I have been very sick since Easter - two rounds of abx for an upper respiratory infection with fever. The fever lasted over a week. Of course with my MS/lyme the fever weakens me to the point where I can barely walk. Is my immune system damaged due to the abx I've been on since Aug?
Any thoughts?
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
I'm not an expert, but I would say your immune system is damaged from Lyme. At least that's the way it is with many of us, if not all.
Posted by Mathias (Member # 5298) on :
IMO the lyme is taxing you immune system which makes other infections that you get (i.e. a cold) much more severe.
Posted by duke77 (Member # 5051) on :
Abx can also take a toll on your immune system as well. It might have something to do with the immune system not having to work as hard because the abx are present. That theory is pure speculation on my part. I do know that after a long time on abx and then off the abx for two months my wbc, lymphocytes, etc. were perfect much higher than while I was on the abx.
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
I don't know about the abx effects on the immune system
but I have read that herxing can tax your immune system.
And of course lyme it self can chip away at your immune system
Posted by JimBoB (Member # 8454) on :
Remember, most abx destroy not only bad bacteria, but all the GOOD bacteria we need to survive.
AND yes, it affects your immune system, as does the Lyme. You need to build it up, not tear it down.
Take MORE herbs and LESS abx to build yourself up, not tear down.
Certain vitamins help also. Mainly Vitamin C and E. But don't just take ascorbic acid. It is a killer on your stomach.
Get C-Salts from Wholesale Nutrition out of california.
Jim Posted by riversinger (Member # 4851) on :
I don't think abx damages the immune system. maybe for some, but certainly not all. My son, who had TERRIBLE allergies before taking abx for his Lyme, now barely notices them.
He went from taking huge doses of antihistimines and still going through a box of klennex a day, to not even needing antihistimines, and rarely sneezing, with no running nose.
I've heard this kind of story from many people after treatment. I'm sure it depends on the person, and the antibiotic, but I don't think it can be said that antibiotics usually damage the immune system. In fact, they may help!
Posted by Andie333 (Member # 7370) on :
It was Lyme Disease that wreaked havoc on my immunity.
After 11 months of treatment, I've made significant progress and don't think that would have happened without the antibiotics I take.
My immune count has actually improved as my Lyme has gotten better.
Hope this helps!
Andie
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Lyme treatment can activate your immune system. For many with Lyme, the immune system is actually suppressed. So starting treatment can therefore make you get sick because your immune system is awake.
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