I've been reading posts on here for a while now. While I'm glad to see that I'm not alone, I'm also sad to find that there are so many others out there that are so ill from these awful diseases. My heart goes out to everyone.
My question is regarding my regimen of meds. I've been on these meds for about one month and one week thus far. I'm seeing an LLMD and so far I am positive for Lyme and Bartonella (both through Igenex). The Dr. said that the bands on my Lyme test show that it's been in my body for at least a year. The result for Bartonella was positive for B. Henselae and B. Microti (not entirely sure of the difference yet). Of course, I was negative for Lyme on the CDC test back when I first saw my PCP. Anyway-- this is the 2nd LLMD I've seen (I wasn't too crazy about the 1st one, but I was able to get in with him right away, which is why I went to him first). So far, both doctors seemed to agree that the regimen that the first doctor started me on should be effective for what I have. The first LLMD suspected that I have Babesia, but the Babesia tests from Igenex are negative so far. From the beginning, I felt that my symptoms were really in line with Bartonella, so I was not surprised at all with the positive test result on that. I'm not too sure about these meds, as I've read a lot about Bartonella and the various treatments.. I'm worried that I need something else. My current LLMD seems really good and I'm trying to trust his opinion, but it's hard sometimes.
Currently on: Doxycycline 200 mg. 2x day Biaxin 500 mg 2x day Mepron 1 tsp. 2x day Artemisinin 1 capsule 2x day Diflucan (only taking Fri-Sun)
Also on 4000 mg fish oil per day as well as some naturopathic items to help with detox of liver, kidneys, lymph system, etc.
I am wondering if I'm not being patient enough with these meds, as I know it hasn't been a very long time since I started them. But, it's hard not to second guess when I feel so badly all the time and haven't been myself in so long.
I plan to discuss all this again with my doctor, but was curious on the opinions of others that have been through the same thing.
Thanks. skies
-------------------- "The simple things can get you through the hardest times." Posts: 628 | From Connecticut | Registered: Sep 2010
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TX Lyme Mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3162
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Skies, if I read your post correctly, then you are positive for Babesia. B. microti is one strain of Babesia, and you indicated that it was positive. B. henselae refers to Bartonella henselae, which can be a little bit confusing, with so many "B's" used for abbreviations.
Your doctor is treating your for Babesia with the Mepron. Some doctors say not to take any anti-oxidants when you take Mepron. I suspect that the fish oil counts as an anti-oxidant, and I would discontinue it just to be on the safe side. The most important anti-oxidant to avoid with Mepron is CoQ-10 though. Anti-oxidants negate the effectiveness of Mepron.
I don't see how you could possibly take any more meds that you are on right now. You are probably feeling rotten because you are Herxing, which is a good sign because that is one way of confirming that they are indeed working. If you overdo it, then Herxing too hard can set you back, so don't push it. "Impatient patients are their own worst enemy."
Another motto: "Make haste slowly."
Treating Lyme is a marathon, not a quick sprint. Be patient, and err on the side of caution.
Posts: 4563 | From TX | Registered: Sep 2002
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Hi, thanks for the response. I know, getting better will take time, you are right about being patient. It is so hard sometimes.
Sorry about my confusion on that. The Igenex test is a little confusing, but it is B. Henselae that shows positive on IGG. The B. microti and babesia fish test show as negative.
-------------------- "The simple things can get you through the hardest times." Posts: 628 | From Connecticut | Registered: Sep 2010
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