I started taking abx on June 20. doxy @ 400 and azithro @ 1000 daily.
I have had symptoms flare up etc. but overall I was having more good days than bad. Starting July 15 I started having overall soreness. I also started taking aleve twice a day on the night of July 14th.
When I woke up on July 17, I had dizzyness, hearing loss, if I walked around I got motion sickness, and diarrea w/ black stool. These symptoms point me to the 8th cranial nerve.
I immediately stopped the aleve. I still have upset stomach and diarrea but the dizzyness has gotten better.
My question is, am I herxing? Did the aleve do something? What can I do to calm my stomach?
Any help would be appreciated on this. I just need to be pointed in the right direction.
Posted by losferwrds (Member # 19741) on :
If you have dizzyness, stomach problems and black stool your bleeding internally, I recommend getting to the ER quickly
Posted by FunkOdyssey (Member # 15855) on :
Black stool usually means you have blood in the stool, from further up in the digestive tract (blood from the colon/rectum will be brighter in color and more red). You mention that you use Aleve and that can cause stomach bleeding with long-term use.
Definitely see a doctor immediately, don't take any NSAID drugs and don't drink any alcohol.
Posted by lymetime (Member # 21054) on :
One other thing, I have been taking pepto-bismol in order to get the stomach under control. I know this can cause black stools.
Does your position still stand about going to the ER?
Thank you for your help on this.
Posted by FunkOdyssey (Member # 15855) on :
Oh, possibly not in that case, you are correct that pepto-bismol turns stool black.
I would suggest you substantially increase your probiotic intake, if possible use a very high bacteria count product like VSL#3, and if that does not resolve your diarrhea very quickly, then I would get a doctor involved.
Posted by Buster (Member # 19472) on :
1000 zithro daily.... oh gosh! is that safe?
anyways, when I started IV antibiotics all hell broke loose the first 3 months. it was crazy!
Posted by lymetime (Member # 21054) on :
One more important point, the dizzyness only lasted the first day and then got quite a bit better. The stomach issues are improving as is the hearing. It seems to all tie back to the 8th cranial nerve.
I can't imagine that 5 pills of aleve over a few days would cause this issue.
I am guessing I have a herx.
Posted by keltyl (Member # 14050) on :
Never heard of anyone taking 1000mg of zith!!
Posted by lymetime (Member # 21054) on :
I have been doing great on the doxy and azithro for almost a month. How do I know if its a herx, yeast issue, or an issue with the abx?
I thought I read that antibiotics/Doxy & Pepto Bismol are contra-indicated.
Posted by jtavares76 (Member # 19216) on :
I would be very leary to take any OTC meds without checking into it first.
When I initially started abx, I had major GI issues but was told not to take any pepto or immodium...I was able to get the GI issues under control with probiotics.
Even with the muscle pain, especially in the lymph node area, I am cautious about taking any NSAIDS...the only thing I have taken (and this was only once when the pain was so bad I was contemplating going to the ER) was a percocet and it took the egde off a little.
Otherwise, I tend to try and get through the herx with rest, lots of fluids, massage and heat to the sore areas, etc.
Good luck, JT
Posted by lymetime (Member # 21054) on :
interesting, maybe I had some GI issues and then made it worse with the aleve and Petmo.
What is typical GI issues? I have moved my probiotics way up and seem to be feeling better.
It was hell for a few days, I want to avoid it if I can.
Posted by ruggie100 (Member # 21415) on :
don't know why.... i cannot tolerate Aleve. I took Aleve for years, but when became sick and diagnosed with lyme, aleve became severe problem. had pancreatic attack and a myriad of other problems. never aleve again.
if you juice cabbage and drink it, it is great for ulcers (very nasty, but you can do it). I've also had lots of aloe vera juice. Vitamin C (ester C ONLY--buffered) from healthfood store will help as well. Obvious probiotics also Posted by ruggie100 (Member # 21415) on :
oh yeah, always read the fine print when you get your antibiotics. Some are less effective when taken with or near to antacids....or interact with meds Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would not take that much Aleve unless you just can't stand the pain of the Lyme. If you can do without it... do!!!
and YES... you are herxing!
Posted by lymetime (Member # 21054) on :
just as an update, I bumped up my pro-biotics up and increased the quality. Things have started to calm back down. My stomach is still alittle upset, but things are slowly getting back to normal. I am wondering if the aleve caused this.
thanks for all the help, lymetoo, can you explain why you think I am herxing?
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