posted
In summer of 2010, my parents and I decided to get a general blood test done with a new family physician in upstate NY. We had just moved to the Ulster county, I just graduated from college in May of 2010 (went to school in Long Island), and when we went in for the blood test, the doctor recommended that we test for Lyme Disease because deer ticks are so prominent in upstate NY.
We didn't think much about it, everything was covered by the insurance, so why not? Got the Lyme Disease test done. My mom got a phone call a week later from the doctor saying that I tested positive for the LD and that I should take doxy for a month.
I was confused, because I didn't feel particularly sick or had any symptoms that were out of ordinary, but took doxy for a month anyways (it made me nauseous and very sick - I felt like I was developing symptoms from taking doxy, really).
I finished the antibiotics, had no symptoms, felt healthy, and then summer of 2011, when I was getting my annual general blood test done again, my mom asked the doctor (a different one from the one who did the initial test) to do the LD test again to see if I'm well. (We had no knowledge of LD, and we thought re-testing would prove something). The blood work came back and the doctor told me I'm fine.
Now it's summer of 2012, I still have no noticeable symptoms and I feel healthy, but I stumbled upon few articles saying that the LD never goes away and that a month of antibiotic treatment won't clear up the infection.
I'm worried that although I had two healthy years, I might be putting myself at risk, ultimately leaving the disease untreated when it's still there.
I would like to know what kind of steps I should take in order to make sure that I am not risking my health to this potential disease.
Thank you in advance.
Posts: 4 | From NY | Registered: Jun 2012
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posted
All the tests are showing is that you were EXPOSED to Lyme. Now you know you were exposed and you have antibodies in your body against Lyme.
Lyme specialists treat SYMPTOMS. Once the symptoms are gone, then the Lyme is considered in remission and the treatment ends.
If you have no symptoms, there is no reason to treat. But remember that you were exposed to Lyme. Just like someone who has had chicken pox can get shingles if they get run down or if their immune system is taxed, you can get active Lyme.
So with no symptoms, what you need to do is work on maintaining your health. Sleep, exercise, eat right. Those things you should be doing anyway.
You might want to check a symptom list ... there may be things that you don't even know are symptoms of Lyme.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I agree with Lymetutu and Six. You should do things that keep the immune system strong.
Keebler, may chime in with some really good supplements for you to take.
Try not to worry and enjoy your health. It is a great gift from God and not one to take for granted. y
There are alot of people on this site who had chronic lyme and are healthy. They have been healthy for years.
Posts: 538 | From kentucky | Registered: Nov 2011
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posted
Thank you, I feel somewhat relieved now. I do suffer from mild allergies and atopic dermatitis (a chronic form of eczema) which requires me to take antihistamine daily - but I do exercise at least 3-4 times a week and try to maintain good weight and health.
If there are any recommendations on types of supplements I should or could take, please let me know.
Posts: 4 | From NY | Registered: Jun 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-- I agree with the previous posters.
And, it's good that you are taking care of yourself.
I'll post a couple threads that you may want to transfer to a handy word file on your computer.
About the eczema, if at all possible, you might want to consult a naturopathic doctor (ND) as that can be a sign that your liver &/or immune system are a bit stressed - or other things.
With the allergies, you may have certain exposures that you'd need to change - or the immune system could be a bit on overdrive.
A ND looks at the body much more thoroughly than regular doctors.
First rule about lyme, NO STEROIDS. Unless a life (or vision) emergency and then with special attention to specific antibiotics.
Steroids can make lyme "blossom" so to speak.
Off the top of my head there are a few herbal supplements that might be good, however, it would be far better to see a ND. [Stinging Nettle; Fish Oil]
While you are at it, it may as well be a Lyme Literate ND - that way you have someone who knows how to keep you in good shape while clearing up current eczema.
Avoid Additives in foods, beverages and supplements.
Don't push too far. Oh, a bit of self-challenge is good but just listen to your body.
You asked what supplements can help maintain health - in the thread below where you can find a good LL ND, there are many articles and books.
Buhner's "Healing Lyme" is the book I'd recommend for detail on support herbs. -
[ 06-23-2012, 04:10 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Should I be seeking a LL ND when I have been symptom free for two years? I did have a pretty bad flare of eczema last summer (after starting a new job in Manhattan, I think my body went overdrive and went nuts) but it has cleared up completely since winter.
I guess I'm not sure how I need to keep my body in check since lyme disease symptoms are so similar to every other disease (cold, flu, any sort of general malaise). Should I get some sort of testing done? Is there a way to know that I have dormant/active bacteria?
I'm a young female (24) and I am expecting to be married and have kids within 2-3 years, and I am generally worried about dealing with the potentially devastating disease that could possibly be carried onto my future kids.
Thank you.
Posts: 4 | From NY | Registered: Jun 2012
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
stay away from sugar take probiotics
you might want to just do a round of humaworm for parasites, just in case. won't hurt.
oh yes, don't get shots. no flue shots, nothing. it could set things off and you'd never see it coming.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I'm sorry that I can really answer all your questions. However, I do strongly advise you to connect with a LL ND who can guide you for certain support measures and they you will be established with him/her for when you consider life changes -
especially during pregnancy. It will be important to have an ILADS-educated LL doctor monitor you BEFORE and during pregnancy.
