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PCP Prescribed Antibiotics for Lyme but Waiting to See Lyme Literate Doc

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Posted 6/15/2017 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Just need some opinions because I am so confused right now. My PCP, who suggested the Lyme testing based on symptoms I've been having for years, prescribed doxycycline for 3 weeks to treat the Lyme, but has referred me to another doctor (rheumatologist-who I will not be going to) because she admittedly does not know enough about Lyme to treat me long-term.

I have an appointment with a LLMD on July 20th, so I am so confused on what to do. I feel miserable right now...worse than I have felt since the symptoms started. I feel like this illness is rearing its ugly head right now. I actually feel like I am getting sick (for the past 2 weeks), swollen glands and all. I also have a weird armpit/arm pain with bruising and lumps, that 4 doctors have not been able to explain.

Do you think I should wait to take the antibiotics prescribed until seeing the LLMD? On one hand, I feel like I have an active infection right now (although doctors have not said I do), so I am tempted to take the antibiotics, but I have not done any detoxing, so I am afraid it will make matters worse. Or should I try to ease the symptoms naturally (which I haven't done much research on yet). I am afraid to wait and I am afraid to start antibiotics all at the same time. =)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Can Lyme keep making you "sick" over and over again (I swear I feel like I have an infection, but I am not sure it is the Lyme that is causing this). No fever, but aches (more than usual) and swollen glands in the back of my neck.

Post Edited (jmoore06) : 6/15/2017 5:35:25 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/15/2017 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
So your appointment is a little over 4 weeks away...and you have 3 weeks of antibiotics.

What i suggest you do - is get going on a good detox regimen first...start that right away...gradually adding in more methods.

What is the dose of doxycycline?

Lyme symptoms can wax and wane even when not treating. Prior to treatment, I would have daily flares every late afternoon/early evening.

So, start detoxing...include something for liver support plus probiotics...start them right away.
Drink plenty of water - minimum 8 glasses.

Purchase a binder (eg. Activated charcoal or powdered bentonite clay) - and in several days, add that ...take it daily, a few hours away from everything else with lots of water.

After you've got a few detoxing methods going - If you want to start the abx, then start low dose...at first...100 mg twice daily....and if you're fine - tolerating that dose...then in a couple weeks do 200 mg twice daily.
(That is if your Dr. gave you that amount to take)
Posted 6/15/2017 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for your suggestions, Girlie! The doxycycline is 100mg...I still haven't filled the prescription because I have truly struggled with this decision. I have been leaning more toward treating naturally before seeing the LLMD, but the symptoms I've been having the past week or so are scaring me a little bit. Also, if I start the doxycycline and have some bad reactions (which I've read is very common), I'm afraid my PCP won't be able to help.
Posted 6/16/2017 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
Well, you could just focus on detoxing right up to the LLMD appointment.

Other than an allergic reaction to the doxy - the other reactions would be herx related...and what helps is a) detoxing b) backing down the dose or even stopping the antibiotics for a couple days
Posted 6/16/2017 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi jmoore06 -

Good stuff from Girlie - have nothing to add. Best of luck, prepare well and let us know how it goes!

-p
Posted 6/16/2017 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
I am not an MD. This is just from my personal experience ... start taking the doxycycline right away! It is a very common antibiotic, and if you have any problems with it any doctor should be able to help you. Be sure you take a probiotic as well.

Almost 4 months ago I was prescribed doxycycline and it has done wonders for me. I have had no adverse effects. I really can't imagine what life would be like now had I not started with the antibiotic.

You can always alter your course of treatment after you see the llmd.

Good luck!
Posted 6/16/2017 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your perspective mareish! It is definitely something I'm going to consider.
Posted 6/16/2017 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Does anyone know if taking the antibiotics will affect any blood tests I have with my LLMD. Since I have not technically been diagnosed with Lyme yet (although bands 41 IGG and 23 IGM were positive), I don't want my blood tests to be affected. In other words, I don't really want to be diagnosed with Lyme, but if that is what I in fact have, I don't want the antibiotics to skew those results and then have to start all over in my search for the truth. (I clearly don't have any medical background in how antibiotics affect antibodies, etc...). =)
Posted 6/16/2017 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know if your LLMD will want to do another Lyme test.

Taking antibiotics may affect a western blot - yes
I have read that the immune system doesn't work as hard when the abx are doing the job.
Without a good immune response - you won't get a positive result.

If you've had symptoms for years - waiting a few more weeks won't make a big difference.
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