Topic: Never felt as good in 4 yrs as I do on artemsinin - do I have Babesia?
lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
As some of you may know I have treated Ld & co's for nearly 4 years and have never had a posiive Babs test - been tested around 10 times and one FISH test all negative. I am now highly suspicious this may be holding up my treatment.
I don't have a lot of Babs "typical" symptoms, some mild night sweats here and there...mild other stuff that may fit. My LLMd said Babs sx can be hard to tell apart from Lyme. I have had pain, pain, pain and more (especially nerve) pain...but pain of all kinds, joint, muscle etc., excruciating.
I haven't made much progress. Last summer I tried Artemisinin for about 6 weeks and felt so good, I couldn't believe it. Then out of nowhere I felt like death during the 5th or 6th week and stopped Art.
Now again, I started Art and again - I feel much better.
Do you think this confirms babesia? Also, do people who treat Babesia herx off and on or do you generally just feel better and better?
I want to try the Sulfa's first - then maybe malarone or mepron.
For now Art immediately makes me feel near well...but I am pretty sure the crash, like last time will come.
Like to hear your babesia treatment stories...how long it took to beat Babesia and what did you use exactly. I can't take Zith, but I can take Biaxin. Thanks.
posted
Does it seem the Artemisinin has even taken away your pain?
My son is on it but has not noticed any dramatic improvement. His Babesia is a clinical diagnosis for his air hunger.
Anyway I am so happy you are feeling better, whatever the reason!!
Posts: 448 | From minnesota | Registered: Feb 2010
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
I do not have the Babs typical symptoms either.
I don't think I have a positive test although I am waiting for my results from Fry labs.
I have been on Mepron for about a month and 1/2 and I think that it is hitting my worst symptom which is brain "fog". I think brain fog is an understatement, basically the inability to think and process information.
I also have had a strange sensation on my scalp from the time I was bitten. I have always thought that when that sensation goes away my other symptoms will go away. The Mepron seems to hit the scalp and my brain. Ironically, I now do notice air hunger but I didn't have it before the treatment.
I recently went to a big Lyme conference in San Diego. There was an ND that spoke about 2 differences of Babs and Bart which I had never heard. Most doctors told me if I was having brain problems it was probably bart. This ND said that Bart headaches are usually severe stabbing pain. Babs headaches are not necessarily painful. Some describe it as sore spots or pressure or unusual scalp sensations.
The case history he gave convinced me that I am dealing with Babs. He treated the women for bart and Lyme and after 2 years of treating he decided to treat Babs even though he didn't think she had the symptoms. She got better and was able to think again.
I notice there is a 6 or 7 day cycle. I feel really, really tired about 2 to 3 days out of the week. When I first started Mepron I just felt better and better but now I am definitely feeling the herx.
Just my 2 cents.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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lymebytes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11830
posted
Thought I might add I am also on Biaxin/Amoxi and going back to Bicillin/Biaxin in the next week or two. I know it is not that combo, I've worn it out and used it many times. The addition of Art to it astounds me.
LymeXtu - Yes, that is the amazing thing, I don't quite understand, it takes away most of the pain, which absolutely amazing, I have suffered so much pain. I have just never heard that severe pain,neuropathy etc., could be a babs symptom. I also feel clear and energetic, like a healthy person might. I wish it would last! I have been down this road though once before and wonder when the crash may come. I have heard Art becomes resistant to Babs fairly quickly and best used with other drugs such as Mepron or Malarone and even some say Bactrim. It is and immediate better feeling - same day I start it. I really don't get it.
Haley, You described both types of headaches I have had and I did have Bart and it was a different headache. Now (possibly babesia) I do have sore spots on my scalp, tender - it has to be a type of cranial neuropathy.
I also have bouts of brain fog, that come with hot facial skin, cold hands and feelings of going crazy...a package deal of sorts.
The first few years I was into this, many LLMd's said all that is Bart - later some started saying, no it is babesia.
I also get extremely fatigued, must lie down-fatigued.
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