I've been around here now for just about a month and a half, and am still in big time learning mode.
I just finished up six weeks of Doxy. I felt crummy while on it, and suspected I'd feel better once I finished. I did--for about two days. My initial symptom, at least that I noticed, was arthritis of the knee. That has calmed down to almost no pain after the six weeks of Doxy.
Today I woke up with aching ankles, which resolved somewhat during the day.
Can one herx AFTER a course of ABX? Is that what this is? Is it possible that new symptoms would have shown up so quickly or is it likely just coincidental?
I know I'll get replies that six weeks is not enough ABX for late stage Lyme. I'll deal with that in the next few days by consulting with my Lyme-friendly MD. I also intend to get a second opinion from a LLMD nearby.
And on another note--Today I found a tick literally walking up the front door of my house. grrr. That's what I get for living in the woods--besides Lyme Disease!
pippifern
"Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did." - Sarah Caldwell
Posted by Cobweb (Member # 10053) on :
quote:Originally posted by pippifern:
I know I'll get replies that six weeks is not enough ABX for late stage Lyme.
pippifern
Of course that was my first reaction-you may have a lyme friendly MD, but it sounds like he may also be a lyme naivete,too. Don't wait too long for that second opinion from an LLMD.
Carol
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
What some people find out is that they've had Lyme longer than they think. I hope that's not the case with you, but keep it in mind.
So you missed two days of doxy? You could be having the "monthly" herx...though it's a bit late for that.
If you had an initial recent bite, I would take doxy for as long as possible. You don't want to lose out by stopping too soon!!!
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
as cobweb carol said, MAKE THE LLMD APPT. NOW; do not put it off!
ifyou have an EARLY bite, you can be cured! not like me; 37 yrs. chronic lyme and i hopeto reach remission!
if you need a llmd, post in SEEKING DR. area. NONE in cape cod!
so post the largest city close to you, conn. in your subject line so you grab people's attention at a glance.
did you receive my newbie's links/advise...50+ pages? i was off 1 mo. for hip surgery and fell behind greeting folks and getting them info to start with plus much more.
if NO, please send me a PM, private message, it's 2 people standing together, and ask me to send it; i'll send promptly daily. Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
9 years ago
I was in the position
you are in NOW.
They told me what was left was Post Lyme Syndrome and wihtin a year I had CFS, FMS, IBS, MCS, RLS and "a mutli-system progressive neurological disease triggered by Post-Lyme Syndrome". YOU DON'T WANT TO GO THERE!!!!!!!!
If they had kept me on Doxy, I was like you, responsive, almst well.... and I would, I am sure, have gone into full remission. Instead, 9 years later, HERE I am, at LymeNet (with a bunch of wonderful folks, but still*)!!!!!!!
So get theee to a real LLMD and beg, borrow, steal or get a prescription for more Doxy- you ONLY HAVE A BRIEF WINDOW to get rid of it before you GO CHRONIC, possibly for LIFE!!!!!!!!!!
Like me.
Any real Lyme doc would give you more Doxy if you have ankle pains- that is called symptomatic! So take care, Best wishes, Sarah
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Look for co-infections. Lyme does not come back that quickly according to what I've been told. It could be your natural cycle though as tutu suggested.
Get to an ILADS LLMD ASAP.
Terry I'm not a doctor
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I would get enough doxy to last till an LLMD appt. Tell them you found another tick if you have to ... you just said you did.
Posted by pippifern (Member # 11564) on :
Thanks to all of you for your concern and caring suggestions! I will definitely follow up, and don't intend to waste time. Guess I should break down and realize there's no good alternative to long(er)-term ABX at this point.
I am completely certain that the Dr. I've been going to will prescribe more Doxy if I just say the word. He offered that when I saw him last.
I didn't really understand the concept that there's a treatment window of opportunity to avoid losing ground if I don't continue on ABX. I figured I could finish the six-week course, and see what happened--then get back on if symptoms re-emerge. You're essentially saying that it's not a good idea to go off them at this point, even for a short time.
As to the question of whether I've had Lyme for a long time, or if this is a recent infection--who knows? I believe I've had it for at least a year, and likely longer, though the testing suggests that this is a recent infection. My guess is that this is simply a new bite, causing new infection on top of what I had before. Just an intuitive thing; nothing proven.
I have been tested for co-infections: negative. Finally! All my lyme testing has been soooo positive. This doc I go to did order all the co-infection testing. He does have a clue.
Thanks again. I know what I have to do. bah.
pippifern
Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
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