I can't seem to get a straight answer from LLMD or office staff to my question of , " Is this a herx?" I thought I'd go straight to the people who know best.
I haven't picked up on a "herx pattern". I think I'm herxing all the time. It gets worse at certain times of the day and occasionally it gets really bad. This is what is happening-please tell me if this sounds like herxing to you.
First, my left arm and shoulder hurt really bad, then they go numb, then they hurt again. Left side of face goes numb. My neck and back start really hurting. Then my ears start to feel stuffy.
I start to feel flushed (temp is still about 96 -97, then it drops to as low as 94). Then I have a harder time breathing. It's like someone has a blood pressure cuff around my chest. Then I get bad head pressure and ear pressure. My BP goes up. I start to get really cold and can't get warm. I have to crawl in bed under tons of covers. I get super tired and achy. There are more symptoms (thinking is even harder, can't concentrate at all, hyperacusis gets worse, etc) but these are the main ones. My temperature will start to climb (never over 100). Gradually the breathing will ease, the temperature drops, and then I ache all over.
Sometimes some of they symptoms leave, sometimes they stay but aren't as bad until the next "herx". Sometimes my temp climbs, sometimes it doesn't.
This happens two or three times a day, getting worse in the late evening, early afternoon. I occasionally have episodes that are more severe than this, but it's mainly the above set of symptoms, just more severe.
Don't be shy! Put your two cents worth in! Are these herxes? What are your herxes like?
Posted by motownlyme (Member # 11485) on :
Also, does anyone have shortness of breathe that comes in cycles about the same time each day regardless of what you are doing?
Posted by bejoy (Member # 11129) on :
Your symptoms sound like two of my "herx patterns" put together.
One is the "full of toxins in the neck lymph" pattern, that gets me sore shoulder and neck, ringing ear, and tmj.
The part with the tired, cold, and blood pressure symptoms sounds a bit similar to my "overtaxed adrenals" pattern.
Everybody is so different. I'd want to get reassurance from my doctor about it if its new for you.
I hope this current set of symptoms passes for you soon.
bejoy
Posted by gt2grdn (Member # 9149) on :
bejoy, what do you do when you get the "full of toxins in neck lymph symptoms?" i have just started learning about dealing with the lymph symptoms and have wondered if this is part of my problem.
Posted by Athy (Member # 11676) on :
I have noticed that saunas help tremendously with reducing "herx" "die-off reaction" symptoms because they gently but thoroughly assist detoxing via sweat.. anything that helps gently "detox" your system helps.. including lots of water (filtered) and high fiber supplements to help your body excrete the junk. Baths help too if you can stand heat. I've also noticed immune-supporters improve the herx and the instensity.. like eating garlic especially. just my two cents. when i'm "herxing" in a similar way, i especially load up on these. Staying thoroughly hydrated is important.
<3
Posted by Athy (Member # 11676) on :
another reeally good lymph one to assist in drainage/lymph movement is getting a massage. kinda pricey on tight budgets, but even using your hands to massage around your neck, arms, chest, etc helps.
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
You probaly have two strains of lyme like me ? When I first started abx's back in 2001 I was so bad I barely recognized my herx's one reason was my immune system was dealing with it and when I started abx's they took over I continully herxed for about 4 months heavey then every 2 weeks, I was herxing then after about 6 moinths I started to only herx every 28 to 34 days and that is is still my pattern. 28to34
Reasons I think were 2 strains active at different times and then one knocked down then knocked out left only 1 strain? plus I think coinfections played a role?
Thats my take on it.
Posted by motownlyme (Member # 11485) on :
Thanks to everyone who responded. I really don't know what is a herx and what is Lyme. I guess time and experience will help me tell the difference. I do think I have a co-infection though.
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Herxes seem really complex, just like everything else of this bacteria.
I used to get a reaction after starting a new treatment, whether a new abx, increased dose of an abx, or an herbal protocol. Within one day, I would feel incredibly spacey and unable to concentrate.
I considered this my main herx, along with increased low grade fevers, stiff neck, and muscle pain. It used to last just a couple of weeks, but now I also seem to herx all the time, with many of the symptoms you describe. And more -- dizziness too.
It is confusing, and honestly I am never sure if a treatment is working or if lyme is just coming back. I recommend Buhner's book, and taking all the advice above -- just sticking with the plan your llmd sets and see how it goes, while querying folks here for their experiences.
Posted by savebabe (Member # 9847) on :
It almost sounds like babesia. Have you ever been tested or treated for babesia?
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