My ds(10) has been on antibiotics for three weeks now for Lyme (positive IGenex IgG and one band shy of CDC positive on IgM and IgG.).
This past weekend he had a low grade fever plus said his legs hurt and he was exhausted. Thought it was herxing but then a couple of days later he said he had a sore throat.
Fever and sore throat went away but exhaustion stayed for a couple of more days.
Now that those symptoms have gone away, his Lyme symptoms (neuro) are back to being as bad as before we started the antibiotics three weeks ago.
Any thoughts?
Could it have been a herx even though he complained of sore throat? Why the backslide?
Thank you.
Posted by anthropisces (Member # 15672) on :
Three weeks is a pretty short time I think. I went up and down a lot. In general it has been a slow upward trend with occassional spikes downward (some of them dramatic). If your dad has had lyme and/or coinfections for any length of time, three weeks is not going to mean much.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Yes, a herx can include a sore throat. Low grade fever is very common and can stick around for a long time, and be on and off.
Even on medicine, the infection is still at work. Medicine can't cover all the bases all at once. It's a very complex infection.
Improvement with lyme (even on treatment) is usually up and down with down being most of the time. It's a very toxic infection and treatment is not easy. Feeling better comes in little spurts and then the downslide can be very discouraging. It's just the way this works, sadly.
Sorry to say but deep exhaustion is usually pretty constant all through treatment (usually at least for six months minimum). Any lifts in energy are usually brief. Planning energy output is vital. Even bathing can be too much and resting afterward needs to be expected before moving on to an activity.
Even dressing can be exhausting from the activity but also from making decisions about what to wear or how to dress for the weather. Decisions are exhausting.
Pain, too, is nearly constant but often migrates. Magnesium and fish oil (OmegaBrite) usually help. Massage and WARM (not hot) baths in Epson Salts and Baking Soda can help.
Is he on good liver support? Good adrenal support? Both will help all symptoms.
Support supplements / measures do help a lot so I hope your LLMD has that part figured out. If not, you might seek out an ILADS-educated LL ND (naturopathic doctor) to round out that part of the care. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Has your son also been assessed for other tick-borne infections. I see that recently you posted in "Seeking a LLMD" so I hope you found one who assessed for ALL tick-borne infections.
Good luck. -
Posted by chryan (Member # 27580) on :
Yes, we have an appt for 10/11 to see a LLMD. At this point we have only tested for Lyme (congenital)
quote:Originally posted by Keebler: - Has your son also been assessed for other tick-borne infections. I see that recently you posted in "Seeking a LLMD" so I hope you found one who assessed for ALL tick-borne infections.
Good luck. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- In the meantime, you might call that LLMD's office and ask for suggestions for liver and adrenal support. Maybe ask if they can suggest a book , etc.
Also asked to be put on the list in case of a cancellation.
You might also be able to get into an ILADS-educated ND (naturopathic doctor) sooner -- keep the LLMD appt. but the ND could help in many other ways, especially in the next 6 weeks.
=============================
Links below are good not just how to determine when lyme is suspect but also to help understand the range of symptoms all through the treatment process: ---------------------
** Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease **
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008) - Four pages
===========================
It's very important to have this book as a reference tool for self-care and support measures. It answers so many questions in detail that is impossible here on the forum.
Includes how to find an ILADS-educated LL ND, an Acupuncturist, a doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.), or a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine (D.Ay.), certified herbalists or nutritionists, etc.
Includes many articles and books on complementary / integrative methods - & RIFE links.
It is very important to have a doctor who is experienced with all tick borne disease (TBD), one who has guided many other TBD patients through the rough patches and to a successful remission.
Their being ILADS-educated is absolutely essential. Absolutely.
It is important to note that many LL NDs require the use of antibiotics at some time, especially if this is a new infection. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Be sure to avoid all artificial ingredients (artificial sweeteners, dyes, additives, processed foods).
Stevia (from a plant source) is good. SweetLeaf or Trader's Joe's has pure stevia but some brands on the market have additives.
Also avoid MSG (google for all the names that hides under). Both aspartame and MSG can make lyme much worse.
For beverages, some fresh organic lemon or lime juice with stevia is nice. Green Tea, too. Even crushed mint is nice.
For snacks, nuts are good. Try to get a very wide variety of RAW nuts. Roasted nuts have oil that is too old and toxic. You can toast/roast right before eating, if desired. It does bring out the flavor.
Low-sugar fruits like berries and tart apples. Avoid all processed sugar, though.
Many LLMDs suggest their patients be free of gluten, dairy, corn and soy. This usually helps a lot to lessen pain.