Well I hate to be back here a second time. I've been reinfected. Yes, I'm sure its reinfection and not a flare up of the original. I had Lyme in 2009 and with advice from this list, recovered completely. It was caught very early.
I was bitten by many ticks over Memorial Day weekend this year, and in early July I started having arthritis symptoms in all the joints of my hands as well as some fatigue.
Since these were some of the same symptoms I had the first time, I saw my doctor right away.
The first time I treated I used Doxy for 3 months and then Ceftin/Biaxin for 2 mons. The big problem is that I was very sun sensitive on Doxy and I currently have a job where I work outdoors and have to wear a short-sleeved uniform. So I just can't do Doxy.
My PCP has put me on Amoxicillin 500mg 3 times a day. That's working ok. But I want to make sure I treat properly and don't end up as chronic Lyme patient.
I'd like your advice on other meds to talk with my doctor about when I go in on Saturday.
I have an appointment with an LLMD in late August so I'm looking for advice on the near-term treatment.
Thanks,
Linda
By the way, my LabCorp Western Blot came back positive. And my 2 dogs both ended up with TBD - one with Lyme, one Erhlichia canis.
Posts: 24 | From New Jersey | Registered: Aug 2009
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sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
Well this is water under the bridge, but good to keep in mind. The next time you get bitten by a tick, start antibiotics ASAP. Don't wait to get symptoms. If you treat right after the bite, you have a much better chance of getting well quickly.
I hate to say it but the med that worked best for me was Doxy. However, it is different for everyone.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
I don't like amoxi at 500mg 3 times a day. If you're going to do it like that, at least take probenecid.
I would prefer a higher dose of amoxi.
Some people use minocycline instead of doxy, but I've heard mixed reviews.
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posted
Thank you James. That's exactly the kind of reply I was hoping for. So I should ask about adding probenecid OR increasing the dosage?
Is there a generally recommended dosage of amoxi for Lyme?
Linda
Posts: 24 | From New Jersey | Registered: Aug 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I got rid of lyme taking 1500 mg of amoxi 3 times per day, plus probenecid 3 times per day.
Without the probenecid, the amoxi has a half-life of 1 to 1 1/2 hours--so it leaves your body in no time. I don't think you can get rid of lyme that way.
Then, I added flagyl also. You may or may not need to do that. Flagyl kills the cyst form of lyme. Lyme goes into a cyst form in the presence of amoxi.
From Burrascano:
"Because of its short half-life and need for high levels, amoxicillin is usually administered along with probenecid. An extended release formulation of amoxicillin+clavulanate (�Augmentin XR�) may also be considered if adequate trough levels are difficult to attain." (page 14)
"*Amoxicillin- Adults: 1g q8h plus probenecid 500mg q8h; doses up to 6 grams daily are often needed" (page 18)
Translating from above: the Burrascano recommended dose is 1 gram (1000 mg) every 8 hours plus probenecid 500 mg every 8 hours; doses up to 6,000 mg per day of amoxi are often needed.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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