Getting rid of Babs

I asked my doctor about this a while back, but of course my Lyme brain forgot. How do I know when I've gotten rid of the babesia? I tested positive for it over a year ago. Do I have to be retested to tell if it's gone, or is it just a matter of looking at the symptoms?

My treatment has been problematic. I have a lot of GI issues. I've been taking various antibiotics for over a year and a half now. Some seem to show some effect on babs, but not a cure. Back in December 2007, I was on Mepron and Zithromax for about a month. I had severe intestinal problems, so I had to stop the Zithromax. It turned out that I had become lactose intolerant. During this past fall, my symptoms became severe again, and I was put back on Zithromax. I was on Mepron the entire time, along with Bactrim, Plaquenil (only during the day because of sleep issues), and Artemesinin. Around the holidays, I had bad intestinal problems again, so I was taken off everything. I think I may have had Salmonella poisoning from a peanut butter product, but I can't prove it yet. I'm now back on the Plaquenil, Zithromax, and Artemesinin. I'm also on Flagyl, but it causes me nausea. I was on Mepron + Zithromax for just over 3 months. I don't feel that was long enough given how long I've been infected. Many of my symptoms have come back. I can't tell yet if my breathing problems are back yet. That was my key babs problem that I could distinguish from the Lyme. My breathing is starting to feel funny, but I don't know yet if it's the babs. I hope I don't have to wait until I'm completely bedridden again to figure out what I need.

My doctor is holding the Mepron and Bactrim for now. I'm not sure about holding the Mepron. I think the Bactrim is being held because during my intestinal problems, I also had a slightly low white blood cell count.

I've never had the sweats. I do have muscle pain and weakness.

phsinvent said...
Hmm. that is strange.

Which part is strange?

phsinvent said...
That you never had any sweats. What type of babesia did you test positive for?

I'm not sure. I don't remember being told a specific type.

I don't have sweats. I have the opposite problem. I get cold, ice cold, and I can't get warm no matter what I do.

I have a question for anyone out here....Has anyone ever tried the combo of Mepron, Zithromax, Biaxin, and Artemisinin for Babesia? I was self medicating on 1000mg.biaxin daily for 1 week then the next week I added 100mg artemisinin 2x a day along with it. My brain was not searching for words anymore when I spoke and mentally I felt like my old self from years ago. My sweats diminshed to "hots" and no chills. My knees, legs, and upper back and neck still hurt as did the compression on my chest. I figured alot had to do with herxing. My ID dr. put me on Mepron and Zithromax as my MDL test showed babs. I am also taking the 100mg artemisinin 2x a day with mep. & zith. BUT I want to add the biaxin back in as I just started noticing these past 2 days that I am looking for words again to finish my sentences. When I was on the biax. my thought process and speaking was more cohesive and I want it back like it was for those 2 weeks. I can't ask my ID dr. as she only gave me 3 weeks worth of mep & zith because that's all she says I need for treatment. She successfully treated my bartonella with rifampin and biaxin for 3 months, but she says babs only needs 3 weeks worth of antib's.
Anyone ever try this combo of mep, zith, biax, artem for babs? open for suggestions here folks:)
thanx so much any input is greatly appreciated
PS I'm deathly allergic to pennicillen:( Already had 2 IV Picc lines over the past 4 years (rocephin got desensitized), 2 total knee replacements, and bottles of doxy, erythromycin, and alinia

Post Edited (skating mama) : 2/21/2009 8:39:12 AM (GMT-7)