posted
I've been off all abx for 7mos. Not because I feel better, but because I switched LLMDs and he wanted to have me try a couple of different herbal things.
My symptoms have stayed more or less the same during this time.
He's now wondering about my ability to detox neurotoxins - brain fog is my biggest complaint - and wants me to go for a series of colonics. Once a week for 6 weeks
I'm highly skeptical. Highly.
I've read on here how some people claim they're fantastic, but I've also read medical research that says they're pretty pointless. Pointless unless you're bedridden and unable to be active and use your body's natural detox process.
I run a lot and go to the gym where I do sauna 2x a week. Do I really need to do the colonics? Really?
posted
Personally, and this is just my opinion, I wouldn't do an alternative treatment unless I was comfortable with it.
I also find terms like "toxin" and "detox" to be extremely vague.
I drink lots of water and exercise several times a week, but have not resorted to more radical means. I have not adapted the extreme Lyme diet to which many adhere, nor do I supplement. I have seen huge improvements with treatment.
I would not impose my choices on others. I also would not be afraid to question such an extreme suggestion. Can you talk to your doc more about why s/he suggests this, and what the risks/benefits are?
Posts: 455 | From Was in PA, then MD, now in the Midwest | Registered: Nov 2008
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posted
Hubby did 4 colonics several years ago after he treated for parasites and candida. They definitely seemed to make him feel better. This was before he had been diagnosed with lyme and coinfections. He had lost 30 pounds and had bad gastritis -- I was feeding him baby food and broth to get something into him.
While this treatment might not be for everyone, it can be really helpful for some.
If candida is suspected then I think this treatment could definitely help without having to go through the bad dieoff reactions.
I think you would know after 1 treatment or defintely after 2 if it was going to help.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Chronic Triathlete: Goofy... what were the benefits?
Thanks! /CT
It would make me feel about 30% better. So much so that my husband and daughter who do not have Lyme started doing them whenever they felt ill, and in fact, still do, so it helped them, too, with "normal" illnesses.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
What's the lighter colon/liver cleanse?
If someone didn't want to do an enema?
Dr Natura has a colon/liver cleanse ehh?
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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I'm sort of with Wonko. The terms "toxin" and "detox" are extremely vague. I also, like I said, exercise 6 days a week and drink a lot of water.
That said, I'm going to my new LLMD specifically because I felt my previous one was not addressing my condition beyond treating my symptoms with abx. The new guy is more integrative and "alternative".
I'm going on Monday for my first "treatment". Check my blog if you want to know how it goes
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
Hey chronic,
Just read through your blog.
Pretty cool stuff goodluck to you.
Does your LLMD ever qustion how much cardio you do though? With the long mile runs and bike rides?
I'm obviously not suggesting you stop those... but just curious because the LLMD protocol I follow talks specifically about being careful doing too much cardio/aerobic exercise.
Just a thought
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
@Canefan17... my LLMD is supportive of my doing whatever I want cardio-wise as long as I don't suffer exhaustion that's out of proportion to the effort.
I have a general baseline tiredness that I deal with day-to-day. Kind of like I only got 3-4 hours sleep, though I generally get 6-7 good hours. After I run/bike I feel tiredness on top of that, but it's proportional. I rarely nap, but there are days where I skip a run or cut it back if I feel extra tired.
That said, it takes all my knowledge as a longtime runner and coach to maintain the training that I do. I feel that, for the most part, it's beneficial. I correspond with a couple of other athletes with Lyme (one's an ex-Olympian) about training and we all share notes, tips, tricks, etc.
And to put it in perspective for you... I was doing about 150 miles a week of combined running and biking before I got sick. Now running 25-30 is all I allow myself.
canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
Very cool.
Ya, was just curious. Disabled athlete myself.
haven't played bball since becoming sick : (
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
wow, I'd be interested in joining that athlete list. I was sick as a dog and doing a bunch of wrestling-intensive martial arts a few months ago- which has often been used against me by acquaintances who think it meant I wasn't actually sick- and I'm interested in talking about coping strategies with other athletes who are in a similar situation.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
troutscout
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3121
posted
As a former High School All-American in Football, body builder, triathlete and qualifier for the national games a couple of years back....
WEIGHT Lifting.
The best damn thing for a Lymie.
Trout
-------------------- Now is the time in your life to find the "tiger" within. Let the claws be bared, and Lyme BEWARE!!! www.iowalymedisease.com [/URL] Posts: 5262 | From North East Iowa | Registered: Sep 2002
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troutscout
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3121
posted
PS.....Google, Dr Bernard Jensen, Colema
-------------------- Now is the time in your life to find the "tiger" within. Let the claws be bared, and Lyme BEWARE!!! www.iowalymedisease.com [/URL] Posts: 5262 | From North East Iowa | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
Trout... I've just started going back to the gym for running strength training. Lifting feels good, but it does kick my butt. I get more tired from a 1/2 hour of lifting then I do from running 5 miles.
