I'm starting treatment again shortly for sky-high, off-the-charts levels of Bartonella Henselae. I personally think I never fully rid myself of it since I started Lyme/Bart treatments with LLMD in 2001, or when treated again for just Bart in 2008. IDK, perhaps I was reinfected, I guess that's always possible.
This time, the Bart is being treated more aggressively though. I'm to start taking: Zithro 500mg 2pills, 1x day Levaquin 750mg 1pill, 1x day Rifampin 300mg 1pill, 2x day Floristor 250mg 1 pill, 2x day (probiotic) Diflucan as needed Acidophilus (need to get from health store)
Any advice you can give me for a quality brand Acidophilus (or any other alt suggestion avail OTC) would be appreciated. Yeast is a problem all of the time and is nearly unbearable during antibiotics. I'm already on Vitamin D (by prescription, 1x week) and am considering a magnesium supplement (Remag).
In general, I'm physically active (walking, yoga, gym). I do have some recurring joint pain issues as well as persistent neuropathy and cognitive issues that I relate to both Lyme and Bart.
Any thoughts about Bart treatment in general or ways to help get through the herx a little easier will be appreciated; 2008 was bad, really bad). I still have to work full-time during this period (if possible) and I only have 2 weeks vacation time that I can take when a dire necessity (and not all at once). I do have lots of support: husband, sisters, mother, kids, all are familiar with this issue.
Feel free to post or message me privately! Take care all and Happy Saturday!
Roxy
Edited to add: I'm open to dietary restrictions/suggestions to help during this treatment period, I've read no sugars (even fruits), no white flours, no white rice. I'm sure that's not all, so if you have a post or site relating to this topic, please do point me in that direction. Thanks again!
[ 07-27-2013, 10:41 AM: Message edited by: Roxxxy ]
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
I would try and find a quality, high count probiotic, like VSL, or Custom probiotics.
I tried Levaquin with Rifampin at the same time once- Whew, I couldn't do it, I was having electrical sensations in my head- didn't cease, and freaked me out.
I've done both separately, and did okay.... not easy tho, but glad I did. Make sure you are stored up on magnesium (away from Levaquin) So hang in there, maybe start slow--
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
If your insurance covers VSL#3 DS (double-strength) you would only have a co-pay for it. I think it is the best available when covered. It has something like 900 billion cultures per packet. It is refrigerated.
Best of luck with your treatment!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Take tons of magnesium (away from the levaquin) in order to protect your tendons.
I 2nd the quality probiotics like Custom Probiotics or VSL. If you are sensitive to dairy, PASS on the VSL. Custom is dairy free.
I would also eliminate gluten. It causes inflammation which your body then has to fight against in order to heal.
Posted by Roxxxy (Member # 15297) on :
Hi Lymetoo, can you tell me what you mean by "away from the levaquin"?
I've been trying to go gluten free for the last year, it's hard when the family *isn't* gluten free... but they would be willing to do anything that I need really, as long as they get their "goods" every now and then (like pie, homemade bread, etc).
I'll ask my dr for the VSL, I"m not dairy sensitive that I know of.
Thanks everyone for the input and support, I really appreciate it! It's comforting to know that I can always come here for kindness, a suggestion or just an ear from someone who understands what you're going thru.
Warmly, Roxy
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
"Away from the levaquin" means to take the magnesium at least 3 hours before or after the levaquin.
You will stop the levaquin from being totally effective if you take the magnesium too close to the time you take the levaquin. Don't want that.