Help! So irritable!

Chronic Lyme sufferer here. Babesia too. Had everything under control after a VERY rough patch several years ago--until I got bit again this past spring.

I was actually diagnosed with Babesia via conventional blood test years ago, and blood markers indicate to my naturopath that I still have it in my system, despite years of antibiotics and herbs, including many months of Mepron and Malarone.

I never tested positive for Lyme the last time around, but was tested again after the recent spring bite and tested CDC positive. My worst symptom this time around has been irritability. It's marginally easier to take than the severe anxiety I experienced the last time around, but still very tough to deal with.

I work two jobs to make ends meet, both of which require heavy interaction with the public. I find myself using every ounce of my energy at times to hold back my temper. Help! What do I do? I have to work--it's not optional. And I cannot afford to lose it in public.

Currently treating with Amoxi, 500 mg. 3X a day, and Flagyl, though I just ran out of Flagyl. Also taking Houttonyia (sp), Cat's Claw, Japanese Knotweed, Cryptolepsis, Sida Acuta, Cordyceps and Kudzu, in addition to vitamins and minerals prescribed by my naturopath (I'm deficient in iodine and vitamin d). Probiotics, of course. And I'm gluten and dairy free.

Currently, my detoxing is limited to Alka Seltzer Gold, and charcoal at night, when I remember it.

I don't see my naturopath for another month or so. In the meantime, can anyone recommend anything for the irritability? It's horrible.

Have you ever tried tryptophan and/or Uncaria rhynchophylla. Both are recommended for neuroborreliosis, for lowering brain inflammation,decreasing psychological and physiological symptoms and behavioral outrage.

All this according to Buhner.

Take care, Jo

I don't know if it's Lyme / Babesia related or an issue I've had before (I've always had depression and irritability). But since Lyme, I've been paying attention to everything and keeping a food diary, and found that dairy and corn make me insanely crabby. If you keep a food diary parallel to a mood diary, you might find patterns (this is where clean eating comes in handy because the less ingredients in the list, the less you have to pick them apart). I can't believe the difference in my personality when I have a little dairy or corn. Corn is hiding in many forms and sugar substitutes.

Otherwise, I take 5-htp, ashwagandha in several different supplements, GABA, B vitamins, Omega 3, and am working on balancing my hormones. My progesterone was dead, and my ND said that was my "cheerleader" gone missing.

Hey guys, thanks for the additional weigh-ins. Ashwahganda (sp) seems to be a recurring theme here, so I'll definitely look into that.

Re dry brushing--I never really seemed to gain much help from dry brushing and epsom salt baths during my last go-round, so I kinda gave those up. Haven't tried them this time, but I don't think they're particularly helpful for me. Guess we're all different.

The Alka Seltzer Gold, I'll often feel a marked difference after taking it. Don't know what's in it that helps, but it def. helps.

Re lowering the dose of antibiotics--I'd rather tough out the symptoms than slow down the process. That's just me, a personal choice. Though if I found myself unable to control the temper flare-ups at work, I'd definitely reconsider. It's always a balancing act, isn't it?

At least I have some flexibility with my second job. The weather here looks good, and I feel relatively good this morning, so I think I'll try to work hard today (Saturday), so I can have an actual full day off tomorrow (Sunday). Again, it's a balancing act. On weekdays, I have no choice. 9-5 job and I have to go. But at least on the weekends I can spread the work if I need to. If I feel really poorly on a given Saturday, I can do limited work and do some extra work on Sunday. But then I don't get a day off. Sigh. I'm gonna get healthy again, though. I'm determined. Freaking ticks!

Oops, forgot to address the corn. You might really have something there re the corn. I LOVE popcorn--it's my favorite "naughty" snack. Might try cutting out the corn for a while and see if that helps. What the heck DO I eat? LOL No dairy, no gluten, no corn. Severely limits your choices.

Post Edited (notquitesoscared13) : 8/12/2017 6:33:25 AM (GMT-6)

Re the eggs. Nope, cannot eat eggs. And the kids and I started keeping chickens years ago. So we have these adorable birds, and healthy, free-range eggs with huge, golden yolks, and I cannot eat them. It just freaking figures! I tested as sensitive through the roof for eggs, and if I eat them I get gastric upset, followed by worse brain fog. But I can eat nuts! And I love them. They're another favorite snack of mine--raw, organic cashews and almonds being my favorites.

I ordered some Ashwagandha (sp) off of Amazon, and I'm looking into the other herbs mentioned here right now, as I'm sitting here on my deck on this beautiful day, enjoying my only day off this week.