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Lyme and Sickness?
Can lyme be exacerbated by being sick?
I got sick a few weeks ago and ever since it has fired up my nerve problems that went almost silent after it cooled down in the fall. I've also felt extra drained, and over all unwell. and a spike in digestive issues, just when I thought I might finally been on a good streak.
Is this a possibility? Or would it make so I could not recover as quickly?
I got sick a few weeks ago and ever since it has fired up my nerve problems that went almost silent after it cooled down in the fall. I've also felt extra drained, and over all unwell. and a spike in digestive issues, just when I thought I might finally been on a good streak.
Is this a possibility? Or would it make so I could not recover as quickly?
Hi, thanks for the personal PM with the info. The herbal one sound promising, are there any for babessia?
And no my insurance is extremely basic, no out of network coverage at all. :( Hardly any normal doctors take my plan as it doesn't pay well, but its all I can afford right now.
I called every organization I could find, apparently my state is empty of LLMD's who take any insurance, not just mine. And there are only 5 total. I have one woman from a local Org who said she would make a few calls to see if there is a way I might be able to qualify for Lyme light charity.
And no my insurance is extremely basic, no out of network coverage at all. :( Hardly any normal doctors take my plan as it doesn't pay well, but its all I can afford right now.
I called every organization I could find, apparently my state is empty of LLMD's who take any insurance, not just mine. And there are only 5 total. I have one woman from a local Org who said she would make a few calls to see if there is a way I might be able to qualify for Lyme light charity.
Yes, for treatment of Lyme and co-infections, go check out the Cowden protocol to start with. There are others, but that is one that's easy to find to start looking at and reading about.
Doing your own prescribing of prescription antibiotics is not a good idea. Spirochetes are tricky to begin with, and antibiotics these days are extremely specific. You can do more harm than good by choosing the wrong one or the wrong combination. You can also severely damage your liver and kidneys if you and your doc are not testing and watching.
Regarding American healthcare, yes there are problems with our system (just like most others), but there are also very caring and giving individuals involved in saving lives. Sometimes it takes a lot of time and effort to find the right person, and Lyme is even more difficult than the average condition. Unless you are in a medical plan that does not allow any visits to out-of-network providers, remember that while you probably have to pay up front for an out of network provider, your insurance may reimburse a good part of the cost.
I could complain about insurance not covering a lot of the antibiotics I was prescribed (my biggest issues are about how the insurance companies override the treatments the physician has determined - don't get me started). But I prefer to spend my energy on trying to get well....
Doing your own prescribing of prescription antibiotics is not a good idea. Spirochetes are tricky to begin with, and antibiotics these days are extremely specific. You can do more harm than good by choosing the wrong one or the wrong combination. You can also severely damage your liver and kidneys if you and your doc are not testing and watching.
Regarding American healthcare, yes there are problems with our system (just like most others), but there are also very caring and giving individuals involved in saving lives. Sometimes it takes a lot of time and effort to find the right person, and Lyme is even more difficult than the average condition. Unless you are in a medical plan that does not allow any visits to out-of-network providers, remember that while you probably have to pay up front for an out of network provider, your insurance may reimburse a good part of the cost.
I could complain about insurance not covering a lot of the antibiotics I was prescribed (my biggest issues are about how the insurance companies override the treatments the physician has determined - don't get me started). But I prefer to spend my energy on trying to get well....
"Doctors here are also not helpful if you do not have much money, they will not offer you a cheaper alternative, but rather just let you die if your insurance does not cover."
That is patently untrue.
That is patently untrue.
And to answer the original posted question: yes, if something else puts a strain on your immune system, the Bb can take advantage of it and your symptoms can show up, show up again, or get worse. Hopefully whatever you did to make them simmer down last fall can be repeated. Give it a try.
1 Comments
What fixed them in the fall was the ending of the summer heat. For some reason that was very bad. I also do not tolerate heat well at all to begin with despite being very fit and active.
Are there any herbal ways to treat Babessia? The doctor i saw once was positive I had that as well.
