I've been off all abx for 7mos. Not because I feel better, but because I switched LLMDs and he wanted to have me try a couple of different herbal things.
My symptoms have stayed more or less the same during this time.
He's now wondering about my ability to detox neurotoxins - brain fog is my biggest complaint - and wants me to go for a series of colonics. Once a week for 6 weeks
I'm highly skeptical. Highly.
I've read on here how some people claim they're fantastic, but I've also read medical research that says they're pretty pointless. Pointless unless you're bedridden and unable to be active and use your body's natural detox process.
I run a lot and go to the gym where I do sauna 2x a week. Do I really need to do the colonics? Really?
Thanks! /CT
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I had a lot of benefit from coffee enemas and I could do them at home.
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
Goofy... what were the benefits?
Thanks! /CT
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
You're cleaning out the colon. Flushing toxins out.
Helps the liver as well
Colonix... give that a try if you're skeptical of enemas.
Posted by Wonko (Member # 18318) on :
Personally, and this is just my opinion, I wouldn't do an alternative treatment unless I was comfortable with it.
I also find terms like "toxin" and "detox" to be extremely vague.
I drink lots of water and exercise several times a week, but have not resorted to more radical means. I have not adapted the extreme Lyme diet to which many adhere, nor do I supplement. I have seen huge improvements with treatment.
I would not impose my choices on others. I also would not be afraid to question such an extreme suggestion. Can you talk to your doc more about why s/he suggests this, and what the risks/benefits are?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It also helps remove any candida, dead or alive.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Hubby did 4 colonics several years ago after he treated for parasites and candida. They definitely seemed to make him feel better. This was before he had been diagnosed with lyme and coinfections. He had lost 30 pounds and had bad gastritis -- I was feeding him baby food and broth to get something into him.
While this treatment might not be for everyone, it can be really helpful for some.
If candida is suspected then I think this treatment could definitely help without having to go through the bad dieoff reactions.
I think you would know after 1 treatment or defintely after 2 if it was going to help.
Bea Seibert
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
quote:Originally posted by Chronic Triathlete: Goofy... what were the benefits?
Thanks! /CT
It would make me feel about 30% better. So much so that my husband and daughter who do not have Lyme started doing them whenever they felt ill, and in fact, still do, so it helped them, too, with "normal" illnesses.
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
What's the lighter colon/liver cleanse?
If someone didn't want to do an enema?
Dr Natura has a colon/liver cleanse ehh?
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
Thanks everyone for the responses...
I'm sort of with Wonko. The terms "toxin" and "detox" are extremely vague. I also, like I said, exercise 6 days a week and drink a lot of water.
That said, I'm going to my new LLMD specifically because I felt my previous one was not addressing my condition beyond treating my symptoms with abx. The new guy is more integrative and "alternative".
I'm going on Monday for my first "treatment". Check my blog if you want to know how it goes
/CT
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by canefan17:
Dr Natura has a colon/liver cleanse ehh? [/QB]
yep
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
Hey chronic,
Just read through your blog.
Pretty cool stuff goodluck to you.
Does your LLMD ever qustion how much cardio you do though? With the long mile runs and bike rides?
I'm obviously not suggesting you stop those... but just curious because the LLMD protocol I follow talks specifically about being careful doing too much cardio/aerobic exercise.
Just a thought
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
@Canefan17... my LLMD is supportive of my doing whatever I want cardio-wise as long as I don't suffer exhaustion that's out of proportion to the effort.
I have a general baseline tiredness that I deal with day-to-day. Kind of like I only got 3-4 hours sleep, though I generally get 6-7 good hours. After I run/bike I feel tiredness on top of that, but it's proportional. I rarely nap, but there are days where I skip a run or cut it back if I feel extra tired.
That said, it takes all my knowledge as a longtime runner and coach to maintain the training that I do. I feel that, for the most part, it's beneficial. I correspond with a couple of other athletes with Lyme (one's an ex-Olympian) about training and we all share notes, tips, tricks, etc.
And to put it in perspective for you... I was doing about 150 miles a week of combined running and biking before I got sick. Now running 25-30 is all I allow myself.
/CT
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
Very cool.
Ya, was just curious. Disabled athlete myself.
haven't played bball since becoming sick : (
Posted by MariaA (Member # 9128) on :
wow, I'd be interested in joining that athlete list. I was sick as a dog and doing a bunch of wrestling-intensive martial arts a few months ago- which has often been used against me by acquaintances who think it meant I wasn't actually sick- and I'm interested in talking about coping strategies with other athletes who are in a similar situation.
Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
As a former High School All-American in Football, body builder, triathlete and qualifier for the national games a couple of years back....
WEIGHT Lifting.
The best damn thing for a Lymie.
