LymeNet Flash: Question about herxing

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Posted by sapphire101 (Member # 6638) on :

I just got finished with 60 days of doxy 100 twice a day.(I know that isn't enough but that's all my doc would give me.)

Anyway, I herxed the whole time on it and spent 3 weeks in January in bed. I have an appt. with Dr. C in MO on Thursday and now I'm worried the abx he puts me on will make me sick the whole time like the doxy.

If this is what usually happens with one abx is it more than likely going to happen with them all? Since being off the doxy I have felt so much better(still not good) and I just don't want to get that sick again.

I just want your opinion on this. I know you can't say for sure what will happen. I just need to get myself prepared for this. I was able to do a little shopping Friday for the first time in over 2 months and it felt pretty darn good.

Thanks,
Sapphire

Posted by sapphire101 (Member # 6638) on :

Is this a stupid question?

Posted by NP40 (Member # 6711) on :

quote:
Originally posted by sapphire101:
Is this a stupid question?

Not at all. It sure sounds like a herx, and I would expect more of it after you go to Dr. C.

Doxy at a 200mg isn't enough, as it should be between 300-600mg.
You may herx for a while, but ultimately these do settle down, and some real healing can take hold.

Talk to Dr. C about your concerns and he may be able to pulse your abx, or prescribe meds to alleviate the symptoms. Good luck !

Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :

Nope, that's not a stupid question Sapphire.

I think herxing is different for everyone.

Here's something for you to consider though. Lyme doesn't go away and in my case it progressed to stage 3.

I wish to God that I would have been treated sooner.

Herxing has been like living in hell, but hey, at least my dog is here!!

Also I've been on orals for 6 months and on my last appointment with my LLMD was told that I've improved.

I pulse my meds and do alot of supplements and drink tons of water. And alas, very little sugar and low carbs and lots of veggies.

Really hope this helps.

Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :

You deffinatly need more treatment. The way you reacted to the doxy was the same for me I herxed all the time. As the load of spirochetes lessons so does the herx. And when you stopped abx's = stopped killing spirochetes = stopped toxins thats why you feel better off doxy now. But the spirochetes will start reproducing as soon as the doxy clears the system.

Posted by sapphire101 (Member # 6638) on :

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. It just had me worried since I was on such a low dose of doxy what would happen with a bigger dose of abx.

I know I have to go through it and there's no way out of it. I'm actually looking forward to my dr visit and getting started on some real treatment.

Thanks again,
Sapphire

Posted by mil (Member # 5774) on :

I read extensively about Dr. C's philosophy's and practice's. He does NOT beleive that strong herx's are healthy and he will adjust dosing to accomodate your reaction. I recommend you ask specific questions about how to get in touch with him in the event you are herxing too strongly.

I can EMail you about 100 pages of his office handouts if you are interested. I'm sure you have some of them.

We may get ill on our medications, but I don't think we have to be incapacitated.

I can't spell right now. Sorry if I sound illiterate......
mil

Posted by hatsnscarfs (Member # 6562) on :

I felt awful when I took 100mgs doxy 2X a day for 4 months. I felt like it couldn't catch up with the lyme and I was getting sicker. The toxins made me miserable all the time.

I finally saw an LLMD and switched to tetracycline 1,500 mgs/day. I immediately felt better than I did on the Doxy. The medication was stronger but was easier on me than the doxy.

After 2 weeks of huge improvement I had intense herxing for a week. I made it through and since then have continued to have great improvement.

In December I was flat out on the sofa all week while my friends went skiing. I could barely move, my blood felt like it was vibrating. Now just 2 months later I went on a ski trip and skied 4 whole days, truly a miracle.

So, a change in medication might be a good thing. Keep an open mind, watch your diet (anti-yeast)and keep on fighting the keets.
h&s

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Don't worry another minute! Dr C does not believe in severe herxes. If you feel really bad on an abx, he says to cut back. Hold off at least a dosage or two until you feel better. A severe herx can be counterproductive.

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Lymetutu