posted
Please help guys. I was off ABX for 6 days due to a medical test. I went back on yesterday. I've had three doses of ABX since.
I'm having bad chest pain into my jaw, numb arm, etc along with the other typical crap. Sometimes the pain is sharp and stabbing, sometimes it's dull and aching. Breathing isn't easy. I don't want to go to the ER again. They treat me like I'm a hypochondriac because I had a heart cath about 10 months ago and it was ok. LLMD says to go to ER.
I just got off phone with LLMD who's opinion is that co-infections are making me sick and that I probably have an infection in my heart and when I herx my heart is involved. "Heart herx?"
I said if my heart is involved doesn't that shout that IV ABX should be done? Says won't be able to get the approval for it and that's why they keep sending me to specialists so they can see if anything will turn up anywhere so I can be treated.
I've had a few positive bands on Igenix but not one positive lyme or co-infection test result. My diagnosis was made clinically. LLMD says hands are tied - can't prescribe IV without positive test.
Suggested I ask my other LLMD (I have a main LLMD I see as my "specialist" and this LLMD is my family Dr. who "monitors" me every month or two) to see if he will order the IVs or Bicillin shots.
Please, has anyone else heard of or had "heart herxes?" I've been sick for two years, on ABX for almost a year without any real progress. I'm scared and totally confused and don't know where to turn.
[ 19. December 2007, 04:44 PM: Message edited by: motownlyme ]
Posts: 237 | From WV | Registered: Mar 2007
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
If your on Doxy or mino or teracyciline. Drink more water and stay upright for 1 hour after taking it. If not I would call your LLMD
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
Vermont_Lymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9780
posted
Sorry to hear it -- bad chest pain does sound like it may merit an ER visit though! Can you go to a different ER than you went last time?
Can your llmd recommend a lyme literate cardiologist for you? That could help (I just got recommended to one due to cardiac symptoms, but have not had time to go yet).
My breathing became worse while herxing, that can be part of the experience. What abx are you taking?
Posts: 2557 | From home | Registered: Aug 2006
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(Note: Herbal products are not subject to review or approval from the FDA. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products have been studied. Not all drug interactions are known or reported in the literature, and new drug interactions are continually being reported. This information is provided only for your education and for you to discuss with your personal healthcare provider. Some topical medications are absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream and can be associated with the same interactions as the oral form of the medication. Absorption of any topical medication into the bloodstream may be enhanced when the topical medication is applied to large areas of skin or for extended periods of time. Topical medications can enter the bloodstream directly if the skin is broken, for example, from an open sore or wound. Medications are less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream from ointments than from liquids, gels, lotions, or creams. You should discuss the use of any topical medication and its potential drug interactions with your personal healthcare provider. )
ALCOHOL may interact with CLONAZEPAM
Although the cause of this potential interaction is not fully understood, intolerable or otherwise undesirable side effects may occur when clonazepam is taken with alcoholic beverages or alcohol-containing products (such as some cough syrups and elixirs). Potential side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, and nervousness. Because the combination of clonazepam and alcohol (ethanol) may impair your judgment and/or reflexes, it may be dangerous to drive or to perform tasks which require you to be alert after taking these together. It would be advisable to avoid consuming alcohol while you are taking clonazepam. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is well-documented and is considered moderate in severity.
AZITHROMYCIN may interact with ATOVAQUONE (in Malarone)
Although the exact cause of this interaction is not understood, atovaquone may decrease the effectiveness of azithromycin. It appears that while no special precautions are needed, if these drugs are used together your doctor should monitor your response to azithromycin and adjust your therapy if needed. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity.
WORMWOOD (in Artemisia absinthium) may interact with ALCOHOL
Due to the possibility of serious side effects, wormwood should not be taken by mouth. However, potentially harmful chemicals that it contains may be absorbed through the skin when wormwood is applied topically. Both alcohol and wormwood affect the central nervous system. When they are used together, the risk of side effects is increased. Both drowsiness and signs of drunkenness such as confusion, disorientation, and uncoordinated movement can occur more quickly than usual. More dangerous results may include vomiting, unconsciousness, pale or bluish skin, slowed breathing, and coma. Alcohol should be avoided while wormwood is being used. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity.
Your going to get drug induced fevers thats just to many things at once geez.I didnt even begin to check the herbal, suppliment, stuff.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
AZITHROMYCIN may interact with ATOVAQUONE (in Malarone)
Although the exact cause of this interaction is not understood, atovaquone may decrease the effectiveness of azithromycin. It appears that while no special precautions are needed, if these drugs are used together your doctor should monitor your response to azithromycin and adjust your therapy if needed. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity.
- [/QB]
I am surprised to hear that there is a "not understood" interaction between zithromax and atovaquone. Atovaquone is mepron, which is also an active ingredients in malarone.
The combo of zithromax and mepron/malarone are prescribed all the time for babesiosis.
MotownLyme: I agree with the other posters that you need to see a cardiologist. Both lyme and babesiosis can cause heart involvement.
Posts: 187 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
I was hospitalized in 2004 with heart failure, pericarditis, along with high fever, meningitis, etc. I was given 2 days of IV antibiotics.
Then the ID's came in and suddenly my tests that were all indicative of pericarditis were all positive.
I was discharged within a few days (5 days total) I didn't even get orals to go home with. I have had the symptoms you describe on and off ever since.
this past year has been especially bad, and my blood pressure and heart rate have been at dangerous levels.
the ER does NOTHING about it. Even when I went in with high heart rate and blood pressure, they just do tests and send me home.
If your LLMD is saying go to the ER, GO! Ask him to manage your tests/treatment while you are there. go to the hospital he has priveleges at. dont rely on a ER dr.
Posts: 615 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2007
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char
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8315
posted
Your regime sounds punishing to me. For example, malarone alone can be hard to tolerate. We found Artiminisin caused a significant herx on its own.
I also, have never heard of taking over 200mg minocyline.
My kids and I were very sick. Our dr. had us either cut back or take a break when herx was too much. My daughter was so sensitive that at one point she was on zith 250mg 3 times a week. She showed some improvement even with such a low dose. I have a pretty high toleration for abx, but even I could not always take what my very good LLMD's prescribe. I sometimes wonder why they don't start more slowly and work up.
I am wondering if working with your dr. you should make sure which drug or drugs are giving you trouble. Like taking one at a time away, or stopping all and readding one at a time.
My daughter had heart palps that we finally figured out were from POTS. dinet.org is an excellant website about it.
I am sorry that it is so hard for you right now. Best Wishes,
posted
I've experienced heart herx on a mere 20 mg of abx + stress. Cut the stress and my heart was able to tolerate a higher dose of abx. I do not think it is uncommon for the heart to be involved. If your heart otherwise checks out normal, it might be best to reduce your abx dose way down (with doctor's approval of course) to see if you can find one that produces minimal heart herxing.
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