posted
my initial instinct is to go to an llmd and have them treat this AGGRESSIVELY, but i am scared of the "die-off" effects of antibiotics and of getting more ill and more depressed.
antibiotic treatment or experimenting with vitamins and supplements and diet/nutrition? how do i decide?
if i go the alternative experimentation route am i risking making myself sicker by allowing room for whatever infections/co-infections i may have to reach a more advanced stage?
i'm not sure where to go from here.
(background: i was infected in 2006. i never had a confirmed diagnosis but was in the country for 11 days and had a bull's-eye rash that appeared on my lower back.
i had several other symptoms along with the rash. no flu, but joint and muscle pain, dizzy spells, brain fog and memory loss.
i never saw an llmd. a gp gave me antibiotics for only 2 1/2 weeks and most of the symptoms dissipated but i have never been quite "well" since.
acute symptoms now seem to be returning in the form of muscle pain, extreme fatigue, frequent vaginal yeast infections, depression, flu-like systems that come and go, allergies, brain fog, memory loss, etc...)
i'm scared and new to this and overwhelemed and don't know what approach to take.
i am also WITHOUT health insurance AND i am unemployed (but looking) so money is obviously a major issue and a huge stressor as i have no real means of financial support.
thank you for any help/advice. best to all of you.
Posts: 3 | From New York City | Registered: Nov 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Sorry you find yourself is such a rough place. There are truly some enormous decisions all the way around. One step at a time, though . . . and you will get through this.
As you suspect, it's true that this is nothing to experiment with on your own. Just trying to get your body stronger will have you falling way short. While that is important, it is much more complex.
Good medicine is what works. Most LL ND (naturopathic doctors) also use antibiotics. The difference is that most LL NDs are excellent with knowing how to support and protect the liver.
But, many LLMDs also consider liver support as essential.
The key is having a doctor who can teach you how to AVOID a herx or, at least, manage that with good liver support.
Whatever you do, any alternative protocol MUST take into account all the science regarding lyme, it's phases, stages and forms - as well as all the other tick-borne infections.
Any ND you see MUST be lyme literate and it would be best if also a member of ILADS or ILADS educated so that they have the science knowledge.
Now, all that said, the fact of financial affordability is not lost on me. So, if you simply can't afford a doctor, you'll have to read all you can and talk to those in your local support group to find what doctors may be available to you, somehow.
If there is anyone in your life who is in the position to help you get the care you need, you might ask. This is your life we are talking about here and detailed care is essential to your future.
This is a very time-consuming trek on your own - and it can be overwhelming. I don't want to add to that, however, if you are considering doing this on your own, all the links listed below are just a place to begin with a basic understanding of the task at hand.
It's best to have the eyes and brain of an experienced doctor. It's not the best bet being one's own doctor. However, if that is the only choice due to funds, I suggest beginning with Burrascano's absolute rules for self-care. A gluten-free diet is also a very good help.
Then compare, side-by-side, the books by Zhang and Buhner. Always read from several sources regarding any choice you make. For instance:
[ 11-12-2009, 05:19 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Backing up . . . it is important to first read through all this so that you have this knowledge base as you make your decisions and comparisons:
The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) provides a forum for health science professionals to share their wealth of knowledge regarding the management of Lyme and associated diseases.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Here are some of the main complementary considerations:
Some patients here use (or incorporate) the Cowden protocol. However, my doctor feels the alcohol tinctures are too hard on my liver so I've never explored Cowden. You can find it easily with a Google search.
posted
Short background on me so you know where I'm coming from. I took abx 20 months, quit them, did an alternative treatment and am now in remission. So, you KNOW I'm coming from a strong, pro-alternative perspective.
Go to the LLMD and get on the aggressive abx. Unless you are going to a well-trained alternative practitioner who knows how to deal with Lyme Disease.
Doing supps, etc. on your own is not enough. You can find LLMD's who will also prescribe herbs, etc. in conjunction with your abx.
You can read about my treatment history in my blog listed below. Start at last Oct. and read forward.
Good luck! Don't be afraid. Treatment is tough, but getting sicker is worse!
Oh, and you should do the diet/nutrition/exercise/sunshine/detox no matter what protocol you go on!!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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