The docs I recommend go by the Burrascano guidelines.
Their patients often complete their treatment and remain symptom free--like me.
It's about 4 1/2 years for me now, still enjoying my lyme-free life.
Posted by DaveNJ (Member # 17362) on :
My Doctor never ordered me to follow the guidelines but suggested that there was more i could do as is outlined in the document. She does not say she follows but i know she knew him personally and my treatment has followed accordingly.
I for one took it upon myself to follow them and i'm convinced (although can't prove it) that excercise is the key. An IMHO it is 2 step approach..1) it fires up your immune system 2) it helps you cope(its how i dealt with my anger and frustration)
and for any newbie on here it is also the most contrarian thing you will ever do. Oh you feel like crap???...go work out!!!....i don't know how i did it the first few months.
Dave
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
thanks kensadams
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
I agree with the YOU MUST EXERCISE although tonight I feel as if I'm dying.
I feel like a new person when I get in the pool and swim. I really can't explain it, it's the only thing that makes me feel better.
Posted by jasek (Member # 12395) on :
My llmd has always followed Dr. B. guidelines. I saw him speak and I still consider him the best.
You must excercise, heat sweating and oxegen are what kills the bacteria.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
I was told not long ago that there are 6 lyme doctors in Poland, and they all follow Burrascano.
Also, he is the big draw in every lyme conference at which he speaks.
He is going around the country and the world teaching other doctors how to treat lyme. He is now collecting statistical data on lyme disease.
Why would doctors stop following these Guidelines? They have not found them to be incorrect in 25 years. They are updated about every 3 years. The updates are minor additions, not major changes by any means.
Perhaps what you are wondering is why ALL lyme doctors do not automatically follow them.
Posted by METALLlC BLUE (Member # 6628) on :
I know of very few who follow his guidelines as they're written. Most have taken only bits and pieces and their programs are incomplete in my opinion and this is coming from the guy who monitors all data on LLMD's around the world. Most LLMDs need to follow his guidelines and spell them out to the patient by giving everyone a copy. While each patients case should be individualized too, the framework of those guidelines should be used and that I don't see happening either.
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
i use the recommended meds and supps the most but this is really important too:
(and this part doesn't require money or insurance)
SUPPORTIVE THERAPY CERTAIN ABSOLUTE RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED IF LYME SYMPTOMS ARE TO BE PERMANENTLY CLEARED: 1. Not allowed to get behind in sleep, or become overtired. 2. No caffeine or other stimulants that may affect depth or duration of sleep, or reduce or eliminate naps. 3. Absolutely no alcohol! 4. No smoking at all. 5. Aggressive exercises are required and should be initiated as soon as possible. 6. Diet must contain generous quantities of high quality protein and be high in fiber and low in fat and carbohydrates- no simple carbohydrates are allowed. Instead, use those with low glycemic index. 7. Certain key nutritional supplements should be added. 8. COMPLIANCE!
Posted by Nicole_Denise (Member # 20620) on :
My Dr. says he "generally" follows Dr B's guidelines. That makes sense to me- after all, it's not a one-size fits all treatment. I think it's important to remember that they are still guidelines- not hard rules
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Like how mainstream docs use the IDSA rules are guidelines?
quote:Originally posted by Nicole_Denise: My Dr. says he "generally" follows Dr B's guidelines. That makes sense to me- after all, it's not a one-size fits all treatment. I think it's important to remember that they are still guidelines- not hard rules
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
TF-you said "Perhaps what you are wondering is why ALL lyme doctors do not automatically follow them. "
it's not that so much as on here now there are so many tx's that he doesn't mention
i wondered if anyone still followed what he said
i'm glad to know some do
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
Part of the problem as my doctor explains is that these organisms change, they adjust, mofify themselves, new strains appear, guidelines may need to be altered, etc. My doctor speaks with Dr. B often but does not follow to a 't' and she has not found it necessary either.
She just discharged quite a few Lyme patients in the last few months so she is having great luck regardless. She does follow a lot of what is written in his guidelines but not everything. she feels he is falling behind in experience since he doesn't see patients any longer.
I agree with both sides of the argument. I thin you need to follow the guidelines but be willing to make changes or adjust, bend the rules where necessary.
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
My LLMD still follows Dr B's guidelines, including the physical therapy suggestions.
And insists that all patients must follow "the absolute rules" posted by lpkayak as well:
CERTAIN ABSOLUTE RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED IF LYME SYMPTOMS ARE TO BE PERMANENTLY CLEARED: 1. Not allowed to get behind in sleep, or become overtired. 2. No caffeine or other stimulants that may affect depth or duration of sleep, or reduce or eliminate naps. 3. Absolutely no alcohol! 4. No smoking at all. 5. Aggressive exercises are required and should be initiated as soon as possible. 6. Diet must contain generous quantities of high quality protein and be high in fiber and low in fat and carbohydrates- no simple carbohydrates are allowed. Instead, use those with low glycemic index. 7. Certain key nutritional supplements should be added. 8. COMPLIANCE!
Posted by richedie (Member # 14689) on :
It is confusing because these rules have changed over time. He used to say no flower, now he says no simple carbs - which to me makes more sense.
I only do one coffee at breakfast so that is fine.
Posted by springshowers (Member # 19863) on :
I found this ....link talking about differences in guidelines
My doc has worked on papers with Dr. B so he knows him and respects him.
When I asked about the guidelines he smiled. He said that Dr. B had been a Marine and was a very tough guy. In my case, he said, we'll go a little slowly and carefully.
So I think I agree with those whose docs bend the rules to fit the patient. I certainly do follow most diet and supplement guidelines.
When I got better after IV abx in 2003 I started a wonderful walking and therapy program. It worked so well! But now I am too far relapsed to do it.
Knowing that I will eventually get there again keeps me going! And to those of you who can exercise moderately, DO IT! It really does help.
Posted by farraday (Member # 21494) on :
My doc has worked on papers with Dr. B so he knows him and respects him.
When I asked about the guidelines he smiled. He said that Dr. B had been a Marine and was a very tough guy. In my case, he said, we'll go a little slowly and carefully.
So I think I agree with those whose docs bend the rules to fit the patient. I certainly do follow most diet and supplement guidelines.
When I got better after IV abx in 2003 I started a wonderful walking and therapy program. It worked so well! But now I am too far relapsed to do it.
Knowing that I will eventually get there again keeps me going! And to those of you who can exercise moderately, DO IT! It really does help.
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