Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Has anyone ever had experience with this? IV Rocephin veterans?
I was diagnosed with this, new onset after a few weeks of IV Rocephin, despite starting Actigall weeks ahead of the Rocephin and continuing on it.
From what I gleaned from online research, it can lead to gallbladder removal if symptoms begin, or gallstones...with the same outcome.
I do have a few friends who lost their gallbladders despite Actigall. I am just wondering if anyone has any idea what my odds might be now that I already have sludge?
I'm not all that worried; I'll take losing my gallbladder over staying sick with Lyme anyday....just thought there might be some experience here.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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-------------------- My biofilm film: www.whyamistillsick.com 2004 Mycoplasma Pneumonia 2006 Positive after 2 years of hell 2006-08 Marshall Protocol. Killed many bug species 2009 - Beating candida, doing better Lahey Clinic in Mass: what a racquet! Posts: 830 | From Mass. | Registered: Aug 2006
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dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102
posted
I got 4 gallstones while on the Rocephen despite antigall. A precationary ultrasound showed them after 5 weeks on the Rocephen. My llmd had me get ultrasound every other week while the Rocephen as precaution.
Stopped the Rocephen, and my "stones" dissolved on their own. The 1 month later ultra-sound showed no stones. My llmd said it is possible, since the stones were caused by the Rocephen.
good-luck, you've had quite a bumpy road.
Posts: 2675 | From ct, usa | Registered: Jan 2004
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lymeladyinNY
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10235
posted
I was on ceftin 2mg/day for quite awhile with no gallbladder protection measures. This was a huge mistake.
I ended up with an inflamed, sludge-filled gallbladder that was extremely painful.
I felt I had no choice but to be rid of it. The pain was horrific. I've recovered quite well from the surgery done last November but I really wish I could have avoided the inflammation and sludge altogether.
-------------------- I want to be free Posts: 1170 | From Endicott, NY | Registered: Sep 2006
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posted
My daughter was on rocephin for 6 weeks before
she developed gall sludge. She stopped the rocephin,
continued with the Urso and her sludge has
resolved itself. Her medication was switched to vancomycin.
Good luck!
Posts: 69 | From Birmingham, AL 35242 | Registered: Sep 2008
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Rocephin, as you mentioned, is known to cause these problems. Why not switch to another IV ABX rather than risk a painful episode of gall stones or removal of your gallbladder. There are so many other choices.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
Tracy - I like coldfeet's idea of Hulda Clark's GB cleanse. There are lots of other GB cleanses and prevention that you can do also. Let's research them!
Posts: 589 | From Rhode Island | Registered: Jun 2006
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Abxnomore
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Member # 18936
posted
IV Claforan is processed thru the kidneys and can be used when your liver enzymes are elevated or you have other issues.
Why do a gall bladder cleanse and mess with your gall bladder when it is well documented that rocephin has a high degree of damaging it. If you stop the rocephin your issues will go away. You can do a cleanse, but stop the rocephin.
There are so many other choices of IV meds. Why chance it?? Ask your doctor for another one. Lyme is a headache enough. Do you really want to risk surgery?
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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lymie_in_md
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14197
posted
Tracy,
I'm with coldfeet and luvdogs, look into the gallbladder liver cleanses. Just did my second hulda clark cleanse recently. Still can't believe the stuff that comes out, at least it was a lot less then the one I did 5 months ago.
-------------------- Bob Posts: 2150 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
I'm interested in hearing other's responses too. Thank you all for sharing your experiences.
I've just finished my 3rd week of Rocephin and Actigall. Praying that the Actigall will do it's job to protect my gallbladder. I don't need any other problems, especially ones that involve pain and surgery!
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
The Lemon Olive drink often resolves this.
This is a therapy used by HIV/AIDS patients originally. A guy I'm friendly with out in Wisconsin was conducting ancedotal reporting through his health food store. Patients were calling in all over the country after he released a newsletter.
The Lemon Olive drink consistently and constantly showed improvements in weight gain, decreased lymphnode inflammation, decreased neuropathy, as well as detoxification. Weight gain in patients who were underweight was a consistent response, and patients who are overweight, saw a consistent decrease in weight.
Lemon juice triggers detoxification of the liver and kidneys.
