I'm just wondering whether LLMD's are receptive to adding antivirals, if necessary?
What's your experience with this?
Posted by marypart (Member # 27012) on :
My son has chronic HPV-6 and CMV his LLMD has him on Valtrex and is considering Valcyte.
So yes, some do.
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
My old MO LLMD sure wasn't. He said all viral issues would just disappear once you beat Lyme/TBIs. Not sure if I believe that at all, but I never beat it so who knows. Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Seekhelp posted while I was writing. I have heard of some LLMDs who think that if you treat lyme, all else will fall into place.
Others think you need to address other infections so that lyme can be more easily managed.
From what I've read, I'd say most certainly are open to anti-virals, when warranted. If you have a diagnosis of such, it just makes sense.
These can be hard on the liver, though. And that is to be considered. There may be certain herbals that can help but it's best to have that be addressed by someone expert in the virus that concerns you.
It's always best to read from the top experts for all the different infections that are one's plate.
Scroll down to see TIMACA's thread on other tests those with lyme should consider. -
Posted by showmemom (Member # 34213) on :
Our LLMD is not much for dealing with it, so that is why we are adding in an immunologist.
Posted by twicebitten (Member # 5412) on :
Mine did. He had my dd and I both on anti-virals for several years. I'm not sure if they helped a whole lot, but at least we were trying.
I guess each doc has their own beliefs about it.
Best of luck!
Posted by aperture (Member # 34822) on :
Thanks guys for your input. I'm just trying to cover all the bases.
Posted by aperture (Member # 34822) on :
I'm impressed that my LLMD just told me that viruses play an important role in chronic Lyme disease.
I don't know if I will need antivirals or not, due to high HHV6 and Coxsackie B 3 levels, but I'm glad he/she recognizes that they do play a role.
I am hopeful. A little bit of hope goes a long way when dealing with the misery caused by these pathogens.
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
Dr. K. always addresses viral problems with the idea that unless one addresses all, total healing is questionable. If viruses are not a problem from the start, usually, as some of the bacterial pathogens are lowered, toxic metals treated, viral infections show up and are definitely treated.
Take care.
Posted by manybites (Member # 33750) on :
My ND created some type of mix of herbals to lower the viruses in me .They exsploded while I was in parasite cleansing and killed some large parasites.Yes they need to be addressed as well.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- showmemom,
You say: "Our LLMD is not much for dealing with it, so that is why we are adding in an immunologist." (end quote)
Unless that immunologist is ILADS educated and totally lyme literate, you could find yourself tossed against a brick wall.
Even if assessing other things, any doctor any of us sees cannot be the best doctor even in their disciple (dealing with another matter) if they are ignorant about how the body is affected by lyme & other tick-borne infections.
One appointment and some basic tests might be of help but, for any other treatment to work, it has to be from someone who understands the big picture.
At the very least, be sure that immunologist is fully aware of all of Garth Nicholson's work on mycoplasmas; knowledgeable about HHV-6 and Cpn.
Not even LLMDs can be expert in all the other stealth infections, still, any doctor who works with anyone in this population should be able to at least have a good idea of the big picture.
I've been to a couple of immunologists and each created a disaster. One told me (as I kept falling) that I just needed to get out and walk more. Another told me to "cheer up" -
another discounted my questions about celiac because the skin test for wheat was just marginal. Turns out, I did test positive years later with a different doctor who did a DNA celiac test.
Beware of specialists. Just find out as much as you can about their scope before committing to an appointment. Most simply do not believe in ANY kind of chronic stealth infection, whatsoever.
Most don't consider the high likelihood of parasites, especially in those with lyme (as ticks carry parasites).
Most also simply don't have education in nutrition so as to know about some of the deficiencies that often affect those with lyme.
Most don't acknowledge heavy metals or even MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities). Now, you might think they would understand that but it's way off their radar, even for immunologists or allergy specialists. I found this out, over and over and it took a huge toll on me.
Diagnosing Lyme Disease (and/or whatever else it might be)
Scroll down to see Timaca's Thread there. It is very important and has links for mycoplasma, HHV-6, Cpn, Parvovirus, etc. -
Posted by ktkdommer (Member # 29020) on :
My son who needs it is on Valtrex. Viruses were tested as part of routine initial Lyme labs.
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