dbpei
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posted
I have a friend who tested positive for Lyme after getting an odd rash on her back, but she has no other symptoms. She has been prescribed a month of doxy and her doctor wants to test her again (Western Blot)a week or two after she is off ABX.
She asked me how long she should wait to be tested to get the most accurate results. I didn't know what to tell her. Does anyone here know the answer to that question?
Posts: 2387 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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I've read that tetracycline class (like doxycycline) antibiotics will clear the bacteria and thus antibody production from your bloodstream for 4-6 weeks. I would wait at least 6 weeks, as this should give the bacteria enough time to reinfect your blood from the tissue in your body. I think doctors like to retest immediately because doxycycline will kill the bacteria in the blood and they can say your cured when you are not, if you retest too soon. I'd probably even ask for a second retest again 3 months after the 1st retest.
Posts: 32 | From Orange County, CA | Registered: Sep 2013
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I think if one is not treated with metrodiazonole (flagyl) for the cyst and bio-films as well as xithromax for intracellular infection you have a lower chance of recovery. Knowing how bad this can get I'd do IV Ceftriaxone, Flagyl, and Xithromax to get it into remission and then test every few months if I could afford all this.
Posts: 32 | From Orange County, CA | Registered: Sep 2013
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I think doctors like to retest immediately because doxycycline will kill the bacteria in the blood and they can say your cured when you are not, if you retest too soon.
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But LLMD's use this method and it is recommended by Igenex as well. I know THEY want the patients to get well.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
I couldn't find the study I remember reading that was dated 1991, but here is another one. I'm pretty certain microbiologists have reaffirmed all tetracycline and macrolide antibiotics suppress antibodies for 4-6 weeks since the original 1991 study. I have so many bookmarks I can't find the original study right now.
dbpei
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posted
I know there is another type of test you can take but you need to be off ABX for one month for it to be accurate. I cannot recall the name of this test. But it is the WB that her doctor is going to use for her to be retested.
My friend is elderly and has no symptoms. She knows what to watch for, having witnessed my decline. I pray that she caught and treated her illness early enough so she can avoid the nightmare of needing any other ABX and herxing.
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LisaK
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I have been off of doxy for about 10 days today, and I can tell you that I am getting bombarded with symptoms of active TBD.
Since doxy doesn't stay in your system that long, wouldn't that suggest that I would have active antibodies for testing? or, does it take longer for the antibodies to show up?
I was going to go right now and get tested before I start my new abx today. I cannot stand these symptoms!!!
A 80 year old post lymie told me yesterday that I was herxing, but I thought herx only happened when you are ON something that is killing the buggers????
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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You could be herxing since we herx in 3-5 wk cycles. So you could be in your monthly herx.
You could also have a coinfection, which is not treated by doxy.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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LisaK
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I am not on anything right now. I just got new abx from dr and it is Erythromycin
and then I read in Dr Bs Guide "ERYTHROMYCIN has been shown to be almost ineff ective as monotherapy.... Erythromycins (and the advanc ed generation derivatives mentioned above) have impressively low MBCs and they do concentrate in tissues and penetrate cells, so they theoretically should be ideal agents . So why is it that erythromycin ineffective, and why have initial clinical results wi th azithromycin (and to a lesser degree, clarithr omycin) have been disappointing? It has been suggested that when Bb is within a cell, it is held within a vacuole and bathed in fluid of low pH, and this acidity may inactivate azithromyc..."
so..... I don't think I want to take it alone and put stuff in my body that won't do anything, do I???
I am so so upset right now. I have nothing. no dr, no money, no personal support.....
I cannot eat anything. I have lost 3 pounds in three days and I am not even hungry.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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dbpei
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posted
Sorry, Lisa. Would you consider taking some herbs that fight lyme and co?
I just bought some Byron White herbs for $55 that would have cost $75 or $80 through my LLNP. You could also try some of the Buhner herbs. If you search here, there is lots of info on these.
Maybe you should make a new post so you can get some more support from the others here. Many have been where you are now. It is horrible, I know.
[ 05-27-2014, 08:39 PM: Message edited by: faithful777 ]
Posts: 2387 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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LisaK
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ok, I just sent request to join. thank you! dhpei
Do you recommend a way to post to get the right responses from the list here?
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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The Buhner herbs are also good. www.buhnerhealinglyme.com, yahoo discussion group is lyme_aid_buhner - a lot of people do the herbs who cannot take antibiotics.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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Lisa.. even if you took abx for 2-3 wks, then nothing for two weeks, you could herx from that initial usage. You would still herx at the 3-5 wk point.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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LisaK
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posted
well I guess that's it then. Herx. I am feeling WAAAAAYYY better today.
It is simply amazing how this can make you feel one way one minute and one way next.
I have been having a lot of nerve pricks lately. read that they are nerve endings dying. ?? I hope it is repairable.
I had WB blood test last night..... every LL doc seems to want that around my area before testing. so I took the plunge. I hope something shows up on it, then I get discount services in the hospital network..
I know it is not the best, but I am hoping it will help me until I get to new LLMD since I have to wait so long
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3592 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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