Lyme Disease Support Group

I am writing this message for my sister-in-law (Perry) who is also in this support group. She is too sick to get out of bed today but wanted to ask these questions-

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to have a Herx reaction in your head? (Extreme dizziness, can't concentrate, nausea) It is the worst symptoms I have had in a long time. I have been on meds for 2 weeks and it is starting to get harder for me. Is it normal for this to happen at first? It makes me want to go off treatment even though I know that I shouldn't. Please any advice would be great.

What meds is Perry taking? Is it anibiotics? I remember when I first started I was so sick and scared. It took about a month or so to get better. I got really dizzy, my heart felt like it was pounding, i've had problems concentrating for a long time so that does not apply to me, I also had bad nausea. That may be from getting use to the meds. My primary care is awesome. The lyme doctor I see is too busy to monitor me so my primary care does. He held my hand through it all. I was so scared I was questioning whether or not I should stop but he told me I had to hang in and it would get better and it did but it took awhile for my body to adjust.

If you tell the board what she is on i'm sure that a lot of people can help.

Hi there,

My symptoms got worse on abx and it was very hard to be strong and keep going when you feel so awful. In the beginning my brain felt like mush, eventually the fog cleared. Unfortunately, dizziness is still a big one for me. But in the big picture, I've been sick waaaaayyy longer than I've been taking abx. It sounds like a herx to me, but call your doc if it becomes worrisome, and keep track of symptoms. I have felt like a revolving door of awful symptoms, but it does get better.

Good luck!

Hi there

The symptoms do sound like the antibiotics are killing off the bacteria. As it dies, the Lyme bacteria releases toxins. Your body has to flush these out through the liver and kidneys. You will feel brain fog, aches and pains, and general malaise.

How long did you feel bad (hours, days)?

I am probably sounding like a broken record, but a hot bath with Epsom salts (and a couple drops of Lavendar oil) really helps. The salts help you detox by sweating.

Remember to drink lots of water, and electrolyte packets (at the health food store) to replace what you sweat out. My naturopathic doc says the packets with extra Vit. C can strip calcium, so take ones with extra calcium.

Have you considered going to a naturopathic doctor? If you read my profile, there's more info.

Good luck

Lisa

Perry, you are going to be ok...It does sound like you are Herxing. I know how scary and horrible it can be. Try to accept it and relax...float through it. Clenching and fighting against it will make it worse.

I would definitely call your doc...maybe you can back off your doses a little without actually stopping.

Please stay hydrated...and if your head or any other symptom gets really bad...please go to the ER...

Please keep us updated!

Hope you feel better soon!

Sound to me like you are herxing. I had similar symptoms when I was on doxy, within the first week. My doc told me to get off the abx when that happened and give it a few days and then get back on slowly.

Call your doc and I'm sure he will let you know whats best. Your body can only take so much toxin release at a time.

Hey there, welcome. Have sent you a pm- I have gone back and forth with Perry and will try to dig through my messages though the inbox has about 50 pages and it's not exactly user friendly--at ALL, hint hint to the bosses--will also go through her posts as I know she has put alot of her info up here so will let you know but made some suggestions in my message.Looks like all pitched in and are about right as far as my experience goes.... Hang in, I honestly would stop meds as 24-48 hrs will not hurt- until she gets a hold of the doc. Been there, done that,, either a herx or toxin buildup (to me it's hard to tell the difference for sure)

Will be back in a bit, just in from vacation so it's crazy here..

Post edited by: Canuck, at: 02/28/2009 18:48