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Homeopathic Treatment of LymeVery Interesting Article 07/15/07 10:44 PM
Most of us with Lyme never consider Homeopahty to treat it. For those who can not tollerate antibiotics or choose alternative methods should really look at this. It is very different from herbs. I welcome your feedback.
Homeopathy and Lyme Disease by Ronald D. Whitmont, M.D.
Abstract: The Demographics and Microbiology of Lyme disease and several other zoonotic infections are reviewed. Case studies utilizing the classical homeopathic system of assessment and treatment are presented. The discussion focuses on the strengths and limitations of the classical homeopathic and conventional allopathic models in the management of Lyme disease. Key words: Classical Homeopathy, Lyme Disease, Zoonotic Infections, Complementary and Alternative Medicine
BACKGROUND Making the diagnosis of Lyme disease today has become increasingly complicated. Many physicians feel that Lyme is being constantly overdiagnosed and that too m any cases with so called soft evidence are being treated inappropriately.(1,2) (By soft evidence, I refer to a range of vague complaints running from chronic fatigue through fibromyalgia and depression.) On the other hand, there is a growing population that suffers from very real physical and emotional symptoms, but have found it difficult to prove that they have any identifiable disease despite the fact that, in many cases, all their symptoms date back to a tick bite.
Medical research and popular literature reflect an ever-increasing number of reports on this topic.(3,4) In addition to the dilemma of making the correct diagnosis, the question of appropriate, effective management and cure has also become increasingly controversial. There are an increasing number of cases labeled as recurrent an d chronic Lyme disease, as well as cases of post Lyme disease syndrome. This all occurs despite the prolonged use of conventional antibiotic therapy according t o the standard of care. Almost every known infectious agent has demonstrated at least some degree of antibiotic resistance and this is probably true with Lyme disease.(5,6,7,8,9) Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and, particularly, Classical Homeopathy, is poised to offer viable alternatives and solutions to this modern dilemma in the case of Lyme disease and many other infectious problems.
Demographics: Lyme Disease is not a common illness, but it is the most common vector borne disease in the United States today with an overall incidence of 6.2 per 100,000 population. The incidence, even in endemic areas, is estimated to be less than 1%. And 90% of all U.S. Cases occur in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wisconsin and Maryland. Eighty per cent of these cases are in the Northeast United States.(1) Only five states reported no Lyme disease in 1996: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Montana and South Dakota Lyme disease was first described in the mid 1970s near Old Lyme, Connecticut. It is not known whether it represents a new disease agent that has suddenly evolved, or whether it has been in existence for many years but only recently emerged from the fabric of zoonotic illnesses as a result of environmental stressors and shifts in the balances of host populations. Whatever its origins, it appears to be enjoying tremendous publicity as an ever increasing number of individuals become exposed to and demonstrate active infection. In 1996, over 16,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Center for Disease Control. This represents a 41% increase since 1995.
There are many illnesses and syndromes that are commonly misdiagnosed as Lyme Disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and fibromyalgia. The reverse is also true. Many cases of Lyme Disease have been found masquerading as rheumatologic ailments.(1,4) The manifestations of Lyme Disease have been outlined in three clinical phases: early localized, early disseminated and late disease. Early localized disease tends to occur within the first few days up to a month after the tick bite. It is characterized by Erythema Chronicum Migrans Rash (ECM) in 50-70% of patients, fatigue, malaise, lethargy, headache, myalgia, arthralgias, and regional generalized lymphadenopathy.
Erythema chronicum migrans is classically described as a bulls-eye pattern with a red ring and a central area of clearing. The rash usually occurs around the site where the tick became imbedded in the host, but it may also appear at any site on the body and be totally unrelated to the site of attachment. In addition, the E.C.M. may appear as multiple ring-like rashes that intersect or remain distinct. Erythema chronicum migrans (which is pathognomonic for Lyme disease) enlarges over several days time and it represents the actual migration of spirochetes in the skin with an associated immune inflammatory response or erythema.
Early disseminated disease usually occurs within several days up to 10 months after the tick bite. It includes symptoms of carditis in 8-10%, including conduction defects with bradycardia and mild cardiomyopathy, neurologic manifestations in approximately another 10%, including meningitis, encephalitis, cranial neuropathy - most commonly Bells palsy, peripheral neuropathy and myelitis.
Musculoskeletal symptoms develop in 50% of untreated patients. Migratory polyarthritis and fibromyalgia, and other symptoms which might include lymphadenopathy, conjunctivitis, liver abnormalities, including hepatitis, and kidney abnormalities (including proteinuria) are common. About 50% of patients with early disseminated disease may develop skin rashes with multiple ring-like lesions.(10,11,12,13) Late disease commonly occurs months to years after the tick bite, and includes musculoskeletal manifestations. Approximately 50% of these patients develop migratory polyarthritis, and an additional 10% develop chronic monarthritis, usually in the knee; some may develop fibromyalgia. There are also neurologic manifestations which include subtle peripheral neuropathies, encephalopathies, ataxia, dementia, and sleep disorders. Some cutaneous problems may develop, as well.
Making the diagnosis of active Lyme disease requires a history of one of the above clinical scenarios with supportive positive Lyme antibody serology (ELISA). Positive or borderline serology tests require confirmation by Western Blot analysis.
Microbiology Three distinct species of spirochete have been isolated that are known to cause Lyme Disease in the United States, Asia and Europe: Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii. In addition, there are over 100 strains of the spirochete in the U.S. and 300 identified Worldwide. There are three species of ixodes ticks in the United States and Asia that are capable of spreading the spirochete: Ixodes scapularis (formerly Dammini - Eastern and North Central U.S.), Ixodes pacificus (Western U.S.), and Ixodes rincus (Europe). The life cycle of the tick is as follows:
1. The ixodes tick larva hatch from eggs in the summer and search for a blood meal. They typically feed on mice (which harbor the spirochete reservoir). The larvae are not responsible for Lyme Disease since they must first feed on an infected mouse before they can become infected. Once infected, they may harbor the borrelia spirochete in their digestive tracts.
2. The following Spring, after molting, the tick emerges as a nymph. The nymph searches for another blood meal and, in the process of feeding, the spirochete migrates from the digestive tract to the salivary glands of the tick where it may be passed on to the host. The greatest incidence of infection from the nymph is in the late spring, summer and early fall, since these are the times when the nymph is searching for a blood meal.
3. The nymph drops off the host and molts into an adult which then feeds on another blood meal in the late fall, winter or early the following spring. The total life cycle spans about two years.
