LymeNet Flash: herx vs relapse

This is topic herx vs relapse in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by mothergoose650 (Member # 8962) on :

Here's a question that you can either answer or add a punch line to......!!!!

How can you tell the difference between a herx and a relapse???

Kathy
as always,
[confused]

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Well, I would think that if you're on abx, it's somewhat safe to assume that it's a herx. That's perhaps an oversimplification though.

Sometimes the timing of the herx is a clue also. Keeping a journal helps. Write down when a new med was begun and any notable symptoms.

Then you can often see a pattern or figure out what's happening. I kept a journal for more than 3 yrs and it really helped me figure things out.

Can you give us more details?

Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :

This is just my expereince and I am sure it is not the same for everyone.

For me a herx is just kinda bam - I am worse. And I pretty much stay at that level of worse till the herx starts to clear.

For me getting worse meaning relapse(which has happened on abx that didnt work for me) is a more progressive type of thing.

Every day week whatever - I am a little (or sometimes alot) worse

Like I said this is just my experience - doubt it would be the same for everyone.

Best wishes

Oh and lymetoo's idea about the journal of symptoms is a good one.

[ 21. May 2006, 11:14 AM: Message edited by: AZURE WISH ]

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Another way of figuring it out is to back off the meds for a day or two and see if you feel better. If you do, then it's a herx.