
Lyme Disease Support Group
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. It is now one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the U.S. Lyme disease is caused by infection with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, and is primarily transmitted to humans as well as dogs, horses and other domesticated animals by the bite of infected ticks.
Yes people do get well. Most of them no longer post on the boards because they are busy living their lives and making up for lost time.
Do you have Lyme? How long have you been sick? Are you getting treated by a knowledgeable doctor? This is very important.
Besides Lyme, ticks can also transmit several co-infections including Babesiosis, two types of Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. Many people who have Lyme are co-infected. It may affect treatment choice and progress. It is important to be tested for these by a Lyme reputable lab such as IgeneX in Palo Alto, CA. Have you been tested for these?
It is also important to learn as much as possible. I recommend reading Dr. Joseph Burrascano's 2005 Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines For Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses at http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html He is one of the top Lyme doctors in the country, and many Lyme doctors follow his protocols. I also recommend the book "Everything You Need To Know About Lyme Disease (2nd edition)" by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner.
There are some excellent Lyme doctors in NY. If you ever need a recommendation, let me know.
Are you familiar with the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction (herx)?
You may know these already, but there are some tips about taking Doxy. Do not have any dairy, magnesium or iron products two hours before or after taking it or it will not be absorbed properly. If it makes you nauseous, eat something substantial and non-dairy before taking it. Avoid the sun. You can get a severe burn in minutes even when wearing sunscreen. Do not lay down for at least an hour after taking it or you can ulcerate your esophagus. This is very painful! Drink a full glass of water when you take it for the same reason.
Whenever you take any antibiotics, make sure you take high-quality acidophilus capsules. They replace the good bacteria in the body and help to prevent yeast overgrowth. The best ones to get are refrigerated. Most healthfood stores have them. Wait at least two hours before or after taking the antibiotics to take the acidophilus.
Good luck with your treatment!
You can read about the herx at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/romarkaraoke/Herx.html What is a Herxheimer Reaction?
http://www.angelfire.com/me2/StarShar/Herx1.html What To Expect While Herxing
While most people experience the herx, some people do not. You may not have had one if you were not on the proper dose or if you were not taking the best med for your case.
Good luck at your appointment next week. Let us know how it goes okay?
There are some excellent Lyme doctors in NY. You can email me at ko_@bellsouth.net for their names.
Sorry to hear you have been feeling so bad. I was diagnosed with Lyme in July of 07. I too have a lot of faith in my regular MD. I was on Doxcycline for 3 weeks, 100 MG twice daily. I have been symtom free of lyme for 7 weeks now. I believe I have been cured since I have no symptons of the disease now. Hang in there. You can get well. It's too bad there is no test to do to know when you are cured but I do feel the doxy worked for me. Take care