savebabe
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posted
The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (referred to as "Herx" often) is believed to be a reaction caused by organisms (bacteria) dying off and releasing toxins into the body faster than the body may comfortably handle it. It was originally observed in patients with syphilis who received mercury treatment [*]. 93% of patients with syphilis has Hughes Syndrome, it is estimated that 92% of CFS patients has Hughes Syndrome.
Most CFIDSers will have moderate to severe herx effects from antibiotics that will usually have no effects on normal healthy individuals[83% in one R.A. study, 51.4% in Lyme Disease, 89% with B. recurrentis infection]. The reason for this may be the diminished blood flow system caused by the thickening of the blood commonly found with CFIDS patients. Alternatively, "it seemed to occur when injured or dead bacteria released their products into blood and tissues, provoking a sudden and exaggerated inflammatory response"[*] - thus the response may be connected to the specific organism being killed off. Many non-antibiotic treatments (Hale's breathing, glutathione - whey products ) are reported to also produce a herx effect -- whether it is bacteria die off or simply toxin release, the effect is the same: misery!
Readings: What is a Herxheimer Reaction? The Herxheimer Reaction History [History and current theories (technical)] The New England Journal of Medicine -- August 1, 1996 -- Vol. 335, No. 5 Intensifiers if on Antibiotics Bromelain Serrapeptase Onset of Reaction Depending on illness and antibiotic: from 1-2 hrs to 10 days after antibiotics started
Symptoms The most common ones include:
increased joint or muscle pain headaches chills Heavy perspiration and night sweats Nausea Burning micturition Bone pain swollen glands bloating constipation or diarrhea fever (usually low grade) hypotension (low blood pressure) Itching, hives and rash (sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction - this must be an MD's call) heart palpitations, elevated heart rate, orthostatic Tachycardia are reported on http://www.onelist.com/community/cfs_Mycoplasma/
Treatment (reduction) Treatment consists of two approaches: improving the blood flow to clear the toxins faster (see vascular constriction), or, neutralizing the toxins (or both)
Probenecid (Dr. Jadin [*]) Benadryl (antihistamine) Therma-Flu or equivalent Aspirin (Bromelain may increase it!) Meptazinol [*, *] Increase in blood thinning supplements Lemon/Olive Oil drink (may be done with water or Grape Juice) 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (Organic) or 1/2 lemon rind) 1 Tbsp cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil Water or juice ... stir Concord Grape Juice with flavoids (widens blood vessels) NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), pain medication (see ibuprofen risks..) muscle relaxers, hot baths / hot tub steam (dry or hot) sauna a saltz bath: add 1 cup salt, 1 cup soda, 1 cup epsom salts, 1 cup aloe vera, to a hot bath, remain in and keep hot for about 1-1/2 hours all the while consuming about 2 quarts of warm water. Hale's breathing Control panic attacks, anxiety and worry (they constrict the blood vessels, worsening the effect). Differentiating between a Herxheimer, a flare and an allergic reaction to the drug "Laboratory tests can help differentiate between a worsening of disease (RA flare), a Herxheimer reaction to microbial toxins, and an allergic reaction to medication.
WBC will elevate in a Herxheimer and lower in a flare. A Herxheimer will also exhibit a coincidental elevation of SED rate, gamma globulin and total globulin ,and a fall in serum albumin and hematocrit. Patients who exhibit this flare reaction accompanied by anemia, depression of serum albumin, elevated total globulin and gamma globulin are probably reflecting a more intense reaction pattern to anti-L substances than in hematologically mild cases.
A marked increase in eosinophils (for instance about 30%) is an indication of an allergic reaction to the drug."
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savebabe
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I was wondering how long a lyme herx lasts after you added a new med.
Posts: 1603 | From ny | Registered: Aug 2006
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merrygirl
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Thanks for this!!
Therma-flu- that is interesting. What is in that that would help??
Melissa
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Aniek
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Interesting. I take Nattokinase, which is supposed to help loosen the fibrin in the blood. I wonder if it has the extra help of reducing a herx too...
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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CherylSue
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Awesome info. Thanks so much for posting this!
CherylSue
Posts: 1954 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
Going through this yet again - So thanks for this info. I am going to try the lemon/olive oil in addition to others.
Also explains why taking ibuprofen seemed to clear my mind although I know that there are precautions to taking it.
Thanks!!!!
-------------------- �Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.� - Ezre Taft Benson Posts: 655 | From NC, Exit 88 on the Deer SuperHighway | Registered: Dec 2004
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