
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.
It sounds like the Doxy is working which is good, but I know it is difficult to feel so crummy.
Hang in there okay?
Herx is short for Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction. Often, when people who have Lyme take antibiotics, their symptoms become worse or they get new ones. When the antibiotics kill the bacteria, toxins are released making them feel sicker. It can be very scary when it happens, but it is a good sign the antibiotics are working. Although it can vary individually, many people experience this at the beginning of treatment and every three to four weeks.
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
It is a good idea to document your symptoms daily. One way to do this is to list the three main symptoms you have each day and a numerical rating of their severity, from 1-10. Over time when you review this, you can see when your herxes occur and how you are responding to the meds.
Remind me, what dose you are taking?