I had another scary incident last night. A couple weeks ago, my heart started racing and my blood pressure shot up for hours. This time, it was a bit different, but just as scary.
I woke up out of a sound sleep feeling an irregular heartbeat and nausea. When I sat up, I felt drunk and woozy (no, I wasn't drinking, lol. I took my blood pressure and it was 176/125.
I decided to just try and wait it out, instead of going to the ER. It took about an hour for the feeling of doom to go away and my blood pressure to return to normal.
Right now, I'm feeling wiped out. I was actually having a pretty good week, but after that incident, I feel like my body is on "high alert" if that makes sense.
Do any of you get this? I'm so afraid that it will happen again Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Jun 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Very common with lyme and some of the coinfections.
Yes, this will likely happen again. Plan on it.
But also plan, in advance what can help prevent or minimize it. And, also plan on breathing exercises and ways to think about this so it's not so frightening.
When I had no idea about the what, the why or how to help - well, that was far worse than after understanding the process and what helps.
As for what helps:
MAGNESIUM; (Mag. Malate, Glycinate, Citrate)
TAURINE;
FISH OIL;
ADRENAL SUPPORT (Cordyceps, Ashwaganda)
LIVER SUPPORT (Milk Thistle, NAC)
CARDIAC SUPPORT (Hawthorn)
and attending to whatever infections are involved with a good ILADS-educated LLMD &/or LLND. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Topic: To everyone with CARDIAC symptoms please read!
Includes articles & discussion about exercise safety & methods
MITOCHONDRIA, MYELIN & ADRENAL SUPPORT - and how these can help in various ways. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- GINGER CAPSULES can also help with the nausea. However, if primarily from liver stress or heart reactions, the support methods listed in thread above should also help with that.
I see from a previous thread of yours that you take Rhodiola. I would stop that and trade over to Ashwaganda. Rhodiola can be FAR too stimulating for many with lyme, especially if the first adrenal supplement tried. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- So others can better reply to your current questions, it will help to know that
I�m so happy to have found this community! I�ve had Lyme since 2006 and went through a relapse at the end of 2011. I went to a new LLMD today, explained how I relapsed and also explained that I would prefer to treat as naturally as possible.
These are the products I purchased at her recommendation. I know nothing about them, so if anyone can give me any rants or raves on them, that would be great!
Body Wise International AG Immune Real World Health Real Rhodiola
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA Essentials
The plan is to see her in a month, and then likely start the Zhang Protocol again.
I�d love to hear any opinions on the supplements she recommended. I am always so nervous to try something new because of my extremely sensitive body.
(end quote of AvaG) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I see NOTHING there that addresses infection adequately.
Burbur has some effects but I would not count on that solely.
Why not start Zhang right now (or Buhner)? You need better infection treatment. Allicin (with Zhang) can be very helpful. Far better than any Burbur tincture, both IMO and in my experience.
Burbur can also help with liver support but, again, it's not enough, IMO.
I think you need a far more comprehensive approach.
Also of concern if you have chronic lyme, which it sounds like since this is a set-back and not a brand new case,
Body Wise International AG Immune contains ASTRAGALUS . That can be way too strong for those with chronic lyme.
It is tampered with a medical mushroom but, still, it can boomerang for those with chronic lyme unless just a bit of a dose in with others so that it's not too stimulating to an already stressed immune system.
ASTRAGALUS can certainly cause the reactions you describe at night. Sure did for me before I learned that I was not supposed to take that. Especially with the often over stimulating Rhodiola.
The alcohol tinctures are also something that some people just can't tolerate. You may need to steer clear of alcohol tinctures for the most part and steer primarily to the powdered extracts and powdered raw herbs instead.
Is your LLMD ILADS-educated? Educated in herbal medicine?
You might consider an ILADS-educated LL ND (naturopathic doctor) who can work with a broader range of options. -
[ 06-28-2012, 03:38 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
- How to help reduce alcohol in tinctures:
A shallow mug or bowl with no ornamentation inside of it and one you know to be lead-free
Fill with a bit of WARM water, from the kettle (not from the hot water tap and not microwaved)
Add the tincture
Swirl for a bit
As Burbur is an extract from the leaves of Desmodium molliculum, only WARM water is advised, NOT hot. Hot water should never be used for tinctures from AERIAL parts (above ground) of plants, only those from root parts. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
I see Dr. E in NJ. From what I've read, she is supposed to be pretty knowledgeable, but I don't know. I can't seem to find an LLND in NJ, PA or anywhere close to me.
