What is Herxheimer reaction and have I had it?

Hi,

I'm still going OK. If anyone remembers me from a few months back.

Muscle twitches have died down a lot. But that has been replaced with shin bone pain which feels like my shin is about to snap at any time, testicle pain and a headache in the same place of my head for about 6 weeks now.

Anyway, I've come on here to ask what a Herxheimer Reaction is and have I experienced it?

Correct me if I'm wrong but it is a reaction to antibiotics, where the dying bacteria causes toxins in your body and causes pain?

Now have I experienced it?

During the 2 months were I was very sick I was tested positive for H.Pylori, a bacteria which lives in most people at some parts of their lives. I've been told you get it from contaminated water, usually lakes, rivers etc. Now I used to do regular water sports when I was at school as well as swimming in local flashes (lakes) so I've probably had it since then which means I've had it for 20+ years.

To treat this I was given 7 days antibiotics. Within a day I started getting a mild headache but bearable. Day 3 it was bad headach and I wasn't able to sleep. Day 5 it was the worse headache in my life, it actually felt my whole head was about to explode and also felt like it was buzzing. I went to my doctor who said it's a side effect and to stop taking them.

Is that what Herxheimer is?

I've asked for a Lyme disease blood test, but the NHS one is said to be 40% accurate at best. I think it has come back negative.

Should I bring this possibility up with my doctor?

Also ask for extended Lyme panel off nhs if you suspect Lyme.
you maybe lucky and receive a positive on other related infections which can then confirm a tick born infection. Nhs are hopeless when it comes to this. Your best hope is a sympathetic doctor who will trial antibiotics. A private positive test might help sway them if all else fails. Good luck