Confused about new symptoms that are not going away

I am seeking some input on my situation.

I really didn't have any significant symptoms when I met my LLMD last month - I wasn't sure the 3 wks. of doxy my PCP Rx'd after a tick bite had taken care of things. And, since I had a repeat of the feeling-like-I-was-coming-down-with-something 4 wks. after the first time, I made that appointment with the LLMD.

He observed Bells Palsy in me (so mild that neither I nor my family noticed it....I had to repeat the cheek-puffing he had me do in his office at home to see it). I got a clinical diagnosis of Lyme and was started on 3000mg amoxicillin because he thought I'd had a reaction to the doxy based upon my experiences when taking it. The Igenex results later came back Igenex/CDC positive for Lyme.

Well, I developed a bunch of new, vacillating symptoms when taking amoxicillin: weakness, numbness, "buggy" feelings, ocular migraines, swollen lymph nodes, sore jaw/TMJ-type issues and a bunch of other stuff. These symptoms persisted for the full 4 wks. I took amox.....I thought I was herxing....my LLMD said herxing shouldn't last that long and was concerned.

He put me back on doxy.....I felt MUCH worse within a couple of days after starting it and I was confident *that* was a herx.

Now that I've been on doxy for over a week, I am still dealing with many of those new symptoms.....they are slightly better but I'm confused that I still have them - especially since I didn't have these symptoms before starting treatment.

Would anyone care to speculate?

Thanks to all who post!

Thanks, utahgal!

I'm sorry you're having trouble as well :(

Dealing with Lyme is one w-e-i-r-d experience and VERY confusing!

I realized I forgot to add my signature which some people might find useful. It's here now :)

I have been confused/concerned as to whether it's a herx...or worsening of symptoms.

But, every time I get what seems like herxing...I back off on the antibiotics for a couple days (I used to reduce, but now I go off them), and the herx subsides to tolerable level..or disappears... this is only two days of backing off.

Then I go back on (used to ramp up, but now I go straight to full dose after hearing Dr. B.'s conference on utube)...and I start herxing within a few days.

You could try that - backing off for a couple days...that usually confirms whether it's a herx, or a worsening of symptoms. If it's a worsening...your symptoms wouldn't ease up after backing off on the meds.
I asked my Dr. if it was okay to do that, and he said "yes".
I also use those two days to pamper myself, extra detoxing, and fill my body with probiotics.

So, maybe a call to your Dr. is warranted...before you try it. I don't want to give advice to anyone that is against what your LLMD wants you to do.

It gives me some relief.

Hi cd3764, you could do a detox foot bath with Epsom salt since you don't have a bath tub.

A belated thank you for Dancingbear for the foot bath suggestion and to Girlie for the additional experience-sharing and herx speculation :)

I guess I've been having unrealistic expectations because I didn't expect to be taking antibiotics this long - especially since I started treatment very soon after the tick bite (and I've had NO indications whatsoever of a prior bite)

My DIL and hubby were both treated over the summer (DIL had the rash and hubby had the flu-like symptoms). They were each given 2 wks. of antibiotics and I won't deny I'm worried about that. Neither has any symptoms now.

I have autoimmune thyroid disease and I'm thinking my compromised immune system is to blame for my situation.

Oh well, we'll just keep on keeping on....not much choice to do otherwise ;)