The exterior of the rind, the yellow part, is packed with antioxidants, which of course provides nutrition and large amounts of vitamin C. This improves immunity substantially.
The pectin, or the white part, is blended down so that it is both a liquid, as well as fiberous chunks (They are small). This is both absorbed into the body, as well as stays in the G.I. system, depending on the size of the molecules or the actual "chunk" of the pectin itself. Pectin is an incredibly strong detoxifiying agent, and it protects the fruit from pathogens with it's bitter toxin absorbing shell. This protects again parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungus/mold/yeast etc. Eventually, if enough toxins are absorbed, it loses it's ability to work, thus many fruits rot, but Lemons -- note how Lemons stay good for months. Certain apples do as well, if they are high in pectin, like Green Apples.
Pectin also absorbs heavy metals inside the body, as well as in the intestinal tract.
Olive Oil: High quality cold pressed virgin olive oil which isn't heated or exposed to constant light has high antioxidant properties, provides viscosity in the blood permitting better blood flow, increases HDL cholesterol, and triggers the liver to expell bile and waste into the gallbladder, and from the gallbladder into the bowel -- where the pectin, picks up some of it, bringing it out of the body
Directions:
1: Cut up lemon either a whole lemon or half. Rind and all.
2: 1 cup water.
3: Place water and lemon/rind into blender
4: Blend on medium/high for 1 1/2 minutes (Some blenders require use of their highest speed if a weaker powered machine)
5: The lemon/water should look whitish, but still a little chunky. Take it out, and pour it into a compression strainer, or regular strainer, and press the pulp to get the liquid out. Compression strainers can be bought at your grocery store. They look like cylinders with holes at the bottom with a hand squeezing press at the top.
6: Pour liquid extracted either into the blender and add the olive oil, 1tbsp per half a lemon is good and blend at the highest speed of your blender for 1-2 minutes. You can add a cup of juice if you like, assuming you don't have yeast issues. 1tbsp of Olive Oil per 1/2 lemon, so 2 tbsp for whole lemon.
Also, when you go to mix the oil, you can add 1 cup of fruit juice of your liking, or Stevia.
7: Pour contents into a glass cup or a glass bottle (If you're keeping a few servings for three to four days)
8: To gain weight, drink it three times a day, to detox daily once per day or every other day is fine.
Final Notes and Options:
Beware not to take this near your medications, or herbal therapies. It can and will bind some of these things. Start with this routine for gallbladder problems and increase Olive Oil to 1tbsp per 1/2 lemon when you're able. Consistent use should help.
Report back on your results and how you feel after doing this for two weeks.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
First of all, wow, the more I learn about IV Rocephin, the more blown away I am by all the possible risks and complications.
I can't believe my doc didn't warn me about all this stuff... oy.
Second, this might not be an issue for most folks, but, like many with food allergies and sensitivities, I'm very sensitive to citrus.
Citrus oil, in particular, which comes from the peel, contains limonene, a terpine, which some studies show to be toxic. Some information here: http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/LI/limonene.html
Just something to be aware of. It might not be a problem for many, but for me, it's something I need to steer clear of.
Peace, Sharon
Posts: 223 | From Western Mass. | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
I used IM Rocephin for 17 months at a low dosage of 250 mg/day.
My LLMD said I did not need to take Actigall with the Rocephin as the dose was low.
I had to stop the Rocephin because it caused liver enzymes to elevate.
I did several of the Hilda Clark liver/gallbladder cleanses and successfully removed quite alot of sludge (much different looking than gallbladder stones).
My liver function has returned to normal (no elevated enzymes). Rocephin helped me tremendously, but there is risk of affecting the gallbladder, even at low doses.
-------------------- Kaitlin Posts: 67 | From CO | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
I had a gallbladder scan before starting the Rocephin and it was clear. I started the Actigall and Rocephin the same time.
I ended up in the hospital 5 months later with a terrible attack and had to have it removed. Not only did I have stones but the doctor said my gallbladder was very inflammed.
Even if the stones had resolved on their own he said it had to come out. So I know the Rocephin caused the stones but I felt so good on it for me it was worth the risk.
I was on all kinds of liver support too..