If I ordered over seas I would go through Russia as i am familiar with them and I have someone there who could buy them for me and ship them direct from the legit pharmacy.
Id rather not do that, because there are some risks to go it alone, but then again there are risks with an MD as well, but if I can't get an LLMD then I'm stuck. I am not sure if my PCP would run the blood tests for me or not. In Russia it seems if there is a will and a little cash, their is a way. Here it seems like you must be absolutely rich or there is no way, and government regulations even on very simple and tame medications that are OTC in Europe. Doctors here are also not helpful if you do not have much money, they will not offer you a cheaper alternative, but rather just let you die if your insurance does not cover.
Are there any herbal ways to treat Babessia? The doctor i saw once was positive I had that as well.
If I ordered over seas I would go through Russia as i am familiar with them and I have someone there who could buy them for me and ship them direct from the legit pharmacy.
Id rather not do that, because there are some risks to go it alone, but then again there are risks with an MD as well, but if I can't get an LLMD then I'm stuck. I am not sure if my PCP would run the blood tests for me or not. In Russia it seems if there is a will and a little cash, their is a way. Here it seems like you must be absolutely rich or there is no way, and government regulations even on very simple and tame medications that are OTC in Europe. Doctors here are also not helpful if you do not have much money, they will not offer you a cheaper alternative, but rather just let you die if your insurance does not cover.
Hi Katya,
I wouldn't order abx from overseas; there are too many potential quality issues, besides which you need to have liver tests done and reviewed by a dr if you are taking abx for very long.
I am starting (under LLMD supervision) my 4th month of herbal antimicrobials after an initial 4 months of pharmaceutical abx. I have researched and continue to research them, and they are "real" and can be very effective. Do a search on Cowden protocol or Horowitz, and I'm sure there are some others. Bear in mind they can take many months (just like prescriptions), but they are less expensive. Get good brands, quality matters. Nutramedix is very reliable.
I will send you a private message with a source.
Don't give up - there are still ways for you to feel better. Hang in there!
I wouldn't order abx from overseas; there are too many potential quality issues, besides which you need to have liver tests done and reviewed by a dr if you are taking abx for very long.
I am starting (under LLMD supervision) my 4th month of herbal antimicrobials after an initial 4 months of pharmaceutical abx. I have researched and continue to research them, and they are "real" and can be very effective. Do a search on Cowden protocol or Horowitz, and I'm sure there are some others. Bear in mind they can take many months (just like prescriptions), but they are less expensive. Get good brands, quality matters. Nutramedix is very reliable.
I will send you a private message with a source.
Don't give up - there are still ways for you to feel better. Hang in there!
From my experience yes, Lyme symptoms can be aggravating by other illnesses.
I'd go further to say that going off routine (like missing sleep or a disruption to eating well) could also cause an increase in the severity of my symptoms.
My sensitivity to these issues was at its worst at the height of my illness.
I'd go further to say that going off routine (like missing sleep or a disruption to eating well) could also cause an increase in the severity of my symptoms.
My sensitivity to these issues was at its worst at the height of my illness.
1 Comments
Well I guess this well could be my problem then. Thanks for your input
I simply can not afford 360$ an appointment twice a month. Then add 800 miles drive worth off gas money and med money on top of it. Its about 800 a month just for the doc!
I don't qualify for either of the charities. Lyme light said I need to be Dx by a doc first and no they will not pay for that.
I suspect in Canada I would have to pay but it may actually be affordable there, and not 360$ for one stinking appointment. So that's why I was asking if anyone knows about Canada and lyme, as i could call some doctors there and find out the costs.
There are no lyme docs on my side for the state. For one I am 200 miles in any direction from any semi large city. And the large cities are all on the south east side or south west which doesn't save me that much. All that I have found want ridiculous amounts of money and won't settle for any less. There are only 5 and I have searched high and low. And tried every connection I could find.
I don't see any other options available other than continue to get sicker or try to go about it my self, yes there are risks but what am I supposed to do? Die of lyme because I am poor and can't work?
I really wish i was back in Russia right now. Americas healthcare is an absolute NIGHTMARE!
