Looking for straight answers from those who have had Bartonella tx?
I've been dx'd with Lyme and Bart. Have just done 7 weeks of oral/IV for Lyme with NO response.
I have supportive bloodwork from Igenex for Lyme but Bartonella seems a FAR more likely infection in my case (geographic locale/many outdoor cats/family members that have HAD Bart!)
My main sx's are nerve pain, anxiety, tinnitus insomnia - all at 39 years old, yet I could see this brewing for a number of years!
QUESTION: What should I know about the common Bart tx's Rifampin and Levaquin? I know of the levaquin tendon issues which scare me!
What can you share in terms of dose, duration, successes, failures, other treatments etc.
Anxious to treat the right condition...I may have Lyme, but certainly haven't responded to expensive IV!
Thanks kindly, MBB3
Posts: 247 | From The Country | Registered: Oct 2007
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Rianna
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11038
posted
You say you have been on IV although what were you on?
For Bart you will need Rifampin or Levaquin or similar, there are also many other options
Lyme does not normally respond well to treatment until Bartonella has been addressed
I am on IV Rocephin and IV Rifampin + Iv Glutathione for detox
Also 7 weeks of IV is nowhere near long enough to see any response, often you will need many months and in some cases years of switching IV AB's depending on the length of time you have been infected.
To answer Rianna: I've been on 4G Daily of Rocephin, 4 days per week, plus alternating oral flagyl/tindamax and azithromycin for 2 weeks.
My primary complaint is burning skin that is totally intolerant to heat or pressure - terrible in my feet and palms, but can affect much of the body. Slight relief from Gabapentin and almost TOTAL relief by movement.
If not for this nerve pain, I would feel completely fine and healthy.
Do people have this burning skin with untreated Bartonella?
Thank for any help, MBB3
Posts: 247 | From The Country | Registered: Oct 2007
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lyme in Putnam
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11561
posted
My doc treats bart with zithromax. Also on IV rocephin for the lyme. Neuro issues. Good luck.
-------------------- He took u to it, He'll you through Posts: 2837 | From NE. | Registered: Apr 2007
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Rifampin and low dose Flagyl worked for me. Been off all antibiotics for 3 1/2 years now.
My only advice on Rifampin is to START SLOW. It's a capsule formula - dump some out in the beginning (of course after consulting with your doctor).
It's a TB med but works on Bart. It makes your saliva and urine orange (because it's a TB med and most TB patients are in a clinic/ward - what better way to check and see if they took their meds than to check for organe pee?).
It gets the critters fast, and you need time to get used to it.
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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