Trout Posted by troutscout (Member # 3121) on :
PS.....Google, Dr Bernard Jensen, Colema
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
Trout... I've just started going back to the gym for running strength training. Lifting feels good, but it does kick my butt. I get more tired from a 1/2 hour of lifting then I do from running 5 miles.
I also got your link. I'll check it out. Thanks!
Maria... email me through my blog if you want to exchange notes. I really don't do the PM thing here.
Thanks! /CT
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
I get my protein from there ^^^ pretty good ish
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
Colonic hydrotherapy by a certified therapist, yes. Enemas, no, because I don't want to clean up afterward when I feel like resting, and because they only reach a tiny fraction of the colon.
It takes a series of colonics to really reach the problem areas that keep us from getting well and to remove lifelong accumulations. I didn't particularly like getting them, but it definitely speeded up my recovery. It's good to see it depart.
Be sure to ask around to find a good therapist.
Health starts in the gut.
Take care.
Posted by jasek (Member # 12395) on :
I was also a triathlete. All of that is over now.,so C.T. you are very lucky. My LLMD also has lyme does colonics. Now I am doing them and believe in them. I also do Liver/coffee colonis. My liver enzymes were always off, way high, the live colonic I do at home has put my levels back to normal. My LLMD recomends it. Canefan 17 if you want to know more just P.M. me.
Posted by NanaDubo (Member # 14794) on :
Do a google search for diagrams or photos of a healthy colon vs unhealthy colon.
Most people have formed very deep pockets where the fecal matter and toxins just sit - for years if not forever. A number of colonics is what gets that stuff out.
Regular bowel movements go right by those pockets.
Posted by MariaA (Member # 9128) on :
there are also lots of doctors who completely disagree with this. Colonoscopies are done all the time on unhealthy people, and they don't usually show all this scary stuff.
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
I've seen those photos, but rarely are they captioned with anything other than "unhealthy colon". You have no idea who they're from or what was wrong with the person.
Because it's on Google doesn't mean it's correct or even true.
I'm just sayin... /CT
Posted by steelbone (Member # 14014) on :
Problem with a Colonoscopies is you drink that nasty stuff before you do one- Thats why a lot of build-up isnt shown
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I found the Dr. Natura cleanse really got rid of a lot of that nasty build up. I don't believe it was the product itself that I saw because after a few weeks on it, I no longer saw the gross stuff anymore.
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
Would someone who knows the ins and outs of this
please pm me about this. I have specific questions
due to nasty stuff right now. I feel like it may
help me but with whats going on right now I don't know if I should.... Thanks.
Posted by JR (Member # 16898) on :
When you say 'go for a series of colonics"-go where? to your doc's office? I hope he isn't having you pay him for something you really don't need.
Posted by Chronic Triathlete (Member # 15245) on :
He recommended a "hydrotherapist" that's not part of his office. I looked her up on Google and she seems well regarded. I found a couple of interviews with her and an article she'd written.
I talked to her on the phone and she seemed to know her business.
/CT
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
A face to face look is often the best. Equipment should not be from yesteryear. The treatment place should be immaculate STARTING AT THE FRONT DOOR all the way TO THE TOILET THAT IS PART OF THE FACILITY that you will be using after your therapy.
I would only pick a CERTIFIED therapist. They must complete I believe 100 hours of training to be certified by the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy. They also must continue their training to remain a member.
It took me a long while to find that type of place, and as it turned out, it was also the most reasonable. This one had two types of equipment: One where you need a therapist present to do the treatment. One you can direct by yourself, with whatever help you require from a therapist - but mostly without.
Good luck. And remember, one or two treatments usually won't do the trick. Especially if you have eaten wheat and gluten and gelatine capsules for a long time. Take care.
Posted by peacemama (Member # 17666) on :
Chronic,
I was in remission several years ago after a series of colonics. . I didn them at least monthly, sometimes more and I was really doing well.
I recently had to have a colonoscopy, and because things weren't moving well BEFORE the prep, I decided to have two colonics. I was off all supplements and herbs for lyme treatment and for the two days following the colonics I had NO Pain. I think it helps with the inflammation and pain of lyme, too.
If I could afford them, I would do them 2x a month.
Posted by peacemama (Member # 17666) on :
Chronic,
I was in remission several years ago after a series of colonics. . I didn them at least monthly, sometimes more and I was really doing well.
I recently had to have a colonoscopy, and because things weren't moving well BEFORE the prep, I decided to have two colonics. I was off all supplements and herbs for lyme treatment and for the two days following the colonics I had NO Pain. I think it helps with the inflammation and pain of lyme, too.
If I could afford them, I would do them 2x a month.