I also got your link. I'll check it out. Thanks!
Maria... email me through my blog if you want to exchange notes. I really don't do the PM thing here.
I get my protein from there ^^^ pretty good ish
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Colonic hydrotherapy by a certified therapist, yes. Enemas, no, because I don't want to clean up afterward when I feel like resting, and because they only reach a tiny fraction of the colon.
It takes a series of colonics to really reach the problem areas that keep us from getting well and to remove lifelong accumulations. I didn't particularly like getting them, but it definitely speeded up my recovery. It's good to see it depart.
Be sure to ask around to find a good therapist.
Health starts in the gut.
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
I was also a triathlete. All of that is over now.,so C.T. you are very lucky. My LLMD also has lyme does colonics. Now I am doing them and believe in them. I also do Liver/coffee colonis. My liver enzymes were always off, way high, the live colonic I do at home has put my levels back to normal. My LLMD recomends it. Canefan 17 if you want to know more just P.M. me.
Posts: 161 | From midwest | Registered: Jul 2007
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NanaDubo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14794
posted
Do a google search for diagrams or photos of a healthy colon vs unhealthy colon.
Most people have formed very deep pockets where the fecal matter and toxins just sit - for years if not forever. A number of colonics is what gets that stuff out.
Regular bowel movements go right by those pockets.
Posts: 1129 | From Maine | Registered: Feb 2008
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MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
posted
there are also lots of doctors who completely disagree with this. Colonoscopies are done all the time on unhealthy people, and they don't usually show all this scary stuff.
-------------------- Symptom Free!!! Thank you all!!!!
posted
I've seen those photos, but rarely are they captioned with anything other than "unhealthy colon". You have no idea who they're from or what was wrong with the person.
Because it's on Google doesn't mean it's correct or even true.
posted
I found the Dr. Natura cleanse really got rid of a lot of that nasty build up. I don't believe it was the product itself that I saw because after a few weeks on it, I no longer saw the gross stuff anymore.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
Would someone who knows the ins and outs of this
please pm me about this. I have specific questions
due to nasty stuff right now. I feel like it may
help me but with whats going on right now I don't know if I should.... Thanks.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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posted
When you say 'go for a series of colonics"-go where? to your doc's office? I hope he isn't having you pay him for something you really don't need.
Posts: 365 | From Sylvania | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
He recommended a "hydrotherapist" that's not part of his office. I looked her up on Google and she seems well regarded. I found a couple of interviews with her and an article she'd written.
I talked to her on the phone and she seemed to know her business.
GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
A face to face look is often the best. Equipment should not be from yesteryear. The treatment place should be immaculate STARTING AT THE FRONT DOOR all the way TO THE TOILET THAT IS PART OF THE FACILITY that you will be using after your therapy.
I would only pick a CERTIFIED therapist. They must complete I believe 100 hours of training to be certified by the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapy. They also must continue their training to remain a member.
It took me a long while to find that type of place, and as it turned out, it was also the most reasonable. This one had two types of equipment: One where you need a therapist present to do the treatment. One you can direct by yourself, with whatever help you require from a therapist - but mostly without.
Good luck. And remember, one or two treatments usually won't do the trick. Especially if you have eaten wheat and gluten and gelatine capsules for a long time. Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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I was in remission several years ago after a series of colonics. . I didn them at least monthly, sometimes more and I was really doing well.
I recently had to have a colonoscopy, and because things weren't moving well BEFORE the prep, I decided to have two colonics. I was off all supplements and herbs for lyme treatment and for the two days following the colonics I had NO Pain. I think it helps with the inflammation and pain of lyme, too.
If I could afford them, I would do them 2x a month.
Posts: 564 | From Tick Hell | Registered: Oct 2008
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I was in remission several years ago after a series of colonics. . I didn them at least monthly, sometimes more and I was really doing well.
I recently had to have a colonoscopy, and because things weren't moving well BEFORE the prep, I decided to have two colonics. I was off all supplements and herbs for lyme treatment and for the two days following the colonics I had NO Pain. I think it helps with the inflammation and pain of lyme, too.
If I could afford them, I would do them 2x a month.
Posts: 564 | From Tick Hell | Registered: Oct 2008
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Keep in mind that when you do colonics you are disturbing your gut flora...which is essential to getting well and to your immune system. If you are going to do them, space them out to give your gut flora a chance to recover. There are other ways to detox....try infrared saunas, etc.
