Stomach a Mess - Should I Hold Off on Treatment?

Had planned on starting houttuynia at a tiny dose today to see if I get any reaction, but my stomach is where it was 2-3 years ago with dizziness and other symptoms. Blood tests showing low reds and whites again, along with low lymphocytes. Leukocytes are a trace, and WBC also in urine. This is why I am concerned about autoimmune. Maybe it's Lyme or co.

If I get a reaction, that would show possible Bartonella involvement, if I am reading past posts correctly. Everyday I'm getting more concerned this is becoming autoimmune. Should I hold off until stomach is better? That may be a month or two.

i generally try to wait till i am in a relatively stable place before trying anything new -
mainly because its so darn hard to figure out what is doing what at the best of times and so frustrating that overall i find it more helpful to have a clearer idea - than save a week or two.

it also depends on the type of thing you are taking - if its something you expect a negative reaction to - and are already suffering negative reactions - i would defo hold off.

houtty is in that category for me - gave strong long lasting herx - had to work up slowly

mild dietary interventions to help everything settle - i would be OK with

ps i just posted some buhner info on helping IBS/Diarrhoea / Crohns settle - on dcd's fasting thread

RW - i'm doing ok thanks

have been building up my protocol for a long time now - slow and steady and it is definitely helping
i just reviewed my records for the month of May and i made over a 25% increase in the amount of things i can do in a day ( one of my key measures as fatigue was my worst symptom)

that's the biggest change in any month so far and puts my overall progress at best state so far.

as to what exactly is driving that - quite hard to say - as i have been treating mainly with herbs intensively now for 18months - but only reached target dose in late April.
the sudden improvement in energy seems to be related to introducing Methylene blue gradually - even though for a couple of weeks after each dose change it knocks me back -

i have also added ivermectin on a 1x per week basis for immune modulation - based on how its being used for this purpose in long COVID - my improvements definitely started before this was added - but it may be helping speed things up.

this is all on top of
-strict wholefood ketogenic diet
-exercise regime
-stress management
-focus on sleep, sleep hygiene etc
-LDN - for auto-immune effects
-thyroid hormone combination treatment for hashimotos

overall i would say i am past the 50% recovered mark and hopeful about the future - but it certainly seems like a long old road unless i can find something that speeds up the process.

really enjoying the ability to get stuff done in the day - its still a struggle especially in the mornings
- and some days are better than others - but not to have the overwhelming dread of every major task is really wonderful.

co-infection tests are always worth a go - especially if insurance will cover - but be aware the very low sensitivity for Bart with all serological tests ( probably only 20% sensitive according to many - and we know Galaxy has had to go to extreme lengths to get up to 50% - so that tells you a lot about the standard ones ) - a positive result will be helpful - but a negative one will not mean much.

if you believe you have motility issues there are a few things you can try
easiest first
-large doses 3-4g/day of vitamin C cause faster transit and looser stools - can titrate to reach desired effect - many people do this for years
-similar with magnesium - it causes more water to be retained in the stool - resulting in faster transit and easier movements
-prokinetics - speed up transit also - can help with sibo symptoms and constipation - many different ones - from natural ones like ginger extract to things like LDN

LDN is also good for auto-immune and i think has helped me with reducing symptoms and gaining energy

“ I think your thought is good, Girlie. really don't think stomach could take houttuynia now. I don't even know if that is the right route to go anyway. Have no idea if this is Barat, Lyme or what. Just guessing. Where are you at in your treatment? “

I’m still on the Maintenance protocol.
It’s one week of meds then 3 weeks off.
I have been pushing it out more than 3 weeks out some cycles.

I still have a few symptoms - maybe they’re not active symptoms - but permanent damage now- I don’t know.
Or maybe not permanent but will heal over time… and I’m throwing abx down my throat unnecessarily.

My memory has improved some the past few months - thank goodness!

Girlie - How much better is your overall function from worst ones? So glad it is better Any improvement brings joy. And for all you do for others, you have well earned it.

Garzie - The no energy feel is so miserable. That and dizziness. Glad you have lessened the fatigue feeling and hope you do not have dizziness. It has come back with me, and I relate it to migraines. Your points on diet, LDN are good ones, and I will dig again to see what I can find. The stomach plays such a big role in how I feel - even migraines.

We're all between that rock and hard place. Would like to see everyone get out.

"I'm like 90% better. I do know it sounds good...."

Good? Are you kidding? More like awesome! But I understand what you mean. Back in 2015-2016, when I was at close to 90%, I was able to take the college coaching job with all the travel, recruiting, stress, bad food, etc... but the migraines would still flare. But then I would remember what a struggle it had been for years before. Still, I se what you mean.

Just glad you are there at 90% and still associating with us (add another smiley face).