posted
Yesterday I spoke with a friend of mine who had Lyme 16 years ago. She is the only person I have known to have it. I asked her how she was treated and she said she was on doxy for one month and then had IV Rocephin for one month. No diet restrictions, no probitics, no supplements. She is now 16 years symptom free. As I look at the more than I can count bottles of prescriptions, supplements, probitics and on and on I have to wonder about that earlier approach. As with everything in life today I have to wonder if "more is better" is the right approach. Please don't be upset with me for asking but it has been in my mind since talking with her. She couldn't believe all I was ingesting each day along with the strict dietary boundaries. I would like to hear what others have to say. It would be very helpful to me as I look at the road ahead. Thank you. P.S. There was no doubt she had Lyme. She had a bullseye rash on her hip the size of a bowling ball. (I am also new to this. Just started treatment two weeks ago) Again, thanks for your responses.
Posts: 12 | From Tallahassee, FL | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
If your friend treated within the same month she was bit, which it sounds like she did, then she probably hit it with antibiotics while the infection was still localized in her skin. Early treatment equals better chance of full recovery. If left untreated or undertreated, the infection soon can enter the bloodstream and enter into different organs and tissues. This is when it becomes much harder to treat. It knows how to hide out in the immune system, making antibiotics much less affective.
How much later after your bite, did you start treatment?
BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
Brandimc is right. Another aspect to consider is that 16 years ago, fewer ticks carried the co-infections. She may have just had Borrelia, which was eradicated by quick treatment with antibiotics.
Also, if you get the to Lyme quickly, sometimes the body can fight the co-infections.
I know of a few people who had quick intervention many, many years ago and remain healthy. It can happen.
This is a complicated illness, especially late-stage disseminated Lyme and cos. If two months of antibiotics cured all Lyme, we would all be well by now.
Stay informed. It's fine to question. But, yes, most of us do need years of treatment with appropriate supportive measures.
sutherngrl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16270
posted
The difference is Lyme Disease vs Chronic Lyme Disease.
If you get treatment promptly you can get well with a few weeks of antibiotics. If time goes by without treatment it becomes a chronic illness which is a completely different illness.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
In Under Our Skin, Dr. H in NY talks about this. He said in the movie that the people he is seeing now are much sicker than they used to be. That they are much more highly coinfected. That it's a different disease today.
I have had Lyme since the early 1970's. My earlier Lyme, though it got me plenty sick with CFS and fibromyalgia, could be controlled with diet, exercise, and sunshine.
When I got rebitten 7 years ago, I was MUCH sicker!!!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I started treatment two months after being bitten (May 23) and six weeks after symptoms began. It took that long to find someone to believe me. What an education of the medical society this has been. Makes me roaring mad. Series of odd and unusal illnesses for me and finally ending with severe paresthesia. As awful as the paresthesia has been I consider it a gift as I would otherwise have just thought I was going through a variety of ailments that would pass. Thought dehydration or thyroid or menopause or MS or on and on. I was the healthiest person I knew prior to the bite. Another factor going against me is the fact that I live in Northern Florida and both my internist and neurologist insist there is no Lyme in Florida even though the neurologist said a pathogen had invaded my immune system and was causing the paresthesia. Hello!! I was bitten by a tick and have all the classic symptoms!! I have since learned it is endemic. Thanks to lymenet I found a nurse practioner who is lyme literate and she is guiding me. She bases most of her treatment on Dr. Burrascano's approach. Any opinion on whether I should still search out a LLMD opposed to a nurse practioner? She is part of an integrtive health system that uses a combination of tradtional and alternative treatment in their practice. I am so thankful for this site. It has been invaluable to me and thank you to all who respond to me. Sending a huge hug!
Posts: 12 | From Tallahassee, FL | Registered: Jun 2010
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
A good NP following the Burrascano guidelines is a great option in Lyme treatment.
If you like her and the clinic she is in, stick with it. Treatment takes time. Pay attention to your symptoms so you can accurately report any changes. Watch your diet. Exercise appropriately for you.
Some people do change doctors. That is always an option. Honestly, most LLMDs will probably charge more than a NP, and for the same services.
It will take several months of treatment for you to decide whether you've found the right practitioner. Relax and give it time.
posted
Thank you BoxerMom! I do think at this point I will stick with her. She is very knowledgable and today I called asking about the nausea and she suggested a different way to take the antibiotics and to take ginger. Quick response and I liked her reasonable suggestions. Too radical would totally freak me out. Right now the reaction to the prescription drugs are far worse than lyme symptoms. Hard to tell what is what but I guess with time that will become more clear. I see that many have posted recipes and eating suggestions so I can only hope that means that eventually your body adjusts to all the chemicals you are putting in and eating becomes appealing again. What do you think?
Posts: 12 | From Tallahassee, FL | Registered: Jun 2010
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
I think you'll figure it out. Your body will give you clues as to what it likes and doesn't like.
Protect your gut. Eat with antibiotics. Take your probiotics. When I'm on high dose antibiotics, I can never have an empty stomach or I get nauseous. I eat little snacks all day long.
posted
Hugs! Now to know what to eat! That is almost the most difficult. Would love suggestions! I do understand gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, low glycemic. Oh Boy! I was an extremely healthy eater prior to this, mostly non-meat, lots of legumes and grains, all fruits, wonderful pasta dishes, etc. Now I am frozen in place. Will I Hve to cook for myself and something diffrent for my family? I hope I am not asking too many questions or bothering you. Sometimes searching on here for answers is too much of a good thing. Thanks!
Posts: 12 | From Tallahassee, FL | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
Im not on abx but the dietary changes made a big difference in the severity of my sx. I dont have the energy to be creative in the kitchen. I just do the best i can. Personally my family eats something different than i do most nights. I kind of let my body be my guide, if that makes sense. Like right now im hungry for spinach so ill have that with the shrimp im cooking for everyone. Im foggy and in pain today so im sorry if im not making sense.
Posts: 624 | From Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2010
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
Start with whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. Veggies are wonderful. Meats are fine. I find eggs inflammatory, but some swear by them. I do eat tofu.
It's not as hard as it seems. Start basic, and get creative as energy allows.
posted
12th day of abx and feeling like death. Does it pass? Someone told me for two weeks you feel as if you have been run over by a truck but then it eases. Eating is the last thing on my mind at this point.
Posts: 12 | From Tallahassee, FL | Registered: Jun 2010
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kidsgotlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23691
posted
Hi finalpiece. Would you mind breaking up your posts please?
Thanks so much. It's hard for most people to read all that with it being so close together.
Glad you are getting help so soon after your bite.
Christie
-------------------- symptoms since 1993 that I can remember. 9/2018 diagnosed with Borellia, Babesia Duncani, and Bartonella Hensalae thru DNA Connections. Posts: 1470 | From Tennessee | Registered: Dec 2009
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