posted
Ugh I'm reading all these horrific stories and am scared to death!
I was finally diagnosed this week after months of suspicion and almost 2 years of symptoms. I'm not going to go into all the (frustrating and confusing) details of my journey here but I would really appreciate some info, suggestions and ideas of what I should expect these next few weeks, month, years...?
My symptoms are mild compared to what I've been reading. Moderate to severe joint pain, trouble urinating, stiff neck (mild but constant), fingers going numb every night, constant ringing in my right ear.
My LLMD had me on 200mg of Doxcycline every day. She has me set up with 2 months worth and says we'll evaluate my symptoms again in 60 days. According to her I'm going to feel worse (Hex) and that may come and go. I do feel more joint pain than normal and its only been 4 days on the Dox.
What can I expect? What should I focus on? What should I do?
Thanks in advance.
Posts: 10 | From Rockland County, NY | Registered: Jul 2011
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We all share similar stories... trying to find diagnosis. The good thing is, you found this place and an LLMD, even though I think 200mg of Doxy is odd?
This place is full of really intelligent and caring people and is the best resource out there aside from your LLMD.
Things to remember or homework for you... As the antibiotics kill lyme your body needs to get rid of it. This is called Detox.. Please research detox methods this will be your saving grace.
Examples: Infrared saunas, lemon water, epson salt peroxide baths.
Next, the antibiotics kill good stomach flora that allows you to digest foods. This needs to be replaced by a probiotic.
Examples: Ultimate Flora, VSL #3 DS, etc
Most lyme patients have adrenal and thyroid issues, make sure these are tested and supplemented appropriately.
Last, research, research, research... do not assume your LLMD, or any doctor is prefect. Keep track of your symptoms daily and track your progress. Just don't focus on them too much, your mind may play games with you.
Hope this helps! Fuel
-------------------- IgM- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgM- 41+
IgG- 31,34,39,83-93 IND IgG- 41++ Posts: 610 | From Lymeville | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
If your symptoms are mild, then it's possible you managed to avoid any co-infections, which are common with Lyme disease. Co-infections generally make it harder to treat the Lyme, and the more co-infections you have the harder they are all going to be to get rid of. Don't worry about the horror stories, your story is most likely not going to be that bad! =)
I found that the peroxide and epsom salt baths helped relieve my herxheimer reaction right away. Lyme often causes a magnesium deficiency (most people are deficient anyway, but lyme patients especially so) and low magnesium levels can exacerbate pain. You can add some essential oils to the water but I would stay away from anything chemical-y. stick to stuff made with natural ingredients. Most stores have an "organic" section now, this is the place to look.
I also started taking a magnesium supplement, a b complex, and a big dose of vitamin C. Milk thistle is an herbal supplement that helps the liver function more effectively to clear toxins from the body. Definitely get some of this!
I picked up an herbal parasite cleanse called Parastroy. There is some new research that suggests microfilarial worms might play a role in the antibiotic resistance of lyme disease by "farming" spirochetes for food! In theory, the worms could provide protection to the spirochetes, keeping them safe from the immune system and antibiotic therapy. Some people have had treatment failure that has been attributed to parasites, and treating for parasites is probably not a bad idea, anyway. 1 out of 3 people carry parasites and most don't know it (western medicine will tell you that Americans don't have parasitic worms, but that's a big fat lie. Our food supply is contaminated beyond belief, we probably have more worms than any other country in the world just based on the sheer volume of food we consume compared to anyone else).
Anyway, I hope some of that helps =)
Posts: 156 | From Virginia | Registered: May 2011
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posted
Thanks for the info so far. I have my probiotics. I tested low in vitamin D so I picked some up. I know not to have dairy with my doxy and to take the probiotics a few hours after the antibiotics. I have anti-yeast infection pills.
I'll make sure to check on some detox methods. Will look into the Parastroy. When I go back to my LLMD Ill ask her to check my adrenal and thyroid levels.
@ Fuel1212 - you say 200mg of Doxy is "odd." Is there a newer (better) treatment that I should be asking for?
Posts: 10 | From Rockland County, NY | Registered: Jul 2011
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I would personally want 200mg of doxy twice a day.
--moving to Medical Questions--
(General Support is the usual place for us to come together and support each other... but we like newbies to get help and introduce themselves in Medical.)
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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