question about treatment

I am just wondering about my treatment and if it is enough.  I've had symptoms for over 20 years but just diagnosed in Feb 2010.  I only tested postive with Western Blot with band 23.  I was taking Biaxin and plaquenil for 6 months and switched to tetricycline 750 mg twice a day for about 6 weeks now.  Having tons of pain but havent really seen any improvements yet.  I realize that it takes time and I am trying to be patient.  I am just wondering if my treatment is enough or should I call my llmd?  Any opinions?  Thanks.

I agree. My LLMD described it as a constant climb up a mountain, you will fall down a little along the way but as long as you don't fall all the way down and see some improvement, however small. Do you see any difference at all? Do you have any coinfections? My first dr. was not aggressive enough and I felt I was getting worse. My LLMD now has pounded since day one but also, like achievinggrace says, I am on a number of supplements. It does take patience and I think maybe give it a little longer and see if maybe even one symptom disappears.

Thank you for your responses. I have honestly not written because it seemed like too much of an effort. Today I am making myself. I am trying to detox but I will admit that I am not doing it as much as I should. I have been doing the brushing and epsom salt baths. I am also taking acidopholus each day because if I don't then I have an issue with yeast. I learned about both of those ideas from this forum...thank you all. I am thinking that maybe my doctor isnt being thorough enough. I have never been tested for any co-infections. I know we are not supposed to mention doctors names on here so I wont. I will say that I had to travel to Mass. to see this doctor and I am afraid that if I go to another doctor then I won't be treated. It took me appx. 20 years to get a doctor to diagnose and treat me and I guess that is where the fear comes from. I only tested positive on one band which was 23. I know that at this point I am in so much pain all of the time that I need to do something.

Hi superpunk,

Wow, I am sorry you are still feeling so awful.

Glad you have been getting some detoxing done. You should see some results from that soon.

Are you taking any supplements? There is a lot you can do with your nutrition and herbal cures. Glad the acidophilus is helping you.

Yeah, if you have lost faith in your doctor, you might want to begin looking for someone else. This long with no improvement would normally indicate co-infections.... but I am not a medical professional and wouldn't even look good playing one on TV!!

Sounds like your treatment is only enough to keep killing the bacteria off, rather than really chasing it into a corner and beating the living daylights out of it!!
Sorry about the violent imagery, I don't have much love for Lyme and its co-infections.

Can you get some help for the pain from your Primary Care Physician? Being in that much pain can keep your spirits low and that can suppress your immune system and generally slow down your healing process.

You have to do something, if not all of these things to jump start your recovery. Let us know how we can help you.

Hi superpunk,

Well, I think I see one of your problems. You need some exercise. I know, you have heart palps, you're exhausted, you are in pain and probably altogether overwhelmed.

If you could do some easy rhythmic exercise, it would stimulate your immune system. I really think this would jump start your recovery. I'm not talking about weight lifting and kick boxing -- maybe just going for an easy walk before work. Do it in the morning or at lunch time while you still have energy; you will be at your physical low after work.

You don't mention about your diet and whether you are doing any detoxing. Are you taking any of the herbal remedies or supplements discussed here on the forum?

If you are relying solely on your antibiotics to get you well, I am afraid your odds of success are pretty slim. This disease really demands a nimble and active recovery program. As impossible as it sounds, you need to reach down and start pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.

What's a good analogy here? Ah, back to the mountain-climbing (it isn't perfect as most mountaineers actually choose to climb the peak while Lyme patients would prefer not to be doing this). Anyway, relying solely on antibiotics to get better from Lyme is like relying totally on the Sherpas to push/drag you up the mountain. It will take a long time and at some point you will wear out the Sherpas and get pretty banged up yourself! Getting better from Lyme takes multiple approaches and a very determined mindset.

Let us know if you need any particular information on this.

Superpunk,
Have you been evaluated for other tick-borne infections, like Bartonella or Babesia? These infections are known to really slow down the healing from Lyme Disease, and can even prevent total remission of Lyme symptoms.