I've been on Rifampin now over 3 weeks along with Clarithromycin for Bartonella. Tested positive for Relapsing Fever too.
How long do these herxes last for? I am getting worse and I know that is a good thing obviously, but how much longer? I understand there is no magic answer as everyone is different, but in general.
It's getting absolutely debilitating regardless of the detox methods I am doing. Doesn't help I just got over a 2 day migraine.
Thanks
Posted by Garz (Member # 52095) on :
i have Lyme and Bart as far as i can tell and i have had herx like symptoms continue for several weeks -
once when treating with herbs (sida and berberine) for what i thought were gut issues ( thought SIBO/dysbiosis at the time - but now think more likely just Bart driven) this lasted for about 3 months and had to stop as was not seeing any benefit - but after i stopped things were better for a few weeks.
with Doxy, Azithromycin and Rifampicin combined ( i started each about 1 month apart the herx was milder for me and tolerable - but lasted around 6 weeks from each.
it's highly variable from person to person and not very well understood at the detail level.
the general consensus seems to be to increase detox measures - but if still intolerable to decrease dose or stop completely before resuming at lower dose - then working back up gradually.
detox measures include -drinking lots of clean water eg >3 litres /day -glutathione or glutathione boosters ( Alpha lipoic acid, NAC, maybe MSM also? ) -epsom salt baths -sauna -skin brushing or scrubbing -herbal detox enhancers ( usually liver tonics ) like Milk thistle seed, Dandelion root, Burdock root, parsley etc ) -lemon water -binders like various clays, activated charcoal, pectin, zeolite, and pharmaceutical ones like Cholestyramine -probably more i have forgotten - but should include ultra clean diet ( as the less toxins you put in - the less load on your suystem and teh better it will cope - generally v low sugar and no processed foods is a good start.
there is plenty to go at - and different things work for different people - so a matter of experimentation to find what works for you
Posted by S13 (Member # 42830) on :
quote:Originally posted by Kristyn: I am getting worse and I know that is a good thing obviously
Yeah thats the mindset that got me nowhere in my early years of treating lyme... I dont get where this myth comes from that you should feel worse and worse on treatment, and then get some relief after you stop. Obviously you feel better after stopping a treatment that makes you feel like crap. But that doesnt mean the treatment was successful in any way.
A treatment is supposed to make you feel better, not worse. And yes there is a thing called a herxheimer that could take a couple of hours to a day perhaps, sometimes repeating every few weeks. But feeling like crap for weeks and weeks has nothing to do with a herxheimer.
Posted by overlyme (Member # 43455) on :
been on rifampin for 9 months now
Posted by overlyme (Member # 43455) on :