I am really really nervous about getting side effects that might be permanant... I read some stuff others wrote me about it, and using B vitamins, but am still really scared.
I am a wimp. I know. I am NOT good with new meds.
I only took 1/4 of a pill to move slowly- (60 mgs)- how long will it take to feel something?
I just don't want to have a dramatic reaction, which makes me want to go to the ER.
Posted by smartfast (Member # 18261) on :
Did you Ok that with your doctor? You should definteily take what he recommends. If anything scares you, ask your doctor for an emergency contact number.
When/if you need to call him and describe your concerns, he can tell you to stop taking the medication (it IS seirous) or continue anyway (its expected and OK). Or he might even tell you to go to the ER if its required.
I would suggest you do that .. you are not qualified enough to treat yourself, or alter your treatment. ESPECIALLY if the doctor is unaware of your alterations.
Hope this helps!
Posted by laurisabelle222 (Member # 16591) on :
I am actually waiting for him to call and did tell him secretary what I did..
He actually doesn't have an emergency contact number- weird I know..
Thanks for the info!
Posted by lymestop (Member # 18787) on :
I disagree with the above poster. We all have to listen to iour bodies and with this sort of therapy there are so many "trails" of this and that by the doctors. Some of it is guesses to see what we will react best to. That has been established already.
As welll some people herx very badly and have to listen to their bodies. The doctor is not there for that.
And I totally disagree to do exactly what the doctor says and then if you need the ER then go.
Do what your body is telling you you and you feel ok with. We know ourself best. I have had to reduce or start out slower than first prescribed. My doc is very supportive and wants that. He needs that feedback. Of course he does not want to put me into herxing that sends me off to the hospital or even makes me suffer to a severe extent.
Lately I have been very worried about damage that can be happening during herx reactions and I am feeling frustrated and concerned for my health.
Even if we rid the infections I am worried about the nerve damage or organ damage by putting our bodies into that heightened state too often and too long.
We each are very qualified to make decisions like this and also to even decide not to take it at all.
I think you did the right think and listened to yourself. Then you can report that to your doctor for feedback.
I have seen quite a few people who push through what the doc gave them when it does not feel right and they can not get ahold of the doctor so they keep on. Then they end up in the ER and all sorts of messes. When they finally go to the doc guess what..He reduces the dose for them. Or puts them on a pulse pattern. Something else that is doable.
I wish you well and I hope you find a balance on your new medicine. I am also very nervous with any new medicine and in how I might react as I have severe reactions normally.
Take good care of yourself..
Posted by jarjar (Member # 8847) on :
The only way I could take flagyl was low dose pulsed every other day. Slowly moved up when I felt I could handle it.
Posted by Kreynolds (Member # 15117) on :
laurisabelle222:
If you are that afraid there are other options than Flagyl.
I would contact your doc and talk to him about Plaquenil and Tindamax(Tinidazole)....
I had a problem with the Plaquenil because it can mess your vision up worse than it probably already is.
I have been taking Tindamax for two weeks with no complaints.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Listen to your body first.
Tindamax is a good alternative if flagyl is too rough on you.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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If you think you might have a "dramatic reaction that makes you want to go to the ER" get a plan in place because the ER will likely not be able to help and might treat you like a delinquent child (that happens often for lyme patients).
You need to know what you will do if you have a herx. Is your magnesium, your liver support, your adrenal and your nervous system support all in place? All that is in Singleton's book.
Is your bedroom all fixed up as a quiet sanctuary, maybe with some gentle music or travel magazines, etc.
Are you drinking enough water, and eating just the right amount of good foods, etc.
Do you have a few friends whom you can call to distract you?
There may be some rough patches but if you have your plan in place where you can wait it out or divert your attention to a fun project that will serve you far better than approaching the ER for help (unless in a life-threatening situation, of course, but that is unlikely).
What is required of patients with lyme treatment is a lot - but the self-care techniques will help in many other ways all through life.
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Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Here are two of the best places that explain some self-care guidelines and what might help lessen the herxheimer reaction:
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I am NOT good with new meds.