Ticks often take up to 24 hours on a host to find a suitable site of attachment. It is estimated that an additional 24-36 hours is required to transmit the spirochete from a tick into a susceptible host. In one study, only about 1% of tick bites resulted in actual infection.(14) Fifty to sixty five percent of adult ixodes ticks have been found to be infected with the spirochete, while only 2030% of nymphs are infected in endemic areas.(4) Despite this different incidence of infection, it is the nymph that has been implicated in 90% of human infections. Even though a greater percentage of adult ticks are infected carriers of the spirochete, they are outnumbered ten to one by nymphs, which are also harder to detect. This is the reason why nymphs are far more likely to spread disease than the larger, more commonly infected adult.(1)
Conventional antibiotic treatment is recommended in documented cases of Lyme disease and prophylactically if certain criteria are met. Antibiotic treatment is recommended with:
1. Diagnosis of E.C.M. in an endemic region. There is no need for serologic confirmation before initiation of treatment in these cases.
2. Diagnosis of active Lyme disease via serologic testing, when active symptoms are present. This requires a positive or borderline positive Lyme titer (ELISA) with confirmation by Western Blot.
3. Recent history of a deer tick bite with attachment greater than 24 hours with or without confirmatory symptoms in an endemic area. NOTE: A positive serological test, without symptoms of active Lyme disease is not an indication for treatment. There is a 7% false-positive rate in the serologic (ELISA) test. Other illnesses can also produce false positive test results, including syphilis, endocarditis, Epstein Barr Virus, mononucleosis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, pinta, yaws, bejel, leptospirosis, and malaria.(1)
Generally, oral amoxicillin is considered first line treatment for children less than 9 years old, and oral doxycycline is first line treatment for adults. Initial treatment typically extends for 3-4 weeks.
Co-infection with the disease-forming agents of Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. Additionally, there are other tick-borne infections that may be confused with Lyme disease. Knowledge of all of these agents is necessary in making a thorough evaluation in a case of suspected Lyme disease.
Ehrlichiosis: Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (HME) is caused by the organism Ehrlichia chaffeensis and is transmitted primarily by the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), but can also be transmitted by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). Whereas, the organism that causes Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE) has not yet been identified, but is known to be carried by the same tick that carries Lyme disease and Babesiosis (Ixodes Scapularis). Symptoms of HME or HGE include an acute febrile illness accompanied by headache, malaise, myalgia, fatigue, vomiting, anemia and rigors. Symptoms may mimic the flu, viral hepatitis, aseptic meningitis, pneumonia and cholecystitis. Less common symptoms may include cough, sore throat, diarrhea, lymphadenopathy, rash, seizures, abdominal pain and confusion. Untreated, mortality rate is up to 5% for HME, and about 7-10% for HGE. Diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis is made by examination of the blood from a peripheral smear. Since the Ehrlichial organisms are obligate intracellular parasites, they cannot be easily detected with the usual methods. Diagnosis currently depends upon direct visualization of the characteristic inclusion bodies in the white blood cells (monocytic or granulocytic) from an infected host.(15,16)
Babesiosis: Babesiosis is caused by the protozoan Babesia microti and several related species. Like Lyme disease, it is also transmitted by the ixodes tick. Babesiosis may cause a febrile hemolytic anemia with potential for liver damage and renal failure. Symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, anemia, nausea, shaking chills and night sweats. In cases of Lyme disease that appear particularly severe, or if there is evidence of atypical signs and symptoms (including severe anemia, enlarged spleen, thrombocytopenia, or elevated liver function tests), then the diagnosis of co-infection with either Babesiosis or Ehrlichiosis must be considered. Co-infection rates run about 10-12% in endemic areas.(13,17,18) The diagnosis of Babesiosis is made by having a high clinical index of suspicion and is confirmed by examination of the peripheral smear which reveals intraerythrocytic organisms (which appear similar to Falciparum malaria). The conventional medical treatment of Ehrlichiosis is doxycycline or chloramphenicol. The standard treatment regimen for Babesiosis is clindamycin and quinine.(18)
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: RMSF is caused by the organism Rickettsia rickettsii and is spread by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). Rock Mountain Spotted Fever has a 25% mortality rate in untreated cases. Early symptoms may include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting and cough. About 20% never even develop the well-known measles-like rash that starts on the extremities and spreads over the entire body. Advanced disease may include seizures and pulmonary edema. Diagnosis of RMSF is made by examination of the peripheral blood smear since the rickettsial organism is also an obligate intracellular parasite. Conventional medical treatment includes use of doxycycline or chloramphenicol.
Colorado Tick Fever is a viral illness transmitted by the Rocky Mountain Wood tick. It is characterized by high fevers, chills, severe headache, muscle aches and occasional rashes. These symptoms may recur weekly, are usually self-limited and do not require antibiotic therapy.
Relapsing Fever is caused by the Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia turicatae and Borrelia parker spirochetes. It is transmitted by soft ticks, mostly in the Western U.S . It is characterized by repeated episodes of fever, chills, headaches, muscle and joint pains lasting approximately one week. Conventional medical treatment includes penicillin or doxycycline.
Tick Paralysis is a potentially fatal reaction to the toxin secreted by the feeding American dog and Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks. Symptoms include headache, vomiting and malaise, followed by an ascending paralysis that may progress to respiratory failure and death if untreated. Treatment includes removal of the tick from its site of attachment.
Tularemia is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis and can be transmitted by the American dog, Lone Star, Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast ticks. It may also be transmitted by horseflies, deerflies and contact with infected animals, including rabbits. Symptoms include recurrent fevers, generalized lymphadenopathy leading to ulceration, conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Conventional medical treatment includes streptomycin or tetracycline.
Homeopathic Treatment The starting point for homeopathic medical treatment of Lyme disease and other related zoonotic infections is the history and physical exam. It is important to remember that the diagnosis of Lyme disease does not automatically imply the treatment, homeopathically. The homeopathic repertory is helpful after a case has been thoroughly perceived.
