Topic: Do you think everyone with Lyme, especially those with pos blood tests
BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
should be automatically treated for the main co-infections? Even without many symptoms pointed to the co's?
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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sparkle7
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No. We really need better testing. I don't think it would be a good idea to take alot of things that could be toxic to the system if we are not ill with a particular ailment.
There's no guarantee that the standard treatments being used for co-infections even work when one has "positive" indications.
It's all trial & error with most of Lyme & co-infection treatment. I think you at least have to have some indication that you may have a co-infection before taking loads of drugs.
Most people here know that I prefer herbal medicinal treatments. I would probably try an herbal medicine before taking a huge quantity of drugs. If you do actually see a bull's eye rash or other clear indication of a co-infection, it's different.
If I had a bull's eye rash - I would take abx immediately. I'm not convinced that abx can help everyone, though - especially in long term cases. Some people with babesia take mepron + zith & still don't get better. It's really expensive & can be damaging to the body.
It all takes some serious consideration. Each case is individual. There is no "one size fit's all" answer.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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BackinStOlaf
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Thank you sparkle. In your opinion/experience, what are good herbs for Bart treatment? I think there is a chance I have Bart but I only have 1 or 2 mild symptoms that could be confused with Lyme. Maybe herbs would be good for me to address it instead of abx. just in case I DON'T have it.
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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sparkle7
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I never had any Bart symptoms - so, I haven't studied it much. You may try looking into Stephen Buhner's protocol or Dr. Zhang...
Some people do well with the herbs & some don't. You have to experiment a bit. The herbs are less toxic & have less side effects in any case. Some people do experience reactions to the herbs but they seem alot less severe than drugs. You can always stop taking them or reduce the dosage.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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BoxerMom
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posted
In my area, all the recent exposures are coming back positive for all the co-infections. The co-infections, like Lyme, used to be more limited in geography. Not anymore. Ticks carry everything.
For chronic infections, I think the symptom picture can be more confusing. I had no typical symptoms of Babs or Bart, but I tested positive for both. The symptoms came up during treatment.
My husband had no typical Babs symptoms and tested negative. Over one year into treatment, he had some new symptoms that we thought could be Babs. He began treatment, and had classic Babesia die-off symptoms.
He feels he is behind in treatment because of the undiagnosed Babs. By treating my Babesia, I've made great progress in my Lyme and Bart. I was the sicker one when we began treatment, but will probably finish before he does.
So, I think it's a judgement call on whether to "treat automatically." Undertreating, or missing a co-infection, leaves patients confused and doubting their diagnoses, because they don't get well. I would rather do a trial run for something we're not sure of than risk missing an infection completely.
sparkle7
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Member # 10397
posted
The herbs may present a way of telling if it's something to look into further. If, for example, you herx when taking an herb for bart or babs - it may be an indication to treat further.
I find it might be confusing with drugs since the side effects can be the same as the symptoms.
I did a bunch of studying when I thought that I may have babesia. I read alot of studies & mepron does not always work. It's toxic & expensive. It has a pretty high rate of relapse - so, you take your chances with it. In a study with dogs - 5 out of 8 dogs treated, relapsed... Relapse can also happen up to 18 months after taking the drugs.
You just have to weigh the options.
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