posted
At least now you know!! I know someone who used to post here who got well and moved on once she was dxd with brucella! It was the key to her recovery!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Wow! Any idea how you got it?
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
| IP: Logged |
fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
Thanks TUTU. I think this is important for those who have made no progress treating babs.
TF - I have no idea where I got it. I have been to lots of farms. When I was a kid my Dad used to take me to his friends horse farm. I also went horseback riding alot.
So I guess it wasn't babs. I can't wait to send my Doc the results.
Any others have success treating ?
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
| IP: Logged |
CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749
posted
Brucella treatment is just like bartonella. So those who got well with that combo may have treated it without realizing it.
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I tested a pretty high positive on both IgG and IgM in mid-Nov. Took Doxy/Rifampin for 2 months until I had to take an abx break. I re-tested a few weeks ago and now test negative. I think I have a chronic form, though. So I get re-checked with titer levels in a few days.
-------------------- aperture Posts: 551 | From Louisville, KY | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'd really love to know which labs test for brucella *properly,* esp. for chronic forms.
Everything I have read says the Rifampin/Doxy combo is standard tx for brucella. Sounds like you're on a road to more recovery! Good luck.
Posts: 929 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged |
merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
have you tested for q fever?
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
| IP: Logged |
nonna05
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33557
posted
I tested positive ,twice ,in 09
and negative e4 or more times since
It was the onlyreason some doc's took any interest in me and then,,,, nada...\
I think, they don't , that it's like some of the test's for LD or co's...
But the doc who took it ,said two positives in a row means yes ,no matter what the ID doc's say
Then Insurance CHANGED
Posts: 2563 | From Denver,CO | Registered: Aug 2011
| IP: Logged |
fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
New Doc was not the one who brought it up, although he did test also. I had the test done by my int MD a few weeks ago before my new Doc appt, from what I read here on Lymenet !! Lab corp was the lab.
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Way to advocate for yourself fflutterby! I'm impressed that you int MD actually ordered it.
-------------------- aperture Posts: 551 | From Louisville, KY | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
Does anyone know, can you take rifampin aand doxy at different times or must they be at the same time? I suppose Rifampin and Zith dont' cut it for Brucella.
I'm just trying to figure out if my LLMD would have treated for it (unknowingly) as I never heard of his patients on Rifampin and Doxy together (I know at least 10 of his patients).
He works with a lot of Amish so you'd think this would be on his radar but I'm betting it's not.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
blinkie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14470
posted
flutterby-can you tell what symptoms you have from this?
Posts: 1104 | From N.California | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
What is Brucella? Glad you are gaining insights fflutterby. Best to you.
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
| IP: Logged |
fflutterby
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28081
posted
Hold on guys, Just found out Doc has to retest with a more sensitive test before we jump the gun here. I do have Myco and chlamydia Pneumonia though. Oh the joys....
Merry girl, I believe I did test for q fever too, waiting on results, not sure though.
My symptoms are
dizziness neck pain hypoglycemia head pressure (has lessened) Exhaustion Shortness of breath Hot flashes Memory loss
Not sure what is causing them. I can't decipher.
-------------------- Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength Posts: 1367 | From North Jersey | Registered: Sep 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't know what test would be more sensitive.
Be prepared for the same weirdness that comes with regular Dr's accepting a Lyme diagnosis, to come along with a Brucella diagnosis.
My ID Dr at first accepted that I have chronic Brucella.
Then, he decided that he didn't think I ever had it...even with positive IgG and IgM levels that had to be reported to the Dept of Health... history of playing with cows like pets as a child... and drinking unpasteurized milk as a child...from a cow that became swollen and died.
Your awesome LLMD will definitely be able to lead you through this confusion.
I think the key is this: is your case considered a reportable case to the Dept of Health or not?
-------------------- aperture Posts: 551 | From Louisville, KY | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
The second test is the Tube Agglutination test.
I tested positive for Brucella also. Quest Lab was supposed to do the above test last month, but they ran the wrong one. I went today to have the second test done.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
The symptoms and signs of brucellosis may develop from days to months after the initial exposure to the organism (incubation period).
While some individuals may develop mild symptoms, others may go on to develop long-term chronic symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of brucellosis are extensive and they can be similar to many other febrile illnesses.
They include fever (the most common finding, and it may be intermittent and relapsing), sweating, body aches, joint pain, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, depression, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, abdominal pain, enlarged liver and/or spleen.
Other symptoms and signs may also be present with brucellosis. Certain variables such as the severity of illness, the chronicity of illness, and the development of complications can all impact the clinical findings associated with the disease.
How is brucellosis diagnosed?
Making the diagnosis of brucellosis can sometimes be difficult because of the similar symptoms and signs shared with other febrile illnesses. An accurate history obtained by your health-care provider (including travel history, occupation, animal exposure, etc.) may be very helpful in raising the suspicion of brucellosis as a possible diagnosis.
In general, blood tests and blood/tissue cultures are necessary for making the diagnosis of brucellosis. Common blood tests used to make the diagnosis include testing for antibodies against the bacteria and isolating the organism from blood cultures. A biopsy of body tissue (from the bone marrow or the liver, for example) can also assist in making the diagnosis.
Additional blood tests may demonstrate anemia, low platelets, a low white blood cell count, and elevated liver function tests.
Other imaging studies and procedures may also be performed initially depending on the individual's signs and symptoms. These tests may include CT scan, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), joint aspiration, or an electrocardiogram (ECG).
What is the treatment for brucellosis?
The cornerstone of treatment for brucellosis is antibiotics. Because of the high relapse rate associated with the disease, the use of a multidrug (two or more) antibiotic regimen is recommended.
The antimicrobials most commonly used include doxycycline (Vibramycin), streptomycin, rifampin (Rifadin), gentamicin (Garamycin), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra).
The combination of antibiotics used will vary based on disease severity, age and pregnancy.
In general, a full six-week course of antibiotics is recommended, and prompt treatment can lead to an improvement in symptoms and may also prevent the complications associated with brucellosis.
However, relapse rates of the disease are still about 5%-10%, even with treatment. Depending on the severity of illness, the associated complications (if any) and the timing of treatment, recovery may take from a few weeks to a few months.
Rarely, surgical intervention may be needed for certain complications associated with brucellosis, such as abscess formation or heart-valve infection. Your health-care provider may need to consult other physicians, including surgeons, infectious disease specialists, or a neurologist.
at the bottom of the article is this brief overview:
Brucellosis At A Glance
� Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria from the genus Brucella.
� Brucellosis is an infection of certain animals that is transmitted to humans.
� Humans acquire brucellosis when they come in contact with contaminated animals or animal products, most commonly from the ingestion of raw milk or cheese.
� The symptoms of brucellosis may include fever, sweating, body aches, and joint pain.
� Brucellosis is typically diagnosed through blood tests and by isolating the organism from blood and other body tissues.
� A multidrug antibiotic regimen is the cornerstone of treatment for brucellosis.
� The complications of brucellosis may involve various organ systems.
� Brucellosis can be prevented by animal-disease-control measures, avoidance of unpasteurized dairy products, and occupational protective measures.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Many insects carry brucella along with the other infections, and if you get bit or exposed to one, brucella can be part of the mix. If you get bit by a horsefly who was around a cow and a horse it can be part of the mix.
This is one of the reasons why we have such a problem. Different insects carry different DNA or similar DNA getting longer all the time which makes treating Lyme that much more difficult to treat.
Please read the article/abstract I recently posted talking about vasculitis.
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic