Be sure your doc knows about what non-prescription 'medicinals' you are taking. Pharmaceutical drugs and herbs etc. are all just chemicals to the body, and the doc needs to be aware. You might also give your pharmacist a list of what you're taking that is non-pharma, so s/he can watch for possible interactions. Pharmacists are amazing at knowing all that stuff.
I think you might consider some herbs that are helpful with healing the kidneys (and liver and adrenals as well). I rotate the herbal stuff I use (I figure if lyme plays hide and seek, I want to keep it in suspense about what artillery I am using at any given time) But my constant in the warfare is olive leaf extract. It's a natural antibiotic and a great tonic for the internal organs at the same time. Not expensive either. Some great advice about it here: http://www.truthaboutlymedisease.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=616
Just to add to this conversation ...
My creatinine also went up and my GFR way down while on long term Bicillin. I was told to stop abx to let my kidneys rest, but I was put on Cat's Claw (most people take Samento) and Banderol and A-Bart to hold off the infections as much as possible.
I also took K-Drain and Renelix. I think Renelix was key in helping my kidneys recover and then helping them to stay on track after I resumed the Bicillin shots a couple months later.
For me, natural puts less stress on kidneys and liver but everyone is different.
Whether stuff comes in pill bottles from the pharmacy or as herbs in the garden, they are all chemicals and would each interact in their own way with the body, so check out the possible side effects of each before taking.
Also be sure to tell your doc if you are taking (or thinking of taking) anything other than what the doc prescribes or knows about, just to avoid problems.
Do natural antibiotics put less stress on kidneys and liver? I'm confused by that. See some conflicting information. Thank you.
I was wondering whether using herbal approaches would make less of a problem .... thx for the data.
I had to get off abx because my liver was too high. I switched to natural abx and have been feeling much better.
Hey Jackie,
He dimply sent a message when he saw my tests. No questions.
Long term antibiotics, like bicillin, can raise creatinine levels and lower GFR, from what I have read. But this was happening before bicillin. Also, high protein diet can do the same, and from chats with you I believe you know I eat a lot of chicken.
Also, a lot of muscle can cause higher levels. That's all I have is muscle, since the fat is being eaten away by Lyme Disease, and I do work out each day, though not like a body builder (not with this body).
If my leves never improved, I'd be more worried. But they have risen and fallen since all this really began three years ago. Ricobord said she had the same problem with bicillin and took some supplements to help, which I am in the process of making happen. In the meantime, feel like I'm just letting the bugs "grab a hold" again.
have you tried dietary measures to lower the creatinine level? just read some things online about that approach.
Very sorry to hear this.
What I just read online indicates a concern that your kidneys are not functioning as efficiently as they should be.
What does the doc say about your earlier episode a few years ago, and why it sorted itself out? The doc has to have some construct in his analysis that explains what's happening.
How does the Lyme treatment effect kidney function, and are there alternative meds? Sorry for all the questions.