Herbs or ABX?

I'm a new member on the site and would like your advice on Lyme treatment.

I was finally diagnosed with Lymes a month ago and am currently on herbal treament for the next 6 weeks.and after dealing with symptoms for the past year and a half and going in-n-out of different doctor's offices to find out what the hec is wrong with me, as I'm sure most of you did, I wanted your opinion on whether I should continue on herbal treatment or should I just have the doc put me on aggressive ABX treatment. I hesitated to do the ABX treatment first because I know how prolong use of ABX can cause GI problems, Candida, and so forth. So I just wanted to hear how people who are already on ABX treatment are doing and what is their protocal(treatment)

Thanks,

Herbs or ABX!

There is no good answer to your question. In some cases ABX is the only choice, in some - worst one that might kill the patient.

About herbs - there is alot of them, some works, some not... but definitely the best way to fight lyme will be increasing strenght of your own immune system.

http://www.lyme.aquahobby.eu/nature.html

check there, you will find how to do it. No pills, no herbs, just healthy eating - and maybe some vitamins, but natural ones (from fruits and vegetables) always works better than these from drugstore. People usually don't know how to eat healthy, what is difference between omega 3 and omega 6 etc, and no one can blame them for it - yet after years of "normal" lifestyle their immune system cannot fight diseases properly.

As for me, I had diagnosed infection (positive bands on western blot), but I refused to take any treatment as I never found any symptom. Its year after the test already, still I have excellent health, still I have ALOT of ticks - and still I trust in my own white blood cells They know how to deal with bacteria.

Welcome...I agree you have to decide which way to go. I tried the abc route for 5 months, it did help, but became allergic to the abx's for lyme. I'm starting the natural route next month. I would rather go the natural route via the abx route.

Julie

I have found that the Lyme has really compromised my immune system. My liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen and digestive system were in major trouble from it all (we are talking cancer in 10 years). If you don't have those things going strong, it's almost impossible to get well (esp if you are taking abx). ABX really does a lot of damage and your organs take a beating. I think that my refusal of taking abx for the last 10-15 years in general has helped me. I've always gravitated to natural healing. The detox I'm doing is a long one but it's necessary.. I can already tell the difference.

I think people need to ask themselves the questions "Ok, I've been taking the meds/herbs for ____ long, am I actually GETTING well?" If the answer is no or not really - make changes! I chose the natural route so I could do abx only if I had to - why not? I've been pain free for the first time in 15-20 years. And, that was the 2nd day of treatment. Not sure what happened - but my body is much happier now!

Human civilization got through tough times without abx - our bodies have a natural ability to heal themselves - they just need a push. God put these amazing plants, herbs, etc on this earth for a reason. Let me know if you have questions...

a good gentle detox is to take a warm bath, not HOT, and put in epsoom salt, peroxide and fresh grated ginger. ... you are aware of a herx reaction right? that's when there is die off and it creates more toxins, makes your symptoms worsen at times, or new ones develop. drink LOTS of water, this is a must. Green tea is another great thing. I could go on and on, read my pm.

Just to add my two cents:

I have been taking many whole food chinese herbs for years(Sunrider is the brand). Although I have still been symptomatic years, I know they definitely helped my immune system or I would have been a lot worse off. I was finally diagnosed with lyme after 4 years and went on antibiotics for the last 3 months(ceftin) and noticed a HUGE difference. But, I also took all my herbs and more while on the meds. You definitely want to take probiotics when on the meds!! i just took myself off the ceftin and am still taking many herbs to increase my immune system. I think that I was really in crisis and really needed the meds to get me through a rough patch, and it worked. Your body may need a little help to get through a rough patch with the help of meds, but you don't have to stay on them. Also, as long as you are taking things to improve your immune system at the same time then it's all good. But, if your body responds to just natural remedies and products-GO FOR IT!!! It's like an experiment to see what and how your body responds. If you can add accupuncture and chiropractic care with practitioners who are lyme literate, well it can only help.

Listen and trust your mind/body/spirit. It will tell you what it needs and what is working or not working !!

Take Care

I have had 2 runs of doxy and then IV Rocephin....and I am still testing positive - all these treatments by a GP. Now I am going to see a Lyme 'specialist' at the end of May but would like to go an herbal route...but what herbs are you all talking???????? I take acidophulous (SP?) every day and try and avoid sugar, white flour etc. I dring lots of water and green tea daily and get as many fruits and vegs as I can work in. Altho' my headaches are gone I still get lots of backaches if I am on my feet for much time. Very discouraging. Any more hints? Appreciate it, and YES this is a evil disease.

How long have you had Lyme? Do they know? I know it's going to take at least a year for me to get into remission if I do everything I'm supposed to do. It's a BATTLE. Don't expect to see results overnight - that's just the nature of this crappy disease. Yes, evil it is.

Sounds like you are on the right track --- don't give up!