Zhang Protocol herxing, etc...

I am almost 7 weeks into Zhang's treatment for definite Lyme (positive Igenix PCR and Western Blot), Bartonella, Mycoplalsma and probable Babesia. I thought I was getting better, but now feel so awful. I am trying hard to determine if I am not responding (and getting worse), allergic/sensitive to one or more of the herbs or if this is all just herxing....All of a sudden I developed a low grade, but persistent naseau, aversion to most foods and food smells. Also my rib pain has gotten so much worse and I have terrible pain in my hips (especially while attempting to sleep).

I think my real question is..How can I tell if this protocol is working? I don't want to waste time and money.Dr Zhang told my husband that after about a month, I should be done herxing and should slowly see continued improvement. He called my case "moderate"...whatever that means!

btw....This is the first treatment I am trying. I do not want to take antibiotics (long story, but I was essentially poisoned by Levaquin, which apparently brought the Lyme, etc.. out of dormancy about 18 months ago). The Levaquin toxicity left some nerve and tendon damage...hard for me to tell which is from that and which is from the lyme....

Are you doing anything for detoxing? If not, that can make you feel worse. The "New to Lyme...Start Here" thread at the top of the page has detox info if you need some ideas.

Maybe you need to space out your treatments some. How many herbals are you taking?

Chances are pretty high that starting the Artemisiae and herxing are causing this. Try to increase your detoxing and treat the symptoms (heat might help your hips & ginger for nausea - I explained in more detail in your other post). We've had members that haven't herxed until 8 or more weeks. It really depends on how well your body is detoxing.