My 17 yo daughter was diagnosed in 02/10. Began tx on Mino only. She has the 3 B's + Erlichea + 2 pneumonias and systemic candida.
Changed Docs and has been on multiple abx combinations. She was getting better and then in December of last year began having terrible GI issues after a big herx on Alinia.
So for the last 6 months she hasn't been able to tolerate much of anything in the way of abx.
Back on SS Bactrim last month. Symptoms are back worse than they were when she first began tx. Now Doc wants to get her on a Bart program (DS Bactrim, Rifampin and Zith). The first month back on Bactrim was OK, but in the last week her gut is giving her big problems!
There is no way that she can get on the 3 abx and keep them down or take them wihtout excruciating pain following shortly.
She's on the 'diet'. She takes VSL #3 or other good probiotics. She drinks lots of water and water with lemon. She's doing what she's supposed to.
Our doc is a LLND so she is also on supportive supplements.
I don't see how she is ever going to get well if she can't take abx. It seems like after a year on tx she beat the bugs down, but not nearly enough; and without being able to keep the blood levels at a consistent level, the bugs have taken over!
I know that she can't be the only one with this problem. I would really like to hear what others have done in this situation.
I am wondering if it's time for IV or at least Bicillin/Flagyl/Mepron... I am at my wits end and could really use some support and ideas. Thank you!
Posted by beths (Member # 18864) on :
I had horrible stomach issues-I was waking up every morning with the dry heaves-I realize now it's more a herx from babesia than actual stomach problems.
That said, I see a wonderful acupuncturist who gave me some herbs which really help my nausea and keeping food down. Find a good chinese herbalist-realy helped me.
I had lost 17 lbs and couldn't afford to lose anymore!
Posted by jbaer (Member # 31938) on :
If your that set on antibiotics, I would go with IV if her stomach is that bad. Do not take flagyl, that tears up the stomach more than anything.
Diet is also important. Make sure she is eating small, clean meals.
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
If it were me, I would try IV. My daughter was on orals for a year. We are now trying IV and so far everything is going well.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Has she been taking her antibiotics with food, in the middle of her meal? That can help.
It also helps me to have some carbs with my meal when I take my antibiotics. I've just learned this from personal experience.
Avoid drinking sodas or any carbonated beverages. Those can aggravate stomach pain.
DGL can help sooth and heal the stomach and esophagus. Chew the tablets approx 20min before your meals. I personally like the Enzymatic Therapy brand "DGL Ultra". They work well.
Stomach pain and nausea can be caused by reflux/ GERD. If DGL doesn't help, ask your doctor if it's ok to try OTC omeprazole (Prilosec). It can help reduce the amount of acid and allow the stomach time to heal. You may only need to take it for 2-4wks.
Some medicines are so irritating that you may need to take the omeprazole for the duration of your antibiotic treatment. I needed to take it the whole time I was on Rifampin.
IV antibiotics are not always easier on the stomach. They can cause severe nausea and abd pain too.
Posted by glm1111 (Member # 16556) on :
LymeMom,
I am pretty sure I responded to you when you sent me a pm. I suggested antiparasitics because of the big role they play in Lyme disease, and can cause huge G.I. problems.
Dr. K. recommends and says parasites are a much bigger problem than Lyme. Is there a reason why you don't want to try this alternative? It could save your daughters life, I know it did mine.