posted
I have a few questions. As a reminder, I have probably had Lyme (and possibly Bart) for over twenty years. Symptoms have included tingling, joint aches, fatigue, vertigo, etc. I was finally diagnosed in June (07). I am pretty functional--working, exercise, etc.
My LLMD recently put me on Rifampin and Doxy. Since June, I have been on various antibiotics (at different times), including Doxy (alone), Cef., Tindamax, and Zith. She also has me on Rich Van Konyenburg's protocol--and a gluten free and dairy free diet. I have tolerated all of this pretty well (although it's a pain). To date, I have not noticed any progress (5 months).
However, since starting the Rif (600/day) and Doxy (400/day)last Weds., I have noticed more intense fatigue and also some shortness of breath and chest discomfort. I am wondering if this is a red flag...or something that will subside as I continue with the treatment. Could this be a positive sign--or is it a sign that something is wrong (or neither)?
I am also scheduled to attend an out of town conference next week. I'm a bit concerned about these symptoms, and the whole diet issue. I've considered stopping my meds (including supplements) for the four days that I will be out, but I don't want to interrupt any progress (that I may not be able to see yet).
Any thoughts on 1. Rifampin and Doxy and 2. traveling plans?
Thanks for any input!
Posts: 83 | From Minnesota | Registered: Dec 2006
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Vermont_Lymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9780
posted
Hi,
Sounds like a herx to me -- I always get difficulty breathing during a herx! That sounds like an effective combo if you have lyme and bart, and it makes sense that you might feel worse before feeling better.
Please speak with your llmd before stopping and starting rifampin. I was told by my doc not to stop and start rifampin.
Although I cannot describe the mechanism, it seems that you would need to start again at a lower dosage of rifampin, that stopping and then restarting can affect one's tolerance for it. With doxy, it may not matter as much.
I try to delay any changes in tx until after travelling. I know that can be difficult. Hope your doc can advise you on this!
Posts: 2557 | From home | Registered: Aug 2006
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Pocono Lyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5939
posted
Good combination but a rough ride for me but great results.
Rifampin is a tricky drug. Not a good one to ever do alone as it is one drug you do Not want a resistance to develop.
Also, it is in literature that if you stop and then restart it may not be effective the next time you use it.
I'd definitely check with your LLMD about this.
-------------------- 2 Corinthians 12:9-11
9 But he said to me, �My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.� Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ�s power may rest on me. Posts: 1445 | From Poconos, PA | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
I did the Rifampin/Doxy combo for 12 weeks. The first week was no problem but the 3rd to the 9th weeks we're really tough. I felt so sick and tired those weeks yet had to work the whole time. Not sure how I made it.
But that combo did me a tremendous amount of good. Got rid of the brain fog nothing else had touched and got my mind sharp again.
Hopefully you can hang in there and get some good results but don't hesitate to call your doc anytime you get concerned about a symptom like difficulty breathing.
Posts: 142 | From Florida | Registered: Oct 2005
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