Hahnemann stated in paragraph 6 of The Organon: The unprejudiced observer perceives nothing in each single case of disease other than the alterations in the condition of the body and soul, disease signs, befallments, symptoms, which are outwardly discernable through the senses. That is, the unprejudiced observer only perceives the deviations from the former healthy state of the now sick patient....All these perceptible signs represent the disease in its entire extent, that is, together they form the true and only conceivable gestalt of the disease.(19)
A search through Murphy's Repertory (20) reveals three medicines under Lyme disease: Arsenicum album, Mercurius and Thuja. Expanding the search through the MacRepertory and ReferenceWorks programs, reveals four additional medicines: Carcinosin, Lac caninum, Ledum, and Syphilinum. I also include Tick Bite, Lyme Tick and Borrelia when evaluating cases of known or suspected Lyme disease or prophylaxis. These medicines are only a starting point for consideration. Any homeopathic medicine can be used to effectively treat Lyme disease if it is the simillimum to the individual case.
In my practice, cases of prophylaxis following a tick bite receive a thorough constitutional analysis in addition to consideration of the above medicines and nosodes. When working with documented cases of newly diagnosed or chronic Lyme disease, a full analysis and repertorization must be completed prior to consideration of any medicines. The manner of this analysis follows the same guidelines as all cases treated from a classical homeopathic perspective:
I. A complete history and a focused physical exam should always be performed.
II. The diagnosis of Lyme disease is given equal consideration as an additional factor affecting an individual's health, but it is never taken as the total representation of the disease process unless there are no other signs, symptoms or significant history. In other words, the diagnosis of Lyme disease must be integrated into the total analysis of symptoms and considered as an additional factor affecting an individual's health. It must be considered a part of an individual patient's total pattern of susceptibility, referred to in paragraph 18 of The Organon where Hahnemann states: It is an undeniable truth that nothing can, by any means, be discovered in diseases whereby they could express their need for aid, besides the totality of symptoms, with consideration for the accompanying circumstances. Therefore, it follows incontestably that the complex of all the symptoms and circumstances perceived in each individual case of disease must be the only indicator, the only reference in choosing a remedy.
III. Lyme disease must be considered in the context of the individual host who has proven to be susceptible. Illnesses manifest according to the patterns and cycles already in place in each particular individual. Through the judicious use of homeopathic medicines, according to the Law of Similars, an individual host's immune system may be augmented to provide the appropriate disease/ailment specific impetus that will enable effective, prompt resolution and re-establishment of equilibrium. Using homeopathic medicines, an individual's response to parasitic infestation may be directly augmented in a manner that provides safe, permanent resolution with minimal risk of resistance or recurrence.
CASES 1. Case one: A fourteen year-old prepubertal girl was brought to me for evaluation by her parents. They had noticed a ring-like lesion on her right thigh for the past week following what they thought was an insect bite about 10 days before. She complained of some pain in the thigh, but there were no systemic symptoms of fever, chills or viral-like illnesses. Emotionally she was described as excitable, high strung, and low key at home with an even temper. She reported occasional headaches both at home and at school, as well as occasional stomach aches. Her sleep was described as fine unless the weather was hot, and then she had difficulty since there was no air conditioning in the home. She slept on her side and occasionally propped her head up. She bruised easily. Acne was just beginning to manifest. Her diet was filled with vegetables, salads and grains. She was described as an avid reader of mysteries and a bright 8th grade student. No allergies, no medications.
She had a history of mild lactose intolerance. She had braces on her teeth. She craved potato chips and lemonade. She was averse to asparagus and chili. There was a family history of colon cancer, headaches and allergies. She was not up to date on her immunizations and her family did not plan on completing them. There was a history of meconium at birth.
Physical exam revealed: some mild acneiform eruptions on the face, and mild scoliosis; Tanner stage I breast development; normal pulmonary and cardiac exam and a clear bull's-eye rash on the left posterior thigh reaching around to the anterior thigh and inguinal area measuring 20 cm. in diameter. Neurologic and lymphatic examination was normal. Vital signs were normal and she was afebrile.
My impression was that she displayed clear characteristics of an E.C.M. rash although there was no sign, yet, of systemic involvement. Her case history was imperfect, and, although I tried, I was unable to satisfy my appeal for a constitutional solution that matched her personality. Therefore she received a single dose of Lyme Tick 30C repeated in 24 and 48 hours for a total of three doses.
My plan was to address a constitutional prescription at her follow-up in one month, but by that time she was completely free of symptoms. The E.C.M. rash had faded after one week. She had not advanced to develop any systemic signs of Lyme disease. She remains symptom free after eight months' follow-up.
The medicine, Lyme Tick was prepared by me from a nymph stage deer tick removed from the neck of another patient who was successfully treated one year before. The tick was potentized to 30C and is now used as an isopathic nosode in certain cases of prophylaxis if a constitutional medicine is not apparent.
Cases of Lyme disease prophylaxis pose a particularly interesting problem. The homeopathic medicine, Ledum, has been recommended by several homeopathic physicians for use in Lyme prophylaxis after a tick bite. This knee jerk prescription is reminiscent of the allopathic use of immunizations. To truly employ classical homeopathic theory according to the Law of Similars is extremely difficult in cases of prophylaxis unless there are strong symptoms or if the case is already known from prior experience.
Several possible solutions present themselves in the dilemma of prophylaxis, including the use of homeopathic nosodes or the use of a constitutional prescription. Constitutional prescribing utilizes the complete analysis of an individual's total state of physical, mental and emotional characteristics that is present before Lyme disease manifests. Neither of these approaches are infallible. Professional judgment on each individual case might prove more beneficial.
2 . Case Two: A 9 year-old female came to me in July 1996 with a tentative diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The first episode had occurred in January of 1996, about a month after a deer tick had been found imbedded in her scalp. Her primary physician, at that time, did not believe that ticks could spread Lyme disease during the winter months and, so, he had treated her for JRA. Her symptoms included three episodes of bilateral knee swelling, leg swelling and a rash; also pain in the left elbow and left ankle. Her skin felt tingly and was noted to be hot and occasionally red around the affected joints. She reported feeling tired in the afternoons after about 1:00 p.m. Pain was present in the legs and had been there for the past three weeks. She would get crabby and restless and have to limp because of the pain in her knees. Her joints were better from external heat, better from movement, and she preferred being outdoors in the open air. She had a poor appetite and was chronically constipated. Her left knee was worse than the right, and it was worse from flexing. Her first episode (seven months earlier) had been marked by a fever, but she had not had any febrile response since that time.
Her physical exam revealed a well-developed, well-nourished white female in no apparent distress. Her skin was fair. She had blond hair. Her temperature was 97.6. Her pulse was 80. Examination of head and neck was remarkable for shoddy cervical adenopathy. Cardiac and abdominal exam was within normal limits. The extremities were remarkable for a grossly deformed left knee with positive ballotment of the patella, with marked effusion. The knee was hot, but it was nonerythematous. Range of motion was limited due to pain. There were no skin rashes and no other lymphadenopathy was noted.
