LymeNet Flash: Have Babs test...or just try treatment?

This is topic Have Babs test...or just try treatment? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by JavaBeing (Member # 6321) on :

Hey everyone,
I've got a few symptoms that I'm thinking is babs...night sweats, headaches, shoulder pains..and have finally found the "right" test to have done at IGENEX (full comphrehensive panel, with PCR and FISH). Cost about $375. Is it worth doing or just try the treatment?

If those who've tried treatment first...what are the ones you've tried that clued you in that you indeed had Babs? I know Mephron (sp?) is a choice, but it's rather expensive to just 'try out'...what are some good alternatives to try, and how do you know how much to take?

And lastly, how do you know when you are done with treating it?

Thanks to all for your help and any suggestions that you might offer to get me on the right path.

Health and Healing,
JavaBeing

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

My worst herx ever was from clindamycin/quinine for babs...And my test for babs was "borderline" from Igenex.

I really don't remember the dosage for the clindamycin. I took one quinine [dosage??] tablet a day because two made my ears ring.

I would say my worst babs symptoms were the chills, headaches, extreme fatigue, heart palps, near fainting episodes, and pain.

I'm not sure the babs is gone. I don't think it is. I'm taking artemisinin [400mg a day] and I sometimes feel herxes of fatigue, and mild pain episodes. I took the clindamycin/Q off and on for 4 yrs.

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oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by KH (Member # 4170) on :

I was at first negative for babesia through the Bowen test, however because my husband was positive I also did 6 months of mepron/zith. Now after 5 months I retested because I was having babs symptoms and am positive. Don't waste you $ and time start treatment. We are going to try Riamet, an antimalarial drug, search on this site for this word to get more info.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

sorry....forgot to add that unless you NEED the test for insurance, save your money!

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Lymetutu

Posted by James H (Member # 6380) on :

JavaBeing,

IMO follow up on KH's post first, if you can.

Mepron is not only very expensive, it seems to take a long time to get rid of babs with it. Months.

The Riamet treatment takes 2 1/2 days (60 hrs), with a repeat or two sometimes being needed for Babs.

It is not available in the US, but for the cost of a bottle of Mepron you could FLY to Europe an get it in person! (try google first)

Be VERY careful with the standard Malaria meds, some are extremely toxic and have horrible side effects. Some can be fatal if you take too much or for too long.