Turning the corner, seeing improvement

I finally feel like I'm starting to turn the corner. I'm about 6 1/2 months in to abx. treatment and started to feel like I'm having some overall improvement about a month ago. I've been too nervous to post anything about it because I wanted to make sure that it stuck for a while first. I just wanted to share this to give those of you at the beginning of treatment a little hope.

I have LD and have been diagnosed clinically with Bart. I started abx treatment in August 2012, switched LLMDs at the end of Nov., felt completely horrible for 2 month on new abx. protocol, and then started to see improvement. In addition to abx., I am on many supplements and detox very frequently using a variety of detox methods. I also went gluten free about 2 months ago, although I have "cheated" some recently. Here are the improvements that I've seen:

The GI stuff (nausea, bloating, belching, vomiting) is completely gone
The painful skin on my feet (felt like I had a sunburn and could barely wear socks) is gone
The lightheadedness and disorientation has lessened significantly
The muscle pain has decreased
The fatigue has decreased
I am sleeping a very solid 9 hours/night now
I can actually tell when I'm herxing now versus just feeling horrible all of the time

I still have most of the neuro. symptoms, but some of it is lessening in severity.

Now, I know that I have a LONG way to go and that I will have setbacks, as that's just the way this disease goes, but this is giving me a glimpse into getting my health back. I do believe it's possible; it's just a very long, slow process. Keep the faith and hope!

What great news!!!  I am so happy for you.  I started my Abx treatment in early Sept '12 and I know what you mean about feeling better and still having set backs.  It seems like a I am a novice sailor left alone at sea sometimes and I have trouble getting back to shore.  My good days are more frequent, my energy is increased, my brain fog is better.  I still have some aches and pains, random fatigue, muscle spasms and cramps but I am so much more functional.  There is hope.  I am always afraid I will relaspe but I hold out hope that all the digestive problems brought on by Abx will be worth it.

We have miles to go but to actually make progress is wonderful.

Keep up the good work. 

Yay, Mystery! So glad to hear you are feeling better and on the way!

Hooray! You deserve it...good for you Mystery!!

I'd love to hear more about your abx, supplements, detox methods if you feel like sharing. I'm ready to turn the corner too!!! :)

So happy for you!

Yay Mystery!!!! I love hearing great news! This is wonderful!!!! Please do share your detoxing methods with us! Much love!

Thanks everyone!

Tickledpink-you have some great advice! I have, in fact, been doing way too much out of sheer excitement, lol. However, I am still napping almost daily, detoxing as usual, and sleeping 9 hours at night, as well as trying to maintain my healthy eating. I have to constantly remind myself not to overdo it though. That's very kind of you to remind me not to panic on a bad day also! I didn't feel well for a bit this afternoon and I was a nervous wreck, definitely felt anxious about it. But, unlike that past, I felt bad only for about an hour and then felt well again after napping.

WarriorMom-I felt completely awful all of the time also around 3 months. I really felt awful most of the time until about 5 months in.

Lymer-Here's some info. on my treatment protocol

I was extremely ill starting in July 2011 and was diagnosed in August 2012. Looking back, I've had mild symptoms for many years.

I had an IGENIX positive, CDC negative Western Blot. I had several lyme specific bands.

Started abx. in August 2012 - Keflex, Doxy, Flagyl

October 2012-changed Keflex, Azithromycin, and Flagyl

December 2012-switched LLMDs and was diagnosed clinically with Bartonella. Abx. changed to Ceftin, Minoclycline, Rifampin, and Grapefruit Seed Extract as a cyst buster to replace Flagyl.

Beginning Feb. 2012-Symptoms were very severe, especially the neuro. stuff. My LLMD had me take a 5 day break from abx. and start back up slowly. She had me stop the Ceftin entirely for now.

I have a follow-up with my LLMD tomorrow! I'm excited to see what she says and what changes she makes.

Supplements and Detoxing

Methyl B12 injections 2x/week
A liver detox supplement w/ milk thistle among other things
Inhaled glutathione (via nebulizer) 2x/week
Iodine-LLMD said it helps the adrenals as well as other things
Folate
Multivitamin
Lexapro 5mg
Curcumin (w/ black pepper extract in it to help absorption)
Digestive Enzymes before meals
Probiotics
Saccromyces Boulardia (sp?)
Elderberry-If I feel a cold/virus coming on
Chlorella - on empty stomach before bed. Absorbs the toxins.
COQ10-100mg

I also alternate Epsom Salt Hydrogen Peroxide baths and the sauna every day.

And if I'm feeling really bad, I drink Alkaseltzer Gold up to 3-4 times/day

All of this was "prescribed" by my LLMD.

Don,I loved your marathon picture.

I think of it in a similar way.

To me it's a marathon where we're not trying to be first to the line,it's not a competition,it's a test of stamina and endurance.

What makes our marathon so special is that we're all prepared to stop and help the weaker, slower "runners" because what really matters is that we ALL make it to the finishing line:

Tickled