My impression was that early disseminated Lyme disease had produced a monarticular arthritis with recurrent episodes of polyarticular arthritis since January 1996, following the tick bite. Other considerations included JRA and other rheumatologic conditions, as well as septic arthritis. The plan at that time included a Lyme titer with a complete blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. I treated her with the medication Veratrum viride 200C. She took it once and then she plussed it every 24 hours, for several days.
In one week's time, the Lyme titer was reported as being strongly positive, the ESR was elevated at 44 (normal 10-20), and her CBC was normal. At two week's follow-up, she felt much better; there was no pain, and only slight swelling remained in the left knee. She had been feeling that everything was steadily improving. She was instructed to stop the Veratrum viride and was given a single dose of the medicine Syphilinum 1M.
She responded rapidly, and by her next appointment, three-and-one-half months later, she had not had any recurrences. She was absolutely free of joint problems and only one mild upper-respiratory infection had punctuated the interim. Her physical exam was completely normal, her cervical adenopathy had resolved, and her knees were normal. Since both JRA and Lyme are capable of producing a positive ELISA test, the definitive study at this point might have been the Western Blot. In the interest of saving cost, that test was deferred with the caveat that it would be ordered at the earliest sign of recurrent symptoms. She remains symptom free to this date without evidence of recurrence.
Veratrum viride is American Hellebore. It was selected on the basis of the following rubrics from Murphy's Repertory (20): Ankles; SWELLING Environment; AIR, cold, agg. Generals; WEAKNESS; general,; afternoon; 1 p.m. Generals; WEAKNESS; general Joints; SWELLING, of Joints; DISCOLORATION, redness Knees; SWELLING; general; rheumatic Knees; SWELLING; general; hot Knees; RHEUMATIC, pain Knees; ACHING, pain Knees; PAIN, knees; general; turning, in bed; on turning the limb Knees; PAIN, knees Legs; ACHING, pain; lower Limbs; TINGLING, prickling, asleep Mind; QUARRELSOME Mind; COMPLAINING Muscles; PAIN, muscles,; general; rheumatism, in acute Muscles; PAIN, muscles, Neck; SUBMAXILLARY, glands; inflammation Neck; PAIN, glands; sides Syphilinum was administered in follow up on the basis of the following rubrics: Ankles; PAIN, ankles; rheumatic Generals; CHRONICITY, of complaints Generals; POSITION, change of body, agg. Generals; WEAKNESS; general Generals; MOTION, general; amel.; continued Generals; HOT, applications, amel. Knees; ACHING, pain Skin; RASH Knees; PAIN, knees Legs; PAIN, legs; lower Legs; ACHING, pain; lower Legs; SWELLING; lower Legs; ACHING, pain; lower Limbs; ACHING, pain Limbs; RHEUMATIC, pain Mind; DISCONTENTED, displeased, dissatisfied Mind; IRRITABILITY Neck; SWELLING of; glands Rectum; CONSTIPATION, general,; obstinate; years, for
3. Case Three: A seventy year-old housewife with a history of Lyme disease diagnosed 7 years ago. She was treated, at that time, with oral doxycycline for 3 months, followed by several other antibiotics (including cefixime) for a total of 2 years of antibiotic treatment. When she came to see me, she said she continued to have myalgias, with aching in all the muscles in the body and, particularly, the back and across her shoulders. All her symptoms were worse in the morning and at night. The aches were present for 7 years and she had recently been diagnosed as having fibromyalgia. She said the pain would move in cycles, lasting about 11/2 weeks, and the pain would make her feel quite depressed. (Her primary physician had offered to treat her with antidepressants.) All her symptoms were worse in the cold, better in hot weather, better from warmth, better from motion, worse sitting still. She was occasionally constipated, worse from missing meals, and better from hot meals. She complained of an inability to think straight. She easily lost her train of thought, and had a history of orthostatic vertigo. She also had difficulty remembering names, frequent occipital headaches, dry eyes, cataracts, sciatic pain down both legs, and a history of hemorrhoids. She described a cold sensation in her legs, with tingling and burning when waking early in the morning. She complained of generalized pruritus, mostly on her back, and she had occasional chills. Past medical history was significant for a cardiac arrest in 1992 and hypertension, treated allopathically for 19 years. She also had a childhood history of severe Scarlet Fever where she was hospitalized, and her mother had told her that she almost died because of it. Her surgical history included hysterectomy, appendectomy, and a cholecystectomy. There was a family history of diabetes and depression.
Physical exam revealed a well developed, well-nourished white-haired elderly woman; blood pressure was 180/98; pulse was 88; head and neck exam demonstrated left frontal and maxillary sinus tenderness, multiple dental amalgams and partial plates. Otherwise, her physical exam was normal.
My clinical impression was poorly controlled hypertension (of note, she had recently discontinued her anti-hypertensive medications without the knowledge of her physician) and a long-standing history of Lyme disease (treated ineffectively with multiple courses of antibiotics) now in a late phase, mistakenly diagnosed as fibromyalgia and depression.
She received the nosode Scarlatina 200 C as a single dose. At follow-up, three weeks later, she returned with complaints of a severe headache at the vertex and temples. She had also developed occasional chills and a post-nasal drip. Her body aches were significantly improved, and she had read three books (a definite sign of improvement since she was unable to concentrate long enough to finish a single page at her initial visit). Her physical exam was essentially unchanged and her blood pressure was 180/80. She was given Glonoine 200C as a single dose, and at her next scheduled follow-up 2 months later, she explained that she had continued to improve until she became nearly pain-free for the first time in 7 years.
Scarlatina is a nosode prepared from the lysate from the squams of a patient with scarlatina. Scarlet fever is a little-known condition today associated with a Group A streptococcal pharyngitis. There is usually a diffuse cutaneous rash associated with the erythrogenic toxin. Rare cases of scarlet fever have been associated with pulmonary, hepatic and arthritic involvement. Little is known of the scarlatina nosode and (to my knowledge) it has never received a thorough proving. Clinical indications relate to the actual disease state. It has also been likened to the proving of Streptococcinum (which is available). Clinical indications for Scarlatina include weakness, headaches, vomiting, cervical adenopathy, nephritis, psoriasis, arthralgias and rheumatism of fingers and hands, chronic polyarthritis, and abdominal pains.
