Stopped tolerating Japanese Knotweed

Hi all,

Long-time reader here, first-time poster.

A brief run-down of my story:

- Tick bite in August 2017, but didn't recognize it at the time/forgot about it
- Progressive onset of symptoms September - December 2017, began to suspect Lyme but had no proof (had forgotten about bite, test came back negative)
- Started Buhner protocol December 2017
- Remembered about bite February 2018, returned to PCP and got 1 month of antibiotics (amoxicillin)
- Some persistent symptoms after antibiotic treatment (fatigue, burning sensation in head, twitching muscles, occasional joint/muscle pains) - remained on low-dose of Japanese Knotweed which helped to alleviate.

My issue is as follows: As time wears on, I have been able to tolerate less and less Knotweed, to the point where 1/16 of a teaspoon, or 3 drops of tincture, is enough to give me chest pain and dizziness. (Prior to antibiotics, I had been taking up to 1.5 teaspoons 3/x day as part of the Buhner protocol with no issues).

I would normally be inclined to think that this means I don't need the Knotweed anymore, but when I stop completely, the fatigue, burning sensation in head (which also causes a horrible depressed feeling), twitching, etc. all returns. I am wondering if these lingering symptoms may be something other than Lyme (likely Bartonella).

My questions are as follows:
- Has anyone else stopped tolerating even small doses Japanese Knotweed after taking relatively large doses in the past? If so, did that mean your Lyme was resolved?
- Are there any good anti-inflammatory therapies similar to Knotweed that don't mess with your blood pressure/cardiovascular system?

I actually saw an LLMD a few weeks ago who is sending my blood off to IgeneX. I brought the Knotweed issue up with the doctor and she said she felt it was a herx, which I am very skeptical of - why would I suddenly herx on tiny doses of Knotweed (starting almost immediately after ingestion) after taking much larger doses in the past (and antibiotics for that matter) without having any of the same issues?

Any wisdom you all can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks yeah I suppose it could be something like that... I wonder if, assuming I have Bartonella (which seems likely based on current symptoms) that it could be a Bartonella herx - like my body is finally starting to hit Bart now that Lyme was knocked back.

Did anyone else have chest pressure/pain, and would you say it was more Lyme or Bartonella-related?

Thanks ArtAngel. That would make a lot of sense too. It's tough to part ways with it since it helped so much before, but you're probably right that it could be causing more harm than good at this point.

1yrinVA said...
Thanks yeah I suppose it could be something like that... I wonder if, assuming I have Bartonella (which seems likely based on current symptoms) that it could be a Bartonella herx - like my body is finally starting to hit Bart now that Lyme was knocked back.

Did anyone else have chest pressure/pain, and would you say it was more Lyme or Bartonella-related?

I think your insticts and what your doctor said are on target. Knotweed is also in Buhner's bartonella protocol and can cause a bartonella herx. Sounds like it's time for you to start targeted treatment for bartonella.

I did have chest symptoms including stiffness in the chest wall, shortness of breath, tightness across the ribs, and more. Bartonella is my biggest problem in my estimation. I associate the vast majority of my symptoms both past and present to old bart.

Thanks all for your responses.

I am guessing the lingering symptoms are mostly Bartonella as this feels different than my initial illness. Will be interesting to see what the IgeneX co-infection test comes back saying.

Also ordered both Stephania and arabinogalactan to see if they might replace the effects of JK.