But I think most people would recommend that you find an LLMD (Lyme literate medical doctor) in your region, if nothing else than for reassurance that your on the right dosage for long enough. Generally speaking, most doctors do not treat for long enough or with enough abx to give you your best chance of actually getting cured from it.
Many people wonder (me included) if you ever get rid of it -- I mean REALLY get rid of it. I've come to the conclusion for myself that it's more a case of good management, and you can live life pretty well.
With a kid, however, you really want it GONE and that's what I'm working on doing with my daughter. But we found that although the abx probably took down the "load", it did not make her well. So we turned to alternative stuff and were lucky enough to find something that really worked like gangbusters. She's 90-something percent better, but we need to get her "over the top."
In the early stages is when you have the best chance of a cure, so if it was my kid, I'd dive into it and look at all the possibilities and become a Mom-expert in this.
We found that electrolytes are important. So we get Alacer Electro-Mix, mix it up in a glass bottle and put it in the fridge, and that's our drinking water.
(note: anybody on antibiotics needs to drink a LOT of water.)
Magnesium is important, 'cause these bugs snack on our magnesium and deplete it for us. Take B6 with it, it helps with bioabsorption.
Take probiotics. We like Bio-K, found in the refrigerated section of the health food store. Put a little spoonful into yogurt or milk or whatever. But you have to take PRO-biotics AWAY from the ANTI-biotics. So if she takes abx at say, 8am, then take the pro-biotics at noon. Otherwise the abx are eating up the probiotics. Not good.
You can go to my website if you want to read the alternative stuff that we did/do. www.lymesucks.org
orion
Welcome
Did you happen to take a photo of your child's rash? If it is still visible, take a photo with a coin or ruler in the photo to show relation to the size of the rash.
If treated appropriately, children have a great chance of recovery. But, just in case there is a relapse down the road, you'll have that photo to show doctors. Also get and save a copy of those lab tests!
You can also keep a diary of your child's symptoms. You may note in a couple of weeks what seems like a flare up of the disease. Always call your doctor with any concerns, but know that this can be a common reaction to bacteria die off (die-off is good) referred to as a herxheimer reaction (herx).
Sorry your child got Lyme but you're doing a great job at getting her care so quickly
This link will help you get around Lymenet, but there is a lot of info here so take it in a little at a time:
Links for new members:
Treepatrol's Newbie Links, pg. 1
Tincup's links for new members
Dr. B's Treatment Guidelines Nov. 2002
Please feel free to ask questions, okay?
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Tabby
My advice is to follow the links others provided and read as much as you can about this disease because you will need to be your child's advocate.
Doctors are in two camps concerning use of long term antibiotics and you will have to decide how you want your child treated.
This disease is complex and complicated and you need to educate yourself concerning it.
Here is a link to a good place to start - It's basic and easy to read and understand -http://www.lymepa.org/Basics2004v4_3.pdf
You should also talk to an LLMD before the 30 days of antibiotics are up. They may be willing to consult with your doctor if you think the antibiotics need to be continued. It can take months to get into to see an LLMD.
My daughter has been on antibiotics for a year. She is doing better, but is still having symptoms. Our Lyme pediatrician recommends keeping her two months after all symptoms are gone.
Also, read the Ilads treatment guidelines to make sure she is on a strong enough dose of amoxicillan for treating Lyme.
The best Lyme pediatrician is in CT and he is treating my daughter. We don't post doctors names on the board so email me if you'd like his contact information.
Good luck! Keep reading and asking questions.
I would check on the dose and the duration of the amoxicillin. My 75 lb. daughter was originally on 2000 mg amox. for 6 weeks.
Dr. B's guidelines might help temporarily.. they are online (see Treepatrol's newbie links). Dr. B lists antibiotics, doses etc.
Getting a real Lyme doctor would be bset but in the meantime, sometimes aprimary care doctor will listen or read somethin and give enough meds for long enought to get to a doctor who really knows Lyme.
Good luck! Your child will probably fine and this will be off your plate completely in a few months..if all goes well.
We use Dr. J in conn. The doctor previously mentioned to you. He is wonderful and currently the only ped. Lyme doctor anywhere.
He generally uses a combo of amoxy/zithromax for the children to start. Then depending on how the child reacts he may change the combo. It is ALWAYS a combo. Mono treating is not recommended with lyme.
My biggest form of advice to you now is to find a LLMD asap as there are too many variables to deal with and if not treated properly you will be in this for the "long Haul".
Children treated quickly respond really well so don't worry.
She will probably feel WORSE in the beginning of treatment before she starts to feel better. That is because the spirokeets are dying and make you feel lousey. This is called a "herximer reaction". Most people/children get them.
please keep us updated and feel FREE to ask as many questions as you need. We are here to help.
pattiecake