My sister saw a LLMD (on recommendation from posters on this site) and has been taking 2 strong antibiotics and all kinds of vitamins for the last 2 months. She still feels terrible everyday. She said she aches all the time and has headaches. Does it take longer than 2 months of antibiotics? She was treated with 2 rounds of antibiotics right after she was diagnosed (after seeing the bulls-eye mark). I feel so terrible for her. I really was hoping finding this new doctor would help. She was also just tested for memory problems resulting from lyme. The Dr. (not the same as the one who gave her antibiotics) said if it comes back positive that she has brain damage, they might give her IV antibiotics. Does this aching feeling ever go away? Is it just a matter of trying a bunch of different doctors? Any advice or ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
Hi Skitch.
You sound like a really SWEET sister!! I can tell you're not related to MY sister!!
It's natural to be confounded at how loooong the process goes on. Lyme's not like any other illness in that regard.
A good idea would be to click on the Newbie Links tacked up above and read, read, read.
The first months of treatment can be extremely hard. Your sis is probably experiencing a lot of "herxheimer reactions," -- that's a worsening of symptoms. 'What? I thought the doctor was going to get her better --' you might say!
Well, with lyme, you might have to get worse before you get better. When you start killing these weasely little bacteria, they produce a toxin that makes you feel MUCH worse.
That's pretty much expected. If it becomes intolerable, she should talk to her doc. But don't take it for treatment failure - it probably constitutes just the opposite.
Improvement comes in fits and starts, sometimes with a step forward and two back. I don't know whether sis has any co-infections or not (babesia, bartonella, etc.) but if so, that could slow her progress.
What she'll appreciate most? You learning all about it so she won't feel so alone. You teaching the rest of the family about it. People with lyme can get really isolated since they "look" OK despite feeling wretched. I can tell by the tone of your letter that you're a loving and understanding sister and I bet that means more to her than you can imagine!
No need to change docs. Just hang with her and continue to love and support and believe in her. A funny movie here and there is a good thing too!
Michelle
Posted by secondtimearound (Member # 7249) on :
Yep, it's just not quick!
Look for and try different detox methods. One major thing I learned is that killing the bacteria is important but cleaning it out of your system is just as important.
Saunas, chlorella, homozon, activated charcoal, epsom salt baths, find what helps and make a habit of it.
All My Best, Scott
Posted by tailz (Member # 10014) on :
I tried this, too. Just if you soak in salt water, expect to retain water for a good 12 hours. I do feel less toxic afterwards though.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by Michelle M: What she'll appreciate most? You learning all about it so she won't feel so alone. You teaching the rest of the family about it. People with lyme can get really isolated since they "look" OK despite feeling wretched. I can tell by the tone of your letter that you're a loving and understanding sister and I bet that means more to her than you can imagine!
Absolutely GREAT advice! She will be feeling like &^%$ for several more months. Hopefully, this was caught early and she won't have to be treated "forever" like many of us here.
KNowing that she has support from family can make all the difference in the world!
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)