Glonoinum was selected to follow Scarlatina on the basis of the following rubrics:
Arms; TINGLING, prickling, asleep; general; side, lain on Arms; SHARP, pain Arms; ACHING, pain Back; PAIN, thoracic; middle of Back; COLDNESS; general; extending, down back Blood; HYPERTENSION, high blood pressure; general; sudden rise of Generals; PAINS; general; appear gradually; and disappear gradually Generals; SENSATIONS, general; tingling Generals; WEAKNESS; general Generals; WALKING, general; amel. Generals; MOTION, general; amel.; slow Head; HEADACHES; occiput; hammering Legs; PAIN, legs; lower Mind; MEMORY, general; forgetful; words while speaking, of, word hunting Mind; CONCENTRATION, general; difficult Mind; CONFUSION, of mind; talking, while Mind; CONFUSION, of mind Mind; EXHAUSTION, of mind Mind; MEMORY, general; forgetful Mind; MEMORY, general; weakness of Mind; MEMORY, general; weakness of; names, for proper Mind; THOUGHTS, general; wandering Muscles; SHARP, pain Rectum; CONSTIPATION, general,; hemorrhoids, from Shoulders; PAIN, shoulders
The thread that runs between these cases and, particularly, the last two, is the notion that homeopathic medicine may be used effectively in the treatment of Lyme disease if there exists a constitutional similarity in the symptom picture produced by the medicine and the particular manifestations of the disease process in a particular individual host.
DISCUSSION
Rx: Homeopathic vs. Allopathic?
It is important to recognize the clinical manifestations of Lyme disease and other zoonotic illnesses, and to understand the treatment options, using both the conventional and the classical homeopathic approach. The use of conventional antibiotic medicine conforms to the standard of care in this country, but even when implemented according to current treatment guidelines, does not guarantee that these illnesses will be cured. The number of cases of recurrent and chronic illness are increasing as the diagnosis of Lyme disease is more frequently made. In addition, there are many reported cases of post-Lyme disease syndrome and a vast number of individuals who find it difficult to fit into any diagnostic category and so are classified as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, somatization disorder or depression.(2)
Antibiotics are not tremendously effective in treating Lyme disease at any stage. Initial treatment recommendations start with courses of therapy ranging 3-4 weeks followed by reevaluation, and then an additional course of several weeks or months if symptoms persist or recur. Late stage illness requires long courses of intravenous antibiotic therapy. Treatment is prolonged because these tick-borne organisms are relatively resistant to therapy, even at the outset. In addition, the longer any antibiotic therapy continues the greater the likelihood that resistance will develop. This is a hard lesson which we have already learned by experience with tuberculosis and other infections.
The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance with subsequent recurrent infection, chronic infection and resistant strains of organisms has been extensively investigated and many recommendations made.(5,6,7,8,9) The blame for this phenomenon has generally been placed upon a combination of physicians' indiscriminate overuse of these agents, coupled with patients' demands and erratic compliance with their proper use. This tendency to blame the physician (for trying to eradicate an illness quickly and efficiently) or the patient (to be free of illness rapidly and to stop taking a potentially toxic medicine when they feel better) may be a mistake based on a basic incorrect assumption and a false premise about how antibiotics work in treating illnesses.
Antibiotics do not cure infections. This is a common misconception, even among physicians. When antibiotics are used judiciously in cases of susceptible bacterial infections in concentrations that are considered bactericidal, then a proportion of the total bacterial load is reduced in a dose-response relationship. Through repeat dosing over days, weeks or months, bacterial counts are significantly reduced so that the host's immune system can (theoretically) complete the task of eradicating any remaining organisms. The task of healing, or reestablishing homeostasis is always dependent upon a number of different factors intrinsic and extrinsic to an individual, but includes the orchestration and coordination of the entire organism; mental, physical and spiritual.(21)
The pharmacodynamics of antibiotic use necessitates a level toxic to the bacterium be established within a range that is tolerable to the host. In The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Goodman & Gilman state:
The dose of a drug utilized must be sufficient to produce the necessary effect on the microorganisms; however, concentrations of the agent in plasma and tissues must remain below those that are toxic to human cells. If this can be achieved, the microorganism is said to be susceptible to the antibiotic. If the concentration of drug required to inhibit or kill the organism is greater than the concentration that can safely be achieved, the microorganism is considered to be resistant to the antibiotic.
As this bacteriocidal range is approached, the rate of bacterial inhibition or toxicity approaches a level of efficacy, but (by nature of biological systems and pharmacodynamics) becomes asymptotic to the maximal expected efficacy. This means that even the best antibacterial agents are never 100% effective in eliminating any parasitic organisms, except in ideal in vitro conditions where toxicity to the host is not an issue.
If antibiotics are not responsible for curing bacterial infections, how is it that the majority of individuals treated with these drugs seem to improve? Clearly, when we improve from any condition, including infectious diseases, it is a result of the body's own tendency toward homeostasis (working through the immune and other systems) that enables a cure. Goodman and Gilman continue:
An important determinant of the therapeutic effectiveness of antimicrobial agents is the functional state of the hosts defense mechanisms. Both humoral and cellular immunity are important. Inadequacy of type, quality, and quantity of the immunoglobulins, alteration of the cellular immune system, or either a qualitative or, most important, a quantitative defect in phagocytic cells may result in therapeutic failure despite the use of otherwise-appropriate and effective drugs.(22)
The apparent eradication of infectious organisms may actually be a partial shut down of the immune/inflammatory response that provides the symptoms of infection. In other words, if the antigenicity of the organism (infectious agent) can be changed or modified to create less of an immune response (see below), or if our ability to react immunogenically to the organism has been suppressed, we will not be aware of the illness; we will have no symptoms. The organism would then be free to enter a less obvious, yet persistently active resident state resulting in damage in deeper structures over greater periods of time.
At the microbiologic level, one of the ways that health is reestablished is through the coordination of all the arms of the immune system. Antibiotics and other agents that are utilized in assisting in immune function work at a very superficial and, perhaps, harmful level. Chemotherapeutic agents act by lowering the burden of parasitic opportunists and simultaneously turning off the autonomic inflammatory immune response. These chemotherapeutic antibiotic agents may not only be somewhat incidental to actual cure; they may also act by effectively thwarting the body's own mechanisms of defense. Macroscopically, the use of these agents effectively turns off defense mechanisms of inflammation and fever (which are helpful in the immune response). These agents may interfere at the microscopic level as well.
