posted
I'm new here, having recently been diagnosed with Lymes after the third doctor finally took me seriously. But I just wanted to ask what the term "herxing" mean? Read it on this board. I am on 4 weeks doxycycline and then who know's what. Actually, the doctor that finally figured it out was when I went to minor emergency one afternoon having weird symptoms so bad and she did a 'tick panel'. That's what she called it. Family doctor and infectious disease doctor didn't find it. Am irritated with the first two doctors and don't know if I need to just take antibiotics and hope for the best or should I be seeing a doctor on a regular basis. This stuff is all so new to me. And when I started doing some research after I got the news, I'm beginning to think I should bury my head in the sand. I have had many strange symptoms for several months before getting the news. Anyway, my first question is what is "herxing"? And also, I was told not to go in the sun while taking this medicine, why would be? Thanks for any info. Will be hanging around here often. Just found this website tonight. Best wishes to all.
Posts: 44 | From Oklahoma | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
I'm bumping this up as I'd like to know this before I sign off if someone can give me the 'cliffnotes' version. Thanks:)
Posts: 44 | From Oklahoma | Registered: Aug 2007
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Herxing is a reaction to the antibiotics, some people have a severe reaction, others mild, some not at all. It is NOT an allergic reaction as some doctors would at first think. What is happening is that the lyme bacteria are being killed off by the antibiotics (this usually happens when Lyme is flaring up and exposed, for some this is about every 4 weeks). When the bacteria die off, toxins build in the body causing some people to feel very sick. There are lots of methods to detoxify the body and you can find many on this site. I highly suggest you click on the NEWBIE learning links at the top of the medical posts. They helped me tremendously. Hope I got this to you in time. Let me know how else I can help.
Hill
Posts: 10 | From Georgia | Registered: Apr 2007
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The herxheimer reaction, nicknamed "herx" or otherwise referred to as Jarisch- Herxheimer (J-H) is a phenomena originally observed in the treatment of syphilis, but later found in other illness. 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. 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.
In Lyme disease it is thought that the cause of herxheimers are the result of endotoxin release, 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), drop in blood pressure, hives and rash. A multitude of other symptoms have been described.
Worth noting is that hives and rash are sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction. It is up to one's physician to determine this, but with close observation and the use of medications such as Benedryl often prevents stopping antibiotics prematurely. In more severe cases of J-H a reduction of the dosage or temporarily cessation of the treatment is an alternative.
Timing, Frequency and Duration:
This is individualistic and Herxheimer can occur within days to weeks after the onset 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 these exacerbations. 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 Benedryl 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. However the lack of herxheimer reaction should not cause anxiety if symptoms are improving.
Other considerations:
Something often overlooked but can present with similar symptoms as a herxheimer is Candida (yeast) infection. Treatment with acidophilus and if needed prescription medications such as Nystatin or Diflucan can be utilized.
sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
Yes, as said before, herxing is both hell and a die off of the bacteria!
Are you seeing a Lyme Literate MD (LLMD)? You should be receiving regular medical care because 4 weeks of doxy is not enough. You should also be taking a high dose of the doxy (300-400 mg per day). Most regular MD's will not give you what you need to heal ... most will also not give you more than you've already been prescribed. Most of us require treatment for well over a year to heal from this.
You have to stay out of the sun with doxy because it makes your skin sensitive to it. When I was in Florida, I was wearing #35 sunscreen and got terrible sun poisoning on my hands through the car window!!!!
Read, read, read. You will learn a lot here from people who are getting better.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
Thanks to all of your for your responses. I will read all the information for people that are new to this board. Again thanks and best to all of you.
Posts: 44 | From Oklahoma | Registered: Aug 2007
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