Any suggestions on what to do next?

I got my LLMD appointment tomorrow. Does anyone hAve any ideA on what to do next? I really don't know what to do.

I was going to ask for rifampin to clear bart out... But I have had 0 bart symptoms the past 2 days anyways. And I read about how rifampin is actually pretty harsh on the body, esspecially if taken for 8 months like I was going to do.

Gee, I just don't know what to do... I guess just keep taking immune boosting supplements and more antibiotics? Or maybe stop the abx and go herbs? I wish I had the answer... Do this and you will get to 100% recovery. Nobody seems to have the answer, not even my LLMD or LLND. But Ya I'm open to suggestions. Anyone?

What about going back on the abx you were last on for awhile longer?
Could it be that you just needed a little longer?

I understand your conundrum, LP and I must admit I had the same thoughts as you: go herbal.

Herbals can get to places ABX and related meds can't get to.

I do see merit in following a protocol as it was designed since it seems certain combinations of herbs work synergistically.

My LLMD confirmed what is already known on here: ABX and related meds can do just so much. Herbals have been shown to be effective with the various Bb strains as well as the co-infections.

We all know that Horowitz uses herbals as do many other noted LLMD's. Maybe they will prove to be your "missing link".

Best wishes to you no matter what you decide!

Post Edited (cd3764) : 1/23/2015 5:22:40 AM (GMT-7)

Lymepickle - you have been on abx for over a year, you have minimal symptoms, you have gained your weight back, and your temp is normal - If I were you, I would switch to herbs. I know you feel minor "lyme symptoms" like tingling in your brain and such - but this is what my Dr said to me, so think about it:

I forgot to mention that I still have knee pain on occasion and my right shoulder which has given me trouble for the longest time has a pinched nerve. I asked her - how do I know it isn't the lyme causing these issues at the moment? She said because it is too localized. Lyme does not work that way - it is more of a systemic illness. So in my case, the knee issue is due to leftover inflammation, and the pinched nerve in my shoulder is due to nerve damage. I would bet that once i start my exercise routine again those issues will resolve.

So in your case Lymepickle, how do you know those minor symptoms are not leftover damage or toxicity issues from what you are taking? It is very very difficult to point out the difference between a lyme symptom and a symptom caused by toxins, because more often than not, they can be one in the same. And it is also difficult to determine which medication/herb/nutritional could be causing the toxicity, especially if you are on so many things. I was able to pinpoint it in my case because I am on so few meds now.

Think about it, but it may be time to give abx a break - and a longer break than just a pulsing break.

Good luck with your decision! Remember, this is just my opinion, in the end, hopefully you and your LLMD can make the right decision!!

Very interesting - I want to bring this up to my dr when I speak to her and see what she says. Did your friend have lyme arthritis or no? Did treatment cure the problem? Please let me know, I need to make a note of this....thanks Revive!!!

Chap, she had only a few months of doxy and claims she has no symptoms now and I think a few months went by before she got the treatment. She got infected in late fall, got deathly sick flu like symptoms several months in a row, then the swelling started and by spring she had a hard time walking. This was several years ago, she has no problems now. Not sure if it was Lyme arthritis.

Well... My had my LLMD appointment. He is saying that pretty much the real issue is bartonella. He is saying in 5% of people bart just relapses no matter what is done, but I never did do a full 6 months non-stop bart treatment. Also it is likely that the whole time I was sick probably anywhere from 80-90% of my symptoms have pretty much been bart.

I'm honestly not sure what I want to do next, bart requires a continuous treatment otherwise it won't clear. I'm at a crossroads what to do next lol! I wish I knew. I got a prescription for rifampin, septra DS, and zithromax but I'm not really sure I want to even take anymore antibiotics. He also said I can take the bart drink in addition to the abx as they are mostly protective herbs.

I think what I'm going to do is stop the abx for now and increase the bart herbs and try that for some time now to see if they will help resolve the residual issues. If that is the case then I may just continue on like that for the next few months.

lymepickle - which bart herbs are you taking? bc the A-Bart by Byron white is supposed to pretty much be just as good as an antibiotic. At least that's what my LLMD said. Good luck on your decision! But I think stopping abx is a wise one!

not sure lymepickle - at least 3 months i would think. If you only have a little of Bart left, I do believe A-Bart may be sufficient enough - are you taking AL complex at the moment, or did you ever take it? Bc when i was severely sick i didn't have a single reaction to it, but when i got better, i couldn't handle it. Shows you how potent the stuff is.