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The harder you work the luckier you get! Posts: 965 | From Nebraska Cornhuskers fan in Massachusetts | Registered: Dec 2007
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
Years ago I did a series of colonics. They made me really sick right after for several days and then I started to feel a lot better. I had a great 6 months after that so I do feel they help. I'm thinking of doing them again.
Toxins are a very real problem for some of us. Borrelia is a very toxic pathogen to the human body. In addition, we are constantly exposed to man made toxins in our environment and food.
Many of us have depleted our ability to detox very well due to years of infections that have used up glutathione and enzymes and other things that are needed to detox.
It is not uncommon for chronic Lyme patients to have methylation cycle issues and/or KPU and/or the HLA genotype that may futher impair detox abilty.
Even those with no other burden (like non-lyme patients) would be well served to incorporate therapy to remove toxins due to the heavy toxin load that our lifestyles put on us.
As wild pointed out, colonics will cause unbalanced flora so if you do them, be sure to re-populate with kefir and build up the good bacteria with yogurt and good quality probiotics.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
I would like to share a tip that my colon hydrotherapist told me to do to help rebalance flora that has worked great for me.
Mix a couple tablespoons of coconut oil with 3 emptied capsules of probiotic, form into a long skinny piece and refrigerate. Cut it up into segments and use it as a suppository at bedtime. An inexpensive probiotic implant.
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
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SForsgren
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7686
posted
If our "body's own natural detox system" was working, we probably would not be sick to begin with. I've found colonics to be helpful at various stages of my recovery.
They can do a probiotic implant after the session to help add back probiotics and not all flora is impacted by a colonic.
-------------------- Be well, Scott Posts: 4617 | From San Jose, CA | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
"...she seemed to know her business" That's hilarious, CT!
Anyways, I had some good results when I tried it. I was super spacey right after it finished, so I recommend having a pick-me-up snack ready to go.
Posts: 636 | From Saratoga County, NY | Registered: Apr 2008
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canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
Should psyllium be avoided if one has these "pockets" in the colon?
I've heard psyllium can aggravate an inflamed gut (colitis, divertuculitis, etc)
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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Jamers
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28016
posted
My colon hydrotherapist said that psyllium is very irritating to the colon and should be avoided. It absorbs everything in its path also and can clog you up bigtime.
-------------------- Diagnosed Pos. Lyme Nov. 17, 2010, Igx. Pos. Babesia Duncani March 2011, Igx. Clinical diagnosis for Bartonella Posts: 1127 | From North Carolina | Registered: Sep 2010
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
I would do anything for a colonic tonight. I haven't gone in 2 days. I'm not good. I knew the bad BM patterns and constipation cycle was coming back all of this week. At first I didn't realize this was old thread brought back to first page.
I could see where this pattern was headed. Or not heading?
I used to think coffee enemas was the craziest thing I ever read about on here back in '03. Laughed out loud at the idea.
Sure wish I had supplies and the experience tonight.
Maybe tomorrow will be better. Lord, here my prayers.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
thanks jadams and I agree
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Yes, I didn't do well with that stuff either.
By the way, pray did help. BIG Time!!!!!!!!
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
map, you may want to try MAG 07. This is a magnesium compound that oxygenates the stuff in your colon, helping to break it down. About $30 for 180 capsules, start with 2-3 and build up until you get relief. Better than aloe or senna products, since those stain the cells in your colon, which could create a precancerous condition.
canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
linda,
That's just magnesium oxide.
I wouldn't use that for more than constipation episodes.
Magnesium glycinate and malate are far superior in terms of absorption.
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Well, I used my rife machine last night and ran detox freqs for 20 minutes. I'm already taking or doing so much in the way of vit and supps.
I will look to see if I'm not getting enough mag and of course the right mag. IMO bart is in control of my gut.
He rules that territory and until I get him or whichever bad guy out of my gut and colon, this pattern will continue.
Thanks for input and thoughts. That's what make lymenet so special. New ideas and reminders that we need this or that for good colon health.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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gwb
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7273
posted
Pam,
Just did the coffee enema this morning. It's almost always a positive experience for me. Although, this isn't really for constipation, it does unclog you. This is more for liver detoxification, but it will clean out your bowels.
I highly recommend it. Took me a year to get the courage to do it. We bought the plastic container and clear tube which makes it much easier to clean than the enema bag.
gwb
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7273
posted
canefan, I take Pure Encapsulations citrate/malate combo. This is supposed to help the constipation and the muscle spasms. Is this a good combo for that?
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