Hi Michelle, welcome to LymeNet.
I agree with the info you've been given, but want to add a few more things.REACTIONS to antibiotics you've taken before -
could have been a herx because there's a possibility you've had Lyme for some time.
Your immune system could have kept it under control. A recent tick bite would cause the bull's eye rash & shoulder problems you have now.
I've never read that you would have one symptom or the other but not both.
Can't imagine where that idea came from.
Yeast -
Antibiotics kill the good bacteria along with the bad, so it is necessary to replenish the good bacteria in the body by taking acidophilus (from the Health Food Store).
If not, you will develop a systemic yeast infection. Many of the symptoms are the same as drug reactions & symptoms caused by LD. Much better to prevent the problem than to have to deal with it.
Go to www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.htm
Print "Diag Hints & Treat Guidelines..."
32 pages of excellent info.
On pages 24 & 29: Acidophilus info
Dr B recommends taking 2 acidophilus with each meal.
If you're taking your antibiotic (abx) with meals, then plan snacks between meals for the acidophilus.
BE SURE that you have 2 hours between the abx & acidoph - before & after - or it won't be able to work.
I always take my last dose of acidophilus between supper & bedtime. I think it's a good idea to let the acidoph have all night to help the body before you take more abx (& kill it off) in the morning.
Eating yogurt can help, but you won't get enough good bacteria in a cup of yogurt to replenish what's lost.
The yogurt should be sugar-free, non-fruit flavored that contains active cultures.
In Dr B's "Diag Hints....", read his recommendations:
p 16-18: Abx Choices & Treatment Categories
"SPECIALIST" -
I hope the "specialist" you're seeing really is a Lyme Literate Med Dr (LLMD).
I suggest you go to "Seeking a Dr" here on LymeNet. Put your location in the title.
If the specialist's name is e-mailed to you, then you'll know others here have been helped by his treatment protocol.
If his name does NOT come up, then be VERY CAREFUL.
Drs' names are not given on LymeNet unless they've given permission.
Also, on the left, click "Support Groups" & contact those in your state & surrounding states. They will have valuable info, especially concerning LLMDs.
For more info on Lyme & co-infections, check "Links for new LymeNet members" http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html
Let us know what the "specialist" says.
Keep in touch & ask as many questions as you need to ask.
[This message has been edited by cbb (edited 16 June 2004).]