Was diagnosed with Lyme / Bart June 1st, 2010;. Began treatment immediately. My tests have always been negative, and of course every doc I've seen has gone against my LLMD and his practices.
Basically, I've gotten better in some areas, but not in others. I currently have been following this protocol:
Doxy / Plaquenil Doxy / Omnicef (alternating Plaquenil and Omni every month).
When I take the Plaquenil I feel OK (not great, but 'with it') - The pain isn't as severe.
The Omnicef is a different story... I feel like absolute CRAP. I'm wondering if the Plaquenil is really just masking the pain and not solving anything (as one of the side effects is that it alleviates pain).
Also, since starting treatment I've developed these 'nodes' on my neck. It started with one, now there's a cluster all the way through the front of my chest. The doc says this will go away with time... But they are just spreading. Other docs have checked them out and said no need to worry. But when I flare, they hurt like hell.
Also, I've had this ringing in my ears since October that has not improved at all. I believe this could be a result of all of the meds I am taking. PM me to find out my daily routine as I don't want to share details.
I just feel as though I am taking way too much medication to function... And I don't know whether or not I should stop this treatment and explore a different option, or stick with it. In need of some guidance. It's effecting my work, social life, and of course morale. Any insight or words of wisdom would be appreciated...
-James
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
moving to Medical Questions where you'll get some feedback!! Posted by beths (Member # 18864) on :
I thought you had to take levaquin or rifampin or bactrim for bart? Are your meds hitting it?
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
Sounds like Bart could be a problem. Have you addressed that?
You are in RI...would you consider alternate LLMD's in MA or CT?
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
Painful nodules are a symptom of bart. Maybe you should see another doctor as the abx you are taking are not typically given for bart.
The most effective drug is levaquin but it can be dangerous as it can cause tendonitis and tendon rupture. Then there is Rifampin taken with a macrolide such as biaxin or zithromax. The macrolide will attack the intercellular form of lyme. You could pulse something for the cysts like tindamax or flagyl.
Doxy causes sensitivity to the sun so I would not take it during the summer months. You would have to stay buried to keep from burning. Perhaps it is time for a new protocol.
When something is no longer effective, very often another infections has taken over and a change of meds is needed. What fights lyme (Bb) is not the same as what fights bartonealla or babesia.
If you suspect you might also have babesia then you could try Bactrim DS with a macrolide first.
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