posted
I woke up this morning (4:00 a.m.) with intense stomach burning. I'm taking Rifampin (600 mg) and Doxy (400 mg)--and I'm in my 6th week. Prior to that, I was taking other antibiotics (for 4 months). I have noticed some fairly intense symptoms since starting the Doxy/Rif combination, but none of the symptoms have involved stomach burning.
I have never experienced this level of stomach discomfort. How can I tell if this is a side-effect of the meds or a herx? Today is Sunday. Do I cut back on my antibiotics or skip them or continue at normal dose? Any suggestions?
Posts: 83 | From Minnesota | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
It is always a good idea to talk to your LLMD.
My tummy was a mess from years of NSAIDs and pain meds before starting abx. I used slippery elm for a few months and it really helped. I ended up having no problem with the abx after that.
I bought it in powder form and mixed it with water and took it 2/day. Once right before bed.
-------------------- Lucy Posts: 342 | From Hawaii | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Today, my stomach still hurts--but less than last night. I am able to eat, although I don't feel terribly hungry. I also felt very cold last night.
Generally today, I feel somewhat fatigued and achy--but these are symptoms that have been familiar to me during treatment and before.
I called my LLMD--I'm sure I will hear back tomorrow. Like so many of you, I am wondering how to tell the difference between a herx and side-effects from the medication. I don't want to reduce or stop the meds if they're helping.
Posts: 83 | From Minnesota | Registered: Dec 2006
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mojo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9309
posted
I got this from Doxy. It's very hard on your gastro system. I thought it was part of the Lyme deal and let it go until my husband literally smelled blood on my breath. My whole system was ulcerated.
I got relief from a prescription PPI (proton pump inhibitor. Make sure you don't lay down for at least 60 minutes after taking your Doxy. I also found eating alkaline and staying away from dairy helped. I went back to dairy once I was healed.
I hope you can figure this out soon and get some relief.
posted
I forgot to mention in my PM that Rifampin itself-- not just the Bart infection-- was really hard on my stomach. I have never vomited so much in my life. In fact, that was the reason I had to go off in favor of Levaquin.
Have you had a liver panel done?
I'm really convinced that Bart can mess up your whole GI tract. Ever since my titres went down w/ treatment, I haven't had any problems in that area. Thank goodness. Hope it will be the same for you.
Posts: 390 | From Oakland, CA | Registered: May 2007
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posted
PS I'm from MN originally and used to have my high school cross country races at lake hiawatha! Just thought I'd mention.... small world. Posts: 390 | From Oakland, CA | Registered: May 2007
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