LymeNet Flash: What do I do?

This is topic What do I do? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/27729

Posted by jobrien (Member # 41253) on :

I've been on treatment for 3 months: Doxy, Flagyl and now Zithromax (500 mg.) a day and not feeling any better, in fact, I feel worse. Many a day I just feel like dumping this handful of meds and supplements down the drain since it only makes me feel worse. I've never felt so sick for so long before- I know it's stupid but there's times when I think I'm better off leaving this Lyme thing alone. I couldn't handle the burning sensation of the Doxy and the combination of Flagyl and Zithro killed me. My LLMD told me just to go with the Zithro but I still feel very crummy- diarehea all the time, a constant nauseous feeling so I have to be eating all day long in order to fill the hole I feel in my stomach. I know everyone is different but I see that many of you take so much medication at such large doses that I wonder if this med and dosage is enough- eventhough it's killing me.I'm scared too because I feel like the neuro symptoms are worse, talking, writing backwards, being in an almost constant state of confusion. I'm a teacher and need to be on the ball all the time or the kids pick up on it. This whole Lyme thing is affecting my job and it's my sole means of income- can't afford disability and probably wouldn't get it anyway. You guys are great and I look forward to any and all advice.

Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :

If you feel worse after taking meds than before... and it has been this long...

It's the meds. Too much!

A number of folks can NOT take these pop till you drop doses.

Most think it is because they are stupid.. or not "tuff" enough.

Not true.

You are just a big ol' sissy.

HA!

Just kidding.

If that were so.. I would be the QUEEN of the Sissy's!

You may need to take a break till the toxins clear out... or do ONE drug at a time.. or lower the doses.

Tell the LLMD about the situation.

I hope you feel better soon.

BIG sissy baboon!

Posted by jpoppeck on :

You sound like your having a major Herx reaction. And you need to tell your LLMD. The advice we got for my son in law - is if you feel bad - back off the medications until you feel better and then slowly work back up. Hope this helps

Joan

Posted by Nancy-OH (Member # 3567) on :

You don't mention how long you may have been ill before beginning treatment.

I was ill almost one year before being diagnosed and beginning treatment.

It has taken me two years to get to the point where my joint pain has subsided and my head is clearing somewhat.

There was no way I could have worked and rested enough to make it through treatment.

That's me; and I know some people continue to work. Between the joint pain, mental confusion and total fatigue, there is no way I could have worked.

I wonder if you have family or friends who can help you through this?

You are very ill and your body needs rest in order to heal. Unfortunately, Lyme seems to heal at a snail's pace.

God bless!

Posted by jobrien (Member # 41253) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Nancy-OH:
You don't mention how long you may have been ill before beginning treatment.
I was ill almost one year before being diagnosed and beginning treatment.
It has taken me two years to get to the point where my joint pain has subsided and my head is clearing somewhat.
There was no way I could have worked and rested enough to make it through treatment.
That's me; and I know some people continue to work. Between the joint pain, mental confusion and total fatigue, there is no way I could have worked.
I wonder if you have family or friends who can help you through this?
You are very ill and your body needs rest in order to heal. Unfortunately, Lyme seems to heal at a snail's pace.
God bless!

I've had Lyme apparently for a tleast 6 years and was just diagnosed in June. Unfortunately, I have to work- no one to depend on but myself.

Posted by rosesisland2000 (Member # 2001) on :

Hello to you today. YOu may want to contact Lymetoo, for she was a teacher in Texas, also and is now on disability from teaching.

Usually, your herx reactions will ease a bit if you skip a dose or two up to a day or two of your abx. It doesn't set you back and then your body is able fight the infection rather than the herx reaction.

Of course, I am not a doctor, but, passing along what my LLMD has told his patients.

Do us a favor, in the future please hit that Enter key where you would normally put a paragraph, for many of us have a hard time reading long blocks of text without any "white space" in it. You can do this by hitting the Enter key, TWICE, where you would like to start a new paragraph or if the

paragraph is long like this one, then every couple of sentences or so. Thanks,

Rosemary

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

quote:
Originally posted by jobrien:
I'm a teacher and need to be on the ball all the time or the kids pick up on it.

Boy, do I remember that universal truth! No sign of weakness by the teacher! I pretended for years that I felt just fine. HA!

I will email you in a minute, JO, and see what we can do for the disability thing. I feel your fear and pain because I've been there. You're doing a great job of holding up, but I don't see how you're able to do it!

Fortunately, I wasn't teaching while I was going through Lyme treatment. I doubt I could have done it.

I agree BIGtime with backing off the meds .. even if just for a day or two. Then start back on. You have to let you body recover from the major herx you are having. [my opinion]

Backing off and maybe taking some antioxidants during this time would help clear some of the toxins.

Check your email.

PS...did you know I taught in San Antonio too??

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by KH (Member # 4170) on :

Some advice with the upset stomach. Take all medication with food, especially zithromax, as this increases the absorbtion into the blood stream. Also take acidophulis, milk thistle and a good multi-vitamin at least once a day. Supplements should be taken 2 hours away from when you take the abx so they do not interfere with the abx.

Take Diflucan maybe once a week or once every other week to prevent a yeast infection.

Stay on a low carb diet, do not drink alcohol, especially with flagyl. You can take tinidazole instead of flagyl, it is the same drug just an easier version which is better tolorated by the body.

Stay with it, getting better may take awhile but you will get better. Get lots of rest when at home and not working.

Good luck,
KH

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

Hang in there it takes time lots of ups and downs.