I don't qualify for either of the charities. Lyme light said I need to be Dx by a doc first and no they will not pay for that.
I suspect in Canada I would have to pay but it may actually be affordable there, and not 360$ for one stinking appointment. So that's why I was asking if anyone knows about Canada and lyme, as i could call some doctors there and find out the costs.
There are no lyme docs on my side for the state. For one I am 200 miles in any direction from any semi large city. And the large cities are all on the south east side or south west which doesn't save me that much. All that I have found want ridiculous amounts of money and won't settle for any less. There are only 5 and I have searched high and low. And tried every connection I could find.
I don't see any other options available other than continue to get sicker or try to go about it my self, yes there are risks but what am I supposed to do? Die of lyme because I am poor and can't work?
I really wish i was back in Russia right now. Americas healthcare is an absolute NIGHTMARE!
1 Comments
You are not being forced to drive hundreds of miles. There are likely Lyme docs closer to you, but if you prefer the docs farther away, then someone has to pay for it. If you are more comfortable with medical care in Russia, then it might be a good thing to consider.
I am starting to think they only way i can get treatment is going to be buying the antibiotics over seas and having them shipped here and just wing it. There is no way I can afford to see an LLMD, they are all way to expensive. Have you ever heard of anyone traveling to canada for treatment? What the cost is there for an american?
1 Comments
I don't know that Canada will pick up the tab for you. Might want to check that out before traveling.
And about fibromyalgia, that is Greek for 'painful [muscle] fibers' and while descriptive of the patient's pain, is not a cause ... because the docs don't know what causes the condition, since too many docs don't tend to take Lyme seriously. I personally would not be treated by a doc who diagnoses me with 'fibro', because it means in my view that
the doc doesn't understand Lyme at all, so why go there in the first place.
I think it's been mentioned here that at least two charities (LymeLight Foundation and another that always escapes me) that can help fund treatment for those in need.
Your idea of buying meds from overseas is not something I would do. Because of possible co-infections and so on, you could be taking drugs that do not help at all, and if you are mixing and matching meds to treat other infections in addition to Lyme (since many 'Lyme' ticks carry other infections too), you are asking for trouble. The drugs may conflict, you may be allergic to some of them and not know it (thus causing additional problems), and without an accurate diagnosis from a knowledgeable MD, you could be wasting time and money and misery to take meds that you don't know are needed.
I know you feel desperate, but in your situation I would find a Lyme specialist, so that you are diagnosed and treated properly. Lyme isn't a do-it-yourself gig, and to treat it as such is a waste of money and a risk to your well-being.
I can't find the post I was looking for here about someone who drove hundreds of miles to see an MD about Lyme, to no avail. The expense of gas alone, never mind the wear and tear on the patient, does not seem to me to be a wise approach. I understand you feel desperate, but consider that you are perhaps using up resources (time and $ and strength) that could be used more productively on nearby doctor's bills and meds. Every area has Lyme docs at some level, tho perhaps not in your backyard and not with their names on billboards.
I am sure this has offended you, so I will say no more, but wish you well.
And about fibromyalgia, that is Greek for 'painful [muscle] fibers' and while descriptive of the patient's pain, is not a cause ... because the docs don't know what causes the condition, since too many docs don't tend to take Lyme seriously. I personally would not be treated by a doc who diagnoses me with 'fibro', because it means in my view that
the doc doesn't understand Lyme at all, so why go there in the first place.
I think it's been mentioned here that at least two charities (LymeLight Foundation and another that always escapes me) that can help fund treatment for those in need.
Your idea of buying meds from overseas is not something I would do. Because of possible co-infections and so on, you could be taking drugs that do not help at all, and if you are mixing and matching meds to treat other infections in addition to Lyme (since many 'Lyme' ticks carry other infections too), you are asking for trouble. The drugs may conflict, you may be allergic to some of them and not know it (thus causing additional problems), and without an accurate diagnosis from a knowledgeable MD, you could be wasting time and money and misery to take meds that you don't know are needed.
