I was recently diagnosed with Lyme Disease. We're not sure how long I have had Lyme but it could be over 15yrs. I am mid way through my doxycycline, after the first few days on it I started feeling better, more energy & much less pain I was able to go for walks again & actually enjoy it. Now for the last couple days my pain has been much worse. I guess I'm just not sure what to expect and my question is - Could this mean the antibiotic isn't keeping up with the bacteria? Should I be feeling worse after being on the antibiotic for 15 days?
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Yes, you can feel worse on treatment for a time. It's called a Herxheimer Reaction.
What dosage of doxy are you on?
Fifteen days is not long in Lyme treatment. If you've had Lyme for 15 years, you may need several years of treatment. Hang in there, Lyme treatment is tough.
Posted by lymemomtooo (Member # 5396) on :
Jenifr,
I am not a dr but think many often feel worse into treatment. It can be the bugs dying, or the toxins released. There should be many posts explaining things about detoxing.
Also in a rare instance, the med might cause a problem such as an allergy.
Also remember to take some probiotics to replenish healthy bacteria.
Make sure you are not also dealing with neuro toxins, such as mold, heavy metals, etc. They can complicate treatment as can another tick borne disease such as bartonella, or babesia. lmt
Posted by AliG (Member # 9734) on :
The spirochetes have a replication cycle of 4-6 weeks.
People with Lyme often experience cyclical "Herxheimer" reactions during ABX treatment.
When the spirochetes try to reproduce, more are killed off. They give off toxins when they die and this causes an increase in existing symptoms or new symptoms.
Mark your calender when you feel worse, if you notice a pattern, you will be able to judge when you are going to feel like dirt, by the cycle.
True Herxheimer reactions should become less severe with each cycle and more improvement should be seen, as greater numbers of spirochetes die off.
If you should notice that you suddenly feel MUCH worse, with symptoms that could be attributable to a co-infection, and improvement seems to stop, it is likely that a co-infection has stepped to the forefront and needs to be addressed.
Are you taking a good probiotic, at least 2-3 hours away from your ABX doses? If not, you should be.
Yeast overgrowth can also cause some problems.
If you notice gastrointestinal upset or a white coating on your tongue, it could be that yeast overgrowth has become an issue.
If that's the case, the LLMD can Rx some Fluconazole or something to address the yeast and you should restrict intake of sugar & simple carbs. (Yeast love them & so do spirochetes)
I'm sorry you're feeling worse. I'm going through that myself right now & I HATE when it happens.
It's so hard, when you start feeling better and then feel worse again. It's very frustrating!
I hope you feel better soon! Ali
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
i'm so sorry you are feeling this way, but the spirochete are being killed off!!
Welcome; i'm so glad you found us!! You've come to the right place for education and support!
Fyi: we have over 1000 viewers daily; 200 - 400 posting/replying; so specific titles get our time/replies. non-specific ones, i sob, scroll on by!
Also, please be very specific in the subject line what you will be discussing so more people will be able to assist you.
Dr. Burrascano's most recent "Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses" @ http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html suggests that you discuss with your doctor continuing treatment until you are symptom free for 2 months.
please see BettyG's newbie package info on the link below; click on link at bottom of my package. Check it out as time permits for you! @ http://tinyurl.com/58eyou Posted by Naomi Adams (Member # 17493) on :
Dear Jenifr:
I am sorry you are having such a hard time. I also had Lyme for many years (seven) before I got a diagnosis and started antibiotics. Now, after fourteen months on antibiotics, I am feeling much, much better!
It was hard getting through the first few months, especially, but I have learned many ways to make it tolerable.
I expect to have at least one more year of treatment, and I am still working hard every day at keeping on top of my treatment and taking care of my body. But I am filled with happiness at how much things have changed for me.
I have a blog that I started a few weeks ago. If you would like to read it, it's at www.lymestory.com
My last post was on detoxing, specifically using Vitamin C and Sea Salt to help with this. It might be very helpful.
Also, I have found magnesium to be very helpful for the aches and pains, and to help with sleep.
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