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Posted 10/29/2008 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone

I am in the beginning of Lyme treatment and I have seen a lot of people mentioning stomach issues as a side effect of antibiotics. It seems these stomach problems last a long time, even after stopping antibiotics. I was wondering if anyone would share their experience with stomach issues, what happens and what to look for? Thanks!
Posted 10/31/2008 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Minx,

Lyme disease can affect your stomach and whole GI system. Some have no GI issues with Lyme, and some have GI issues after starting ABX. Coinfections such as Bartonella also can cause GI issues. Eat plenty of yogert; or use a good probiotic. Gi issues have been one of my main symptoms with Lyme, it has slowly been getting better over time with treatment for lyme. It is important to eat properly, no sugars, eat fresh fruits, and veggies. Try to cut out as much processed foods as possible. Good luck
Posted 10/31/2008 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
I never had any GI symptoms at all. I was ill with lyme for 8 years before being diagnosed. I started on IV antibiotics in Jan 06 for 4 months and then followed up with orals for the next 2.5 years. In Jan of this year I started on mycobutin and zithromax to treat bartonella. At about month 3.5 I developed such severe gastritis that I had to be hospitalized. A CT scan revealed complete and utter inflammation of my stomach lining. For 6 weeks I could not eat without vomiting, could hardly stand due to the pain, and I had uncontrollable diarrhea. I also dipped to a dangerously low weight - I lost 25 pounds in like 4 weeks. In addition to this, my white blood cell count dropped to almost 0 along with my nuetrophils on 6 occasions. I am now still dealing with gut issues. Not fun. Because of this experience I decided to quit the antibiotic route and go completely holistic at this time. For me, antibiotics have not been the answer as they have for a lucky few. I, wholeheartedly, believe that my current stomach issues were precipitated by over use of antibiotics. But..this is just my personal experience. We are all very different.

I wish luck in your journey. My best to you.

-Runningirl
Posted 10/31/2008 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
I also had to GI issues prior to diagnosis. It was during month 6 of antibiotic treatment that they began...when I added tetracycline to the biaxin and plaquenil. I have been off abx for 6 months, and have done 3 months of diflucan to treat any yeast. I am still having GI issues, in fact they are worse. I am still debating a colonoscopy + endoscopy. BUt I doubt it will give me any answers. I plan on returning to ABx, but I think its a shot in the dark...either the abx will worsen the GI problem, or help relieve it. I am so confused and in a lot of abdominal pain since 8am today ontop of my usual severe bloating. We showed a doc the picture, and he said I look, a FULL 9 mos pregnant.
Posted 11/3/2008 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi All-

Thanks so much for the helpful info. My stomach just gurgles loudly at times but I am thinking it may be the probiotics.

anoyed- I am glad your stomach issues are improving!

runningirl- I don't blame you for trying to stay away from abx! Being sick enough to be hospitalized!--OMG I plan on switching to holistic also in the future. I thought I may give abx a shot and try to get my neuro and IC into a remission first, if possible. Mycobutin and Zithromax will be cemented in my memory so I will research them, if they are offered to me in the future. I think Zithro may be soon for me.

lita-Do you have Interstitial Cystitis? I had my stomach swell once to about 4 months pregnant looking. It was from the IC and it went away in a day or two. I still have swelling but not too bad. I wish you the best in trying to get to the bottom of your stomach issues.

Minx
Posted 11/3/2008 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
I had horrible stomach issues while on abx.
This is simple really, abx kill bacteria, ALL bacteria. They kill all the flora (good bacteria) in the gut. This is why probiotics are imperative to take while on abx. An over growth of bad bacteria causes gas and a host of other issues.

Eating yougurt is not an good option since #1, it does not have enough probiotics in it and #2 it's dairy. Dairy when having any stomach issues should be avoided.

Drink lot of lemon water and take a good quality cold probiotic and you should be ok
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