I feel like I'm Losing It--Is this Herxing?

Hi All,

After 25 years of not knowing what was wrong with me and struggling with fatigue, body aches, night terrors, and depression, I finally ordered a lyme test from Igenix and indeed both the IGG and the IGM were positive (though negative from the CDC's perspectiv). I promptly went to a LLMD and started doxycline, sawmetto, and a product called Para A. I am now 3 weeks into the treatment and am having the following symptoms:

Feel disoriented and dizzy. I don't feel like I am here--Kind of like extreme jetlag.
My brain freezes and I can't find words. Once last week I thought I was having a seizure or a stroke, and I panicked.
Increased anxiety--I'm worried I will have more episodes like the one earlier this week
some shortness of breath at times that also leads me to feel panicked.

My Md, whom I have only seen one so far, said that he thought I also had Bartonella and Babesia, not to mention Candida and parasites.

I am just wondering if what I am experiencing is normal herxing? Also, any clue how long this will last and how long I will have to be on antibiotics. I am doing everything thing I can to help with herxing, includig eating like a blood saint. Any help would be much appreciated. Any clue how long it will take to get out of this living nightmare?

Hi Giddle.

When we start treating and killing the bacteria, it creates a die-off called a Herxheimer reaction (or herx for short). This can overload the body with toxins, and increase symptoms as well as bring on some new symptoms.
To help alleviate the herx reaction, you should regularly detox (not just when you herx, but all the time).

The thread at the top of the page has a list of detox methods.

It does sound like a herx you are experiencing.

Hang in there, and detox, detox, detox!!!

Giddle, you've been sick for 25+ years?
this will take a long time to get well,
But you can do it and you will.
Ups and downs for sure,
Journaling has helped me,
And hopefully you have a good support system
Good luck and welcome
=]chloe

Giddle, it will probably be a long time, but it is hard to say. Each person is different. Good luck, glad you are getting treatment!

Hi Giddle-

Welcome to the forum! That's a really long time to be sick, but you are not alone. I am glad you found your way here, there is no shortage of supportive folks on here with lots of great info to help you on your journey to better health.