posted
I have lyme. So first off i want to thank everyone who urged me to see the LLMD immediately.
So I have to wait a month and go back for some $600 blood test, Igenix or something?
In the meantime he prescribed me Bactrim DS ? To take instead of Doxycycline for an extended few weeks (my original doc prescribed 3 weeks of doxy)
So it's been a week since i been bit. I still don't have any symptoms, what should i be expecting the next few weeks? And what's up with this Bactrim DS?
Posts: 132 | From jersey | Registered: May 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Just Google Bactrim DS to learn more about it. If you have Singleton's book "Healing Lyme" it's on p. 257-258.
You do not need a lyme test. Ever. Three bulls eye rashes clearly = lyme. Will those tests be for other tick-borne infections?
Did he tell you to also take PROBIOTICS and some good liver supprt (such as Milk Thistle)?
What's the plan beyond the "extended few weeks"? Is this an ILADS-educated LLMD? You just want to be sure. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I actually didn't see too much information on Bactrim DS as it relates to lyme when i googled it.
yes the test will be for co-infections i believe. and yes he told me to increase my probiotic intake and i actually already take milk thistle on my own.
Posts: 132 | From jersey | Registered: May 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Cross search with the term "Borrelia" and you may find more. You basically need to read the manufacturer's page for Bactrim DS to be aware if you have an allergy, etc. or know where to find that information if you need it in a hurry.
You may feel some die-off reactions but since you've already been on doxy and doing okay you'll likely just feel a bit off kilter and be fine.
You've read Dr. B's guidelines about self-care, right? You know to avoid alcohol,totally. Also avoid all artificial sweeteners and MSG in all its names. Best to avoid artificial dyes, additive and all processed foods.
Eat plenty of fresh food - all sorts of veggies and low-sugar fruits, good proteins and healthy fats. Be sure to get enough sleep and rest if you feel the need. Move as best you can and stay moderately active if you can - according to your instinct but avoid aerobics.
Avoid high heat. If you can find a low-heat infrared sauna around, use it. Epson salts baths in warm (not hot) water are excellent. Enjoy the nurturing. Your body will be so glad to have you in charge.
Most important question: what is the plan beyond these few extended weeks of Bactrim DS?
I know you'll test for coinfections but what did the doctor say about how the lyme treatment will go from then on? You need to be sure he won't just drop you after a few more weeks. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
keebler should i avoid aerobic exercise permanatley or is this a temporary thing while im on antibiotics?
Posts: 132 | From jersey | Registered: May 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- Until you are recovered. Your LLMD can guide you. With infection, aerobics can damage the heart. While abx tx can help take the infection down, there can still be substantial stress on the heart with aerobics. Also, lyme patients often carry a number of viruses and antibiotics don't help at all in that case.
There are still plenty of ways to still be active if you are up to it. Just slow things down. Go back over Dr. B's self-care section from your previous threads. Then talk to your doctor, listen to your body. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Since you caught it early, chances are good that you will just take the abx and be done. That's how it was for my son.
Read through the Dr. B guidelines, especially the exercise part. I was able after some time to do cardio exercise. He says if the stamina allows, it's okay.
He wants Lyme patients to focus on strength and stretching.
As Keebler says, good food and good detoxification are essential in treatment.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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IckyTicky
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 21466
posted
How awesome that you caught it early. Man.. wish I had!
-------------------- IGM: 18+, 23+, 30+, 31+++, 34+, 39IND, 41++, 58+++, 66+, 83-93IND IGG: 31+, 39IND, 41+ Also positive for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and RMSF. Whole family of 5 dx with Lyme. Posts: 1014 | From Texas | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
i do feel very lucky. even my LLMD said i am very fortunate and he seemed like it would be no problem since i literally started antibiotics 48 hours after the initial tick bite(s) .
i read the exercise portion of the guidelines...basically light weight lifting for an hour is the what's recommended mostly?
Posts: 132 | From jersey | Registered: May 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
Good luck, yankee! Sounds like you will be fine... just keep going for about 2 months (minimum) and you should be just great.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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t9im
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25489
posted
From what I've read Doxy doesn't hit Babesia but it does hit borrelia and some of the other TBD's.
3 wks of doxy is not enough (you could still miss the growh faze of the borrelia which is when the drug works), 6 wks is more like it if you catch it early.
I couldn't find bactrim in my list of drugs (a combo of Dr. B and summary chart from LD treatments).
You need to make sure your MD is a LLMD. Even an MD experienced in Lyme may not really know the ways to treat Lyme.
Of course if you catch it early enough you should be fine.
As for cost $600 sounds like the lyme pannel only. It may also be too soon so even if negative with the rash you do have the bb.
-------------------- Tim Posts: 1111 | From Glastonbury, CT | Registered: Apr 2010
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
If you are not taking something to prevent yeast I
would ask for either Nystatin or Diflucan.
If you don't have it already there is a chance you
could get it and no sense adding to your problems.
-------------------- 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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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
You should either treat for babesia or wait a couple months and test for that. babs dosent succumb to abx's alone it needs malaria meds.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
Taking 1000 mg/day of vitamin C helps decrease chance of Bactrim DS reactions. I still need a day off bactrim every 2 wks or so or I feel persistently woozy, lightheaded etc. Bactrim has really helped me a lot, helps with 2 major co-infections (Bart and Babesia) and that makes it a good segue or bridge antibiotic.
Good luck with it.
Beachinit
-------------------- Ideas not advice. Posts: 448 | From Downeast Maine | Registered: Jul 2009
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