As for other tests, you do not need another lyme test.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for lyme and, once contracted, it can remain dormant in the body and then resurface at later times.
However - once feeling well, as you are now, if you have any health concerns, then you can quickly address it right away.
It can take a very long time to find a good LLMD or LL ND.
You asked what kind of supplements might be good for you. A ND would know best for YOUR body and know the cleanest sources, etc.
IMO, everyone should have an ND, anyway. Even with just basic nutrient choices, NDs have all that knowledge, plus four years of medical training (just not with surgery).
You might ask a LL ND about testing for other tick-borne infection in the future but
Really - you may be well forever. Many have achieved strong, long remissions from even a basic treatment.
But if the ezcema flairs, a ND will have ways to address the CAUSE and help with natural antihistamines.
It is still important to become well educated in lyme disease, though. You also want to prevent another tick bite, if at all possible. You want to be a good source for friend and family, too.
Others will hopefully be along with their opinions. These are just mine, offered to help you STAY strong and healthy. -
[ 06-22-2012, 06:41 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- When considering herbal / nutritional / adjunct methods:
if at all possible - because each person & each case is different - it's best to consult with an ILADS-educated LL (lyme literate) doctor who has completed four years of post-graduate medical education in the field of herbal and nutritional medicine -
- and someone who is current with ILADS' research & presentations, past and present.
Many LL NDs incorporate antibiotics (depending upon the licensing laws in their state). Some LLMDs and LL NDs have good working relationships.
When possible, it's great to have both a LLMD and LL ND and even better when they have a long-standing professional relationship.
Integrative / Holistic M.D., etc. (Be aware that those in this category can have various levels of formal herbal &/or nutritional education, perhaps even just a short course. Do ask first.)
Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
Understanding of the importance of addressing the infection(s) fully head-on with specific measures from all corners of medicine;
knowing which supplements have direct impact, which are only support and which are both.
You can compare and contrast many approaches.
BASIC HERBAL EDUCATIONAL & SAFETY links,
BODY WORK links with safety tailored to lyme patients,
LOW HEAT INFRARED SAUNA detail, etc. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Keep these links handy in your computer file.
When you read more, it may help to take the mindset of just researching for a project. What you learn can save your life and the lives of friends and family.
You need not read through all of this, of course, or learn it all but it gives you an idea of why it's important to find someone who is really well educated.
(What ILADS is) . . . WHY you need an ILADS-educated, Lyme Literate Doctor - starting with assessment / evaluation. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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you might want to just do a round of humaworm for parasites, just in case. won't hurt.
oh yes, don't get shots. no flu shots, nothing. it could set things off and you'd never see it coming.
- AGREE!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Some of the suggestions for addressing parasites are these:
Not all, but many ticks carry lyme. We know that.
What is not well know is that the borrelia spirochete has several forms. One single antibiotic cannot treat all forms.
Also not well known: most ticks that carry lyme ALSO carry other infections that can be very puzzling and may lie low until they really get going.
This would be called a "stealth" infection. Able to hide and evade the immune system, etc.
In the "Diagnosing" thread above, you will see most of the other common TBD (tick-borne disease or tick-borne infections -- but TBI was first taken to stand for traumatic brain injury, so for tick infections/diseases: TBD.
PARASITES also travel with lyme infected ticks, though only recently has that matter come to fuller light.
PARASITES can cause Atopic dermatitis (Eczema).
The kind of parasites that come with lyme are often not detectible by most common laboratory tests. So, again, it comes to having a LLMD or a LL ND who know far more about this matter.
Now, I know funds are tight for most. Many, although very ill can't even get any treatment.
So, this partly explains why I'm so hoping you can connect with a LL ND at this time -- and also become educated about what LLMDs are in your area.
As you are planning to have children, this also is way up there on the top of the list regarding how to make sure they are as healthy as possible.
Lyme & other TBDs can be transmitted through birth from the mother (and perhaps even from the father). However, for those women who are monitored &/or treated during pregnancy, many have given birth to health babies.
Regarding intimate relationships, there is not agreement and the science is vague but it could be possible to pass lyme back and forth. It's just good to address that question, even if there is a difference of opinion among experts.
You need to know the difference in how doctors treat. Everyone needs to know this, though. I hope you will be able to read the "WHY ILADS . . . " thread.
Tick bites are not uncommon. Reinfection can happen. So, with this knowledge, were that to happen, you'd be ready to go and not have to scramble.
Again, I really hope you to be able to read this feeling healthy, as if this information will EMPOWER YOU. This is about building an education for yourself that will serve you a lifetime - and help ensure that lifetime can be healthy.
If you ever start to feel like this is all too much, put it away. But keep it all in your file for reference to learn - not out of fear - but to gain knowledge and power to make wise decisions -
- &/or find those who are experts so you don't have to do it all yourself, even just with supplements for maintenance.
