1. Why does alchohol cause a worse flare up in patients with Lyme?? I had some drinks this weekend and I feel awful today!! My muscles and joints hurt so bad you would think I had rigormortis or something!!
2. I had my last IM Bicillin shot a little over two weeks ago. I couldn't possibly still be herxing from that could I? I am still having muscle weakness and bad cramping in my right arm and leg. Its scarey!!
3. I am taking magnesium but the muscle twitches are getting worse-why??? Can one herx on magnesium?
I had a brain MRI done last week-it was totally normal. Im having a brain Spect done next week. We'll see if that shows anything. Good grief!! I think I will be starting the Cats Claw right after Christmas. I hope it helps some!!
Also, does anyone know what Evening Primrose is for? I received a free bottle when I ordered my Sametto and Im curious what its for.
Thanks guys! Merry Christmas!!
Nancy
[ 19. December 2005, 04:23 PM: Message edited by: Nal ]
Posted by flyers999 (Member # 1397) on :
Nancy,
The bottom line is lyme disease is damaging to the liver and alcohol is metabolized by the liver. A damaged liver can not properly metabolize alcohol. In addition antibiotics, especially Flagyl, can damage the liver. Do not drink when you are taking this drug, trust me. As far as the other antibiotics, some people say they can have a few drinks occasionally but make sure that they are few and far between, and take heavy doses of milk thistle on a daily basis.
The liver produces two enzymes to metabolize alcohol. The first , alcohol dehydrogenase, breaks the alcohol down into a toxic substance called acetaldehyde. The body rids itself of acetaldehyde by an enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase which converts the acetaldehyde into a benign substance called acetate .
What causes a hangover is a acetaldehyde, the longer acetaldehyde remains in the body the worse the hangover. Acetaldehyde causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The severity of a hangover depends on the rate at which you consume alcohol and the rate at which your liver can produce acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, not easy for a damaged liver.
Just about all of us have enough of the first enzyme(alcohol dehydrogenase) in our bodies. However , the 2nd enzyme (acetaldehyde dehydrogenase), can be a problem for some of us. This can be due to genetics or a damaged liver. In Japan, over 25% of the population carries a defective gene for the enzyme. After consumption of minimal amounts of alcohol their acetaldehyde levels increase and as a result they suffer from severe hangover symptoms.
If you do a search here on alcohol you'll get a lot more info.
Merry Christmas ,
Jack
Posted by mbroderick (Member # 5220) on :
Here's a link to information about Evening Primrose Oil. We have been using it, along with Fish Oils.
Maybe you're not still herxing, but there was a die-off and the toxins are still in your tissues causing symptoms.
I think there's two fronts to this battle (at least): killing the bugs, and getting the toxins OUT. The second challenge doesn't get as much attention as the first, but I think causes as much suffering, if not more. How are your detox capabilities? Bad hangover is a sign they are not great.
If you want to do genetic testing to see if you have genetic variations affecting your detox capabilities, check the Genomic Detox Panel test at: www.genovations.com Or try: www.testing4health.com
I believe I have detoxing problems. Things I have found helpful lately are cholestyramine and far infra-red saunas. I don't think my liver and kidneys can do the job alone. Did one liver cleanse, got many little stones out, should probably do more. I think www.curezone.com covers many different cleanse protocols. Coffee enemas are cheap.
I'm doing transdermal DMPS to reduce mercury levels. Also transdermal glutathione. Haven't tried those herbs that help the liver, probably should. There are many ways to support detoxing, and I think I've got to do a lot of them to make any progress.
Dr. Sherry Rogers' book "Detoxify or Die" isn't about Lyme, but the title still holds true, and it's worth a read.
Posted by Nal (Member # 6801) on :
Im gonna try a detox tea from Yogi. Dont know if that will help or not