Goodman and Gilman further state that: Another interesting twist that may influence the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy is that these agents have been shown to affect various host immune responses adversely; these include leukocyte chemotaxis, lymphocyte and monocyte transformation, antibody production, phagocytosis, and the microbicidal action of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. While the clinical significance of this immunosuppression is not known, these observations should help discourage the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.(22)
We have no studies demonstrating that a sterile environment is ever achieved internally. All evidence points to the fact that we are constantly surrounded (internally and externally) by potentially pathogenic organisms. It is only through the constant activity of our immune systems, supported via physical, emotional and spiritual means, that we maintain health. Healing, when it does occur, is ultimately the result of host factors that continue to succeed in mounting surveillance coupled with a lytic response. Symptoms act as essential feedback loops maintaining this dynamic equilibrium while triggering appropriate biochemical, emotional and behavioral responses.
As a result of even the most prolonged course of antibiotic treatment, some bacterial organisms do survive within us. Those that do survive, by definition, have acquired a degree of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the very nature of antibiotic therapy favors the Natural Selection of more resistant infectious agents that are able to exist and survive without immune inflammatory recognition. Conventional antibiotic therapy directly promotes this course of events.
Another result of antimicrobial therapy complicates diagnosis. As the immune response is shut off (prematurely by reduced bacterial count and direct inhibition), antibody production and cellular memory may become impaired leading to a delay or an inhibition of seroconversion. This would effectively reduce the reliability of antibody-based diagnostic tests.(23)
The very basis for the germ warfare approach to infectious illness enables and ensures the retaliation from stronger bacterial and viral organisms in future illnesses. It should be no surprise that even through the most judicious use of these agents, coupled with the most thorough (and compliant) courses of treatment, that emergence of resistance to these agents is a guaranteed ultimate fact. Recurrence is only a matter of time and (in a dynamic living system) a question of location.
From this discussion, it would appear that our immune system has developed through a reliance upon the growth characteristics of infectious organisms within and around us. The orchestration of antigenic recognition, clonal production and cellular memory may not have sufficient information to adapt to the changes that we so readily interject. The use of chemotherapeutic antibiotics (that reduce, but fail to eliminate these organisms) may exacerbate the situation and hinder the immune response by confusing feedback loops of inflammation. If antibiotics are capable of interfering with our system in this manner, they may shut down important processes prematurely. This may directly lead to a form of revolving door series of infections until suppression was strong enough to set up a chronic illness (see below). The strategy at the core of the conventional approach to infectious disease may be fundamentally flawed. The notion of a sterile (bacteria free) human is as absurd as the notion of a perfect vacuum - it does not exist. Additionally, our ignorance in relying on this Stone Age view of microbiological dynamics may be extremely harmful. Our attempts to assist with infections using antibiotics may significantly impede our health.
If we recognize that antibiotic resistance is an inevitable fact, then we will also perceive that the phenomenon of disease suppression is the ultimate outcome. Disease suppression is the phenomenon widely recognized for over 200 years by homeopathic physicians; it is one of their greatest contentions with allopaths. In this paradigm, the allopathic application of medicines (that only achieve the short-term reversal of symptoms) drives illnesses deeper into potentially more serious levels of pathology. This phenomenon (known only empirically till now) has recently been validated.
Suppression is seen following many conventional treatments using hormones, steroids, antibiotics and other medications that limit the inflammatory response. The use of these agents sometimes results in dire infectious, neoplastic, rheumatologic and metabolic consequences. Recently, the organism Chlamydia pneumoniae has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both heart disease and cerebrovascular disease(24,25). The bacterium Helicobacter Pylori has been implicated in the development of peptic ulcer disease, migraine headaches(26) and cancer(27). Both of these organisms are common superficial opportunists that appear to have escaped immune detection until their pathogenicity is expressed in an heretofore unsuspected disease. These are examples of potentially lethal consequences that may occur when the normal homeostatic balance of the immune system is turned off and suppressed by conventional treatments. In a similar fashion, viral agents have long been implicated in the development of certain types of cancer and lymphoma and, recently, a Borna virus has been implicated in the etiology of certain emotional ailments, including depression.(28)
The change in role of these minor infectious agents and their involvement in more serious pathology may have resulted from the overuse of suppressive treatments that (a) effectively enabled resistance, (b) simultaneously inhibited immune recognition allowing the organism to evade detection and reach a deeper protected niche in arterial walls, in the mucus barrier inside the stomach or even in the brain.
Recent studies in the pathogenesis of viral factors in cancer have indicated that the EBV agent is able to selectively express only certain proteins that enable it to remain protected intracellularly for long periods of time before contributing to a devastating illness.(29) Similarly, any form of therapy that suppresses immune function and reduces symptoms of inflammation (without eliminating the cause) may open the door to this phenomenon.
In the example above, of cardiac and cerebrovascular disease, these may be the result of treatment with suppressive agents that acted to relieve symptoms, but inhibited the development of immunity. Short-term effects of this might include recurrent infections while long-term results might include pathology in more vital organs in the viscera. The recognition of the possible relatedness of these events has been delayed because conventional wisdom ignores the theoretical (and empirical) conclusion that different illnesses suffered by an individual throughout his or her lifetime may be related. It is interesting that the denial and flagrant ignorance of these phenomena now lead directly to their proof.
The solution to this modern dilemma is not to redouble the use of suppressive therapies, but to work to stimulate and support the immune system through our understanding of how it does work. The recognition that our very own chemotherapeutic agents inhibit our immune defenses while strengthening the position of the parasite should allow us to explore the use of alternative therapeutic modalities that work in accordance with the functioning of the body rather than against it.
In the case of Lyme disease (and many other infectious illnesses), if the immune reaction is turned off prematurely (by reduction of bacterial burden, below a threshold level), before all the arms of the immune response are activated, then the complex system of antibody production and cellular memory may not become fully activated. This may lead to a partial crippling of the very system that we have so generously tried to assist. The ability of the immune system to adapt to infection may be thwarted and subclinical disease may progress unhindered. The heroic, short-term, symptomatic solution may be more harmful in the long-run. Immunity may never develop and the illness may progress to more serious stages of (initially) asymptomatic pathology. This situation may lead to the successful, temporary relief from a symptom at the expense of worsening overall health.
