luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
As many of you know, I have primarily been treating my lyme with homeopathy with only a brief foray into abx which resulted in a fast allergic reaction to flagyl.
I also want to point out that I have not been a faithful patient with the homeopathic treatment. Many times I would skip the weekly dose which always caused the most herx because I would have something important coming up which I didn't want to miss. Also there was a 4 week period where I took absolutely nothing.
This happened following an initial test for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) which tested positive and I was afraid the homeopathy had over-stimulated my immune system.
30 days into homeopathy, my hot flashes, brain fog (major), shortterm memory problems and migraines completely cleared up. I was always considered inteligent by my peers, so the brain fog was very difficult for me. Now, I can tell my cognitive abilities are sharper than ever. My memory is practically faultless. Recent blood work done by the Rheumatologist showed my vitamin levels to be really good with no anemia (I have enjoyed very good energy through this entire illness)
Where the homeopathy failed me is in resolving the joint pain. This was nearly gone (95%) when the RA test came back positive and I stopped all homeopathy. Since that time, my joint pain has increased and joints in my hands are becoming affected. Starting back on the homeopathy has not helped.
The second RA test showed a moderate positive which was only 4 pts from being severe positive. It was very frightening to me. Many people here assured me it is really Lyme and gave me names of doctors who spoke of this at Lyme conferences and said when the Lyme clears so does the RA. My LLMD treating me homeopathically was also unconcerned saying he has seen it before and it will go away. Just stay the course.
This reassured me for about a minute, but as you know, when you are the one suffering, hearing "I'm not concerned, stay the course" is not really very reassuring. I feel he should have set an appt to re-evaluate me and discuss some other avenues in addition to the homeopathy.
The Rheumy wants to put me on Methotrexate which is an immune suppressant drug. This certainly would stop the immediate attack on my joints and would give me immediate pain relief, but I feel would allow the bacterias to run amuck.
I never severed contact with my 2nd opinion LLMD (who sent me to the rheumy to begin with) I discussed this with him and he had never heard of Methotrexate (its only been around 30 years). I also discussed heavy metal toxicity and root canal issues (sigh, I just hate it when GiGi brings that one up but with 5 root canals, I figured I should address it). The dr immediately referred me to a dentist in D.C. who specializes in amalgam removal and Lyme disease.
I met with this dentist yesterday and was so impressed with his knowledge. He follows Dr K and performed the ART analysis which showed mercury toxicity and 4 of the 5 root canals have heavy infection as well as the cavitations in my jaw from wisdom tooth removal. So that course is ahead for me. I was having such a bad day, I could barely walk (I have really digressed in the last month) and was actually excited to hear I had bacteria infection as it gives me some hope.
This dentist said something very profound. He said "You can't get dry by toweling off while the shower is still running. You have to first turn off the shower, then you can get dry". In other words, neither homeopathy nor abx nor herbs nor any other single approach is going to work as long as the source of the bacteria is still intact. We have heard this wisdom from GiGi.
He also said, you will never eliminate all lyme bacteria or mycoplasma or yeast, etc. That is impossible. You just have to knock it down and increase the good bacteria to keep it in check.
There is no one thing to get well, it requires addressing all areas of the body (echos of GiGi) The gut is the most important and he stresses probiotics. I am currently doing probiotic enemas as well as oral.
I asked him how is the Lyme connected to RA. Is it immitating it or did it cause RA to occur. He said "What is RA? It is not a bacteria or a virus. RA is not a disease, it is the name for a disorder where the immune system is attacking the joints. Lyme is a bacteria. It is a disease and it is what is causing the immune system to attack itself." So I do have hope that if I can clear up the Lyme, the RA will go away too.
Since I am in grave danger of permanent joint damage from this Lyme induced RA, I am more concerned at the moment in arresting the RA. I have been reading studies of an infection connection in RA that was conducted from 1930's to 1960's by a harvard research team lead by Dr Thomas Brown. See www.roadback.org. He had a 70% success rate in arresting RA by using low dose antibiotics in the Tetracycline family. The dose is much lower than traditionally used for Lyme, but it is not contraindicated for Lyme and Minocycline is the abx of choice. Many people are responding very well to it and luckily, my rheumy was willing to let me try this although he stressed that it is an "old" treatment method and inferior to today's drugs (immune supressants)
I am hoping this low dose (very safe) treatment will hold back the bacteria enough to stop any joint damage until I can remove the amalgams, pull the root canals and go through the detox program.
Dentist says my constitution appears very strong and should handle the surgery and treatments very well. I credit the homeopathy totally for this.
I am not choosing to continue with the homeopathic dr at this point just due to the fact I am working currently with 4 drs and need to eliminate some costs. The rheumy is totally covered by insurance, so he is a great avenue as long as he is willing. He will provide the low dose antibiotics. I am going to check with the 2nd opinion LLMD to see if he can prescribe the homeopathic remedies specific to B vitamins and trace minerals as well as some others for mood enhancement. I know these were instrumental in my good energy throughout this ordeal.
I am very hopeful that once the hive of the bacteria is removed and metal toxicity is removed, recovery will be rapid.
I am toying with the idea (I know this won't be popular) of taking the Methotraxate just temporarily to stop the attack on the joints until these other approaches can be put into place. I will see if the Minocycline brings relief or herx. If herx, I'm trying the MTX as I do not want permenant joint damage.
