I have a new Lyme Disease infection and am three weeks in.
I am on doxycycline 100 mg. 2 x per day, but I know it doesn't really kill the bacteria.
I am out of the loop. I've done some research, but it's all conflicting/confusing.
I know that all of you are up on the latest research and treatments.
Can't get to a specialist right now and this is my second go around--so I know I really should be adding something to this mix (I think).
I have a Nurse Practitioner that "may" be able to give me a prescription to go with my doxy if I can get her some information.
I am close to a week out now from the very-much-dreaded replication stage.
And I know this should be posted in Medical Questions, but I'm hoping some members are hanging around and can answer me back soon.
Can anyone help?
Thanks so much! Posts: 12 | From Alabama | Registered: Jun 2018
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Welcome, though sorry for why you are here. Also sorry for all the information you will have to sort through. And, this is just a start. Lyme is very, very complex. And, most often, it's never just lyme.
But, get your cup of green tea, take a few deep breaths, put on nice music and just take it one step at a time. Rest eyes, brain or body when you need to.
First: that dose of doxycyline is too low. It should be double that. At just 200 mg a day, that is only bacterial static, not bacterialcidal (sp?) Meaning it may knock it down some but it won't be at its killing strength.
There are antibiotics to go along with doxycycline, of course. But there is a drug of a different category, an anti-protozoa drug I suggest: Flagyl.
Something to address the Cystic Form of the lyme spirochete.
With most antibiotics, while some lyme (Bb) spirochetes are killed off, some also go into the protective cystic form to evade the antibiotics. The cystic form can come out later and bring even more spirochetes with it.
Antibiotics do nothing against the cystic form. A drug like flagyl - or similar - is intended to work through that cystic outer coating so that the antibiotics can better work.
Without this, chronic lyme is more likely to occur.
You should also be assessed for Babesia since it is not treatable with antibiotics, again, a difference kind of drug combo is needed.
Be sure to STAY OUT OF THE SUN, even in your car, you can get very bad "doxy sunburn"
LIVER SUPPORT is essential. Be sure you have that on board.
Good luck. Although I've tossed in more things to consider & lyme is always more complex than we can believe . . . glad you are addressing this fairly early on. Take care. -
[ 06-06-2018, 02:48 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Misc. yet important considerations:
Doxycycline cautions:
1. Even autumn or winter sun, even early morning or late afternoon sun can burn. "Doxy burns" can be very rough.
avoid sunlight on your skin (even "bounced" sun - or through a window) even for weeks after stopping doxycycline if you go onto a different antibiotic.
2. Food with doxy is vital to protect stomach. But no dairy. Do not take with any multi minerals, either. The food minerals will lessen the medicine level and make it not as effective.
A substantial meal, in the middle with some food before and after the doxycycline really matters.
Protect stomach but do not take a PPI - proton pump inhibitor (they have some negative effects). take doxy with a substantial snack or meal - in the middle so you've got some food before and after
Avoiding gluten can help with the stomach, too.
3. keep torso as close to upright as possible for at least 30 minutes after doxycycline taken so as to help protect esophagus from the irritation it can cause if lying down.
Depending upon the angle of the particular chair, the most upright position of a recliner MIGHT be okay if you must rest your head or put your feet up, just don't slink down.
PROTECT EARS / HEARING - when taking certain Rx, the ears need protection. Ear plugs with a hair dryer . . . decibel rated muffs with a blender, vacuum, lawn equipment, etc.
Careful around loud music and best to avoid in the ear pods. There is a link in the Liver Support thread that explains why.
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP & ADRENAL SUPPORT -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You mention getting information to a Nurse Practitioner. Here's a start.
For anyone new to lyme or other tick-borne disease, these are among the top patient education, advocacy and public awareness organizations. What patients call a "LLMD" a lyme literate medical doctor and why that matters so much:
I forgot Flagyl. I couldn't remember the name (Lyme Brain, lol).
Do you have that dosage anywhere?
I did print out the guidelines from Dr. B. for the NP, because I'd already had CNS & heart symptoms, but she said she could only go by CDC guidelines--the max they say is 100 m.g. on doxycycline.
I will ask her about the Flagyl. And see if she can ask the doctor who works with them about doubling my doxy script. (She'll never go for the 600 m.g. She's already said that.)
I just really want to kill as much of this monster as possible before it doubles on me.
From waxing and waning symptoms to a tidal wave, doubling in intensity every day, this horrendous disease jumped on me even faster this time. And it was pretty awful terrible horrific devastating agonizing the first time.
I would have thought I had some antibodies...
ALL your information is great!
I REALLY appreciate it!
Posts: 12 | From Alabama | Registered: Jun 2018
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