This is topic Ready to give up advice please... in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by lakes592 (Member # 18905) on :
 
Hi,
I started Erythrmicin 500mg 3x day and plaquenil 200 mg 2x a day, 2 weeks ago. I had abdominal pain from the start of taking the meds.

First week I felt ok but tired. This last week has been really bad. Abdominal pain, nausea, weakness, achcy all over and extreme fatigue like the flu.

I know this is a herx and is suposed to happen. The problem is I tried to work today, as I have to go back, I have no choice, but had to leave early as I am just so sick.

I can't work in this condition and want to stop the meds all together. Just so confused and have no idea what to do? Any thoughts on this and what you would do?

Stop the meds? Switch meds but the cost is a concern? Pulse? Take a break? Stick it out? just not sure here at all what is best?

Thanks so much
Ann
 

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Posted by DeafFromLyme (Member # 18795) on :
 
Ann this EXACT Same thing just happened to me... To the Tee, I am on same meds as you pretty much, and had the exact same Herx as you are..

What I did was took 3 days off (my LLMD says I can do that every 3-4 weeks) then started again at half dose for 2 days then to full, and "knock on wood after a little while I am much better abd even when I was herx'ing bad just having the 3 day break was a god send.

Oh and BTW ask anyone here I was QUITTING nomatter what anyone said!!! And then I decided to stick it out a little longer and am glad I did... Althogh I have a weird rash right now but feeling OK.
 

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Posted by ugagal (Member # 18471) on :
 
I'm very sorry that you are feeling so sick. I can relate as I am just beginning my treatment and have started herxing from the supplements. If I feel this bad from the supplements, I'm very concerned about how I will feel once I begin the IV antibiotics.

I also feel bad for you having to work while also fighting this painful disease as I know there is no way I could do it either. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and maybe he could recommend a different treatment protocol that would not be so rough for you. Whatever you do....DON'T GIVE UP!
 

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Posted by nenet (Member # 13174) on :
 
Sounds to me like the abdominal pain and nausea are drug-related side-effects (they are common side-effects for antibiotics), and the flu-like symptoms are classic herx symptoms.

I would discuss trying a different antibiotic that might cause less gastro-intestinal problems for now.

Regardless of what med, make sure to not take on empty stomach, and to *take good probiotics* every day. They really help the GI stuff. Maybe not the stomach pain but the other stuff (though probiotics can help keep you from developing an ulcer from h. pylori overgrowth).

It seems to be common for many that the worst herxes are at the beginning of treatment, and they get gradually easier through time (months/years, however long treatment takes).

Take heart! You have gotten much further than tens of thousands of people with untreated or under-treated Lyme. You have a Lyme doctor, you are in treatment, and you can still work, though I know that is a challenge.

You got into treatment before you became debilitated, so you are starting out in a better position already. You have more strength starting out, to fight this battle. Stick it out, you will get through this!

Best wishes, and talk to your doc - they understand when herxes get too bad or a drug isn't tolerated, there are options! My LLMD syas that herxing is NOT supposed to get so bad that you can't handle - to drop back on doseage, etc. or change meds when necessary. Their motto is "slow and steady wins the race".


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Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
 
If you have lyme and/or co-infections and you stop treatment, you may feel better for awhile but eventually the infections get worse. So bad for some of us that we had no choice but to stop working because we became too ill to work.

In my opinion, there is no choice but to treat. The key is finding out what works, how much you can tolerate and either holding there or figuring out how to tolerate more until you are well.

If it were me, I'd contact my LLMD and get their advice. Tell them you must work and ask what can be done to treat while at the same time allowing you to work.

Some of us talk a lot about detox. That's because it is really important for some of us in order to manage treatment. Please start researching detox issues here by looking in the archives. That could be part of what you need to work on in order to continue treatment and still work.

Terry
I'm not a doctor
 

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Posted by Briannh (Member # 17555) on :
 
I am on a very similar treatment and went through the same thing including abdominal pain and it got better.


My advice, let your Dr know at once, and another thing that *may* help is to not take the plaquenil at the same time as the abx...


Good luck and hang in there.
 

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Posted by lakes592 (Member # 18905) on :
 
Thanks so much guys I appreciate it! I was in tears earlier and had a melt down.

I did get in touch with my doctor and they said take 3 days off.

So I am going to do that and what you mentioned Ericka sounds good I will try that.

Thanks for putting things into perspective...I was just in a panic thinking how am I going to support my girls if I don't work.

I will continue treatment.I know I do not want to get worse.

My neuro symptoms are already bad enough as it is and I have an MRI scheduled next monday.

I'm just so relived to even get the 3 days off will feel like a vacation for me.

I did 18 months of antibiotics, 4 years ago.I did remember it being bad, but I didn't have to work at that time.

Thanks again,
Ann
 

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Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
 
Hang in there!!!!
 

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Posted by VB (Member # 16824) on :
 
Erythromycen is one of the hardest drugs on my stomach... always has been. SEVERE stomach cramping and nausea. This is typical of this medication. I refuse to take it. See if your MD will put you on Biaxin (Clarythromycen)instead. This is in the same family, but easier to take. It is MUCH easer on my stomach.
 

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Posted by lakes592 (Member # 18905) on :
 
VB, I was prescribed Biaxin originally. I have no insurance and the cost was something like $220.00. I just can't afford that, wish I could.


Ann
 

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Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
ann, so glad you called your llmd and so sorry you don't have any insurance.

$220/bottle of biaxin...uffda. wishing you the best.
 

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Posted by kimwg (Member # 19094) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by TerryK:
... Some of us talk a lot about detox. That's because it is really important for some of us in order to manage treatment. Please start researching detox issues here by looking in the archives. That could be part of what you need to work on in order to continue treatment and still work.

Terry
I'm not a doctor

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