I have had doxy before (as well as other abx) and it never really got me too sick.
Now this time, I just started on doxy on Saturday (5 days ago) and started getting REALLY sick by Monday.
This time it was really bad abdominal cramping, belching, diarrhea, and I really do not want to eat anything ---- even the smell of food makes me feel sick!
I get low grade fever every evening, but gets better by morning.
On top of this are muscle aches and cold hands and feet.
I am trying to drink lots of water with lemon, and my LLMD also told me to take benadryl to help.
Last night, however, I was so sick I was ready to give up on the doxy and forget this whole thing!
I need a little help and advice here. Thanks!
Michele
-------------------- "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself..." Posts: 17 | From New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2013
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lymetwister
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19590
posted
Sounds like your hitting something, but at the same time, your dealing with Side effects of Abx.
Perhaps your gut is messed up now more so than it was years ago. Seems to be common amongst many.
I'd back off if it's unbearable and see if you improve. Not worth killing yourself over. At the same time, when you hold, things multiply. Catch 22.
There is no true answer here. Not with Abx, Rife, etc. It's like one viscous circle of Torture.
I have held and done nothing for about 2 months to find a baseline and that too, was terrible. I figure I'm gonna be miserable either way, just a bit more throwing down the meds.
Look at it like having cancer. You either do the Chemo and take a shot of getting better, or let it spread. Chemo makes many sick as hell. So if you go this route, pull out the pillows, blankets, and curl up in front of the TV.
The worst part besides suffering is losing your life, but never lose sight of who you are. Most of us, for whatever reason, are Type "A" personality. If you are, then tell yourself, your a warrior and your gonna come out on top at some point. Don't lose hope and push onward.
Gary - exithis 35-22.6 :-)
Posts: 1227 | From District of Columbia | Registered: Mar 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
LIVER & KIDNEY SUPPORT & and several HERXHEIMER support links, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Are you staying upright (at least your torso if resting in a tall backed chair) for the recommended amount of time after taking this? (not sure if that is a full hour or half hour)
Are you taking it WITH FOOD but not with dairy?
"Lots of lemon water" could be a big part the problem, actually.
It can be like caustic to the inside of the stomach. That can make things worse for some. It's a big risk if you have stomach pain or cramping to poor an acidic water into all that.
But, if you continue lemon water, even in small amounts (and best with food in the stomach) - sure to rinse mouth very well with plain water (maybe with a little sea salt added) after drinking lemon water so that the tooth enamel does not disappear. Wait 30 minutes before brushing, too, so that the enamel has time to harden back up after a good rinse.
Lemon water - and even benadryl - is not usually not enough to counter a herxheimer reaction. See details above for more comprehensive liver support.
GUT support is also vital.
Taking this Rx in the middle of a substantial meal helps the most - as does staying upright for the time required. Still, it's important to stay in communication with your doctor regarding your reaction
But, backing up, be certain that what you got is in fact the real Rx. Examine one of the pills against color photos at the MANUFACTURER'S direct website.
Hope you feel better soon. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I am sorry you are herxing like this. I had similar stomach issues on doxy and had to switch meds. Doxy can be rough on the stomach. Are you able to take it with food? I know you said you aren't interested in food. If you cannot, you may want to call your llmd and let them know what is going on.
Also, be sure to be taking your probiotics. Many people suggest backing down on your dose or stopping meds for a few days to let your body detox. Hang in there. Herxing is the worst!!!
Posts: 238 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2013
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- QUINOA FLAKES can be helpful for times like this. Not enough food bulk to take doxy but if you have a hard time getting any food into you, this can be prepared by just
stiring in a little room temperature water to quinoa flakes in a mug and then adding hot water. Cover for a couple minutes.
If you wish, add either a sweet seasoning (cinnamon can be hard on the stomach but cardamom easier) - a little vanilla extract
or a savory herb like thyme (before hot water is added so it softens up). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
This has been REALLY really bad! At this point I am barely able to keep down the little bits of food that I take with the meds.
