Newly diagnosed...I have been on doxy for about three weeks, just added zithromax about four days ago. I just had the strangest feeling go throughout my body, like my whole body went numb. Then idk if i started to panic but my heart was racing and I felt like I was going crazy....like maybe I should go to the ER, afraid i was going to pass out or something.
Is this a herx? I've heard a little about herxing and read some things..but not sure if this is what im experiencing, it's so scary. I just took a xanax..and Im trying to calm down and pray through it.
Posted by Starfall (Member # 26795) on :
It could be a herx; I go through stuff like this quite a bit, but mine usually isn't associated with any meds.
If possible, I try to lie down to see if that helps; sometimes it does. Also, at least for me, Benadryl will take the edge off it--I can't take Xanax or anything like that.
Posted by Hambone (Member # 29535) on :
This happens to me all the time. It got worse when I started abx's ( but has since gotten better...knock on wood ).
I take my bp constantly and monitor my pulse during these episodes. It helps calm me down to see my vitals are ok.
I had to cut back the Zith to every other day because it was just too strong for me to take daily and made these episodes worse.
Posted by Jennifer70 (Member # 30280) on :
Thanks Starfall...Im really trying to calm down, i feel very strange. I also started taking a few herbal supplements my doc recommended. CoQH-CF, Russian Choice, Infla Med, Cats Claw and Fish Oil. Do u think any of those might have something to do with this?
Posted by lululymemom (Member # 26405) on :
Zithromax can cause heart palpitations. I would not assume it is a herx, it can be a side effect. I would back off on the Zith and maybe switch to Biaxin..
Posted by annier1071 (Member # 28977) on :
Jennifer. I was told not to take cats claw when on abx since it is an abx also.
I just had zithro added to my ominicef and have had five doses now. I feel horrible. I was shaking or vibrating in bed, but not cold and both hands went numb on me.
He has me on them twice a day and twice a day with omnicef. I wonder if I should take them once a day for a bit.
I am so very sick to my stomach now again too from the zithro and last night I could not speak. My words were very mixed up. I can only think its the zithro.
I have neuro lyme so whether it is a herx or too much meds I don;t know. My llmd also told me to take xanax to stop the brain issues but I find benedryl before bed to be the best. I sleep 8 hours straight.
Posted by Jennifer70 (Member # 30280) on :
Thank you everyone! I feel so much better now. I've been crying all night...this is so hard! I think I will back off on the supplements first and see if maybe i had a reaction to one of them.
I'll call my LLMD monday. It was just so scary, Im sure I made it worse getting anxious. I felt like I was slipping out of consciousness at one point. tingling and numbness all over my body, i couldnt speak at one point. It makes me feel better to know Im not alone, that you all have experienced similar things.
Posted by Hambone (Member # 29535) on :
Do you start one thing at a time? My LLMD has always made me slowly start one thing at a time to make sure I handle it, and to see what may be causing a problem.
Posted by chiquita incognita (Member # 30381) on :
Hambone, I echo you. My doc is so good about saying "pace it". And really, pace it!
The herx's can be so strong and scary. And he knows it. "These are very frightening symptoms" he will tell me. He knows. Any doctor who blows you off doesn't understand, and may be asking you to dig in too rigorously for your body's own tolerance threshold.
One medication at a time. Gradually get your body used to it. Ask your doctor to go very slowly with you. My doc says to stop taking the antibiotics during a herx, but bear in mind that professional medical opinions about this will vary.
To ease herx symptoms, here some natural things I have done which have helped me:
A) Strong epsom salt baths, about 2 cups of the salt in a bath for magnesium (has calming effect) and detox aid
B) The medium chain triglycerides (fats) in coconut oil are used for epileptic seizure control, said Dr Michael Murray, naturopathic doc and researcher, in a lecture of his which I attended. Based on that tip, I rubbed coconut oil all over my body during the same neurological states as you describe. Inflammation, tingling, twitching, numbness, vibrations....all eased out. At least it helped me. People respond to different things.
C) YOu can also try lavender oil, it is very calming. The Haushka "Talma Moore Lavender Oil" product is available in healthfood stores, expensive but really excellent quality. That's the key.
D) I mixed chamomile tea with orange blossom water (from middle eastern specialty food stores) with success. The combination was very soothing, even when hysteria had set in during the initial herx's (the beginning is so intense and so scary, more than just that! "This too shall pass" but pace it, pace it my friend, and don't be afraid to ask your doctor to slow things down for you. You are in charge of your own health journey, and your doctor is merely there to advise you but not to dictate or mandate. Keep him/her informed of your symptoms and the severity thereof, and ask for adjustments. Be sure to ask what is herx and what are side effects, and for a "differential diagnosis" between the two).
And don't be afraid to ask for a massage from a family member or friend, for hugs, assurance, etc. Soft music, beautiful images in books. Anything nurturing and healing. Neurological symptoms can be very scary, but they are temporary and they will pass.
Best wishes to you! May you heal, thrive and prosper.
Posted by Jennifer70 (Member # 30280) on :
No I didnt start one at a time, she didn't tell me to do that. She did prescribe the doxy for two weeks then added the zithro though. Now Im not sure if it was from the zithro or the supplements...but I'll start with the supplements. I put some worship music on, and prayed/read my bible. That helped me alot.
Thanks everyone!
Posted by Jennifer70 (Member # 30280) on :
Chiquita thank u so much for all the advice, Im going to buy some epsom salts and try the bath today. <3