I was diagnosed with late-stage Lyme Disease about five years ago; my doctor suspects I was originally infected several years before that (got a bulls eye rash, testing came up negative and I was never treated). Once diagnosed, I was put on 30 days of Doxycycline. Symptoms improved for about a year, then my knee swelled up for the second time and I went on 45 days of another antibiotic. Was better for another year or so, then I went to a naturopath and tried a high dose of Vitamin C and other natural treatments.
Fastforward a year later and symptoms are back. I think there are some neurological symptoms, I've heard this is best treated by IV antibiotics. I haven't gotten a lumbar puncture though and can't be sure the infection has reached my nervous system. My doctor is very conservative towards Lyme treatment, won't treat unless there is a positive test result and doesn't do any more than a 30-45 day round of oral antibiotics. Once again she has prescribed oral Doxycycline for 30 days. Can this treatment be effective if I've done it already? Is the repeated return of my symptoms a sign that I should try something more intensive? I was thinking of finding a new doctor and searching out a LLMD, but am considering taking the Doxycycline in the meantime. Let me know what you guys think! Thanks.
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
I would recommend going to the "seeking a doctor" section and make an appt. with your nearest LLMD.
If I was in your situation, I would definitely be taking the doxy. Something is better than nothing. Maybe you could get enough until you can get into a LLMD.
Posted by elvinchild (Member # 31500) on :
Thank you for the reply. I am a bit concerned about taking the Doxycycline because I don't know if my infection is now permanently resistant to it since some of the bacteria survived the first time I was treated. I also have read antibiotics can weaken the immune system, and I have an unrelated viral infection that could intensify if my immune system is compromised. I guess there are pros and cons to every treatment though, and I have to start somewhere?
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
You could always just concentrate on detox and nutrition for the moment. Maybe you would be more comfortable with doing just that for now?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It is a sign that you did not treat long enough. Doxy will work .. but you have to be on it long enough. It could take months on end to clear the Lyme.
You could also try Biaxin, or Ceftin .. there are tons of other meds. IV is not the only resort.
Also be sure to be checked for coinfections. So... find an LLMD ASAP!!
