I have not been diagnosed with Lyme
yet, so let me preface by saying that.
I see LLMD July 22.

I have an infection and started Zith
250 on Thursday. It is now Sunday
and righ right hand and last three
fingers are so numbish and tingly.
I just woke up and was not sleeping
on that side. Also have lot so pain
in my left thumb and have had numbness
in my toes as well.

I did see my chiro on Friday and he
did some work on my neck and back.
Just decompression type stuff.
I have also noticed that my elbow
joints seem to hurt more. I keep attributing it to my fall or what my
chiro did, but am wondering if this
could be what a herx feels like???

I was feeling little twinges of stuff like
this yesterday and attributed it to my
chiro. However, what I have now is
not going away so am wondering if
this could be herx.

When I first came here I asked the same questions, and what the others told me was that it's like taking your symptoms and magnifying them - much achier, nausea, headaches, increased muscle aches and joint soreness, etc. For some people it is like a whopper case of the flu....

The tingling might be an increase in lyme symptoms or a result of the manipulations done by the chiro....

I am NOT a doctor, but it sure sounds like a possible herx. The numbness can last for a few days or weeks, usually it switches from numb to painful then normal.
I will try and find some info for you, be right back.

Ok.. I'm back, I hope this info helps, and you feel better soon.

Lyme Disease
What is a Herxheimer Reaction?
By Donna Herrell
Founder, Lyme Disease Information Resource
Overview:

The herxheimer reaction, nicknamed "herx", otherwise referred to as Jarisch-Herxheimer (J-H) is a phenomenon originally observed in the treatment of Syphilis, but later found in other illness [1]. In general terms, it is described as a temporary increase of symptoms when anti-syphilitic drugs (antibiotics) are administered.

What is known or speculated about Lyme disease herxheimers are based heavily on the reactions seen in Syphilis. [2-3] This is due to the fact both diseases are caused by a bacteria known as a spirochete, the former being Treponema pallidum, the latter Borrelia burgdoferi (B.b). However, the herxheimer reactions in Lyme disease are not identical to those seen in Syphilis, especially in terms of timing, frequency and duration as noted below. [1-5]

In Lyme disease it is thought that the cause of herxheimers are the result of endotoxin release. [2,5] That is toxin(s) within the spirochete that are released as the B.b are killed or broken down. This may be a result of the toxin(s) itself or the body's immune response to such.

Symptoms:

As mentioned, the general description is a temporary increase in symptoms, but also included is the development of new ones. More specifically the most common events include: increased joint or muscle pain, headaches, chills, fever (usually low grade), hypotension, uticaria (hives) and rash. [1-5] A multitude of other symptoms have been described.

Worth noting is that hives and rash are sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction. [2] It is up to one's physician to determine this. However, with close observation and proper treatment (see Treatment) may prevent unnecessary cessation of therapy.

In more severe cases of J-H, a reduction of the dosage or temporarily cessation of the treatment has been recommended [5].

Timing, Frequency and Duration:

This is individualistic and herxheimers can occur within days to weeks after the institution of antibiotic therapy. In some patients they occur only once or twice (if at all) and with others continue throughout the course of treatment, usually lessening in severity.

They can occur and are more often described in cycles (example: every 4 weeks) and have been reported to last from days to weeks. It can be very beneficial to document any exacerbation. Some physicians use this as a guideline for treatment. Further, it may help differentiate herxheimers from the normal symptoms or progression of Lyme disease.

Treatment:

Herxheimer reactions can be very difficult on patients and affect compliance with therapy so supportive measures should be sought or utilized to lessen discomfort if needed. The use of aspirin, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), pain medication, muscle relaxers, hot baths or others remedies can be appropriate. Of note, some have found Benadryl helpful even in the absence of rash or hives.

The good news is that the herxheimer is thought to indicate that the antibiotics are indeed working and that following each worsening may bring about more improvement. Though the lack of a herxheimer reaction should not cause anxiety if symptoms are improving.

Other considerations:

Something often overlooked but can present with similar symptoms is Candida (yeast) infection. Treatment with acidophilus and if needed prescription medications such as Nystatin or Diflucan can be utilized.

Sources of Information:

Lyme Disease 1991 - Patient/Physician Perspectives from the U.S. and Canada The Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction James H. Katzel M.D.
Managing Lyme Disease 1996 Joseph J Burrascano M.D.
Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases 4th Ed. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett
Seronegative chronic relapsing neuroborreliosis. Lawrence C, Lipton RB, Lowy FD, Coyle PK Eur Neurol 1995;35(2):113-117
The New Lyme Disease 1998 Joseph J Burrascano M.D.
See Jarisch-Herxheimer / Jarisch-Herxheimer-like Reactions
Lyme disease, Tick-borne Relapsing Fever and Allergy
Document and reference collection (in progress) November 15, 1999 http://www.x-l.net/Lyme/abstracts/herx/herx.collection.html

__________________________________________________________________________

This document is for informational purpose only and not written by a medical professional. This article may be copied for personal use. For republication in any format please contact the author at [email protected]

Copyright � 1997
Lyme Disease Information Resource http://www.x-l.net/Lyme/HERX.html

Thanks for posting the article.
I did do a search as well, Cootiegirl.

I just got through a wierd herx, half my face went numb, it felt like I was at the dentist office, and the numbness lasted for over a week even after I stopped my abx.

My eyebrows would go numb and my eyelids would feel heavy. Lyme is one strange disease.
I once remeber taking a double dose of Biaxin for Bronchitis and both my legs went numb, ended up in the ER and that was in 1993.
The doc's at the ER thought I was nuts! And franky so did I....wish I knew then what I know now...