Herx

I am new to this and failed to put in a "subject" when I submitted my first question so I doubt any one will read it. I am LadywLyme. I basically want to know what Herx is all about? When can I expect my first herx? How long does it last? What can I expect so I know it's herx? How often does it happen?

I deleted your first post since there was no subject and you reposted here:) I copied it for you though since there was a little more information. Here it is below:


Hi All, I've been down now for about 4 months but have been getting ill often over the past 8 years. My blood work confirmed Lyme and 3 co-infections 2 weeks ago. I was also told I have CFS and Fibromyallgia as a result of Lyme. I have been on antibiotics as well as a buffet of many other meds ever since. I have heard that I will know if the Lyme is dying when I am herxing. Can some one explain what I can expect to experience, how long it lasts and how soon I can expect it to take place? Thank you!

LadyWLyme

LadyWLyme,

I am in the same boat as you. I move from my couch to my bed. The other day was the first time in months that I finally got out again. It felt really good. But most days, I am stuck in the house unless I have a doctors appointment too. This board keeps me going. It is nice to come to a place that understands you. Everyone here is very nice and extremely knowledgeable.

LadywLyme

Welcome to the board. There are many things to learn about Lyme
and some things get very confusing at times.

I see you asked about a herx . . . I was searching on Youtube the
other day and typed in Lyme Herx. I felt so bad for those that have
herxes as bad as they did . . .

Hope you get all the insite and respect from all that can help in the
Lyme Forum.. Good Luck! !

LadywLyme

So glad to hear you feel better. I'm sure you are not going crazy,
although that is exactly how I feel from time to time.

I myself have felt good enough to do more around the house, and
then when I do I feel crappy the whole next week.

Had to go to the store yesterday and felt ok to go, had a hard time
walking in the store. Its hurt so bad and the pace that I had to walk
at was slower than the older man with the walker . . .

I can herx for weeks at a time even, as a matter of fact I am herxing now.

Had to have my 18yr old daughter take me to run errands today because
I am having a hard time with my balance, being dizzy, have this yellow/grey
haze over my vision, its raining here so when the weather changes that plays
a big part in body pain.

Can't think worth a crap, lost my sunglasses and they were ontop my head.

Hope You get to feeling better and if you have anymore questions feel free to
just give me a holler.

Good Luck

LadyWLyme,

I always seem to feel much better in the morning but it doesn't last long. I usually feel bad all day but nights and early mornings are the worse for me. With this disease, you can feel good one minute and feel horrible the next.

I don't know if I have said this already but my very first herx was for two weeks straight. It was not fun.

My experience with a Jarisch-Herxheimer (Herx) reaction came approximately 4-5 years ago. It's a long story, but I had a Rhuematologist mis-diagnose me with RA and had been put on 21 different medications and was EXTREMELY ill. A new RA doctor took me off all meds. for 6 months and then put me on oral Doxycycline and Rifampin. I knew within hours that "something" was changing in my body... and within 24 hours guessed that it was a "herx" - something I had read about but never experienced. I went straight downhill for approx. 10 days and then couldn't take it anymore. The next morning I woke up with NO PAIN, NO JOINT CREAKING, A CLEAR MIND.....ETC.! I was convinced "it" was over. This lasted about 5-6 days and then I slowly went down hill again and have been fighting Lyme ever since.

It is my understanding that this extreme decline (Herx) is a result of the bacteria dying off so quickly (which releases toxins) that the body's normal ways of ridding itself of the toxins becomes overwhelmed. During my 10 day decline I had diareah, vomiting, crying, constant sinus, sweating so severe that I would have to change pajamas 2 or more times a night and lay down towels over my bed sheets. I could barely eat, the pain was overwhelming, and was extremely fatigued, but couldn't get any real sleep. The only thing that kept me going was the knowledge that this might be a Herx and I would therfore end up feeling better when it was over... and I did for a while. After experiencing this Herx, any shred of doubt that I had Lyme was gone. It was like nothing I had ever felt before or since. It can be overwhelming, so if it does happen to you and becomes severe, please let your doctor know what is happening.

Hope this helps.

LadywLyme

Not sure if you experience this but when I have my period
my herx's are extreme . . . I do absolutely nothing for a week
it's so bad. Headaches, stiff neck, body pain everywhere,
extreme dizziness, uphoria, dissociation, can barely talk, or walk.

Cooking dinner is definitely out of the question, and having a
conversation, well forget that! Dosen't matter if I write things
down that I know I will forget, I would not be able organize them
correctly to accomplish anyting.

Sometimes I will get this random pain like I was hit by a hammer
with needles. So strange I know, put me into tears many times.

Yeah I can feel fine one minute and feel like I need to sit or lay down
the next. Body can feel heavy like I can't even hold up my own head.

Hope these crummy herx's end for you soon!

Yes my kids and husband see what I have become (A blob on the couch..lol)
And help with whatever I need.

Talk to ya soon, take care of yourself!