Welp, I got the Lyme

On Tuesday we got the lab report back which showed a positive testing for Lyme. I had suspected it was Lyme because it was the only thing that would explain all of my symptoms together. I have had these symptoms since about the beginning of June now and I remember pulling something off of my leg in late May which I now realize was a old nasty tick. Fortunately I still have my strength but my energy level is down and my back pain is sometimes overwhelming. A bit of brain fog and nerve pain in my arms, but those symptoms only showed up once in a while.

Since my suspicion, I have done a lot of research and of course scared the crap out of myself. I guess I am here to make sure I am on a good road to beating this thing. My doctor prescribed me Doxycycline 100mg twice a day, so 200mg a day. I started taking this tuesday night. Yesterday I started a broad probiotic twice a day and I had a 500mg garlic supplement in the middle of the day. Today was also my second day of doing epsom salt baths with some baking soda. Last night I noticed my first flare up of symptoms, though nothing unmanageable. My back pain was intense for a few hours and I was pretty nauseous. Some ibuprofen and a good show got me through.

So do you think this is a good regimen? I was thinking of meeting with a LLMD next week to discuss but my bank account is all but empty and I am having a hell of a time trying to get medicaid and disability. It is tough dealing with all of that paper work when you are in pain all of the time.

Hi Peteza,
Welcome to our community!! I'm so glad you found us!

As Girlie said, if you haven't ​yet​, it would be helpful for you to start with reading through the thread at the top of the forum titled,"New to Lyme?...Start here!!", as it is packed full of important information, symptom lists, helpful links and pdf's, how to detox when one has these infections, information on probiotics and much more.​

And I agree with her on the dosage as well. Most LLMD's that really know their stuff prescribe at least 400 and up to 600 mgs of Doxy a day. They may start off their patients on a lower dose, and have them ramp up their dosage.

I would still suggest that you do what you can to see a LLMD - you surely don't want this to get any worse. Ask anyone that's been here a while - they'll tell you to fight tooth and nail to get a higher dose of abx. I can share some links if you would like about how to save money while you are going through treatments. '

I can also share some LLMD's contact information with you if you would send me an email with your state and nearest larger city. That way you can see if any around you will either work with you or accept your insurance.

I doubt that you will find a doctor that will be willing to do a consultation only and prescribe abx, but good luck!!! When you call, do ask about payment options. Some doctors will have arrangements that can be made for payments.

And we usually do recommend starting off slowly and gently raising the dose, just remember that your count of how many days for being on Doxy doesn't start until you are on the proper dose.

Let us know how the appt goes!!

Hi Crispie, welcome to our community!

How long in total is your doxy prescription? How long did you have symptoms prior to treatment?

Yes, you can blame the soreness in shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers on Lyme...

Are you more fatigued than you were prior to lyme?

You need to treat to symptom resolution and then 4-8 weeks more (I think 8 weeks is best to be sure)


Please (if you haven't already) read the "New to Lyme?...Start Here!" thread at the top of the page - and pay particular attention to the detox section.

Detoxing is a MUST while treating lyme disease...it will help your body flush out the toxins that are created with the bacteria die-off.