Once one is on abx is there a difference between lyme flare and a herx? Or are they all herxes once you are in treatment, and no longer flares.
If they are different, how do you know what is what?
During a flare are you not killing the bacteria?
I am trying to track for flares, but having a hard time. I know when I feel worse and being a woman I also have to factor in my period.
Kathy
-------------------- Severe neurological problems. Probably sick for years. Became chronically sick in Aug 2007. Undiagnosed for another 15 months. Started treatment for lyme and bart Sept. 2008. Improving, but very slowly. Posts: 515 | From washington dc | Registered: Aug 2008
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
There is a difference. A flare-up can be inspired by any activity which instigates the immune system other than the antibiotics themselves (which kill off the infection leading to the Herxheimer reaction)
The Herxheimer reaction itself is specifically induced by only the die off response.
The responses are difficult to distinguish and often patients misuse the term Herxheimer reaction. Some patients can tell the difference between flare-ups seem to affect specific areas more so than a herxheimer reaction which can cause a systemic reaction.
This is still not "proof" of one or the other. In time we'll know more as science progresses and gives us and ability to differentiate.
It's better to record a diary based on symptoms alone, regardless of which one it is or isn't. Herxheimer reactions are at their strongest during a switch to a new antibiotic -- especially if treatment has ceased entirely and then been restarted -- or started for the first time.
-------------------- 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
Metallic, thank you. I guess that makes sense. When I first got sick there was a definite cycle. Since treatment I am all over the place. I am on a pulsing protocol too so I feel like I am eiether herxing or flaring all the time. Maybe it is jut having lyme/bart all the time.
I guess last week when I had the full host of my symptoms that might have been a herx. I was thinking that was the flare.
I acutally am discouraged thinking that all these worsenings that I thought were herxes were not.
It is so confusing.
Kathy
-------------------- Severe neurological problems. Probably sick for years. Became chronically sick in Aug 2007. Undiagnosed for another 15 months. Started treatment for lyme and bart Sept. 2008. Improving, but very slowly. Posts: 515 | From washington dc | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
I take my medicines M, W, F at higher doses.
Some people do three weeks on, one week off.
-------------------- Severe neurological problems. Probably sick for years. Became chronically sick in Aug 2007. Undiagnosed for another 15 months. Started treatment for lyme and bart Sept. 2008. Improving, but very slowly. Posts: 515 | From washington dc | Registered: Aug 2008
| IP: Logged |
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