I would like to start treating myself for Lyme Disease.
This is a whole new universe to me. I have no idea where to start.
The reason I want to self-treat is because I am absolutely unable to get to, find or figure out how to get treated by an LLMD.
I also think that if I ever did figure it out or find one of these people I would be sicker by the time that happened and that pretty much terrifies me.
I can order doxy on ebay; actually I can order any antibiotic on the internet.
But I'm unclear about the herxing aspect and I've also been reading about the drawbacks to longterm antibiotics.
Two that concern me -- magnesium deficiency and c. diff.
I am also fairly sure I have at least one co-infection -- bartonella since the levaquin shut down my previous stomach problems instantly.
I am thinking possibly I have babesia also because of continued unexplained anemia.
The magnesium deficiency is concerning because I *know* I had levaquin toxicity from my last round of antibiotics. That was scary as hell and I will never take that stuff again, but I am still concerned about keeping my magnesium levels way up to combat any lurking toxicity.
C. Diff worries me too; I really do not want that -- I *will* have to get medical attention if that happens.
So what I'm thinking about doing is starting with 400 mg of doxy for one month; a
dd Claritin and possibly cholestyramine or activated charcoal.
I actually have tried activated charcoal and loratadine together -- it did not go well, my face swelled up and got red, so maybe cholestyramine.
Anyway I think that's my plan, but I am wondering if anybody has any resources that are clearcut "howto" deals besides dr burrascano's protocol.
I'm also looking for herbal "howtos" to kill these little bastards -- especially Bart if it's still in me because I will not ever touch a floroquinolone again.
Help? Thanks very much in advance.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Jordana,
you say that you are "absolutely unable to get to, find or figure out how to get treated by an LLMD." (end quote)
You might consider a LL ND. For a good overview of the various methods that incorporate herbal and nutrients, see this thread, too. Lots of key articles & books in the second thread below.
FIRST, no matter what approach is taken, absolutely essential detail:
LIVER & KIDNEY SUPPORT & and several HERXHEIMER support links, too.
--
When considering herbal / nutritional / adjunct methods, because lyme is so very complex & unique, as are possible coinfections:
if at all possible - because each person & each case is different - it's best to consult with an ILADS-educated LL ND (lyme literate naturopathic doctor) (or similar) who has completed four years of post-graduate medical education in the field of herbal and nutritional medicine -
- and someone who is current with ILADS' research & presentations, past and present, and has completed the ILADS Physician Training Program (see: www.ilads.org )
so they really know all they can about the science of lyme . . . how lyme (& other TBD) act and what we can do about that in various ways.
Many LL NDs incorporate antibiotics (depending upon the licensing laws in their state). Some LLMDs and LL NDs have good working relationships.
When possible, it's great to have both a LLMD and LL ND and even better when they have a long-standing professional relationship.
Herbal Safety considerations & reference books; etc.
Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
Understanding of the importance of addressing the infection(s) fully head-on with specific measures from all corners of medicine;
knowing which supplements have direct impact, which are only support and which are both.
You can compare and contrast many approaches with links to articles, books, methods . . .
BODY WORK methods / links (and why anyone who works on your spine MUST be LL to the degree they at least know to never suddenly twist neck or spine. Never. Ever. And that we should never be advised to do neck / head / shoulder stands.) -
Posted by Jordana (Member # 45305) on :
Thanks very much for this information.
"BODY WORK methods / links (and why anyone who works on your spine MUST be LL to the degree they at least know to never suddenly twist neck or spine. Never. Ever. And that we should never be advised to do neck / head / shoulder stands.)" -
Why is this, Keebler?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Oh . . . I just don't have the energy to put that into words. I read it from a LLMD once after I had many disasters with getting sudden twists from various body work sessions.
I wish I could explain more but just can't compose the sentences. -
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You can get well without taking fluoroquinolones for Lyme. Those drugs are used for bartonella.
Re anything, we're all different when it comes to what works for us.
For me, chiropractic works to alleviate pain, and anything in my spine can get cracked, and has, since day one. I'm someone who makes it ok with this modality; maybe others don't.
Also, I found out I respond well to medium force adjustments, not too light force and certainly not heavy force. Just know there's a range of chiropractic forcefulness out there.
So for anything you try, go slowly and see how you do.
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
I'm seeing an old-school Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor who does custom formulas and am improving (this is after doing massive antibiotics). It's cheap and all herbal. I do the boiling herbs.
If you go this route you want the practitioner that does the custom formulas, not pills. I'd find the best herbalist you can, like the teacher at a Chinese Medicine school.
Personally, I wouldn't self-treat. There are so many factors to consider.
Here are some references if you want to go that route:
I self treat with drugs I buy on the internet. It's honestly not much different than what an LLMD would have you do, except eventually they might want you to go on IV if orals don't work. As long as you know what you're doing.
Do your research, sounds like you know the deal already.
Try and follow Dr. B's Protocol, I think that is vital.
Of course people are going to say "don't self treat" but some of us simply don't have a choice.
Posted by bigstan (Member # 11699) on :
Yes you can self treat but who will be monitoring your blood work? CBC,Liver enzymes, ekg etc?
Posted by Jordana (Member # 45305) on :
I can monitor my own blood through labcorp if it's just general stuff. EKG, guess I just have to do without.
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