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.

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Cheppie 10/25/2007

I'm about half way thru the doxycyline of 100 mg. twice a day for 30 days. Now it makes me feel like throwing up all the time. Plus the usual flu like symptoms.

Anybody else have this? Is this a good sign? Bad sign? I feel like stopping this medication. Anyone else experience this?

Thanks, Cheppie

Cheppie 10/29/2007

Do you all think I should ask my doctor in increase the amount of doxy now or wait till I go thru this and then do another round at a higher dose? At this point I think he'll do what ever I ask him since he really doesn't know what's going on with Lyme. He is a great diabetic doctor however. :)

deleted_user 10/29/2007

Cheppie have you been tested for the co-infections? This is very important.

It is important to know if you have them so you can get the best treatment for your case. Many Lyme doctors believe they need to be treated first for Lyme treatment to be effective. This was true in my case.

In my opinion, the most important thing you can do is see a knowledgeable doctor. A Lyme doctor will know which meds are best for your case and how to properly monitor your progress.

deleted_user 10/30/2007

I heard the Doxy only really effective when you first get lyme disease. How long have you had it? I would stay with it thou and just adjust the time and what foods you take with it. I know how hard this must be for you. Chelsea is getting sick on Malarone 250mg oral. She is in bed now for 5 days. Seeing another doctor tonight in Pa. not getting my hopes up thou .

deleted_user 10/30/2007

I don't know if anyone has said this- but the reason why they say to take your antibiotics on an empty stomach and you are also not suppose to lie down gor a 1/2 hour after you take it- but the reason for the empty stomach is because you will absorb it much better. I still think that you need a Lyme's specialist which you can find at the ilads.com website and they will tell you the closest one to you. hope some of this helped you

Cheppie 11/29/2007

Lymnbytes: You had mentioned being tested for co-infections. What would I be asking me doctor to test for. My Lyme test came back negative. But the dr. did put me on doxy, I think mostly to humor me. I do feel better now after some really rough weeks. I wonder if a person has to repeat this treatment? And you also said you thought a higher dose of doxy was needed to treat it?

deleted_user 11/29/2007

Hi Cheppie. I believe the recommended dose of Doxy for Lyme disease is 300-600 mg daily. Like with any infection, it is important to get proper treatment.

Which Lyme test did you have done? It is my understanding that the ELISA or titer is the least reliable test and the one most doctors run first.

No test is completely reliable, and results can vary by lab. On the Western Blot, the CDC requires several bands to show for it to be positive; however, many people who have Lyme do not have this many bands. Lyme doctors look at which bands are present. Some are specific for Lyme.

IgeneX in Palo Alto, CA uses more sensitive testing and lists more bands on the Western Blot.

The co-infections are separate blood tests. IgeneX can test for all except Mycoplasma. Some Lyme doctors use MDL in NJ for Mycoplasma testing.

I believe most Lyme doctors treat untilyou are symptom free plus at least two months longer.

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