Lyme Remission Possibly?

My husband has been suffering the effects of Lyme for the past 4 years or so. We believe he was bitten in early 2011. Over the past few years, on a monthly basis, he has ridden out different symptoms, e.g., stomach pains, extreme exhaustion, brain fog, sore throat, groin pain. Doctors have given the usual rigmarole. Recently an ultrasound revealed a right-sided varicocele, but a CT scan did not show anything further.

We did start seeing a LLMD earlier in January this year. She had him take an Igenix test which revealed that he tested positive for Lyme infection (despite all previous Quest tests showing negative). She prescribed a host of medications and vitamins including an antibiotics regimen. He followed the regimen for apprx 5 months, but he did not feel any better, he actually felt just as poorly throughout those 5 months. Beginning of last month (Sept), he stopped taking the meds entirely (in preparation for the CT scan referenced above). Since he has stopped, he has felt pretty good... He still is somewhat tired, but has not had any bad symptoms for almost a month now.

Is there anything we should be doing to keep him feeling good? He has not been taking any meds at all. I am worried that this good spell will come to an untimely end. I am also worried that if he DOES start taking preventative measures now, it could cause a herx reaction.

Side note: he took a Quest Lyme test last month which actually showed a positive (full-fledged Lyme) so the infection is actually showing up stronger in his system now...

Any advice is much appreciated.

The new positive test is a good sign - it shows that his immune system is reacting or able to fight. The western blot is basically an indirect test - it shows if your body makes antibodies to the Borrelia (lyme bacteria).

Borrelia is also very slow growing, so that could be why he is not having symptoms. This is a tough one because I understand not wanting to rock the boat if he is feeling well. Personally, I would go super strict with a healthy diet (organic, non-gmo, lots of veggies, no sugar, gluten free). Hoping that it can be enough to keep the immune system strong and keep it at bay. Maybe consider juicing as well - the high dose of vegetable may help the lingering fatigue. Just be prepared to treat again if he starts showing symptoms. I'd also consider the herbal route.

There are many people walking around with Lyme and their immune systems can keep it in check. For how long though, that is the question.

Post Edited (k07) : 10/31/2016 5:48:04 AM (GMT-6)

Wow, this is a tough one. It is hard to say what is right. I don't think anyone knows what is right for each of us. We can advise based solely on our information, experience and education.

I was bit April 2015 and June 2016 I quit taking herbs. I was symptom free in March 2016 but continued to take herbs for 3 months just to be safe.

Will I relapse? Who knows? I certainly don't and am hopeful I won't, that's for sure. But everyday is a mystery.

If I got one little symptom, I would see how I did for a day. If it was still there the next day? I would go gang busters back on herbs with full force.

But, this is what I would do and you have to recognize I did not have long term lyme in the first place. So my lyme was not deep rooted into my entire body.

Good luck on this decision.... my thoughts are with you both.

I agree that it is a personal decision, but I would definitely be doing something to keep my immune system robust and to keep that bacteria down (i.e. herbs).

Thank you very much for all your feedback - super helpful. I just purchased Buhner's book so I can educate myself on herbal treatments. I think I may also find a second LLMD just for another perspective and get him to eat healthier. Thanks again.

He definitely needs to get back into treatment for these infections. I lived for quite literally 40 years with these infections (due to misdiagnoses) and although I used to have periods of nearly feeling "normal", the bacteria continued to do it's damage, and now I have a body that may never heal. Believe me, this is not a place anyone wants to be in.

Was he doing detoxing previously? If not, detoxing makes all the difference in how well we tolerate treatments. Being in treatments and still having herxing and/or symptoms shows he still needs treatment. We have to go at least 2 months without symptoms before stopping treatments in order to have a chance at good healing that will stay with us - plus continuing care to keep that healthcare fought so hard for.