posted
Hello folks, new here. Long story short, I was diagnosed with Lyme by Western Blot in December of 2006 after suffering through most of that year with dizziness, constant headaches, neurological problems, floaters, muscle pains, muscle spasms, panic attacks, etc. that started after a flu-like illness in February of 2006. My symptoms had improved after 6 months of oral Ceftin at 1000 mg per day, and 4 months of oral Doxycycline at 200 mg per day. My symptoms would flare up on about a 4 week cycle as expected from what I've read.
In July my LLMD stated that the continuing neurological symptoms I had were most likely auto-immune related, and I was prescribed Clarithromycin (Biaxin) + Plaquenil. Well, going off the other two medications and starting the Biaxin blew my mind - my neurological symptoms became the worst they'd ever been, along with the pain, and I was completely unable to sleep on the medication. I had to stop after only three weeks.
I did however notice for the first time that I broke out in a rash on my right hand and neck during the period my symptoms were the worst. I have now returned to my old medication because it seems to keep the symptoms under control, while I figure out what to do next. My symptoms flared again when I restarted the old combo, and now I notice a rash on my hand again in exactly the same place! Pictures here (I apologize for the quality, I don't have a proper digital camera):
The rash had faded somewhat before I managed to take these pictures. My instinct tells me now that if I am still having "herxes" from antibiotics, it can't mean my continuing symptoms are totally auto-immune related. I think the Clarithromycin may have been working in a way that the other two antibiotics weren't; it's unfortunate that I couldn't tolerate the side-effects.
My LLMD now would like to try Zithromax instead of the Biaxin. However, from what I've read lately I think that maybe 200 mg of Doxycycline for 4 months was not a high enough dose to effectively treat my neurological symptoms? And I really don't know if the Ceftin is adding much at this point - my symptoms are mainly neurological now. Does anyone know if it's possible to take zithromax in combination with Doxycycline/Ceftin?
Thanks so much for reading all this - I'd appreciate any comments anyone has from experience on the rash/antibiotic questions.
posted
Welcome!! I don't really believe in "auto-immune" ... seems to me if you are herxing on the abx, then you still have the infection. I would keep treating until ALL SYMPTOMS have been GONE for at least TWO MONTHS.
This link contains links to many different Lyme rashes.......and TONS more info as well!!
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