Hello -- new Lyme disease patient, long-time Lyme disease sufferer

Hi folks -- I just thought I'd introduce myself. I was just diagnosed with Lyme disease a few weeks ago, but have been having symptoms for years. I'm feeling kind of happy to actually have a positive diagnosis, since until now it's just been sort of vague things that doctors can't really describe specifically; but I'm also kind of depressed because I've been reading about Lyme and it seems that if you want to treat it easily, you have to do it right away. Which would have been several summers ago . . . Now that I'm on antibiotics I feel different, but I don't know if it's better.

Anyway, I'm writing because I'd like to know if anyone can recommend any particular herbal approaches. I don't think I'm going to be on antibiotics forever (Canadian health system good for many things, but it won't spring for long-term medication . . . ) What should I be prepared for when I quit? I've got about two weeks to go. I don't want anything radical (we'll see how this works first!), just some supportive stuff.

And I just want to say thanks for everyone who is part of this forum -- this kind of thing is very helpful, it lets me cut through a lot of the confusion I've found out there.

cheers,

Nick

Hi Nick!
Welcome to our community!! I'm so glad that you found us!
It's likely that the amount of abx that you are allowed to use in Canada wont' be enough to kill off much of the bacteria, so you will need to use herbs to actually heal.

I do have a few names of doctors in Canada that treat Holistically, so they don't fall under the same guidelines as regular MD's. Just email me and include your name and where a larger city near where you are located and I'll be happy to share any names and contact info of the docs that are close to you.

I would also like to echo what Garden Peace said about reading the "New to Lyme? Start here!" thread. It's packed full of important information and it would help us all if you would read through it. Most refer back to it from time to time as they go through treatments.

There are several herbal protocols that are being followed here. Buhner's in the most common: buhnerhealinglyme.com/

There's Cowden's protocol: www.nutramedix.ec/ns/lyme-protocol

Some have used Byron White products:
byronwhiteformulas.com/ although I do believe they need to be prescribed by a Practitioner.

A protocol is just a course of treatment, but not necessarily a comprehensive course of treatment for any one infection, as these are incredibly complex bacteria.

For the most part, most everyone here has found that herbs are necessary even while they are on abx. Although 'dabbling' in different protocols won't necessarily hurt you (as long as you are careful), a more comprehensive type of treatment will be your best, and shortest route to healing. There are a lot of potential obstacles in each of our healing paths, and to only use part of this and part of that leaves a person open to missing many different aspects that need to be addressed.

YES!!! Read, read, read!! The more you know, the better choices you can make! We'll still be here when you wish to ask more questions or share an experience!! It's not good to rush into anything that you don't have to.