Last week, I actually had a few good days in a row! I mean this NEVER happens anymore, and I was almost afraid to say it aloud. Well, I went to bed feeling fine on Thursday night, and I woke up with a full blown respiratory virus or infection of some kind. No other cold symptoms, just the complete tightness in the chest, hurting when I cough a deep, deep cough, and that horrible feeling like there is poison inside of my chest when I cough. I am also really dizzy.
I could not sleep almost all night on Friday night. Last night, I slept much better, but today I woke up much worse. My chest is burning.
I have not had a bronchial virus or actual bronchitis in MANY years. In fact, since not working in the classroom, anymore, (I work from home), I rarely get "this kind of sick." Unfortunately, this time it got me, and bad.
I was prescribed tetracycline for a boil I had on my thigh. I now also have the same boil returning. The last time I took it, I didn't know I had Lyme, and my Lyme symptoms were not as bad. I am on a completely natural protocol for the Lyme disease, so have never tried antibiotics.
I know tetracycline isn't the typical choice for Lyme disease, but my question is: If I take the tetracycline for the boil (and I also read on the website that it can target respiratory infections, including pneumonia and this might NOT be just a virus, so I could kill two birds with one stone) will I herx? Because, with all I am going through, that is all I need.
Planned to visit my mom this coming weekend, too, but if I am still sick or even a chance of being contagious, I have to cancel my trip. She goes to FL Dec to April, so I like to see her at least once a month while she is here (only 2 hours away). So, I am really kind of bummed here, not to mention we are having the best weather we have had so far this fall, sunshine and mid-70s, and I love being outdoors when I can.
Do I dare try the tetracycline? What do you think? I have no time or patience for being "this kind of sick!" Posted by HopesAlive (Member # 29774) on :
Oh! I forgot to add that I have NO medical insurance right now, so going to the doctor is NOT an option unless I get much worse. Thus, the question.
Plus, I have only had this for going on day three, and around here, if you haven't been sick for like two weeks, they tell you it is "just a virus," and send you home, because they hesitate to prescribe antibiotics. So, going to the doctor would likely only result in being told to go home and rest and drink lots of fluids, which I am doing anyway.
Just wanted to add that.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would try it myself.
As for the boil, I had one developing several months ago and didn't want to take abx, so I put castor oil (like a pack) on it every night. It gradually got better and better and finally went away in 10 days.
Do THAT and the tetra!
hope you get to see your mom!!
--PS-- you're not on any other antibiotics??
Posted by HopesAlive (Member # 29774) on :
Thank you, Lymetoo (and for such a prompt response, too!). I am just so afraid of herxing since I have not tried abx yet.
I have used hot packs for boils, but not the castor oil, so thanks for that advice, too.
I am soooo darn sick that I can't believe it. I used to get viruses in the winter that would just hang on forever, but this is just ridiculous. It is such a gorgeous day, and here I am in bed, too dizzy to get up and do much. Yesterday, I didn't believe I could feel worse, but today I do. Again, I have NO time or patience for this, but it is obviously out of my control, so I just have to try to concentrate on getting better.
Thanks, again! Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :
Lots of bad colds going around. We have been passing one around my family for two weeks. One by one we got sick. I usually don't get sick like this either. I welcome the immune response I guess.
I was in bed most of the day yesterday. Mine is in my chest and head. I also have been very dizzy and malaise. Could be the head cold, or in my case mepron herxing. I say it is a little of both. I hope you feel better !
Posted by HopesAlive (Member # 29774) on :
Once school begins, the illnesses begin, too, around here. I am rarely ill in the summer. Just doesn't seem fair that we have to get colds, flus, viruses when we are already fighting for our health and our strength, does it?
My son is staying with me, and I keep telling him to wash his hands, don't touch his face, etc. I don't want anyone to catch this from me! Mine is all in the chest, so far, and it hurts so.
I hope you, and your family, get well soon, too!
Posted by LymeGoAway (Member # 25041) on :
Do you have a fever? Just be careful that you don't have pneumonia. I know of several people in my area who came down with it and got very ill very quickly.
Posted by HopesAlive (Member # 29774) on :
LGA: I am very strange when it comes to fevers. My normal body temp is typically low, and I rarely get a fever, even when I have a flu, strep throat, or any type of virus. Sometimes, I will get a "low grade" fever in the afternoons, just out of the blue, but not typical when I am sick. I always thought this was strange, and maybe to do with Lyme? I can have full blown strep and no fever. Maybe NOT a good sign.
Funny you should ask about the fever, because I did just get out my themometer (sp?) just in case. Pneumonia DID enter my mind, but I did have a flu-induced pneumonia only ONCE in my life, several years ago, and I remember that it hurt SO bad to even try to breathe. I suppose there are different forms and levels of severity, though, as I know there are viral AND bacterial forms.
I WILL go to a doctor or urgent care if I keep getting worse, instead of better, but I hate to add another medical bill to my long list, so trying to treat at home first. I am puzzled by how quickly this came on. I mean, usually when I become ill I will have SOME symptoms the day before, if even feeling especially fatigued, and I was actually have a rare GOOD day the day before.
Thanks for your concern. I do appreciate it, and I will keep everyone posted. Posted by robbiem (Member # 32092) on :
Hi Hope
Back a couple of years ago, after being diagnosed, my LLMD put me on Tetracycaline.
I wasn't even up to the standard dose that he wanted me to take - was starting slowly.
About a week into it, I got slammed hard with respiratory symptoms. Like I was coming down with the flu or a really bad cold. Burning lungs, couldn't catch my breath, nose pouring, I could not sleep the first two nights of it. In fact I had to stop for a couple of days because it was so bad. I seriously was afraid I was going to end up in the ER or worse.
I was herxing. And I'm wondering if you aren't actually too since it sounds so similar to the way I reacted when I was first put on antibiotics.
Mind you, I was on and off herbal stuff for about 5+ years prior to being put on the medication. So it wasn't as if I came in without having treated some of the infection prior.
Perhaps stop the tetra and wait and see what happens?
Good luck Robbie
Posted by HopesAlive (Member # 29774) on :
Sounds similar, but opposite. I wasn't taking anything but my 100% natural protocol when I came down with the respiratory infection.
After two days of this (this is day three) I though of taking the Tetracycline, because that is the only thing I have around.
I hope it doesn't do that to me, on top of what I am already feeling.
I plan to take for 7 to 10 days, because this would be advised for what I usually take the tetra for.
Not using it to treat the Lyme, so much, but still worried about possible herx.
I have only taken one dose of the tetra and that was this morning and only to try to clear up an infection I already had.
Sorry if I wasn't clear on that. Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
Let's see...Pneumonia?/ pill/ infection??pill
It's not fun having Pneumonia get untreated at beginning and then end up in hospital... was sick with mine over 6 months because not caught early. Included 7 days in hospital.
You'll know pretty quick if it goes to Herx rather than heal...
Not a doctor ,but I would take the pill. If going to doctor is to much $$$$ now ., just think what it could be ...
:rolleyes
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
Plus does it help you to take high dose emulsion vit ,C when Herxing?????
One doctor who tried the silver IV stuff on me said that's what they would do if I started to herx..Or shoot some into the tube...
OK now for the Georgian (REP of) add on..
Dice an onion , put in jar add 2 teaspoons sugar. let set for several hours (over night) .. This creates a juice/liquid whatever.. Take 2-3 table spoons 3 x's a day..Or just spoon in through out the day . Nonna
Posted by robbiem (Member # 32092) on :
No problem, Hope.
Just take it slow and hope you are feeling better soon.
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