Sorry, everyone, but instead of posting each question separately, even though, unrelated, I am trying to save a few and just post them together...
1. I just started rifampin/zith two weeks ago. I had been on ceftin/biaxin for 2.5 months and it did nothing. As most of my symptoms appear to be bart-related, how long was it on bart meds (i.e. rifampin) to see any sign of improvement? Rifampin...pros? Cons? Anyone start to see symptom relief quickly with this drug?
2.Can someone give me some benefits to taking welchol? My LLMD said that it is used to help with detox of toxins...
3.Why do you feel so bad during treatment? I understand the whole herx thing, but should it be constant...for months, with no relief? Why are so many folks unable to work, drive, etc. during treatment?
Thanks all!
Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :
On Rifampin, my Bart symptoms got better after a month (foot pain, muscle pain- groin/legs).
Then, my doctor warned me that the symptoms could come back for a while. I thought- no way!
Well, after a month of those symptoms improving, they did come back just the same as before!
The pain lasted another 1-2 months and then left for good, about 3-4 months after I started Zith/Rif combo.
My first dose of Rifampin made me much dizzier than usual, then it was ok.
Remember, your urine will be orange and it stains things!
Killing bacteria causes a temporary increase in inflammation due to cytokines. Each person is different in the rate they clear the dead organisms, explaining the difference in time of "die-off".
Posted by triathletelymie (Member # 26456) on :
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Posted by triathletelymie (Member # 26456) on :
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Posted by triathletelymie (Member # 26456) on :
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Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
I've used the Rifampin/Mino combo many times.
Bart is a pain in the a$$ to get rid of. It took nearly a year for me to see substantial improvement, and I'm still treating for it.
I didn't think anything could be worse than Babesia. At least with Babs, I could sense steady improvement. With Bart, it's like good day...bad day...good week...awful week...good few months - I'm getting better!...wait - whole new terrible symptom!...awful week...
You get the picture.
I think Rifampin is a good Bart drug. I always add herbs to my Bart treatment. Resveratrol/Japanese Knotweed is my favorite.
You've got to give it time. Bart reproduces faster then Lyme or Babs, so you have to stay on top of it. I'm definitely much better, but probably have another 6 months of abx to go.
You must eat right and exercise to your level of tolerance (not beyond).
I've never taken Welchol as a binder.
The neurotoxins make you feel miserable. And the cytokine cascades initiated by the infections and die-offs. Your body is under constant assault.
I wish I could offer more words of comfort. Keep treating. Honestly, in Lyme we measure progress in years. You have to be patient.
Wags, BoxerMom
Posted by jasek (Member # 12395) on :
Tri, go to the med. pg. where I ased questions about Cholestyramine. Welchol does the same thing. It binds to the toxins and removes them thru the digestive system. Jasek
Posted by Fran_40 (Member # 20176) on :
Up..Tri...your message box is full...I cannot respond to your email...thanks! Fran
Posted by triathletelymie (Member # 26456) on :
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