posted
Hi all I have been visiting this board daily over my past 14 months of lyme and babs treatment. Just started treating for bart and am really struggling with the rifampin. At this point in my treatment and my life, I think I just need to have someone tell me I can do this. As you all know, NOBODY understands what we all go through. I have the utmost respect for you all and you have gotten me through some challenging times. Any input would be appreciated. Let's see if this first post works!! Thanks
Posts: 238 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2013
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
didogs: You CAN do it. You are not alone.
I am so glad that you reached out and finally posted!
BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
Your post may get bumped to General Support, but I'm glad you made your first post in Medical, where more people will likely see and respond.
I know you can do this. If you stuck out 14 months of Lyme/Babs treatment, you have what it takes to keep going.
Each time an infection "surfaces," we get an onslaught of new symptoms. When I transitioned from Babs to Bart treatment, the anxiety hit like a tidal wave. It was overwhelming and consuming. I added a Benzo to get through the worst of it.
You may want to add what symptoms you are experiencing, as they could be related to Bart die-off or the med itself. I had no problems with Rifampin other than giant herxes. It was a great med for me.
If you treated Lyme/Babs for 14 months, you have a good Lyme doc and are well on your way. Hang in there.
posted
Hang in there...it does get better. That said ..really pay attention to Rifampin...many of us have had a real hard time on that med. i was miserable every day on...anxeity through the roof...i was never sure if it was the med or a side effect. i did it for 8 weeks and the symptoms were steady until a few dasy after stopping it.
not saying to be afraid...and as others have said you';ve made it 14 months ...just be cautious.
i've made 4.5 years of treatment...and i still struggle but i am typing this from my work office so i guess that says a lot.
you can do it.
Dave
-------------------- On my journey to wellness - One day at a time. Posts: 989 | From NJ | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
Yes, this is the best forum and people here are so supportive. You can do this and beat this thing.
I am so much better and have been treating for about a year.
I still would not say I am well, but heading that way.
I have found the herbals to be of great help with traditional meds if you ever need a break from regular meds.
At least the herbals will continue to fight the Lyme. Actually I do better on them than the regular ABX's.
Posts: 620 | From Ks | Registered: Oct 2011
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
Rifampin is a tough drug! Don't be afraid to ask for a change if it gets too rough. I was on it and had to stop it due to horrible herxing. Too much herxing is not good as it causes inflammation. Rifampn messes with all your other meds which makes it difficult to deal with as well. If you are on thyroid meds, antidepressants, hormone replacement, etc they will need adjusting while taking rifampin.
YES, you can do it!!
Posts: 1747 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Thank you all for your replies. I was recently on 300mg rifampin for 11 days. Could not increase to full dose due to major herxing, stomach pain. Am now taking a break but my LLMD wants me to try again starting at 150 mg and work up slowly. She feels stomach discomfort due to bartonella in my gut. I have had GI issues for years. She felt could be herx in my stomach. I am also on azythromycin. Going to try it again but stop if it gets too much. Tried levaquin and couldn't tolerate it. I really feel like I need to attack this bartonella somehow-neuro issues and anxiety are driving me crazy-literally! Thanks for all of your help
Posts: 238 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2013
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posted
Make sure you are taking high quality probiotics!!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96173 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
stomach pain isnt always due to herxing, sometimes its a side effect. are you taking probiotics?
Posts: 1747 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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