Early Lymes

By this time it had probably been about 3 weeks since I'd gotten infected. I've been out of work for 3 years... just started a new job a couple months ago, but I've got no health insurance and am financially strapped from the long period of unemployment... (I know what I am about to say is going to open me up to a lot of "scolding", but all I've got to say about that is, you do what you have to do to get by sometimes.)

Anyway, since there was no question that I had lymes, and since there was no other obvious secondary infection present, I contacted a friend who's a general practioner and asked him to prescribe 3 weeks of 500mg Amoxicyllin at 2000 mg per day... which he did and which I promptly started taking 2 weeks ago, (approximately 3 weeks to a month after I'd gotten tick bit. At that time, I had no other symptoms other than the rash. The day after I started the Amoxycilln the rash had diminished considerably and by the 4th day it had shrunk to about a 3rd of it's prior size and color.

During this first week of treatment I did develop some light to moderate fatigue and some very mild joint aching, however I'm not sure this wasn't psychosomatic.... (the fatigue, probably not.) As of today, the 14th day of treatment I would have to say I'm experiencing moderate fatigue and some achyness that hadn't been present utill fairly recently... (the achyness that is.)

I know the obvious... that I should be seeing an infectious disease Doc, which I can't afford, but am mainly wondering, is it normal to develop the flu like symptomns of fatigue and achyness several days after starting the antibiotics? Also, from what I've read, I believe that the flu like symptoms may continue after the course of the antibiotics is done but that is just carry over and doesn't mean that the disease wasn't cured by the antibiotics.

I should also note that other than a need to catch a couple naps every day and some occasional achyness, I feel pretty good. I'm still fuctional... worked 2 hours in 90 degree heat today in the garden. Any insight that anyone cares to share will be greatly appreciated.

Immediate responses are not always available.

Good luck with your treatment.

Post edited by: StrictlyTopSecret, at: 07/11/2007 13:28

It is very imporatnt to get the proper treatment. Proper early treatment gives the best chance of curing the infection. 2000 mg of Amoxicillin is not strong enough for Lyme and three weeks of treatment is not long enough. I believe the proper minimum dose of Amoxicillin is 3000 mg.

From what I understand, an infection caught within two weeks of the bite should be treated with a minimum of six weeks of the proper dose antibiotic. The antibiotics kill the bacteria when they are reproducing, which is estimated at four weeks. Six weeks of treatment will cover one growth cycle. If symptoms are still present, further treatment is warranted. A longer infection needs longer treatment.

Be aware of the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction (herx). 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. This could be why you are experiencing more symptoms.

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.

It is very important to see a knowledgeable doctor. Many doctors do not understand Lyme and treat with outdated protocols. Lyme needs continuous, aggressive treatment. Infectious disease doctors are usually not the best to see for tick-borne illnesses. If you need a doctor recommendation, let me know.

Besides Lyme, ticks can also transmit several co-infections including Babesiosis, two types of Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. It is estimated that 60% of 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.

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. He lists antibiotics and recommended doses. I also recommend the book "Everything You Need To Know About Lyme Disease (2nd edition)" by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner.

I hope you feel better soon.

I'm glad you figured lyme.... infectious disease isn't the doc you want.... you need LLMD (lyme literate doc) problem is, they cost even more money that the infect. dis doc....

I did happen to find one who takes my ins. but that is rare, and the best of them do not take ins.

If your friend is willing to prescribe to you and is willing to learn about LD, that might be the best bet for your pocket book.

check out www.truthaboutlymedisease.com there is a TON of great information on that site. I am new to all this and don't know all the ins and outs, but I have been infected for 20 years, and gone downhill fast for the past 8 at least.

You don't want to end up like me. I have 60 some symptoms out of the 70 some... talk about miserable. So you want to get this nipped in the butt as thouroghly as you can.

warm regards,

j