A family member just received Igenex and F results back.
Igenex IgM positive according to CDC and Igenex. IgG negative according to CDC but pos according to Igenex.
F smear only few of the mystery bug, all Ab testing negative.
I think he has had this for at least 20 years... had the bartonella rash while we were in high school. Never investigated or treated. He thought it was from the football pads but it did not make sense to me!
He has never been treated. He has many symptoms for both lyme and bart. I am going to explain to him about LLMD and the Zhang herbs so he can make the choice.
It would be nice to get input from others that are actually doing treatment. Which one would be best if money is not an issue?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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First, while I am a huge supporter of herbal medicine, I firmly believe that it is essential - essential - for him to see a LLMD in person.
Tests and symptoms may be indicative of lyme &/or bart but he also needs to be clinically assessed by an expert who has seen thousands of other patients with tick-borne disease (TBD) or other chronic stealth infections such as HHV-6, Cpn and mycoplasma (see Timaca's thread below). Many lyme patients have a mix of these.
Other tests may be necessary beyond those for infection, too.
After he has a clinical assessment (and any further testing), then he will have some choices in how to treat whatever may be the over all picture, with all the specifics involved.
He may appreciate all the links below, still, I cannot stress enough the absolute importance of consulting and establishing a professional relationship with an ILADS-educated LLMD - in person.
A LL ND (naturopathic physician) is also a consideration but he'd want one who is also a member of ILADS.
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In addition to the usual coinfections from ticks (such as babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia, RMSF, etc.), there are some other chronic stealth infections that an excellent LLMD should know about:
I would encourage EVERY person who has received a lyme diagnosis to get the following tests.
- at link.
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Among other helpful details, his book discusses how different strains of lyme affects patients differently (a good LLMD will know better how to spot that):
The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) provides a forum for health science professionals to share their wealth of knowledge regarding the management of Lyme and associated diseases.
She is an ILADS member and a ND (naturopathic physician), so she has knowledge of the unique nature of the spirochete and what is required but also knows all about supportive techniques.
The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook (Tilltotson, et.al.)
While the only reference to lyme is in the chapter about Sarsaparilla, this is an excellent resource book about the forms and functions of herbs. Liver and adrenal support herbs are described in detail here, too.
If you have a LL ND near you, that would be best so that you can have individualized care. Acupuncture is also very helpful as a support - it can help the herbs work better.
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With thanks to Tincup for this link:
Information concerning a number of possible treatments methods have been listed here in an easy to find format:
Alternative Treatments for Lyme Disease and Co-Infections
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Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
Hi Hoot,
I don't have experience with Dr Zhang but a friend of mine does. She had lyme very bad and worked with Dr Zhang and is now cured. She swears by it.
Luvs
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Luvs makes very good point and I know that to be true for others, too. I did very well on the full protocol for the few months that I could afford it. It is quite reasonable for the top quality and all the research that has gone into it but my funds just ran out.
Generally, I like to present all the viable options but, of all the avenues I've tried (having to do this pretty much on my own), Dr. Z's was by far the most effective for me. I just had to cut it way short.
I wish I had know about the Zhang protocol before I let all my money slide away on non-LL NDs who treated me for years to "get the body stronger" - since 3 TBD were inadequately addressed (and HHV-6, Cpn and coxsackie went unidentified for years), that did not work.
Working closely with Dr. Z (or a LLMD or a LLND who works with this) on a specific protocol is different from just taking some of his supplements as some patients often do - it's the precise plan that makes the difference.
Contact details above.
It is also interesting to note that two of the LL NDs who have sites linked above use that protocol - but they also add abx at times. Just as Dr. Z sometimes incorporates abx, Buhner also states in his book that abx are required for certain times or for particular infections.