I have just been diagnosed with lyme disease ( i guess i've unknowingly had since about August 06), and been prescribed a 3 week course of antibiotics (Dyoxcycline 100mg).
Im only 3 days in to the course, but i feel worse then before, i was just very tired and had a few aching joints, now i feel like soneone climbed inside me and beat me inside out ( lungs, kidneys etc..).
Is this normal?.
i've not yet seen my doc s ince being diagnosed but am due a visit after my 3 weeks of meds.
Posted by jblral (Member # 8836) on :
you're probably experiencing what's known as a "herxheimer reaction,"--to be expected when antibiotics start killing off Lyme spirochetes. Basically, as the spirochetes die off, they emit toxins into the bloodstream that make you feel horrible. Generally worsens existing symptoms, sometimes starts new ones. Hang in there.
Posted by Travlr1 (Member # 9681) on :
ronnielou,
This can absolutely be a Jarish Herxheimer reaction( or "herx" which I believe unique to spirochetal diseases) where the pt. feels worse due to the toxins that are released when gram- bacteria(Lyme is gram -) cell membranes are ruptured. Some pts. feel so bad they have to stop the drug temporarily or decrease the dose for awhile if the are feeling really bad.
I am not an md, but I think some of the gurus on this site might find your dose of doxy a little on the light side to achieve a long term cure.
I know I sound like I'm contradicting myself , but many of us Lymies find ourselves on a rollercoaster concerning dosing due to herxing so bad we have to adjust our dosing for the short term.
You didn't mention if your doctor is an llmd (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor). You really need one of these that understands the need for prolonged therapy and dosage adjustments for herxing. It is my own personal feeling that if your are really feeling bad (herx) you might need to micro dose for awhile if you Lyme load is really high. Don't herx so bad that you make Rambo look like a wuss.
A good llmd will be able to guide you thru this , no less the supportive care for the pain and other symptoms you will need.
There are many very knowledgeable people on this site that can probably answer any questions you may have.
Take care and good luck. You are not alone
Travlr1
Posted by ronnielou (Member # 10954) on :
Thankyou for the replies: No my Doc is just my regular everyday Doc.
As of right now the pain is livable, i have been working and going to my daughters basketball games.
But when i finaly get home and sit, im asleep, with no warning, hubby says hes never seen anyone fall asleep as quick as i do lol.
Again thankyou for your replies, atleast i know im not have a reaction to the meds!
Posted by Lisianthus (Member # 6631) on :
Yes it sounds like your herxing. This a normal response as others have said.
I did want to comment on the fact that your doc only gave you 3 weeks a abx. THAT IS NOT ENOUGH TO KILL Bb completely!
If I were just bit I would want to be on abx for 4 - 6 months at the very least. Or until ALL symptom are completely gone.
You just don't want to relapse a year or two down the road, you want to kill it now. Treatment protocals are different for everyone, and depending on how long you've had it.... or how many co-infections you have is how some doctors determine how much abx to give you and how long.
But 3 weeks just simply isn't enough. I am not a doctor, this is my opinion from what I have learned over the years.
Good Luck, Lisi
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
VERY common! Get busy reading those newbie links, OK???
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ince being diagnosed but am due a visit after my 3 weeks of meds.
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