Acute infection - how long is enough for abx?

Hi everyone,

I've been on combined abx for the past three months after finding an engorged tick on me in early Nov. I got on abx the next day after becoming quickly symptomatic. After 3 months on doxy, azithromycin and pulsed flagyl (plus weekly diflucan) I've started getting heart palpitations and am wondering if it's time to stop? My joint pain and feeling like I'm dying seem to have resolved (for now, at least).

Any advice?

Thank you!

While I don't think any of us can tell you for sure, I think most of us would feel that three months of that much ABX immediately after a tick bite is plenty.

^^^ agreeing with Girlie. It all depends on the doses, what infections the person may actually have, and what other medical conditions (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) that the person is dealing with, as they can have a direct impact on the healing of these infections.

So, other than the heart palps, you are symptom free? If so, then I would encourage you to talk to your LLMD about weaning off of the meds to see how you are doing. If the LLMD is experienced, they will know that this doesn't mean you are done for sure with treatments, but it's a trial to see if your symptoms begin to return as you wean off of treatment meds. If so, then you go right back into treatment without delays, but if you don't have any symptoms return after several months, then it's just time to continue keeping yourself very healthy and move on with your life.

We all hope that you will be able to wean off of meds and do well!! We LOVE adding success stories to our little ongoing collection!!

Yes, it's best to wean off of the meds - the immune system doesn't do well with sudden changes, and stopping all meds quickly can be just what sets you back some, and of course, we don't want that. This also allows for you and your doctors to watch for any symptoms that may be returning and if you should have to restart treatments, then you won't have to start from "square one" again.

I'm not really a good one to ask, as I didn't use pharma abx, but I believe it's done by first reducing dosage, then reducing the number of doses. Hopefully others will be along to add their experiences soon!

Oh wow, thank you so much for pointing this out regarding heart issues from azithromycin and macrolides. This is the first I've heard or seen it mentioned anywhere. I had assumed the doxy was the culprit.

How these things fly under the radar is beyond me. Neither the doc nor the pharmacist mentioned anything about the potential for heart problems.

insomniaaa said...
Azithromycin and other macrolides can cause life threatening heart issues (long QT syndrome). Ask your doctor for an alternative.

FDA said...
Azithromycin can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.

Post Edited By Moderator (Traveler) : 2/3/2018 3:34:31 PM (GMT-7)

Thanks traveler for fixing it. Sorry for causing neuro pain in your eyes.
I just wanted to point out that while azithromycin can be very effective at killing bacteria, it does come with some potentially serious side effects that must be considered at all times.
Hence the large bold red font ;)

kskiska said...
Oh wow, thank you so much for pointing this out regarding heart issues from azithromycin and macrolides. This is the first I've heard or seen it mentioned anywhere. I had assumed the doxy was the culprit.

How these things fly under the radar is beyond me. Neither the doc nor the pharmacist mentioned anything about the potential for heart problems.

When did you first notice the heart issues?

I remember my LLMD briefly mentioned the long QT syndrome but he never asked me if I had any previous heart problems. And he never bothered to check my electrocardiogram either.

Post Edited (insomniaaa) : 2/4/2018 3:26:37 AM (GMT-7)

I assume that those that use that option just don't realize how it affects others. I don't think any of us are here to intentionally do stuff like that - so no worries!!! And thank you for understanding!

It doesn't hurt my eyes all the time any more, but I do still have those days - and I know that we have others here that also deal with this. If not now, then in the future as others join.

Just an update: the LLMD txted back that I should stop the azithromycin but continue with the others until I see her.

If I could do it over again I'd take herbals during and after pharmaceutical treatment, they support the immune system and have many other benefits besides being antimicrobial. Buhner and Rawls have excellent protocols.

insomniaaa said...
Azithromycin and other macrolides can cause life threatening heart issues (long QT syndrome). Ask your doctor for an alternative.

FDA said...
Azithromycin can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.

The long qt syndrome is rare - and Azithromycin is an abx that is commonly prescribed for lyme treatment.

>>I've been on these for 3 months and my body is starting to feel like 'enough already'.

you're a lightweight try 3 years of abx like me! ;o)