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Rifampin and New Symptoms

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Posted 1/31/2017 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
LLMD switched my meds second week of January to really target bart (thinks that is my main issue). I have been on the full dose for about 2.5 weeks (pulsing 2 days on one day off). At first I had very manageable herx-like issues. Within the past couple of days though, I have gotten new painful symptoms. All of the sudden my shins and arm bones are in so much pain and my back muscles are so tight. I also had a period of 3-5 days where I felt like someone was squeezing my chest and I had trouble breathing. I've tried to read through previous posts on rifampin and it seems like this could be a "normal" herx reaction, but usually my herxes start about three days after ramping up...not 2 weeks.

Any reassurance or advice would be helpful. I'm having a tough time being positive the past couple of days. If this is a herx I want to see it through, but it seems to have started much later than I'm used to.
Posted 1/31/2017 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
In regards to 'what you're used to' with herxing, was this with Bartonella treatments? That alone may be the difference. If you are comparing how soon you herxed with one infection to another infection. Just a thought.

It does sound like a herx, but others that are more familiar with abx will be along soon to post as well, I'm sure.

Have you tried increasing your detoxing, or adding in the use of binders to help see if this is a herx?
Posted 1/31/2017 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Last set of meds was Bactrim DS for bart also, but I was only on that one for a couple of months b/c it didn't seem to be helping very much. I will increase detoxing some more. I've never done binders...I don't know how to fit them in. I take antibiotics three times per day and probiotics away from those twice a day. How far away from those things would I have to take the binders? Any specific recommendations for binders? Thanks for the reply. It feels different this time...maybe that isn't a bad thing (it just feels miserable right now). smile
Posted 1/31/2017 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
I like activated charcoal - inexpensive, readily available (even in my area!), and quite effective. Others use Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.), natural clays that you can take internally, and some others.

All binders need to be kept at least 2 hours away (before and after) anything you wish your body to take in and use - food, meds, herbs, supplements and so on.

I and some others here, who get up nearly every single night to use the bathroom will use that time to take our binders. I set out a large glass of water next to my charcoal the night before, so that when I get up, it's all right there - I don't have to be functioning very well to take it that way. smile
Posted 1/31/2017 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm...okay great idea! I will look into the charcoal. Admittedly I haven't been as hot on my detox game b/c I took my kids on an overnight trip a few days ago. Maybe the stress of the trip combined with lack of detox is catching up with me. Thank you!
Posted 1/31/2017 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Could be!! I know that if I do something like that, it can really throw me off as well!

But, I'm so very happy to hear that you were able to get out and have a good time with the kids!! That's wonderful!
Posted 1/31/2017 6:08 PM (GMT 0)

Snarf said...
LLMD switched my meds second week of January to really target bart (thinks that is my main issue). I have been on the full dose for about 2.5 weeks (pulsing 2 days on one day off). At first I had very manageable herx-like issues. Within the past couple of days though, I have gotten new painful symptoms. All of the sudden my shins and arm bones are in so much pain and my back muscles are so tight. I also had a period of 3-5 days where I felt like someone was squeezing my chest and I had trouble breathing. I've tried to read through previous posts on rifampin and it seems like this could be a "normal" herx reaction, but usually my herxes start about three days after ramping up...not 2 weeks.

Any reassurance or advice would be helpful. I'm having a tough time being positive the past couple of days. If this is a herx I want to see it through, but it seems to have started much later than I'm used to.

I have been treating bart...for quite a while. When i switched to Bactrim for a bit (after being on Rifampin) - I got the shin pain (only on my left leg).

Throughout my journey...I have also had the squeezing of the chest...for me it was like vice grips were on the top of my ribs just below my breasts...squeezing from front , wrapping around to back. People with MS call it the MS Hug. It was difficult taking a deep breath.
I think it was the nerves not working properly in that area...and I certainly have nerve issues with bartonella.

I am and always have been herxing randomly...since treating bart. With lyme, I would herx on Day 4 often - with a new med...but bart is kicking my butt.
Posted 1/31/2017 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
When you switch a protocol and/or targeting a specific bug you can't use any of your historical patterns. Sounds like you're herxing which is good no one knows how long/severe/frequent/different the symptoms will be as we're all unique. Best you can do is detox well, eat right, rest as much as you can and if the herxes are too unbearable back off on the meds. Wash, rinse, repeat until you make no more gains on the particular protocol.
Posted 1/31/2017 7:27 PM (GMT 0)

Rikky1 said...
When you switch a protocol and/or targeting a specific bug you can't use any of your historical patterns. Sounds like you're herxing which is good no one knows how long/severe/frequent/different the symptoms will be as we're all unique. Best you can do is detox well, eat right, rest as much as you can and if the herxes are too unbearable back off on the meds. Wash, rinse, repeat until you make no more gains on the particular protocol.


I like that!!! Good post.
Posted 1/31/2017 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Rikky! Yes...I think it's definitely a strong bart herx. Haven't had a strong herx like this in a few months. That Rifampin is really something!
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