Mast Cells or Lyme?

Someone in another forum hinted at the fact that I may have mast cell activation syndrome/disorder. How can one tell if they have Lyme, co-infections, and/or mast cell activation (in addition)?

I did notice that since half a year I've gotten worse and worse at tolerating any new treatment, any new supplements. My sense of smell got severe. I got more sensitive to chemicals. I even react to food I eat in a very exaggerated manner (good food too!). This got a little bit better with me changing all my products to natural soaps, dish liquids, detergents, cleaning products, toothpastes, deodorants, etc. I also eat exclusively organic whole grade food. My heat intolerance was terribly bad during the summer when I would go outside; I would feel worse after my walk. I'm not sure if it is better now it's winter. But the heater is on and I seem to be tolerating it up to 77 degrees and don't need any more to stay warm. I can take my showers very warm and feel better after them.

My other prominent symptoms include:
-Muscle/joint pains
-Insomnia
-Nightmares/weird dreams
-Constant waking up
-Anxiety (ugh, the worst!!!)
-Mind chatter
-Chest and solar plexus pain
-Irregular heart beats
-Tingling, prickling, and burning sensation in my arms, shoulders, and chest area (also the worst!!!)
-Fight or flight mode (a bit better, I don't feel like I am in a drug withdrawal)
-Lethargy/exhaustion/fatigue while also feeling restless and agitated
-Digestive issues (even though I take probiotics and eat well, my stools are loose though getting slowly to be more formed)
-Night/day sweats/heat without actual sweating

So how can one tell if they have mast cells activated? There's a lot of inflammation I feel as well. How can one diagnose this? How can one treat this? I read that quercetin is good for stabilizing the mast cells, and I'd like to try that even for just the anti-inflammatory effects it has. Also I must say I have several gene mutations including the worst kind of MTHFR and also CBS. I don't know if that makes any difference. And also, I notice that when I take temazepam before going to sleep (along with valerian root, tart cherry, melatonin), the symptoms subside until the next morning (or at least I wouldn't feel them as much). I know benzo's are used to treat mast cells, so maybe it is doing some temporary relief effect.

I am doing acupuncture and it helps, but brings temporary relief. Will start new Chinese herbal treatment today as well for Lyme, Babesia, and possible Bartonella (since many of the symptoms seem to be particular to that as well).

Traveler said...
The thing is, mast cells are activated every time we herx. That's part of what herxing is, an over reaction by mast cells, which is why we have to be really careful to not allow herxing to get bad - it can lead to some very severe consequences.

So, while most of us don't have "MCAD" - mast cell activation disorder - we can exhibit many of the beginning symptoms/signs just due to herxing or lack of treatment.

I've done some reading on Mast Cells, because I talk daily with a gal that not only has these infections, mold, and things, but MCAD as well - and she needs IV Benadryl to survive.

I have some minor mast cell issues, as does my daughter and we use Quercetin to help calm those reactions - bonus is that it also helps with digestion!! Something I need a lot of help with.

Those are great points you make! For me it is so hard to understand if I am herxing because I've been feeling so inflammed and toxic for a while and haven't been taking anything for the inflammation because I react to everything I take for the first time in an exaggerated manner. But after reading about Quercetin (which I used to take for a while and possibly it has helped me keep the inflammation down), I want to reintroduce it. Even for the inflammation, it is such a great supplement to take!

Traveler said...
Remember to introduce things very slowly and at low doses, even if it means opening up a capsule to take only half of it's contents, or cutting a pill in half.

I was extremely sensitive to everything for a while, and it took a ton of detoxing to bring me back out of it - which may or may not be appropriate for you, but was my 'way out'. And remember that it's always, always one step at a time in the beginning.

Definitely, you are absolutely right! Thanks so much.

Traveler said...
Let us know how it goes!! And best of luck.

Will do! How long have you been taking Quercetin? And how fast did you notice relief from the herxing/reactions/etc.? Which formula do you take? I began the one with bromelain by Now, since I had it already.

Traveler said...
I've been using quercetin for about 3 or 4 months now. I noticed improvements in my digestion first (much needed!), and then I began to notice that I wasn't having as many issues with mast cells. Things like less inflammation, less skin issues, easier thinking and more.

The digestive improvements happened in just a few days to a week, and the mast cell improvements were noticeable after a week to two weeks, I believe.

Oh, that is great to hear! I'm glad it is better for you. I also have digestive issues. Even probiotics aren't helping (but apparently they have some bad ingredients now that I looked at them and bought one which has two strains that are good against mast cells).

Traveler said...
I've been using quercetin for about 3 or 4 months now. I noticed improvements in my digestion first (much needed!), and then I began to notice that I wasn't having as many issues with mast cells. Things like less inflammation, less skin issues, easier thinking and more.

The digestive improvements happened in just a few days to a week, and the mast cell improvements were noticeable after a week to two weeks, I believe.

Trav which brand do you use, how much and how often?