posted
Hi All - I received my diagnosis in May and have been putting off starting Abx out of fear of really bad yeast issues. My situation is unusual in that my symptoms are mild to moderate and I am still able to work full time (for which I am grateful). However, I have come to the realization that I probably need to go ahead and fight this bug now that I know what it is after 16 years of strange symptoms.
I will see Dr. J in DC in February, but until then my Lyme Doc where I live, who is an admitted neophyte on treating lyme, has suggested the following protocol.
Minocycline,
Lumbrokinase,
Samento (extract) 4 to 6 drops sublingual twice a day for 12 days, alternating with Banderol 4 to 6 drops twice a day for 12 days and keep alternating.
He also suggested Benicar which I have decided NOT to do. He said that was okay as long as I take xxx of mino twice a day. With the benicar, he said that I only had to take xxx mg. of mino every other day, but I am fearful of benicar since it affects blood pressure.
Lastly, he suggested, adding a non-pharm Abx and gave me a list of those to choose from (herbals and other supplements). But I'm going to wait on this. I don't want to add too much at once.
So here are my questions. Can I take the Samento/Banderol and Lumbrokinase at the same time as the minocycline or should they being taken at separate times. Also, on mino, I know I need to take that separate from all my supplements, but I think I also need to take that on an empty stomach, right? Can I take the mino with other prescription drugs? Currently, I take Zoloft, Clonazepam, Singulair, and Allegra.
Also, I'm going to start taking a heavier duty dose of probiotics. I use Jarrow Formula 40 billion. I'm thinking I should do this 3 times a day. Sound good?
I am trying to modify my diet. I have stopped drinking alcohol. I drink only reverse osmosis water or sparkling mineral water with lime. I do still allow myself 2 cups of coffee every morning. I am trying to stick to low carb diet with minimal dairy and gluten. I haven't totally gone off either. Working full time makes it impossible to prepare every meal.
I appreciate answers to questions on how to take the meds and any other advice. I am still a bit apprehensive on this whole thing. I am doing relatively well and with working full time, I can't afford disabling herxing.
posted
Hi and welcome. Sounds like you�ve been symptomatic for 16 years, that�s a long time. I can understand your apprehension about taking antibiotics, and beginning treatment. However, the alternative of not treating, can only lead to further illness.
Treating for Lyme and Co is not a sprint, it�s a marathon. Herxing is part of the process. Herxing lets you know that you�re ridding yourself of Lyme. Disabling herxing, however, is not a good idea, and can be harmful.
In order to prevent it, consider gradually building up the amount (mg) of antibiotics that you take.
Also, detoxing is important. Epsom salt baths and chlorella are two suggestions.
I also recommend just adding one new thing at a time. Try it for a few days. Keep a journal of how you are feeling. Then add the next thing. Gradually build up.
I�ve never taken minocycline or benicar, so I can�t say much there. Have you had an opportunity to look at Dr.B�s �Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses � You will find his recommendations for treatment there. Also take a look at www.ilads.org (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society). You can find Dr B's guidelines on the ilads site.
Lumbrokinase, Samento, and probiotics should be taken on an empty stomach. I scheduled mine for 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner. They can all be taken together. I don�t know about the Banderol, but since you will be alternating with the Samento I think you would also take it 30 minutes before a meal.
I used Jarrow EPS for the last 6 years, and it was fine for me. People tend to have found a probiotic that they like, that works well for them.
Samento can cause a herx reaction. Start out very slowly, and build up gradually. At the max I was taking 20 drops, 2x day.
Nutramedix also makes several products that help with moderating a herx. I used Burbur. Another one is Parsley.
For the herbal antibiotics, when you do add them, again, just start out at a low dose, and build up gradually.
When I began treatment it was difficult to figure out what meds and herbs to take when. So I made a chart with headings: 30 min. before breakfast; breakfast; 30 min. before lunch; lunch; 30 min. before dinner; dinner; bedtime. Then, once I had it written down, I didn�t have to think too much!
Great that you are starting to modify your diet. You are heading in the right direction. Change takes some time.
Wishing you the best.
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Thanks to both of your for your response. Lymetoo, I am on Minocycline and it says to take it on an empty stomach so I don't think I should take this particular one with food.
On the lumbrokinase and samento, is it okay to take them with the mino? Or should I spread them out? I believe you are supposed to take mino separately from diary and mineral supplements, is that correct?
I have looked at Dr. B's guidelines, but I will give them another once over.
Thanks!
Posts: 52 | From Central VA | Registered: Jun 2011
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
You might ask the pharmacist whether certain drugs can be taken at the same time.
Many of us found we couldn't take abx on an empty stomach ... even when I took mino or doxy, I had to take them with food. Just be aware if you're feeling stomach pain that it might help to eat.
My LLMD had me take samento before bed.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I've taken mino on an empty stomach, along with systemic enzymes like lumbrokinase. It doesn't bother me, but you can gauge how you feel.
Mino can make you a little dizzy at first, so you may want to ramp up on the dose. It goes away in about a week.
Posts: 964 | From san diego | Registered: Oct 2009
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