Posts: 343 | From North Carolina | Registered: Oct 2008
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posted
I was thinking of the drink that Metallic Blue recommended. I did not know the specifics of it though and have not been able to get the best approach to this.
Metallic. Isn't there something to the effect that you are supposed to do on an empty stomach at night?? And the GB and liver will clear out in the a.m.? This is where is all gets fuzzy for me.
Posts: 589 | From Rhode Island | Registered: Jun 2006
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Thanks Kim, same story here. All I care about is getting better. If I lose my gallbladder, so be it. I may try the recipe Metallic Blue posted, and I do take my Actigall faithfully, but evidently still something is going on.
I had an abdominal scan pre Rocephin and my gallbladder was clear then.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Oh yeah, what are the symptoms of a gallbladder attack? My PCP said any pain on the right side to middle just below my rib area? Is it related to eating?
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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SForsgren
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7686
posted
Try:
1) Cholenest from Nessman and 2) Actigall or Ursidiol
Both can be helpful
-------------------- Be well, Scott Posts: 4617 | From San Jose, CA | Registered: Jul 2005
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Thanks Scott, I did start Actigall about a month before starting the Rocephin. I'll check into the other one too.
Anyone know what percentage of people end up losing their gallbladders to IV Rocephin treatment?
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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The symptoms of a gall bladder attack are pain in the upper right abdomin, (for me it was up under the rib). The pain can radiate to the center if the bile duct is blocked, and you can also have back pain. I also had episodes of feeling like I ate a rock at times, and frequent acid reflux, in the months proceeding my big gall bladder attack.
The pain can be severe, as in comparable to labor pain, but unlike a contraction, it can go on unremitting for a few hours.
My first and only gall bladder attack started around 3 in the afternoon, and lasted until after I was given a shot of pain med in the ER, around midnight. My gall bladder was full of stones, the bile duct was inflamed, suggesting that a stone might have been stuck in it (thankfully it cleared, and I didn't have to have an additional procedure to clear the duct!!)
After that attack, the consumption of any fat what so ever, even a slice of bread, would cause pain. I couldn't eat any fat until a few weeks after I had it out.
I wasn't on rocephin, in fact I can't take abx at all as my stomach cannot tolerate (I'm even having trouble with homeopathic tx). I just happen to have an unfortunate genetic predisposition to gall bladder problems.
Anyway, I hope this helps you make up your mind about what to do med-wise.
Good luck. kp
Posts: 394 | From tinton falls nj | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
the olive oil, lemon (and you can add a clove of garlic) drink can be effective over time, you take it first thing in the AM, and it does work.
you just stay on it steady for a couple of weeks, alternate that with a kidney cleanse, and do it again.
but you need to have a clear colon before you start cleansing your GB and liver, or else your body will not appropriately release the toxins.
so be sure and research that. have a sound plan.
the hulda clark liver cleanses, are very effective, and more powerful/complete cleanses, but you also must do a good colon cleanse before trying that. you will be releasing toxins, old bile, and stones. it is very important that the colon is clear when you do the epsom salt phase of that cleanse so the stones and toxins are expelled.
also, hulda clark type liver cleanses are to be done in a series, once a month, as average of five times, maybe more. i believe the bare minimum you can do for real effect is three. you don't want to do it more than once a month because these are very strong cleanses.
what you are doing is releasing sludge and stones.. if you do just one, it will not totally clear the liver in one shot. what happens is the sludge/stones clear and that behind it moves forward, and must be purged as well until the liver/gb are clean.
this is excellent for your health, i did a series of these when i went off rocephin and it was to great effect and well worth it.
well over a year on rocephin (and actigall), and after this my gb is good to go.
you just have to research the proper way to prep and execute any of these cleanses.
one author i followed for these was andreas moritz.
books: "the amazing liver cleanse" and "timeless secrets of health and rejuvination".
another "plan" that is effective, informational, and also uses herbs to help prep your body and support the cleanse is here:
click the tabs on liver and gb flushing. the whole site is good.
julia chang understand chronic illness and will also communicate with you, at least she used to, and the plan is laid out clearly.
mo
-------------------- life shrinks and expands in proportion to one's courage -- anais nin Posts: 8337 | From the other shore | Registered: Jul 2002
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