Ok. Long I know, but there is my update. I do want to point out that much of my treatment is having to be initiated by me which is disheartening. Why did homeopathic dr not suggest diet alteration (this has been very helpful), possible tooth involvment?
Why did 2nd LLMD not test me with ART when he is trained in it and why did he look at my mouth and say "only two amalgams, no toxicity here"?
And I really can't understand why Rheumies are so resistent to anything at all since they readily admit "We don't know what causes RA and we don't know how to cure it". They never will know if they keep snubbing all the studies showing possible causes such as bacterial infection.
If you aren't researching your disease and actively discussing all options with your doctor (I know I'm preaching to the choir on this one) you may never get well. Lyme doctors are so busy, they can miss things.
Another thing I have learned from the RA research is that you don't have to endure horrific herxing. Just reduce your dose and go at it a little more slowly. Herxing can be very hazardous to your health.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Luvs, good for you. Getting this mouth stuff will help your body heal. I really need to go there this year.
As far as the trace minerals you are looking for...read Gigi posts on Mt Capra Goat Mineral Whey. I've been doing it for several months now and it really helps with stamina.
It's tasty too.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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valymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7076
posted
You, Gigi & map always bring so much to our attention - of benefit. Thanks.
How long is it going to take for you to have your dental work?
Posts: 1240 | From Centreville,VA | Registered: Mar 2005
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
My next appt is April 11. He could have seen me earlier but my husband and I are opening a new business Mar 1 and the 2nd week of April was the first I could get away.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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oxygenbabe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5831
posted
Luvs, thanx for the update, I was wondering. I spoke with someone in your doc's office though not him specifically. I'm sorry to hear it has been difficult, and I know it is so scary when it's your own body, to "stay the course"--and who knows whether you will damage yourself or not. I know I have abandoned therapies I felt were bad for me when others said "stay the course" (such as the Doug coil machine), and did not regret it.
On the other hand, the different specialists you are seeing are all SO different that, it is a smorgasbord. Rheumy wants to suppress the symptoms, LLMD probably to give abx, and homeopath to work that way.
I wouldn't fault any of them for not being comprehensive, as they each have their specialty.
I would argue against methotrexate. I do know another lymie who did the abx for a few years and then went to the rheumy for "R.A." (and it was definitely lyme, which she got at a summer party in the Hamptons), and now is on immunesuppressive drugs, they do allow her a "life" but she has to monitor her white blood cell count as it sometimes gets too low, and her liver, well basically to me these drugs are a last resort when pain is unbearable. Something like minocycline downregulates inflammation and is good for lyme too and probably a better choice?
I was hoping you would report you are well! It gives me a bit of pause and yet we will never know if the homeopathy would have cleared up the R.A. if you'd stayed with it. I'm sorry your doc wasn't more empathetic about your fears.
I also think the doc who said you just have to keep lyme in check does not understand it. These docs do not understand what a virulent bug it, plus coinfections, can be.
It *is* a good idea to fix the teeth though, I think.
Thanx for keeping us posted and please do so again!
Posts: 2276 | From united states | Registered: Jun 2004
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Went to my chiropractor today who does Bioset which is what first found my lyme. She tested for heavy metals and I was very high for all the mercuries as well as aluminum, arsenic and silver.
Getting those almagams out and detoxing seems to be in order.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Sent you mail. No homeopathic is going to undo the damage that five root canals can do. I know you are understanding that now, but for the rest of you, don't kid yourself. A root canal is a killer tooth. Mercaptans and thioethers are carcinogens produced by that kind of supposedly repaired tooth.
There is research by Boyd Haley on the cavitation toxins, these thioethers. They are more potent toxins than any other toxic substance ever looked at in the human condition. Much more potent than mercury. Much more potent than arsenic or any of the other substances we know about.
Taking care of the root canals is primary, after removal of the amalgam. That should be done first. Then root canals and cavitations, if any. Nothing else works until the source is removed. The dentist is correct in that regard.
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Gigi,
Thanks for all the information you bring to lymenet. I would not have known about the root canals without it.
I have always taken great care of my body and my teeth. I was known as the health nut. Just seems so ridiculous that I should end up with a chronic illness.
I hate to lose my teeth, but if it will help me get well, then I want to do it.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
Hey, luvs2ride, thanks for the update!
Sorry you won't be able to continue with the Homeopathic doc at this time. I was hoping he would come up with some insight and ideas.
I hope you will talk to your doc(s) before doing the methotraxate and the minocycline together. If I understand the bacteriostatic antibiotics correctly (minocycline is one of those), it won't kill the bacteria directly. It only inhibits the growth of the bacteria to allow your own immune system to attack and kill the bugs. You may be ``shooting yourself in the foot'' if you take an immune suppressant drug at the same time. Just something to consider. (And perhaps I misunderstood what you said.)
Well, I hope you will keep us posted. I am interested in how this all works out for you.
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Hi Everyone,
I'm getting lots of feedback on the Methotrexate and everyone agrees "NO". I agree to. Shutting off my only defense system seems just plain dumb.
It's just sometimes I get tired of the pain and something that promises relief is just so tempting.
I'm not gonna do it though. I promise.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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