Take care. -
[ 06-23-2012, 04:33 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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I guess I'm not sure how I need to keep my body in check since lyme disease symptoms are so similar to every other disease (cold, flu, any sort of general malaise).
True, but if you get a cold or flu, it will go away after a certain time period. I've been well for a few years now and have gotten colds and flus since then. I just feel bad for a time, then it goes away.
If you had general, chronic malaise, I would suspect a need for Lyme treatment.
With Lyme, it won't go away on its own just like other bacterial infections that require treatment.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Tricky Tickey
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26546
posted
I have to agree with you 6 goofy. If it's just a cold, flu or other, it will go away; usually. Or it might be a form of a relapse, too. Say, 10 dyas antibiotics for what the docs think is bacterial infection..you know the deal.
But if you don't get better after that, then, maybe, it could be a relapse. We just never know. I wish we could have peace of mind once we've been successfully treated, but we all know it still lingers in our mind: will we get sick again, is it coming back.
I had a recent bout with something; bronchial, tiredness, jumpy, sick feeling. Doc gave(?).....5 days Zith didn't knock it out. Got another 10 days of Amoxicillin (500 mg 2x day). I herxed on the 3rd day. Had some sound sensitivity, slight issues with seeing things that were "out of balance". Felt like I was floating and sinking into the bed at one point.
Had to be a herx. So by that evidence, I guess it was a slight relapse trying to come back. What's good about it is that after the ABX, my elbows and arms stopped hurting so much, and they were getting BAD, pain going down to the knuckles. Ug!
Almost forgot to mention that I was also on Prednisone and it gave me no ill effects; just cleared my chest and lungs up. So this could be an example to maybe be able to tell if you are getting the Lyme bug back or a normal cold/infections.
-------------------- Early Disseminated LD- 2010. Currently doing acupuncture and yoga. Negative Igenex (IND & Pos Bands) ISSUES AFTER: Tendonitis, letter reversal, Low immune system. PREVENTION:SaltC,Iodine,Humaworm, Chiropractic. Posts: 1013 | From In a van down by the river. | Registered: Jun 2010
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nonna05
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Member # 33557
posted
STAY AWAY FROM STEROIDS!!!!!!!!!! Posts: 2563 | From Denver,CO | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Woke up with the topic allergies and antihistamines on my mind. I forgot to mention that yesterday.
You say that you: "do suffer from mild allergies and atopic dermatitis (a chronic form of eczema) which requires me to take antihistamine daily." (end quote) ------
Eczema already discussed above and you said that is all clear now.
Allergies. Are they ongoing?
Antihistamine daily. Ongoing?
If ongoing use, be aware that can boomerang. Antihistamines should not be used daily. For short term use only and, even then, do not get to the CAUSE.
Are you sensitive to scents in personal care products & colognes, air fresheners (which are toxic, BTW), household cleaning, work or environmental atmospheres (diesel exhaust, dry cleaning - which should be avoided, anyway)?
Are the allergies to things like grass, trees, flowers? Mold? Dust?
More like allergies from nature or from chemicals? Or foods (wheat, dairy, corn, soy, additives)?
Hair salons? Paint? Vinyl? Glue? Magic Markers or Sharpie pens?
One reason I suggested the LL ND is that they have much safer methods for addressing allergies. Antihistamines really messed me up big time. After a while none of them worked. I'm glad I found a ND to help with that.
If the allergies are such that you do need ongoing daily antihistamines, that can be a sign of lyme, too. Maybe not - but because many with lyme are affected this way it's important to consider that with a LL doctor's assessment to help balance that all out.
I assume your doctor has already told you to go:
scent-free with all personal care, household products and avoid air "fresheners" etc.? If not, that is important. You may find products with either citrus or peppermint to be okay but ONLY IF scented with essential oils and not synthetic chemicals.
Truly, my intention here is not to nit-pick but I suffered terribly with all kinds of allergies (some of which were not actually allergies at all but multiple chemical sensitivities, MCS) for years.
I went through every product Rx, and OTC (over the counter) and still it was miserable. Had I known there are other ways to approach this, I could have saved so much torment.
The herbs, Stinging Nettle & Gotu Kola helped me a great deal regarding natural & seasonal allergies.
Avoiding gluten (in wheat, rye, spelt, kamut, barley) and dairy, corn & soy, I also am free of symptoms those caused me, and not just stomach pain but allergy symptoms, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- One last thought for a must-read article. Not about lyme (although lyme does usually cause a magnesium deficiency). Everyone needs to have this detail. It can help so very much in many ways.
Very important to anyone with any kind of allergy:
. . . Even a single dose of acetaminophen can reduce the body�s levels of glutathione, a peptide that helps repair oxidative damage that can drive inflammation in the airways, researchers have found. . . .
------------
Dr. Kt has specifically advised to NEVER take acetaminophin since it blocks glutathione.
There have been several reports about it in the news over the years relating to liver damage, sometimes from even normal doses.
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