiated.
1500mg of flagyl on one day followed by 1500mg of biaxin the next.
Herx? Symptoms appear? Back on antibiotics.
No herx, no symptoms.....continue protocol at once a week for 3-4 months.
If one can remain symptom free for that duration than you are "officially" in remission as per my LLMD.
He has people officially in remission daily.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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Clarissa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4715
posted
Here's the thread from my post about to treat or not to treat my Babesia:
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
when people ask about this i tell them about my daughter in law who had no idea she had lyme. she just thought she had pms and wasn't college material (learning disabilities), and some other stuff.
she got tested cuz her husband and son were being tx-she was the only one in our family with a pos pcr.
she started tx-went back to college-got A's when on abx...couldn't do assignments or pass a test when taking a break from abx
she graduated last june and is looking for job now. pms is better now too.
my lmd would say-try some abx and see if you herx...geneal's doc has it down a little clearer
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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oxygenbabe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5831
posted
It's a crapshoot. My suggestion would be to agree with the person who said look down a comprehensive symptom list and if your symptoms are minor or nonexistent, then just be vigilant, and don't write off future symptoms. One thing to remember is there is strain variation. You may have a mild strain for instance.
Posts: 2276 | From united states | Registered: Jun 2004
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Clarissa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4715
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