LymeNet Flash: Herxing General Info & Videos of Me Herxing

This is topic Herxing General Info & Videos of Me Herxing in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by swachsler (Member # 18155) on :

Howdy all.

I haven't been active on Lymenet for quite a while, except to periodically try to get LLMD referrals for friends in other states.

Anyway, even though I've been treating Lyme & Co for several years, many friends and family members still don't really understand herxing. They often think I'm referring to a drug side effect.

So, I videotaped myself at the beginning and end of an infusion to show what a herx is like, and I also provided information about what a herx is, how it's different than a drug side effect, and how I can tell the difference between a herx and a bad reaction to a drug.

I am hoping this post will also be useful to other Lymies, their friends and families, and possibly to doctors who want to learn more about TBDs, their effects and treatment.

The videos are of me infusing a new, higher dose of Rifampin. The post is called What a Bartonella Herx Looks Like, and you can find it here:

http://aftergadget.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/bartonella-rifampin-herx/

Posted by canadianmama (Member # 36298) on :

Thank you for sharing. Very interesting to see a herx in action.

Posted by swachsler (Member # 18155) on :

Thanks, CanadianMama. I hope it's useful to you or others here.

Posted by KentuckyWoman (Member # 38894) on :

Thanks Swachler for sharing this.

I am about to begin treatment for lyme soon. Detoxing and liver prep right now.
One step at a time. I do suspect Bart at times from all I've researched.

This video is AMAZING. Hugs to you for sharing this. Very informative and useful.
[group hug]

Posted by swachsler (Member # 18155) on :

Hi KW. Good luck with your treatment. If you're doing oral abx, usually the herx comes on much slower than IV, and IME it also lasts longer.

In case you haven't already heard this (I hadn't, when I started), I *strongly* recommend starting doses (regardless of whether it's oral, IV, IM, etc.) at quarter- or half-doses and then ramping up as you tolerate them.

I didn't realize how brutal and damaging herxes could be, and I was so determined to go full-speed-ahead that I started several full-strength treatments at once. Now I start at a quarter dose and then raise it incrementally as the herx subsides.

For example, the video was taken on the day I started my full-strength dose for the first time. But I'd started 4 weeks earlier on a quarter dose and then gone up to a half and then three-quarters. My herxing had been more severe when I started a half dose.

Take good care.

Posted by KentuckyWoman (Member # 38894) on :

Thanks S

I believe this is exactly what my Dr plans on doing with me. One at a time, a little at a time all the while watching my liver function, detoxing and boosting my immune system.

You pegged me though. I was prepared to whoop this thing full speed ahead until Dr "Reason" got hold of me. [Wink]

He's a good one i think. [Smile]

Posted by jjourneys (Member # 39813) on :

thank you so much for this information! It was very informative.

thank you

Posted by Tricky Tickey (Member # 26546) on :

Thanks for sharing this very informative video!!! I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time with this.....I do understand. There is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise.

I remember while I was in treatment for early disseminated Lyme, I made a video diary of my experience. One of the videos was of a herx, but not as severe as yours. I'm reminded daily how fortunate I was to have begun treatment 2 months after infection, which gave me a better chance of recovery.

I pray for a speedy recovery for you!