posted
I will finally have my first apt with a LLMD next week. I was wondering how many people on here that are being treated by a LLMD also use some forms of alternatives medicine, like herbs, etc.
Is that very common to do? Or are LLMD totally against that. I had a lady tell me that I needed to be building up my immune system with antioxidents. Would that be o.k. to do now while waiting since I am having a very hard time. I guess I'm asking about using lots B, C, and E vitamins and possibly any herbs. I have always taken them but I am wondering if I should or could up the dosage. I am really having problems since I have to go off the antibiotics for two weeks till I see the LLMD.
The doctor that I have been going to (not LLMD) has had me on the minimum of Doxy (100 mg 2Xday)and almost immediately after stopping them I started feeling horrible.
Any suggestions? Thanks.
Posts: 44 | From Oklahoma | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
My Lyme's doc is really into the herbs and anti-oxident supplements. But despite not being able to afford them I'm not sure what to do. My job hasn't paid me since June. Racking up the charge card while I wait for them to stop fooling around and pay be disabilty pay. Maybe their waiting fo me to quit. In Connecticut
Posts: 30 | From enfield,ct | Registered: Sep 2007
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
Doctors are varied on this issue. Some worry about interactions with other meds, some just don't like anything but their own regime, some are very pro-supplementation and pro-alternative.
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
Here is an abbreviated version of Dr. B's guidelines on supplements.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR LYME DISEASE PATIENTS
REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTS:
ProBiotics - Maintains the normal balance of bowel flora when on antibiotics. Always try to get enteric coated, milk-free acidophilus.
The best kinds are frozen or refrigerated to ensure potency. Take three to six times the recommended dose.
Multi-Vitamin -
C0-Q10 (ubiquinone) - (if not taking prescription drug atovaquone Mepron)
Deficiencies have been related to poor function of the heart, limitations of stamina, gum disease and poor resistance to infections.
Take between 200 to 300 mg daily of standard C0Q10.
The body will manufacture its own C0Q10 when the original illness is controlled, but only if stimulated by aggressive exercise.
Use this supplement until you are feeling well and exercising regularly.
Vitamin B - Clinical studies demonstrated the need for supplement vitamin B in infections with Borrelia, to help clear neurological symptoms.
Take 50-100 mg B-complex capsule daily. If neuropathy is severe, an additional 50 to 100 mg of B6 may be helpful.
Magnesium - Very helpful for tremors, twitches, cramps, muscle soreness, heart skips and weakness.
It may also help energy level and cognition.
DO NOT use calcium magnesium combination tablets, as they are not well absorbed.
Take as directed, higher doses may cause diarrhea.
Essential Fatty Acids - Studies show that when taken regularly, improvements in fatigue, aches, weakness, vertigo, dizziness, memory, concentration and depression are likely.
There are two broad classes of fatty acids, those derived from plants and those derived from fish.
Plant Oils - choose one, borage oil, evening primrose or black currant seed oil.
DO NOT use Flax seed oil .
Take 4 plant oil capsules, daily with meals. Continue for 3 to 4 months, then try to taper down the dose.
Fish Oil - Omega-3 fish oil capsules, 1000 mg per capsule.
Take 4 fish oil capsules daily with meals. Continue for 3 to 4 months, then try to taper down the dose.
OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Cordycepts - Well known herb from Tibet and has been shown in clinical studies to improve stamina, fatigue, and enhance lung and antioxidant function.
Bio-Ginkgo - Ginkgo has been shown to increase blood flow to many organs, including the brain.
Patients report clearer thinking and better memory.
Start with the lowest recommended dose then increase every few days or a pressure-type vascular headache may result.
Glucosamine - Can be of long term benefit to the joints and is a non-irritative anti-inflammatory.
Look for a brand that contains the herb Boswellia serrata and avoid products that contain chondroitin.
Expect improvement only over time (several weeks) but plan to use this indefinitely to maintain joint health.
Creatine - Creatine has been shown to be of benefit in neuromuscular degenerative diseases and can be very helpful in supporting low blood pressure.
To use this safely, you must have adequate fluid intake.
The creatine product should contain taurine, an amino acid needed to enhance creatine absorption, plus some carbohydrates to aid creatine entry into the muscle.
You will need need a 20 gram loading dose for the first 5 days, then 4-10 grams daily for maintenance.
Try ``Cell Tech'' from the Vitamin Shoppe, and follow label directions.
Milk Thistle - Use an 80% Silymarin extract. Useful in supporting liver function. Take 175 mg three times daily.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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