Biologically, the long-term effects of this short-term disease suppression may produce a profound dependence upon the repeated administration of these toxic agents and a weakening of the health of an individual as illness is ultimately driven deeper toward more vital organs. This phenomena should be perfectly clear by observing the effects of repeated antibiotic administration in cases of recurrent pediatric otitis media and strep pharyngitis. Conventional medical wisdom assumed that there was a long term benefit to the pharmacologic control and temporary suppression of these symptoms. However, these assumptions have never been rigorously tested in any double-blinded format. One recent study does suggest that antibiotics should not be indicated as first line treatment in these infections and that they should be regarded as optional.(31) This is the conclusion that has been supported by over 200 years of homeopathic treatment.
Hahnemann states in paragraph 60 of The Organon: When these ill-consequences arise from the antipathic employment of medicines (as may very naturally be expected) the ordinary physician believes he can aid his cause by giving, with each renewed aggravation, a stronger dose of the medicine. This results, likewise, in only a short-lasting pacification. Since this necessitates an ever higher intensification of the palliative, there ensures either another greater malady or frequently even incurability, danger to life or death itself, but never cure of a malady that is old or very old.(19)
Homeopathic medicines have been shown to stimulate an individual's immune response with an information/energy intensive quantum boost. This specific boost acts in a fashion similar to the crude inoculation, but appears to be individually matched to the precise pattern and vibratory frequency of the system that is out of atunement. This impetus enables the development of an increased strength of the immune response with greater resistance to illness. The immune system appears to benefit via this paradoxical treatment. Ultimately, homeopathic treatment forces the immune system to work harder in exercising immunity and cellular memory. Through the judicious use of the classical homeopathic method whereby each case is taken individually and the simillimum is given in the correct strength, we begin to see illness prevented and cured. In this manner, many illnesses that have become chronic and long-standing can be fully reversed.
CONCLUSION
My clinical experience with Lyme disease strongly supports the role of classical homeopathy and homeopathic medicines early after exposure as the most effective means of management. Since this application of medicine stimulates and augments the immune inflammatory response, a prompt resolution usually results. In early cases and in prophylaxis, I advocate the use of homeopathy as a first line of treatment. This approach is effective for the prompt resolution of threatening infection, and it additionally appears to stimulate the individual in a fashion (similar to an immunization) such that immunity from future infection is also strengthened (rather than the reverse, which is commonly seen with conventional antibiotic prophylaxis).
My experience working with established cases of late Lyme disease has included cases treated with extensive courses of oral and IV antibiotic therapies for recurrent disease. At this stage, there is some controversy regarding the questions of chronic suppressed disease versus actual reinfection and true recurrence. The point is moot however since reinfection suggests that immunity was never attained on a cellular level. Antibiotic treatment suppressed not only the disease associated organism (spirochete), but also turned off the immune response prematurely and prevented the development of immunity.
Chronic infection suggests that a stalemate of continued disease activity is the result of an associated disease agent (spirochete) that has established a niche in a susceptible host. Neither the antibiotic nor the host's immune response is sufficient to break the cycle. The continued use of stronger and broader spectrum agents only weakens the immune system further and allows the infection to slip deeper toward organ systems less able to evoke a perceptible symptomatic inflammatory response. It becomes more difficult to effect a cure using either homeopathic or allopathic medicines as the bacterial or viral agents become established in these deeper niches and symptoms subside. In this model, superficial infections may establish chronic silent residence until inevitable pathology ultimately effects more critical levels of functioning.
Homeopathy is the most viable option in these cases as conventional treatments tend to act in a toxic manner toward the host, provide only partial bactericidal action and further suppress toward more serious latent illnesses. My experience suggests that the judicious use of homeopathic medicines applied through the classical homeopathic approach is one of the best means to cure Lyme disease (and other related infections) and to reestablish a healthy equilibrium.
Acknowledgment
Posts: 21 | From Tampa, Fl | Registered: Feb 2007
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Vanilla
Unregistered
posted
This article seems to have some of its facts wrong for example about how long a tick must be attached to make you sick. I forget if it is babs or bart but a tick has to only be attached 2 hours before it passes either bart or babs on to you.
I would also skip getting a Elisa and go straight to a western blot.
I think the facts on what percentage of the population has lyme in certain areas is off as well.
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dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102
posted
I googled the doctor and got his website an email address.
Posts: 2675 | From ct, usa | Registered: Jan 2004
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oxygenbabe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5831
posted
Peter Alex a German homeopath has cured longstanding cases of lyme disease. So I don't trust this author.
Posts: 2276 | From united states | Registered: Jun 2004
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I feel caught in the middle of this difference of opinion between LLMDs who prescribe antibiotics and homeopathic practitioners who prescribe remedies. I am currently taking both...and several supplements. (However, taking antibiotics and a remedy is probably not the best strategy.)
I am a person who has struggled with Lyme symptoms for over twenty years. I am currently fairly functional. I do not want to further suppress my immune system in any way.
Are any of you trying homeopathic remedies and supplements--without antibiotics?
Posts: 83 | From Minnesota | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
oxygenbabe Frequent Contributor Member # 5831
posted 30 July, 2007 11:54 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peter Alex a German homeopath has cured longstanding cases of lyme disease. So I don't trust this author. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posts: 818 | From: united states | Registered: Jun 2004 | IP: Logged
Hiawatha922 Flash Member Member # 10796
posted 30 July, 2007 12:50 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a very interesting article.
I feel caught in the middle of this difference of opinion between LLMDs who prescribe antibiotics and homeopathic practitioners who prescribe remedies. I am currently taking both...and several supplements. (However, taking antibiotics and a remedy is probably not the best strategy.)
I am a person who has struggled with Lyme symptoms for over twenty years. I am currently fairly functional. I do not want to further suppress my immune system in any way.
Are any of you trying homeopathic remedies and supplements--without antibiotics?
First oxygenbabe,
I do not understand your point at all? If this german physician has cured long standing cases of Lyme that is very good news. What is it that makes you think this author can't do the same? Also, how did you hear about the german physician and does he come to the US? How do you get in touch with him?
Hiawatha922
I agree with you, I am caught in the same prediciment. I have not done the IV antibiotics and am not even sure about my Lyme Diagnosis being accurate. I personally feel it is CFS/ME and not Lyme. But I should hopefully know better by the end of the summer.
