I was diagnosed yesterday, and now the questions (doxy and vitamins)

I have 2-3 of the bands but what gave it away was my CD 57 test. No mention of the confections or other TB illnesses. They are sending me a copy in the mail.

I can't remember who rec'd this doc in northern VA but I thank you very much. No LLMD or out of pocket expenses needed yet. I'm pretty comfortable with my doctor so far and that she's taking this seriously.

So I start doxy today. I was warned about the sun exposure issues. I may feel worse before I feel better.

I am also supposed to take it for 30 days along with 400 mg of magnesium and fish oil. Not sure why...

Questions
(What are you're experiences with doxy? And did you retest after 30 days?)

(Is it true you never really get rid of Lyme? Can my blood work go normal and then I relapse at some point? And how do I prevent that?)

(If you take vitamins do you take it with your antibiotic? Different times?)

(If I ask how far Lyme has progressed would the doc be able to tell me looking at blood work? Is there a way to gauge that? They said I have absolutely been exposed and have it. I never had the rash so I couldn't tell you myself)

Any other advice for a newbie?

I feel blessed right now. To have an answer and from my brief reading it seems the diagnosis is such a struggle. I'm thankful.

I forgot to add that I did pick up a probiotic. I'll see what the potency is.

I also don't know how much doxy was prescribed. I'll see when I get the bottle.

Vitamin D is on the lower end of the spectrum but in normal range.

Blood work won't cost me anything in 30 days but I will certainly make a list of questions moving forward for the next time I see the doc, or call the nurse. I'm not sure how bad the Lyme is to know if the dosage is enough or anything, or how long I'll need to be on it. I was told there is a good chance it will be more than 30 days but the doc doesn't want me on it long term without checking my blood as we go.

 

Hi, C.

I have plenty of experience with doxycyline. I was on it for four months, until I couldnt tolerate it anymore b/c of the sun. I started off with 200mg, then increased to 300mg and then 400mg per day. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, it is ok to start off slow. I was extremely sick and was herxing on only 200mg a day. My Dr started me off slow, and waited until she knew I could handle a higher dose. If you have severe symptoms, then I would recommend starting off on a lower dose than I did.

Most people have issues with the sun and doxy - I couldn't even drive without the sun burning my hands! And I have 3 kids, so I knew I couldnt handle the beach this summer if I stayed on it. I kind of plataued anyway, so in the end it was a good thing that i switched from doxy to bactrim ds.

you are taking magnesium bc lyme depletes magnesium from your muscles, and bc of this you end up having twitches and muscle fatigue. If you dont have this already, then the magnesium will hopefully prevent this from happening. I still have the twitches, and vitamin B12 injections are now helping. But I am still on magnesium 800mg per day.

tickbite is right about the cyst form of lyme - are you on any herbs?

please let us know how you are doing!!

wow, you were only at 55? that's not bad. I was at 45, and my daugter was only 40!! (we all got lyme hiking in upstate NY). what state do you live in?

why are you not eating food with doxy?? that could be extremely painful and nauseating! plus you could end up with severe heartburn. You can absolutely eat with it. What i did was, I ate something, took the doxy, and then ate again. That was the only way I couldn stomach it! food doesn't interfere with doxy. Just dont take your vitamins or probiotics at the same time as doxy, and you will be fine. If the doc insists that you take in on an empty stomach - i would take a pharmacist's advice =)

keep us posted, and ask any other questions you can think of!