Treat - or not?

First a huge thanks to everyone here. I've learned so much from so many.

I tested a big fat positive for Lyme through IGeneX this past spring (have not tested for co-infections). I've likely had it for 2-5 years. Testing came about due to a "frozen shoulder" and occasional arm pain, and my doc friend once again reminding me about Lyme testing.

Other than arm (tendon?) issues, a few short bouts of "flu" (without being flu) over the past few years, a day of fatigue now and then, occasional brain fog and blurry vision, and an increase in tinnitus, not much is going on... As compared to the many people who suffer with serious, debilitating Lyme issues.

Upon diagnosis I methodically began my extensive research with the intent of starting a protocol to "cure" this. I decided pretty quickly to not do abx. I've read all of Buhner. I'm reading Horowitz. Meanwhile, I've started with the best anti-inflammatory eating program I could find, easing into the Wahls protocol. I've been off all grains, dairy, sugar and alcohol for almost a month now. My diet was already fairly healthy, so I didn't expect much.. Wrong. My joints feel great and my energy is astounding, reminding me more of 20 years ago. My very occasional Lyme symptoms are the same.

I already have Buhner herbs and I'm ready to roll.... then I started second-guessing. My symptoms are pretty light - except the tinnitus. The Lyme stories I read about seem so much more urgent than mine. Do I need this? Will it truly eradicate the buggers and prevent future issues? How would I even know? Might I come out the Buhner protocol with nothing different except likely having suffered through reactions to these mighty herbs?
My fear of doing nothing is greater, as I envision the possibility of one day waking up with serious symptoms that might have been prevented.

Any thoughts? I know that many of you have been on this adventure, and perhaps someone else has had the same light symptoms and wondered...
Thanks so much in advance for your time.
p.s. How do I put my history info at the bottom of my posts?

So it's called 'Signature' and it is at the bottom of your profile.


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I agree with Girlie. Treat it. Treat it hard. If I had been diagnosed and treated earlier, I'm certain symptoms would not have become so significant and difficult to treat.

Sahale,

"My symptoms are pretty light - except the tinnitus. The Lyme stories I read about seem so much more urgent than mine."

Many, if not most, of us who are chronic had light symptoms for months to years that we thought were random and unconnected to anything until we suddenly got horribly worse after a respiratory infection, the flu, a vaccine, a surgery, a stressful event, etc. Light symptoms also have a way of slowly and subtly multiplying as time goes on.

"Will it truly eradicate the buggers and prevent future issues? How would I even know?"

I don't think anyone really knows. My opinion is probably not completely, but it could or at least put your body in a better state so there's less chance of completely falling into a pit of utter dysfunction.

"Might I come out the Buhner protocol with nothing different except likely having suffered through reactions to these mighty herbs?"

Yes. You could also stir up a hornet's nest and end up worse off.

"My fear of doing nothing is greater, as I envision the possibility of one day waking up with serious symptoms that might have been prevented.'

A very valid fear. I agree. That's why I started treating. I was already to the point of whole body dysfunction. Once I knew Lyme/co were part of the picture, I couldn't ignore it. I had to do something.

If you don't want to do abx at all, I understand. However, since your symptoms are light and relatively few, you may have a better response and less chance of relapsing if you are properly treated, including possible coinfections, by a knowledge2able LLMD.

Regardless of how you treat, there's no way to predict how things will go.

One suggestion on the herbs. Since your symptoms are light, you might want to try astragalus. It will boost immune function. According to Buhner, it boosts the type of immune function that is already stuck in overdrive in some chronic people. If you tolerate it well, and it relieves your symptoms, that may be all you need. If you tolerate it well but still have symptoms, then add Japanese knotweed and cat's claw - one at a time.

Post Edited (WalkingbyFaith) : 9/10/2018 7:12:03 AM (GMT-6)

Sahale said...
So.... I can't know if I am actively stirring up the proverbial hornet's nest and probably should leave "well enough" alone? Oy.

I don't think you're leaving 'well enough' alone. It is an infection.


"Testing came about due to a "frozen shoulder" and occasional arm pain, and my doc friend once again reminding me about Lyme testing.

Other than arm (tendon?) issues, a few short bouts of "flu" (without being flu) over the past few years, a day of fatigue now and then, occasional brain fog and blurry vision, and an increase in tinnitus, not much is going on... "

I think those symptoms you described are 'enough' to be concerned about...but that's me....and if you don't feel it's bad enough - you can choose to wait...and see what happens.
There's definitely no rush in treating.

I appreciate the feedback everyone.
Keeping in mind that I've likely had this for 2-5 years, my understanding is that abx likely would not be as effective as they would in a newer infection.
I also understand that there are no definite answers, so perhaps that may not be the case. I'm really not into the abx unless absolutely necessary - but honestly, if I could do that for a month and then DONE... that's a true temptation. Of course the outcome is anyone's guess...

Sahale,
My situation and yours have some parallels and I can completely understand your confusion. I was diagnosed in early July and took 5 weeks of doxy, then had a major downturn with neuro symptoms. Spinal tap WB only revealed one positive band and one inconclusive, soID doc is saying IV abx treatment is up to me. Hard to decide what to do, esp after having a really good week last week. After reading these comments, coupled with my on going tremors, headaches, tinnitus, and floaters, I think I will take the treatment before things get worse (again). I tolerate abx very well so I figure, why not do it. Good luck to you. Lyme blows.

I don’t have babesia...when I see my doctor today, I will ask about Bartonella — although it doesn’t seem entirely likely just based on common symptoms. Thanks for the suggestion.

Because I’ve been tested. Thanks.