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
Keep in mind that when you do colonics you are disturbing your gut flora...which is essential to getting well and to your immune system. If you are going to do them, space them out to give your gut flora a chance to recover. There are other ways to detox....try infrared saunas, etc.
Posted by steelbone (Member # 14014) on :
So glad i saw this post- i have been meaning to do this for a while
There is a highy respected therapist in my area using the latest technology
Little nervous to have it done- but so be it.
Have a call with her tomorrow- She said in her email to me that she had lyme and colinics was one of the biggest break thru's for her
Years ago I did a series of colonics. They made me really sick right after for several days and then I started to feel a lot better. I had a great 6 months after that so I do feel they help. I'm thinking of doing them again.
Toxins are a very real problem for some of us. Borrelia is a very toxic pathogen to the human body. In addition, we are constantly exposed to man made toxins in our environment and food.
Many of us have depleted our ability to detox very well due to years of infections that have used up glutathione and enzymes and other things that are needed to detox.
It is not uncommon for chronic Lyme patients to have methylation cycle issues and/or KPU and/or the HLA genotype that may futher impair detox abilty.
Even those with no other burden (like non-lyme patients) would be well served to incorporate therapy to remove toxins due to the heavy toxin load that our lifestyles put on us.
As wild pointed out, colonics will cause unbalanced flora so if you do them, be sure to re-populate with kefir and build up the good bacteria with yogurt and good quality probiotics.
Terry
Posted by Lauralyme (Member # 15021) on :
I would like to share a tip that my colon hydrotherapist told me to do to help rebalance flora that has worked great for me.
Mix a couple tablespoons of coconut oil with 3 emptied capsules of probiotic, form into a long skinny piece and refrigerate. Cut it up into segments and use it as a suppository at bedtime. An inexpensive probiotic implant.
Posted by SForsgren (Member # 7686) on :
If our "body's own natural detox system" was working, we probably would not be sick to begin with. I've found colonics to be helpful at various stages of my recovery.
They can do a probiotic implant after the session to help add back probiotics and not all flora is impacted by a colonic.
Posted by mazou (Member # 15319) on :
"...she seemed to know her business" That's hilarious, CT!
Anyways, I had some good results when I tried it. I was super spacey right after it finished, so I recommend having a pick-me-up snack ready to go.
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
Should psyllium be avoided if one has these "pockets" in the colon?
I've heard psyllium can aggravate an inflamed gut (colitis, divertuculitis, etc)
Posted by jadams (Member # 28016) on :
My colon hydrotherapist said that psyllium is very irritating to the colon and should be avoided. It absorbs everything in its path also and can clog you up bigtime.
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
I would do anything for a colonic tonight. I haven't gone in 2 days. I'm not good. I knew the bad BM patterns and constipation cycle was coming back all of this week. At first I didn't realize this was old thread brought back to first page.
I could see where this pattern was headed. Or not heading?
I used to think coffee enemas was the craziest thing I ever read about on here back in '03. Laughed out loud at the idea.
Sure wish I had supplies and the experience tonight.
Maybe tomorrow will be better. Lord, here my prayers.
Pam
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
thanks jadams and I agree
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Yes, I didn't do well with that stuff either.
By the way, pray did help. BIG Time!!!!!!!!
Pam
Posted by lindaca (Member # 23871) on :
map, you may want to try MAG 07. This is a magnesium compound that oxygenates the stuff in your colon, helping to break it down. About $30 for 180 capsules, start with 2-3 and build up until you get relief. Better than aloe or senna products, since those stain the cells in your colon, which could create a precancerous condition.
Here's a quick link so you can see what MAG 07is: http://amzn.to/kI7ezk Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
linda,
That's just magnesium oxide.
I wouldn't use that for more than constipation episodes.
Magnesium glycinate and malate are far superior in terms of absorption.
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Well, I used my rife machine last night and ran detox freqs for 20 minutes. I'm already taking or doing so much in the way of vit and supps.
I will look to see if I'm not getting enough mag and of course the right mag. IMO bart is in control of my gut.
He rules that territory and until I get him or whichever bad guy out of my gut and colon, this pattern will continue.
Thanks for input and thoughts. That's what make lymenet so special. New ideas and reminders that we need this or that for good colon health.
Pam
Posted by gwb (Member # 7273) on :
Pam,
Just did the coffee enema this morning. It's almost always a positive experience for me. Although, this isn't really for constipation, it does unclog you. This is more for liver detoxification, but it will clean out your bowels.
I highly recommend it. Took me a year to get the courage to do it. We bought the plastic container and clear tube which makes it much easier to clean than the enema bag.
Gary
Posted by gwb (Member # 7273) on :
canefan, I take Pure Encapsulations citrate/malate combo. This is supposed to help the constipation and the muscle spasms. Is this a good combo for that?
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