I know you feel desperate, but in your situation I would find a Lyme specialist, so that you are diagnosed and treated properly. Lyme isn't a do-it-yourself gig, and to treat it as such is a waste of money and a risk to your well-being.
I can't find the post I was looking for here about someone who drove hundreds of miles to see an MD about Lyme, to no avail. The expense of gas alone, never mind the wear and tear on the patient, does not seem to me to be a wise approach. I understand you feel desperate, but consider that you are perhaps using up resources (time and $ and strength) that could be used more productively on nearby doctor's bills and meds. Every area has Lyme docs at some level, tho perhaps not in your backyard and not with their names on billboards.
I am sure this has offended you, so I will say no more, but wish you well.
I went to a PT for my joint pain and they told me I have tendinitis in 7 joints!? I asked why and they said "your just getting old"??? WHAT?! I'm only early 20s! Both my hips and ankle started hurting and I haven't done anything to hurt them, at all! I asked to go to a better clinic and they confirm tendinitis but don't know why.
They gave me joint supplements and B12. Makes absolutely NO difference in how my joints feel. Neither does the alieve or Ibuprofen. B12 was supposed to make me feel 'energized' I upped the dose like she said to 3 tabs a day and it just gave me a splitting headache, I felt worse. Obviously I am not deficient.
I am just waiting to get pegged as a 'fibromyalgia' patient, even though that isn't what I have.
They gave me joint supplements and B12. Makes absolutely NO difference in how my joints feel. Neither does the alieve or Ibuprofen. B12 was supposed to make me feel 'energized' I upped the dose like she said to 3 tabs a day and it just gave me a splitting headache, I felt worse. Obviously I am not deficient.
I am just waiting to get pegged as a 'fibromyalgia' patient, even though that isn't what I have.
I'm not medically trained, but I would think that when your body is busy wrestling with one infection and then has another one to battle at the same time, then your immune system has three infections to beat down. It's like a warrior battling three bad guys all at the same time: the bad guys have an edge, but with the aid of friends (= medicine), the battle can still be won.
Also, sometimes when the body has been fighting an illness for a while, it may begin to get tired, so it can wear you down. Let your doc know how you are feeling and ask if there are any meds or supplements s/he would recommend to reinforce you. Some docs advise herbals, some recommend vitamins, but it's up to the doc. I have had docs who don't think vitamins and supplements are necessary in a well-nourished country like the US, but ... I take them anyway, Lyme or no Lyme.
What IS important is to make sure you bring a list to your doc with any and all vitamins and supplements and how much you are taking of each one ("two 100-milligram tablets per day of ____") so the doc is aware of possible conflicts with your antibiotics etc. Pharmacists are often good at knowing what conflicts among meds and supplemets, but it's the doc who needs to know exactly what you are taking, how much, and how often. The doc is the leader of the band, if you will.
Sounds like a lot of work, but I kept a list of what I was taking at what dose and how many times a day and would print it out and take it to the doc at each appointment so he could be sure I wasn't taking something that conflicted with the prescription meds.
Hope that helps! Now go get WELL!! :)
Also, sometimes when the body has been fighting an illness for a while, it may begin to get tired, so it can wear you down. Let your doc know how you are feeling and ask if there are any meds or supplements s/he would recommend to reinforce you. Some docs advise herbals, some recommend vitamins, but it's up to the doc. I have had docs who don't think vitamins and supplements are necessary in a well-nourished country like the US, but ... I take them anyway, Lyme or no Lyme.
What IS important is to make sure you bring a list to your doc with any and all vitamins and supplements and how much you are taking of each one ("two 100-milligram tablets per day of ____") so the doc is aware of possible conflicts with your antibiotics etc. Pharmacists are often good at knowing what conflicts among meds and supplemets, but it's the doc who needs to know exactly what you are taking, how much, and how often. The doc is the leader of the band, if you will.
Sounds like a lot of work, but I kept a list of what I was taking at what dose and how many times a day and would print it out and take it to the doc at each appointment so he could be sure I wasn't taking something that conflicted with the prescription meds.
Hope that helps! Now go get WELL!! :)
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