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When should I detox?

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Posted 2/22/2013 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
So I've been on clarithromycin for 11 days. Is there a schedule I should follow for detoxing? Should I wait a couple of weeks or start now? Elizabeth yarnell offers an herbal parasite cleanse on her website. Has anyone tried this? Thanks!
Posted 2/22/2013 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
Start now. Detoxing is an extremely important piece of the Lyme puzzle.
Posted 2/22/2013 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Kerri - it's a very important part of healing! We have to usher out the toxins from not only the die off of bacteria, but from the abx as well. Detoxing will help keep any herxing down since herxing is an overload of toxins and the body not being able to deal with it.

I wouldn't suggest that you do a parasite cleanse without talking with your doc first though. It can be really hard on those trying to go through treatment for these infections.

We have a great post on detoxing in the "New to Lyme?" thread that sits at the top of the forum - 2nd post down, about 1/2 way through the post.

Most people here that I know about detox as often as their body will allow it. Some can do this daily, others can only detox 3 or 4 times a week. Start off slow, as the sudden depletion of toxins can also have unwanted effects - setting off a herx-type reaction just trying to get those toxins out of your body!
Posted 2/22/2013 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Great insight, as always. Does anyone know about the above mentioned "Elizabeth Yarnell". Protocol?
Posted 2/22/2013 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
I am new here........and have so many questions.   My 72 yr. old husband was diagnosed with lymes 6/11.   He took docy for 15 days, went fishing in the sun, and had hives over his entire body.   Stopped doxy per his dr.    No more treatment was done.    He went downhill very fast - with all syptoms of lymes.  Medical drs. were of NO help.  Found a LLMD 9/1/12.  She has him on AZ., Cefuroxime, Doxy, Artemisinin - since Sept. and most recently put him on rifampin also.    His worst symptoms are severe depression and confusion/memory issues -  both very very bad.    The LLMD keeps saying this will take a long time.    Has anyone experienced similar issues - and has there been any improvement in the depression/confusion/memory?    We are losing hope daily.   He has been on cymbalta for three weeks, but it is not helping the depression at all.
Posted 2/23/2013 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
He is on a lot of antibiotics. His issues could very well stem from the toxins coming from the lyme die off. What is he doing/taking for detoxing? What does he use for relief? Does he take any other herbals or vitamins? Does he have thyroid or adrenal problems?

These issues are unfortunately all too common with lyme. And it is a long battle. But the toxins certainly make things much worse.In my case, I believe it has been the worst of things because I have an impaired ability to detox.

Samantha
Posted 2/23/2013 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
He takes detox baths - 4 C Ep. salts, 32 oz. Hydro. Perox, 2 T. Fresh ground ginger - for 20 min.    Also taking Vit.C, iron, magnesium, B12, and a multivit.   The confusion/memory issue is what concerns me most.  Different than dementia I think - he knows he is confused and says wrong things.  He wants so bad to get better and would do anything to get better.  How do I know the detox baths are doing anything?  He feels relaxed after the bath and quite often has a lot of "air hunger" after the bath.  He goes to bed about 8 p.m. and sleeps 10 - 12 hrs.  Thyroid is ok.   LLMD diagnosed lymes, bartonella, anaplasma and babesia. 
Posted 2/23/2013 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
Depends on how sick you are. If you're really sick, detoxing should not even be attempted until you're strong enough.
If you're strong enough, detoxing should be done before taking any abx (in chronic lyme only of course), during any treatment and after.
Also do not do ANY parasite cleanse unless you were tested positive for parasites.

If you work gut, proper detoxing and take the right supplements (supplements differ from when on or not on abx), your body will fight any parasites (if present)

Hope this helps

Jennifer (I'm a Lyme Literate Naturopath by the way)

Post Edited (peacesoul) : 2/23/2013 6:27:36 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/23/2013 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Jennifer
Posted 2/23/2013 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Peacesoul!! We appreciate it any time you stop by! I know how busy you must be! For those who don't know, Peacesoul was 'just' a member here, until she put herself through Naturopathic school to learn how to treat not only herself, but others as well!

Thanks Samantha!!

Sajc,
There are many of us here that have chronic infections and have started out on abx, but have had to switch natural means to heal as the abx are just too much for our bodies to handle. It sounds like this is something you and your husband need to consider - although it's completely your choice of course.

The 'brain fog' (memory issues/confusion) as it's known, is almost always due to ammonia in the brain, which can be remedied, although it takes time in treatment and lots of gentle detoxing so that the body doesn't end up in real crisis.

The air hunger you refer to is due to his Babesia infection and is a herx reaction to the baths. How often does he take the detox baths? You might need to switch him to foot soaks instead, as they are a bit easier on a body that is having issues detoxing. Even though I'm closing in on the last of my treatments, I still can't use the full body detox baths but once in awhile as I have issues with detoxing as well.

I, as well as others here, have had major issues with the same things your husband has and more, but I can tell you that there is hope and a light at the end of the tunnel!! It will take a long time to heal from these diseases compared to other infections, but healing is there!

Questions are a good thing here!! Keep on reading and asking your questions!!! Knowledge is definitely power with these diseases, so the more you learn the better you will be able to help your husband. Many times we end up knowing at least as much - if not more- about these diseases than many doctors!
Posted 2/23/2013 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Traveler for your kind words. I always think about everyone here, but yes often get so busy.
I'm home sick today (first cold in 5 yrs) so am at my pc not working and hanging out so thought I would stop by and see how everyone is doing on their journey.

To add; I really hope you all embrace and love this painful journey! Sounds nuts, but I promise you, when you embrace it, it teaches you, heals you and it's in the pain we find our passion

xoxox
Posted 2/23/2013 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Wow! That's so true, Peacesoul!! Thank you!
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