I was recently diagnosed with Lyme, and my practitioner says I probably also have Bartonella.
I am trying to evaluate my treatment options. I was given the choice of herbs and/or antibiotics.
I hear that antibiotics are not as good in the long run, because they can kill good bacteria and weaken the immune system. Is this accurate? Are herbs better in this regard?
In terms of treating infections, is it possible/likely to get better without using antibiotics? I.e., just using herbs and other alternative treatments?
My practitioner prescribed Abart and Lyme special formula for now – let me know any thoughts/personal experiences with these.
Please let me know if you have any pointers! I would greatly appreciate it.
Kara
Posts: 25 | From Berkeley, CA | Registered: Oct 2013
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
You have an LLMD and a Lyme literate naturopath now, you'll need to trust their diagnosis and treatment decisions. They know your medical history, complete symptom list, lab results, etc. That's why you're hiring them for the big bucks, which also covers their insurance expenses.
Yes, you should read as much as you can here, every day, in order to find out about the various treatment options. This site is a goldmine of information, with members who have a wide range of experience.
I think your practioner will adjust/change his recommendations for you depending on how you respond to what he's prescribed.
One thing I can see in looking over your symptoms is that you're showing signs of magnesium deficiency. This is common with Lyme patients, as the bacteria live in our cells and use up our magnesium.
As all of our enzyme processes depend on magnesium, its depletion causes many problems, including some you listed.
...intermittent sensations and pain all over my body, a repetitive stress injury in my hands, muscles twitch, pull muscles easily.
Other problems may be due to too much fibrin in the blood, which happens with a chronic systemic infection, or to endocrine problems.
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Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
In my experience, antibiotics are needed if you can tolerate them. They are the best and fastest way to chase Lyme and co-infections away.
If you take a probiotics and saccharomyces boulardii 2 hours away from antibiotics, it will keep your gut healthy and replenish the good bacteria.
Antibiotics actually helped my poor immune system which couldn't keep up with all the infections.
I've treated Lyme twice now (I was reinfected). The first time with antibiotics. The second time I started with herbs, but my body went down hill fast and I was in a mess. I had no improvement on Byron White formulas.
I went back on antibiotics and saw a BIG improvement fast. You need take a combination of antibiotics (not just one at a time) for them to work best.
Also, I saw about 4 Lyme doctors before I found the place that felt best for me.
There's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion.
I do a combo of antibiotics with herbal support now.
I HIGHLY recommend going to a local Lyme support group to see what others are doing.
These links helped me when I was first choosing a treatment plan.
posted
I agree that an antimicrobal is needed but I am not convinced that antibiotic drugs are the best answer for Lyme.
There are many other issues with antibiotics besides gut issues. Please look into it. How many people treating for lyme have ended up with MRSA or c-dif or liver and kidney problems? heart problems, ruptured tendons, stomach issues.
The antimicrobial I have chosen is Colloidal Silver and I think it is working. It worked for my neighbor. I am unsure at this point if it is the answer for some of the co-infections though. Perhaps I will know more in time about that.
Others are getting past lyme with MMS and Rife.
Many Lyme cases have quite a few co-infections and some of those infections may do much better with herbs or MMS.
Posts: 803 | From USA | Registered: Oct 2013
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posted
I believe in all of it, antibiotics and herbs and supplements, etc. All of it is useful. The main thing is to see what works for you. Also blood tests are helpful to see what to boost.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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And, everyone else, thank you for your comments! I will respond when I get a chance later.
Best, Kara
Posts: 25 | From Berkeley, CA | Registered: Oct 2013
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
Agree with Carol (listen to your doc), your doc (herbs), and Carmen (alternative treatments). If I had it to do over again, I never would have taken abx.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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