Interim until seeing an LLMD - what can I do?

I went to see a GP and we talked about my issues, he would only write me up for 21 days of 200mg doxy per day.

Aside from the dosage issue, I have another huge problem. I read that doxycycline causes extreme sun sensitivity, and I basically wouldn't be able to go outside without being completely covered. It's summer and I don't want to spend it indoors or I will be depressed until next summer. It gets too cold for too long here and I have to go to the beach and be out and ride my bike, etc.

I have an appointment with an LLMD but it's not for a month or so. I've had suspected lyme for 2-4 months and I definitely don't feel good without meds, and I don't want the problem to get worse. Is there a way to take the doxy and not be allergic to the sun, or should I go for some other prescription abx?

Please help! Thank you...

Hi SK,

Welcome to the forum! Do please read the topic at the top of the forum titled,"New To Lyme?......Start Here!"

Once you start to research about Lyme Disease, I think you will find there are many ways to approach the disease. There are many antibiotics available -- some people are either unsuited or allergic to doxycycline. Amoxycillin or zithromax could be used instead, for example.

I am not a doctor you would have to discuss this with your physician.

There are many effective natural treatments for lyme, but for the month that you have while waiting to see the LLMD, they might not have time to have an impact.

Hope you find something that works for you.

Hi skBm,

I think some people (JMO) due to their skin type-- are more sensitive to Doxy and sunburn.  When I was on Doxy my face got a bit red even with loads of sunscreen but I didn't burn all over or feel any sensitivity.  

I have Mediterranean skin-- lots of melanin-- so that's probably why I was able to tollerate sun exposure better than those with fair skin.

However-- it just isn't good for your skin in the long run to get any sort of sun damage anyway.   If you are fair skinned then you might want to switch to Amoxicillin-- as achievinggrace mentioned. 

I had very good success with Amox. and Azith. for Lyme.  Better than the Doxy in fact.  I was one of those people who just didn't absorb Doxy well enough to make a serious dent in the infection. 

  

  

 

When I first got sick I was taking Doxycycline while working outdoors 8-5 hours a day. I just started using sunscreen. I also have darker skin so it wasn't a big issue. No matter what it's important to spend time in the sun for the health benefits. Especially if you live in the Northeast. I go for short walks thru the nature trails within walking distance of my apartment.

I highly recommend the detox baths. Also Samento/Banderol is something to consider until you get into the doctor. I haven't tried it myself but have read a ton about it here and the feedback is mainly good.

skBM said...

Deaconfrost said...
When I first got sick I was taking Doxycycline while working outdoors 8-5 hours a day. I just started using sunscreen. I also have darker skin so it wasn't a big issue. No matter what it's important to spend time in the sun for the health benefits. Especially if you live in the Northeast. I go for short walks thru the nature trails within walking distance of my apartment.

I highly recommend the detox baths. Also Samento/Banderol is something to consider until you get into the doctor. I haven't tried it myself but have read a ton about it here and the feedback is mainly good.

I don't have a bath "tub" but I have sauna access. Is that good enough?

To be honest I don't know. I would just do the daily foot detox bath the poster before me mentioned. You need to get some epsom salt and hydrogen peroxide and soak your feet in it. Or you could get one of those plastic kid pools from a toys r us or kmart and fill it with a small bucket from the sink. I think the foot detox would be easier but I've only done the full body bath detox. I don't think the sauna would do much.

**an added note: I'm not certain if sauna heat would effect you the way the sun does, while you're on Doxy. I would check with your Dr. before taking saunas, just to be on the safe side.

violetablue

From the research reading that I have done over the years, docs will usually prescribe Amox if Doxy is not well tolerated or for some reason not a good choice for that patient.

As for the sauna compared to a detox bath (foot or full bath), a sauna is a great addition, but does not replace the detox bath. Saunas encourage sweating and are very helpful for getting toxins out, but for some of us, our bodies have a tendency to hold on to toxins. The Epsom Salt and Peroxide give the body a great big push to release the toxins so that they can be expelled by sweating/soaking.

Everyone's cautions to take it slowly are well founded! Doing any of these things can bring on a herx if you move faster than your body is ready to handle at the moment. When I first started using detox baths, I could only stay in one for 7 minutes before getting a migraine! So it's best to start off slowly and build up the amount of time you stay in the bath or foot soak slowly.

I don't have a bath tub either, so what I did was go to a Livestock Feed Store, or Livestock supply house and I bought a small watering trough!!! My Hubby drilled into the bottom and cut out a hole just big enough for a bathtub stopper!! It works great! I know, wonderful visual, huh? LOL!