Bartonella Herx, rifampicin.

Finally started antibiotics again after being unable to afford them for about 3 months. I am pretty sure my bartonella is stopping me from killing my lyme so i'm now treating with rifampicin. I started them yesterday and am now herxing at 2 am :(. I forgot how much it sucks, i'm sweating like never before, my facial palsy is not going away and my head is so full. I can only imagine its going to get worse but at least I no its working. Im dreading going from 300mg to 600mg, has anyone had any success with rifampicin/rifampin?

My doctor told me ( I haven't started my meds yet) that when herxing gets really bad to do a coffee enema and it will get rid of the toxins in my system and greatly improve how I'm feeling. I've attached the link for the directions below:


Detoxing Using a Coffee Enema

Materials needed:
Ground coffee (not decaf or instant, preferably organic)
Small saucepan
Measuring cup
Tablespoon size measuring spoon or coffee scoop
Sieve or coffee filter
Large size Fleet’s enema kit with solution discarded – fill container with coffee prepared as instructed. Small size fleet for children
Towel

Measure 1 pint (2 cups) of water into saucepan and add 2 tablespoons or 1 coffee scoop of ground coffee. Bring to boil, reduce heat and boil gently for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Cooling further by refrigerating may be helpful in holding the coffee in more easily. Pour coffee through sieve or coffee filter into a jar or other container. Discard grounds. Empty the Fleet Enema kit solution and replace with the strained coffee.

Lie on your left side, preferably on a towel. Insert tip completely into rectum and squeeze in coffee. Hold for 20 minutes. Since this is a retention enema, not a cleansing one, it is best done when the colon is clean. If you are constipated, you may choose to use the Fleet enema solution first (no need to retain fluid, just flush out any stool) then do the coffee enema.

This can pull electrolytes from your body (potassium, magnesium, calcium) with repeated usage. Therefore, this is a useful detoxing tool when you are experiencing a die-off reaction for 2 or 3 days, but not to be used on a daily basis. Those with ongoing die-off symptoms can use this once a week to keep toxin levels lowered. If you are concerned about electrolyte imbalances or feel weak afterwards, a bottle of Smart Water will replace any electrolyte losses.

Thanks for the reply, I have emailed you :)

Talk soon hopefully.

I personally haven't tried Levaquin and unfortunately I had a bit of an allergic reaction to Rifampin but I have read that it is one of the best antibiotics especially when combined with doxy or a similar drug for Bartonella. I read it was recommended 200-400mg of doxy a day in two doses and rifampin 300mg a day for one week and then 600mg a day after that. Im not saying thats what you should take im just saying thats what I was going to take. Do some reading and find out what mite be best for you based on your symptoms. Good luck :)

Swashpro that is the dose I have seen recommended as well. I have heard it is not good to go on and off (pulse) Rifampin. I would be cautious with Levaquin. That is one of the most risky IMO because of the tendon rupture risk.

I am currently on Bart treatment as well. I am taking 300mg rifampin in the am and 150mg in the pm along with minocycline. I am going to work my way up to 300mg in the pm also.

If anyone has problems with tolerating meds or herxing then ask your doctor for 150mg and you can also work your way up using that.

It is not good to pulse Rifampin... 

Yes on the Rifampin dose...I also take 100mg of Mino am and pm.