It's like everything I swallow is making me nauseous, and even the smell or thought of food is now making me queasy.
Also starting to get diarrhea. It's like the worst flu I've ever had, times 10!
I called my LLMD yesterday and he said to just try to take one doxy capsule and see if that's any better --- I took it with apple sauce and it didnt stay down longer than 15 minutes.
After that I drank nothing but sips of water or VitaminWater Zero, and the same this morning.
I think I am gonna have to either switch to another med or stop it completely.
I dont want to get dehydrated or do more damage to my body.
-------------------- "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself..." Posts: 17 | From New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2013
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posted
You can't get away with taking it "with applesauce" .. no way.
You must take it in the middle of a big meal or you will feel wretched.
And do not lie down for an hour after taking it.
perhaps you could ask your Dr for Doryx .. a special type of doxy that is easy on the stomach.. or just go to another med
Good luck!
I hope you are taking huge doses of probiotics.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Ditto to LymeToo's note: "You can't get away with taking it "with applesauce" .. no way.
You must take it in the middle of a big meal or you will feel wretched. " end quote
------------------
And that VITAMIN WATER is likely causing some bad side effects with the additives.
Vitamins should never be taken on an empty stomach, though as (espcially) the B3 (niacin) in it can cause painful stomach pain, flushing and flu symptoms. Vitamins are best mixed with a substantial meal.
Other red flags:
* Sadly, it contains "Natural Flavors" - and that often means MSG.
* The ERYTHRITOL in it cause cause serious stomach craming and diarrhea - and general feeling like I'm going to die symptoms. Even a very little bit. I've been knocked down big time with a tiny bit in gum before. Every time I try it. Even with it in on tiny piece of gum.
The effect can be delayed - and it can last a whole day or more of feeling terrible from just a little bit.
[Sorbitol and other "sugar alcohols" can also have these same side-effects. Even a tiny bit does that for some people.]
Best to avoid any products that are "zero" or claim to be sugar free or calorie free (that means fake food, then, really). If it states that on the label, most likely, you will pay a price.
[ 05-02-2013, 12:59 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Other than the substantial food with which to take doxycycline . . . for "sipping" if you don't fee like eating, the quinoa flakes can be very nice.
Real food, even if PUREED and watered down, is best so you know you are not getting additives and you can get some nutrients.
CUCUMBERS pureed with MINT can be very nice.
If you need a touch of sweetness, STEVIA (from a plant source) will work.
". . . Symptoms of gastrointestinal distress related to erythritol ingestion include nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, headache and diarrhea. . . ." -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- As it's vital to stay upright for a full hour after taking doxy, that's really hard for most folks.
If you have a comfortable chair with a tall back, you can sit and rest your head but be sure to keep your torso nearly upright, maybe just slightly back but not too far.
It's fine to put your feet up or sit up at the head of your bed (if you can keep your torso upright enough and your neck & back well supported).
Be sure to drink enough water every so often to keep the esophagus clear of "backwash" from the doxy as it settles down, so to speak.
Hope you feel better soon. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- A reminder to AVOID SUN (even "bounced" sun) exposure when taking doxy.
Do get some daylight (daylight, though, not sunlight) into your eyes, though, first thing in the a.m. just avoid sun on your skin. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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CherylSue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13077
posted
Keebler has some excellent advice.
Now my two cents:
Doxycyline was one of the first abx I took and seemed to tolerate pretty well. I showed improvement. Then I stopped improvement and relapsed. I later returned to doxy several months/years later after trying other abx. I found I could no longer tolerate doxycycline. It gave me all sorts of anxiety, burning skin, etc. It was horrible.
I think I developed a resistance to the long use of doxy, and it became toxic to my system.
I will never take it again.
See your doc for other medications. There's more out there.
IMO, CherylSue
Posts: 1954 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2007
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
I would definitely ask for an alternative. You are going to do more harm than good if you continue this way.
Posts: 1750 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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