Dr. E told me that AG Immune is what keeps her in remission from Lyme, and advised that Rhodiola would help me in stressful situations.
The thing that concerns me the most is my blood pressure getting that high. Even though it didn't stay high very long, is that dangerous?
Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Jun 2012
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posted
Also, I just wanted to mention that I haven't started the AG Immune and Rhodiola yet. I always start one thing at a time and see how I react to it. So far it's just my multivitamin, Fish Oil, and Magnesium that I have been taking.
Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Jun 2012
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What you are describing sounds like an over stimulation of your autonomic nervous system.
This is not something that is easy or quick to fix.
If I was guessing I would say that you probably have either babesia or bartonella and it is multiplying overnight and that is what is triggering these episodes.
Personally I do not think that chronic long term tickborne infections can be eradicated with just herbs. I think it takes a combo of herbs, supplements and meds. Herbs are fine to start with -- probably easier to tolerate, but if you do not see results within 4 - 6 months then I would rethink your decision to rely exclusively on herbs.
The question you need to ask your doc -- did she use herbs or meds to get into remission? Just because she believes herbs are keeping her in remission does not mean that that is all that is needed to get someone else into remission.
Short term elevated blood pressure (for a few hours or even weeks) should not cause any permanent damage. High blood pressure causes damage when it remains elevated for years.
Any elevation will of course put an extra strain on the heart and circulatory system.
One very crucial supplement Keebler left off the list is CoQ10. One of the top cardiac supplements.
Hubby actually is experiencing elevated blood pressure right now. This has not been one of his symptoms with his illness. In the ER yesterday it got as high as 200 over 130 I think it was. But it was jumping all over the place. Seems to be running around 148 over 88 or higher most of the time right now. His LLMD wants him to monitor it for a couple of weeks and if it stays elevated will put him on blood pressure meds.
Hubby is on IV antibiotics and we just changed a bunch of meds -- he is having symptoms of low grade meningitis and his autonomic nervous system is going haywire. Tremors and nausea and vomiting and sweating and seizure-like spells and severe headaches/brain swelling in addition to the blood pressure issues.
My suggestion would be to monitor your blood pressure and discuss it with your doc at your next appointment.
This is not medical advice, just my opinion based on hubby's experiences.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I agree with every word of what Bea says. You need MUCH better assessment and attention to infections.
That is first and foremost. Most of what I usually suggest are primarily for SUPPORT, to help with symptoms.
I usually have a statement about adequately addressing infection with LLMD but, because so much of what I often list is greater in volume that part may get lost.
I do hope that there will always be many replies so you can have a good cross section of thoughts off the tops of all our heads.
Indeed, CoQ10 is very important to cardiac function and the cells. When first taking it, it may be best to take early and mid-day in case it's a little stimulating. With other nutrients, though and after that initial start you may be able to spread it out. Also read up on that for further details.
Not about lyme, but in general, a great site for cardiac support is for Stephen Sinatra, MD. I can't find a library of sorts for his site but here's a start:
Check YouTube for some videos from yoga or PT instructors. And for some basic examples of "Qi Gong for relaxation"
This exercise should be done many times a day. You can feel subtle but valuable effects within minutes. Really. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
Do you ever get these episodes during the day or only at night?
If this is only occurring at night I would say it is highly likely that these are sleep apnea episodes.
The body goes into flight or fight mode when you don't get enough oxygen. This causes high blood pressurem high pulse and many other symptoms. If not treated one eventually has high blood pressure all the time.
Other symptoms that you may or may not have with sleep apnea. morning headache waking up gasping, choking or coughing snoring anxiety sleepiness during the day fatigue weight gain diabetes heart - strokes or heart attacks over the long term
Those are off the top of my head, there are more if you look around.
If this is only happening when you sleep I would strongly suggest you have a sleep study to determine if you need treatment. Untreated sleep apnea can be fatal.
Terry I'm not a doctor
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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