I have tried both oral antibiotics and remedies and agree it is not a good mix. The remedies are extremely powerful in there own. This is just my personal opinion, and probably not shared by many on this board. If you have had Lyme for a very long time I do not believe ABX will completely eradicate the condition except for the lucky few. However, I do not know whether Homeopathy can either. I think you have to way the benefits of the ABX vs. the possilbe damage. Having been or oral ABX for years, it helped me function so much better. HOwever, it has created many fungal problems and a nasty C. Difficile infection they are unable at this time to eradicate. So oral ABX long term for me are really no longer an option. Best of luck to you, I know it is a very difficult decision. I am glad you appreciated this article, I hoped it would help many on this board who suffer and don't want to use long term ABX.
Posts: 21 | From Tampa, Fl | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
Before I even knew I had Lyme I went to a homeopathic doctor for many years. He did not use classical homeopathy, but rather combination therapy. He was not able to ascertain that I had Lyme, but he did find other issues (viral, fungal, toxoplasmosis, EBV, etc.) and treated them.
I had herxes on his treatment, and felt better, but never as good as I have on antibiotics. I am convinced that his treatments are the only thing that allowed me to keep working and functioning before diagnosis.
After Lyme diagnosis, we used some powerful Lyme disease remedies from Deseret Biologicals and some other remedies that he thought would help. It did help, but only to a certain degree.
At the time, I was not aware of the Bartonella link for me and we did not treat homeopathically for that. I went the LLMD/antibiotic route after that.
Have had one course of treatment, relapse and now another course on antibiotic. But, I have heard from someone else here that they now have a Bartonella remedy at Deseret Biologicals, so I am considering going back to the homeopath to see what he finds in me now.
I have a feeling he would find more than Lyme and the co-infections as I believe we are susceptible to all kinds of nasties while ill. Which is probably why many of us still don't feel so well.
My homeopath does not think it is bad to be on ABX and homeopathy at the same time. IMO, you can get a double whammy, though. Herx from ABX and herx from Homeo, and you may not know which is causing it....
The other thing, in the very beginning of using homeopathy, it did not work that quickly or well on me. Not until I started cleaning up my diet and not eating preservatives, and all the chemicals in alot of the packaged food (I ate alot of organic too and still try to).
In any case, I think it has merit for treatment of Lyme, IF you get the right treatment(s) at the right time.
Robin
Posts: 276 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
I have often thought about the use of homeopathic treatment or even herbal treatments, because I can not afford to go to a LLMD right now, so I thought I would check out your post.
Several things bothered me, before I even reached the treatment section..
Such as the statement that Lyme is "overdiagnosed" and that ppl diagnosed with Lyme often don't have Lyme at all, but CFS or Lupus, etc...
From everything that I have learned, I would say that the exact opposite is true...
It's a crying shame that there is not a 100% prove postive test that could be used to eliminate all of this speculation and argument..
Posts: 50 | From Port Crane, NY | Registered: Apr 2007
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
Jimmiestermite, you have misinterpreted what you read!
RDW, M.D. said that there are many docs who believe that Lyme is overdiagnosed, etc. But clearly HE IS NOT one of those docs...... he realizes that too many people can trace their symptoms back to a tick bite..... here's the quote:
quote:Many physicians feel that Lyme is being constantly overdiagnosed and that too m any cases with so called soft evidence are being treated inappropriately.(1,2) (By soft evidence, I refer to a range of vague complaints running from chronic fatigue through fibromyalgia and depression.) On the other hand , there is a growing population that suffers from very real physical and emotional symptoms, but have found it difficult to prove that they have any identifiable disease despite the fact that, in many cases, all their symptoms date back to a tick bite.
Also, the author states that Lyme is sometimes diagnosed as Lupus, MS, etc. and that the reverse is also true. I agree, from everything I have read. In time, I think we will find that most of these `other illnesses' have a microbial agent as a cause or contributing factor, but it may not always be the Lyme bacteria at the forefront. Again, here's the quote.
quote:There are many illnesses and syndromes that are commonly misdiagnosed as Lyme Disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and fibromyalgia. The reverse is also true. Many cases of Lyme Disease have been found masquerading as rheumatologic ailments.
Homeopathy is a definite option for Lyme and co-infection treatment. Just remember that a complicated illness such as Lyme & Co. requires a practitioner with considerable experience and understanding of these illnesses, whether you are choosing a homeopath or a conventional doctor.
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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butchieboo
Unregistered
posted
I started reading this post but never finished the thing. Too too many errors are in this thing.
I spot checked thru the rest of it and found even more errors.
These guys are'nt any better ducks then the ones on the board of the IDSA.
hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
I've been on both herbal treatment AND homoepathic treatment since start of my lyme treatment, almost 2 years ago.
I recently added Aurum arsenicosum (P. Alex), potency 200K.
Ledum, hypericum, borrelia nosodes always tested good here and there and I never abandoned these for good. Then I had support from my classical homeopath doctor too, for symptom relief.
If I could have other nosodes in my hands like bartonella, babesia etc, I would have tried these too for sure. They don't exist here in Europe, as far as I know.
It's not a cure in itself, not for me, but I do think it acts in deeper levels, it can put back organs that are messed up in place, it can help on detox, on immune modulation, on killing, on thyroid, on digestion, chills, etc etc.
I practically didn't take any abx and was almost 100% feeling well before my recent reinfection.
Now I'm back to about 85-90%, and I only took 2 weeks of doxy immediately after tick bite. I was on my own tick-nosode (various potencies) that I used for 2.5 months. Now I'm only on Ledum and Aurum arsen, but will get re-inforcement some time soon.
The problem with homeopathy is there there are many schools, many types of treatment, there are the different potencies and the need of constant changing to make things work long term. Then there's the knowledge of lyme and co-infections. With lyme, it's as difficult to find a good treatment with homeopathy as it is in any other field (herbs, abx whatever).
I wouldn't use homeopathy-only for lyme though, even if it's 'only' acute. Unless somebody convinces me! I'm for double treatments, homeopathy + something else (herbs and/or abx). I can believe it's possible, but I need to be convinced.
I use muscle tests and homeopathic remedies never tested alone for me, I always needed loads of herbs in parallel.
I recently found out that the BEST tick repellent for my cat are homeopathic borrelia nosodes LM 6. For that, I start to be 100% convinced as he used to come with many many ticks a day (one week I got about 100), and the 3 last weeks, he's coming with NONE. We're still in high tick season.
My homopathic medical doctor who's a LLMD prescribed it for me, cat and family after I got re-bitten this year.
Both my homeopaths say that allopathy doesn't interphere with homeopathy.
Oxygenbabe, I also didn't understand your comment.
Do you think that classical homeopathy doesn't work for lyme? Selma
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