posted
Does it go into remission and relapse or get you truly get rid of it forever? Does anyone know?
I'm in the cycle phase of ABX and it has brought out more symptoms but with each week they are going away. I feel like I'm almost back to normal and want to stay that way forever.
Thank you for your replies
Posts: 46 | From NE Ohio | Registered: Nov 2008
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That said, I've been off abx for almost 5 yrs now!! Good things can happen!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
No one knows for sure. The IDSA would have us believe that it is easily cured but given that there is no proof of this and plenty of proof to the contrary, many in the chronic lyme camp believe they are incorrect.
I suppose it's possible that certain people could completely get rid of it but I have serious doubts about that.
When borrelia is stressed/threatened (like with abx, strong immune system or any kind of killing treatment), it goes into cystic form and apparently that form can live for a long time (up to 10 years) in the tissues. It needs minimal nutrients during this time.
If the immune system is stressed by for example a car accident, emotional stress or illness, exposure to toxins or just ageing, borrelia can emerge from the cysts and cause illness.
When it comes out of cystic form, it is thought that for every 1 cyst - up to 5 borrelia can emerge.
There is much that is unknown about the cystic form and about borrelia in general.
Some people are thought to be infected but have no symptoms. They are what is called asymptomatic. At some point they may develop symptoms or maybe not. Another unknown.
Terry I'm not a doctor
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
Yayyy tutu!!!!
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
My LLMD also says the same thing. Remission.
It believe it is possible.
Getting more symptoms as treatment progresses is normal.
Rule of thumb is to stay on abx for 3 months after your last symptom disappears. Easier said than done!!
Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
My lyme doc treated me with flagyl to kill the cyst form of lyme. I was on that for 2 months.
I treated 5 months past the time when all my symptoms were gone.
It has now been 4 years since I finished my lyme treatment, and I am still symptom-free, enjoying my life--the same life I had before lyme disease.
I had many stresses in the last 4 years, including:
--menopause --a herniated disc (got 2 epidural injections for it, which is cortisone) --an agitated depression that had to be treated --a new tick bite with bulls eye last August that was treated by lyme doc for 30 days
Even so, my lyme, babesiosis and bartonella never came back.
So, I no longer worry about the technical answer regarding if there are actually any germs left in my body. Lyme and company don't seem to be coming back for me.
If you had chicken pox, did you know that that never goes away completely? Yep. It is a virus that remains in your body. Some day it can come out as shingles.
So, you see, lyme is not the only disease like this. Not something to worry about. Just treat it as if you can get rid of it, just like we do chicken pox.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
TF,
Congrats to you! Great story and glad you are doing well.
And I love that attitude... POSITIVE. yay!
Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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posted
Its bacterial, so I believe it is curable. Its how we get to the bacteria that is the challenge and what makes that question so difficult and variable from person to person.
Posts: 31 | From Boston, MA | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
So do we think remission means we still have bacteria but it's inactive? If so then how do our children grow up and have children? I mean they would maybe pass it on like I did to them! This is very sad
-------------------- My lyme disease blog: http://lymetimes3.blogspot.com/ One BIG Lyme family! I tested CDC + 10/08 My mom Igenex + 11/08 & My brother Igenex + 4/09, My 2 boys some + & IND bands, clinical diagnosis 3/09 (youngest has Aspergers too) Posts: 470 | From Painesville, Ohio | Registered: Mar 2009
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posted
Aside from throwing yourself in an incinerator it seems impossible to get every last cyst and spirochete in every cell of your body.
Posts: 499 | From Indiana | Registered: Oct 2007
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posted
i think it's a good idea to continue taking herbs or rife or something for at least 10 years after you reach remission. Keep the cysts from hatching long enough and they will become nonviable?
Posts: 655 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2007
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Cindy Ss
Unregistered
posted
This is very encouraging due to my experence and only 5 weeks into antibiotics. I have had some really bad days with some symptoms getting better and others getting worse.
Anxiety and brain panic are the worst for me. I would rather be weak laying in bed again than go through the anxiety part.
What has helped anyones anxiety?
I know you all have success stories, where can they be found on this forum for encouragment?
gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551
posted
Cindy,
Its under the topic 'General Support'. Title of thread is 'success stories.'
Nice that you are getting some relief after just 5 weeks.
Are you taking good quality vitamin supplements, especially b complex, fish oil, immune booster, magnesium (impt. as lyme depletes our mag), herbal antifungal, or those recommended in Dr. B's guidelines?
sometimes we are low in nutrients and that can also help to increase anxiety.
frequently lymies have thyroid disregularities too and that can change hormones, making them go a little off.
perhaps some other folks will offer anxiety relief or you can google it or do a search at the top and get some good suggestions too.
hope you feel better soon.
Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008
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